Loafers In The Limelight: Our Most Unique Designs
At G.H.BASS, we’ve been crafting footwear with purpose since 1876, long before “heritage” was a buzzword. Over nearly a century and a half, we’ve seen trends rise and fall, and through this, we have stayed true to our belief that great shoes should be functional and timeless.
From pioneering the original Weejuns penny loafer to experimenting with new colourways, textures and decorative features, each one of our designs reflects a piece of our story.
So, as we step forward, we’re taking a moment to look back and celebrate the unique silhouette, details, and craftsmanship that continue to shape who we are today.
G.H.BASS Footwear: A Blast From The Past
The Rangeley
The G.H.BASS legacy began with the introduction of the “Rangeley” moccasin. One of the first shoes we designed for outdoor activities such as camping and hiking. Crafted for comfort, resilience, and practicality, the Rangeley quickly gained popularity and set a new standard for rugged outdoor footwear.
Its success significantly influenced our brand’s future designs, with many of our shoes adopting a similar moccasin-inspired shape and functional style, blending functional design with classic aesthetics.
The Bass Sportocasin
In 1930, Golfer Bobby Jones played a Grand Slam while wearing the G.H.BASS Sportocasins, winning all of golf's major championships in the same calendar year.
This design consisted of hand-stitched leather with a flexible sole for walking, as well as lace closures on the upper, which still allowed for the convenient slip-on feature that made our loafers so popular.
Classic Weejuns
The impact of our classic Weejuns goes far beyond appearances. Introduced in 1936, the Weejuns were inspired by traditional Norwegian fisherman slip-ons, reimagined with a distinctive leather strap across the upper, now known as the iconic “penny slot.” The name itself is a playful nod to “Norwegians,” reflecting the spirit of reinvention that has always driven our design philosophy.
From the moment they launched, Weejuns made waves, adopted by Ivy League students, worn by Hollywood stars, and eventually woven into the fabric of American style. Classic black leather styles became a particularly enduring symbol: timeless, adaptable, and effortlessly cool, they found their way into pop culture history, most famously worn by Michael Jackson in the opening scene of his 1983 Thriller music video.
Unlike many styles that evolve with trends, the original Weejuns design has remained remarkably consistent, proof that true style doesn’t age.
Modern Day Fashion Forward Designs
We’ve come a long way since our first designs, and as the fashion landscape continues to evolve, so do our designs!
From branching out into some unique colours to introducing new embellishments, our range of designs caters to everyone's individual style.
Here are some of our most unique designs that people have been loving lately!
A twist on our timeless classic, the Weejuns Larson Moc Penny loafer is reimagined in a rich, polished dark green leather.
A sophisticated alternative to traditional black or brown. This striking yet versatile shade of leather adds a subtle pop of colour. Hand-stitched and crafted with our signature construction techniques, this loafer delivers heritage style with a fresh, fashion-forward edge. Subtle yet statement-making, unexpected, refined, and surprisingly easy to style.
A sleek leather sole, with its hand-polished finish, adds a real sense of craftsmanship. Strong, flexible and durable, it offers the right amount of balance of elegance and comfort.
The Weejuns Layton Kiltie Loafers feature leather tassels and classic fringe detailing on the vamp, adding both visual interest and a touch of heritage craftsmanship. The kiltie fringe, originally designed for protection (from abrasion caused by continuous friction), now serves a purely stylistic purpose, adding texture to the shoe's silhouette. Combined with the tassels, it elevates the loafer with a sense of sartorial elegance and timeless appeal,
It’s a statement of taste, evoking a timeless sense of classical elegance that speaks to those seeking quality craftsmanship.
Tassel loafers are an emblem of the classic Ivy League style, deeply rooted in mid-20th-century collegiate fashion. During the heyday of Ivy dressing—from the 1950s through the early 1960s—tassel and kiltie loafers were staple footwear across elite campuses like Harvard, Princeton, and Yale.
The Men’s Larson Brogue is a sophisticated update to the classic penny loafer, enriched with traditional brogue detailing that adds both texture and heritage appeal.
The decorative perforations, inspired by classic country footwear, bring a refined edge to the loafer’s clean silhouette, combining formality with everyday versatility. Crafted from polished leather for depth and contrast, the Larson features tonal stitching, cushioned insoles, reinforced welt stitching and a strong, flexible leather sole, which our classics are known for.
A brogue penny loafer can bridge the gap between casual and formal wear. The added detail makes it suitable for smart-casual and business-casual looks.
Broguing adds texture, visual intrigue, and a nod to heritage, turning a simple loafer into a more distinguished style.
Which Of Our Designs Stands Out To You?
Now that you've taken a journey through history and explored some of our most popular styles, we want to know: which of our designs do you find the most unique?
Do you love a bold leather colourway, or are you drawn to fun embellishments on the upper?
Let us know in the comments below or tag us on social media so we can see how you style your G.H.BASS footwear!
