Vionic Uptown Loafers Assessment: Editor Attempted and Examined

In 2023, I flew from my hometown of Los Angeles to New York Metropolis to check out some mates. From there, I flew to Morocco for a 4-working day work vacation right before flying back to New York, and eventually, Los Angeles. Right after I landed at LAX I hopped in the vehicle with my sister and drove to Las Vegas. This isn’t a one particular-off occurrence, both. I journey a large amount, and—truthfully—my major battle isn’t switching time zones or virtually living on a plane—it’s fitting all the shoes I want to get with me in my very small carry-on. So when I acquired the podiatrist-authorised footwear brand Vionic can make packable loafers, I knew I experienced to place them to the test.

The aforementioned 2023 vacation might be the most frantic holiday I have experienced, but it’s significantly from the only 1. It is very important for me to program (and pack!) ahead so that I can vacation back to back again with very little tension. And preserving area, by making use of packable loafers, is surely something I could use in my bag of tricks. Beneath, my review of the Vionic Uptown Loafers ($130) and how they stack up as a journey companion.

Very first impressions

If I’m remaining genuine, I was nervous that the loafers had been variety of… unattractive. On the website, they appeared chunky, difficult to type, not comfortable, and not really packable. Transparently, I was apprehensive I would not like the product or service and therefore be not able to produce a neutral evaluation. That mentioned, once  acquired the loafers, I was stunned—in the finest way probable.

When I finally gained my Vionic Uptown Loafers, a pal of mine was at my house and I was terrified to open the package with him viewing. “Oh, these are the hideous loafers,” I assumed to myself. To my surprise, these pink, suede shoes with a white sole looked so unique in individual than on the web-site and had been… variety of stylish! They reminded me of the coastal grandmother aesthetic that manufactured its way all around TikTok a number of a long time again, and I was fired up to pair them with all my comfiest garments. My friend—with no context of my prejudice—complimented them instantly and reported, “I think you should use these in its place of all those,” pointing at the Alo Sneakers I was carrying.

My critique

Assured that these loafers had been decidedly not hideous, I walked around Los Angeles in them for about a 7 days. Without socks, the loafers suit a little bit huge. But once I put on a pair of no-reveals, they ended up high-quality and even a little bit snug. I obtained my normal measurement 6, so I recommend sizing down if you know you won’t be sporting socks with your loafers and sizing up if you know you will be.

That said, they are not the most comfortable shoes I’ve ever worn. I walked about half a mile in them and could notify that my ft would blister if I wore them for a longer time than that. My tip? Expend some time breaking them in prior to you consider them out for a extensive jaunt (and bring Band-Aids!). It is a con I can forgive, however, for the reason that these loafers are easy and perfect for any daytime outfit.

They’re also extremely packable. The top rated of the shoe wholly flattens, which will make it possible for me to shove them in in between clothes or beneath toiletries, no matter whether that is in my personal merchandise or carry-on baggage. It’s a convenient way for me to help you save place on any trip, but especially beneficial when I’m going on again-to-back jaunts. Among their flexibility and packability, they’re a practical piece I’m wanting ahead to bringing on all my adventures. 

As for the specs, they come in a variety of coloration options—15 selections, to be precise. These consist of neutrals like black, silver, and product, very pastels like pink and newborn blue, and even a snakeskin print. You can also decide on in between a significant-excellent suede or a sustainably sourced leather upper. The outsole is manufactured of synthetic rubber and the system is about an inch superior. And, like all Vionic shoes, they’ve received the Seal of Acceptance from the American Podiatric Health care Affiliation.

Vionic Uptown Loafers: My genuine choose

These are comfy, classy loafers that never choose up a ton of area in most baggage you pack—whether that is a tote, a weekender, a carry-on, or a checked bag. That stated, they really do not roll up into a little very little ball that scarcely can take up house. You couldn’t, for occasion, suit these in a tiny purse or belt bag. But the flat-prime is extremely convenient for shoving into overpacked suitcases when you want to just pack a person more issue, or squeezing into larger compact-house goods, like backpacks or totes.

I also value that the Vionic Uptown Loafers are a everyday footwear possibility that goes with virtually anything. They may perhaps not be intellect-blowingly packable, but they sure are multipurpose. And that saves space, way too.