Not sure really, I don't think much of BHS.

They're just heavy loafers made like longwings. You can go to any store in the UK that sells Northampton brands and see similar stuff of equivalent quality, maybe better (minus the shell cordovan, of course, which shell is neither here nor there with me).

The stiching looks a bit odd. How is it done? Does it actually hold two pieces of leather together, or is it simply for looks?

For me the appeal of loafers is the wrap-around leather footbed, don't see why you would go for a goodyear-welt.

You mean the Alden (or Alden for Brooks Bros.) Leisure Handsewn, right?

I don't like them. Too pointy, for starters, and the stitching looks exaggerated to me.

My favorites are an old pair of J&M pennies that were called Ski Mocs, why I don't know. Mine need new soles and heels. I found them almost ten years ago in a box of stuff at my parents house. Probably my father's, but the wrong size. Certainly not my late brother's, who was a sneaker or cowboy boot guy.

Velux, you Sound-Of-Bow-Bells gobshite, I thought I told you not to come on here any more, annoying these people.  What, do you think they're paying good money to hear your mockney drivel?  I don't believe you know JS anyway.

You have to admit, Steddy has captured the vernacular really well, hasn't he?

Worth a bump: Velux at his finest (i.e. his most vulgar).

One for Tim.

I went for LHS (and I was fortunate to find some of the unlined for Brooks versions on ebay) for a couple of reasons - partly because I think we can all agree that modern bass are utter shite and unlike some of you, I don’t have a basement full of dead stock weejuns to choose from and partly because unlike Velux (TRS with added cockerneee?!) I actually quite like the silhouette.

I am hoping that JS will have some Rancourt in on my next visit (about a month away) because I’d like to get my sizing right on those too, I certainly still hanker for some beefroll action - I’m just not interested in buying shoes that won’t last any more.

I’ve had a couple of pairs of vintage Dexter bought on ebay over the years, never managed to find my correct size - The current pair I have are far too small although I can force them on - but when I do, I find they squeak in a most irritating manor. They’re destined to visit JS in the hopes they’ll give me a tenners worth of credit for them!

I’ve also had some Made-in-US Allen Edmonds, again wrong size.

In previous years I was reasonably happy to buy shoes on eBay or cheaply and suffer if I felt they looked right, I have reached the age now however where I wish to a) be comfortable and b) would like the shoes I buy to ideally last a bit longer.