Recently, I shot editorial footwear campaign for ECCO highlighting their HYBRID ST.1 penny loafer. Packed with technological advancements like — unique VITRUS™ shank, ultra-light PHORENE™ uses FLUIDFORM™ Technology and innovative ECCO SHOCK THRU Technology — all created to make these shoes the most comfortable and responsive for all-day wear.
After a few weeks a of wear, below are my thoughts on the shoe — stylistically and functionally.
Street Style
HYBRID ST.1 Penny Loafer – ECCO | Black Denim Jeans – Good Threads | Leather Jacket – Topman | Floral Shirt – Goodfellow & Co
Let starts with style. Honestly, most brands that put this style of “hybrid” shoe/sneaker, the end result is often clunky and too futuristic. It’s almost like the designers think “how can we put the most technology and weird stuff” into one shoe.
This wasn’t the case with this penny loafer. With a slightly squared-off toe on the upper, essentially this is a traditional loafer. What helps to bridge the sporty sole and traditional upper is the tan detail fusing both parts together.
Because of the sporty sole and traditional upper combo, these loafers are easy to wear casually without looking juxtaposed.
Shop The Shoes
Suited
HYBRID ST.1 Penny Loafer – ECCO | Luciano Tobacco Suit – Moda Matters | Knit Tie – Any Ivy | Custom Shirt – Knot Standard | Croc Briefcase – Zara
Where these shoes have their best value is for the everyday suited guy that need footwear that offer maximum comfort without sacrificing style. The key, a sleek silhouette that pairs surprisingly well with a tailored trouser.
So What DO I Think About These Kicks
Pro
- Comfort is through the roof
- Silhouette is sleek without falling into the “fashion” shoe territory
- It’s the right type of shoe for the guy that hates wearing
- You can run in them if you really need to
Cons
- Run a full size bigger than expected
- besides the brown leather colorway, they’re limited on the options
