Vionic Uptown Loafers Overview: Editor Tried and Examined

In 2023, I flew from my hometown of Los Angeles to New York Metropolis to go to some pals. From there, I flew to Morocco for a four-day work journey earlier than flying again to New York, and ultimately, Los Angeles. After I landed at LAX I hopped within the automobile with my sister and drove to Las Vegas. This isn’t a one-off incidence, both. I journey quite a bit, and—honestly—my greatest battle isn’t switching time zones or virtually residing on a airplane—it’s becoming all of the sneakers I wish to take with me in my tiny carry-on. So once I realized the podiatrist-approved footwear model Vionic makes packable loafers, I knew I needed to put them to the take a look at.

The aforementioned 2023 journey could be probably the most hectic trip I’ve had, nevertheless it’s removed from the one one. It’s essential for me to plan (and pack!) forward in order that I can journey again to again with little stress. And saving area, through the use of packable loafers, is unquestionably one thing I may use in my bag of tips. Beneath, my evaluation of the Vionic Uptown Loafers ($130) and the way they stack up as a journey companion.

Vionic Uptown Idler — $130.00

Obtainable sizes: 5-13, in half sizes and two widths

Supplies: Leather-based or suede higher, artificial rubber outsole, microfiber insole

Colours: 15

• Versatile
• Comfy
• Doesn’t take up a complete lot of area
• Big selection of sizes, widths, and colours
• Accredited by the APMA

• The only real doesn’t compress, which might nonetheless take up some room in baggage
• Expensive

First impressions

If I am being trustworthy, I used to be anxious that the loafers have been form of… ugly. On the web site, they regarded chunky, laborious to type, uncomfortable, and never very packable. Transparently, I used to be anxious I wouldn’t just like the product and thus be unable to put in writing a impartial evaluation. That stated, as soon as  acquired the loafers, I used to be shocked—in one of the best ways potential.

Associated Tales

Once I lastly acquired my Vionic Uptown Loafers, a buddy of mine was at my home and I used to be scared to open the bundle with him watching. “Oh, these are the ugly loafers,” I assumed to myself. To my shock, these pink, suede sneakers with a white sole regarded so completely different in particular person than on the web site and have been… form of stylish! They jogged my memory of the coastal grandmother aesthetic that made its means round TikTok just a few years again, and I used to be excited to pair them with all my comfiest clothes. My buddy—with no context of my prejudice—complimented them instantly and stated, “I feel you need to put on these as an alternative of these,” pointing on the Alo Sneakers I used to be carrying.

My evaluation

Assured that these loafers have been decidedly not ugly, I walked round Los Angeles in them for a couple of week. With out socks, the loafers match a bit massive. However as soon as I placed on a pair of no-shows, they have been wonderful and even a bit comfortable. I obtained my common dimension 6, so I counsel sizing down if you understand you gained’t be carrying socks along with your loafers and sizing up if you understand you can be.

That stated, they don’t seem to be the most snug sneakers I’ve ever worn. I walked about half a mile in them and will inform that my toes would blister if I wore them longer than that. My tip? Spend a while breaking them in earlier than you are taking them out for a protracted jaunt (and produce Band-Aids!). It’s a con I can forgive, although, as a result of these loafers are handy and ideal for any daytime outfit.

They’re additionally extremely packable. The highest of the shoe utterly flattens, which makes it potential for me to shove them in between garments or beneath toiletries, whether or not that’s in my private merchandise or carry-on baggage. It is a handy means for me to avoid wasting area on any journey, however particularly useful once I’m happening back-to-back jaunts. Between their versatility and packability, they seem to be a sensible piece I am trying ahead to bringing on all my adventures. 

As for the specs, they arrive in a variety of shade choices—15 selections, to be actual. These embody neutrals like black, silver, and cream, fairly pastels like pink and child blue, and even a snakeskin print. You may as well decide between a high-quality suede or a sustainably sourced leather-based higher. The outsole is made from artificial rubber and the platform is about an inch excessive. And, like all Vionic sneakers, they’ve acquired the Seal of Acceptance from the American Podiatric Medical Affiliation.

Vionic Uptown Loafers: My trustworthy take

These are snug, trendy loafers that don’t take up a ton of area in most luggage you pack—whether or not that’s a tote, a weekender, a carry-on, or a checked bag. That stated, they don’t roll up right into a tiny little ball that hardly takes up area. You couldn’t, as an illustration, match these in a small purse or belt bag. However the flat-top could be very handy for shoving into overpacked suitcases while you wish to simply pack another factor, or squeezing into bigger small-space objects, like backpacks or totes.

I additionally recognize that the Vionic Uptown Loafers are an informal footwear possibility that goes with virtually something. They might not be mind-blowingly packable, however they certain are versatile. And that saves area, too.