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Photo courtesy JD Scammell

Gucci horsebit 1953 loafers

Photo courtesy JD Scammell

Gucci horsebit 1953 loafers

Photo courtesy JD Scammell

Men’s Shoe Fashion

By Douglas James Scammell

Published 12:00 PDT, Fri March 28, 2025

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A gentleman must have a nice pair of loafer shoes in their collection. With my own personal style I try to stay away from too many designer brands. But, when it comes to dress shoes, I must make an exception with the Gucci Horsebit loafer 1953. They are a timeless icon that every gentleman should have at least one pair of in their shoe collection.

Gucci horsebit 1953 loafer shoe has to be the most versatile pair of shoes. They go great with your suits or even casual wear with a pair of chino pants or jeans and even a pair of shorts during the summer months.

History

By now I am sure everyone know’s the brand Gucci founded in 1921 in Florence, Tuscany, Italy.They are a high-end fashion brand for both men and women for many decades. The brand has in more recent years moved very quickly with trends. However, there is one icon that remains unchanged since it was created and that is the Gucci Horsesbit Loafer 1953 model.

Gucci’s founder Guccio Gucci died in 1953 just weeks after his three sons Aldo, Rodolfo and Vasco Gucci opened the brands first flagship store in New York City.

That same year Aldo Gucci created the horsebit loafer to sell at its new New York store that is why they are called the 1953 because it was created in 1953 and have been very popular since they were created to present day.

Like many great things that came and continue to come out of Italy that are made out of premium quality like their cars, eyewear, Italian food, and high-end designer fashion you can add the Gucci horsebit 1953 loafer to that very long list.

The shoe became an instant success and thanks to people like movie stars Cary Grant, Clark Gable, and Kirk Douglas to the U.S. President John F. Kennedy who wore this loafer regularly making it a very popular shoe design. These shoes have also made appearances with Roger Moore who wore them in the James Bond series.

By the 1970’s Gucci also made this version of the shoe for women and there is a famous picture of actress Jodie Foster wearing them at age 15 while skateboarding.

The thing that probably made the Gucci Horsebit 1953 loafer survive the test of time (for over 70 years now) is there is no logo that is visible.Only inside the sole you will see the Gucci name.

Today the shoe is an icon.The shoe is available in 3 different colours black as shown in the pictures, brown, and more rare now burgundy. It is also worth noting this loafer had an additional version in crocodile skin in brown and black.

The only con I can mention about this shoe is the cost. Today they fetch in the upwards of $1,380 dollars but the quality can’t be matched by the many other shoe brands that make their own version of the Gucci horsebit loafer shoe and I would say, most look great but you can never beat an original.

The Gucci 1953 loafer is made from a very high quality leather hide which is great if you look after your shoes, thus they will last a very long time with only minor shoe maintenance and over time, any good shoe cobbler can help you with.

So that makes the price of the shoe a lot less painful. I have had other loafers sold by other brands that are way less money but they last about six months and are not worth paying a cobbler to repair.

On a positive note, you will be noticed when wearing these shoes, by those familiar with the brand and the price tag that goes with the loafer.

I have tried many pairs of loafer shoes over the years and I find the Gucci Horsebit 1953 loafer might be the most comfortable pair of loafers I have ever owned because of their lightweight. To ensure the life of your shoes, I suggest as shown here in a photo shoe inserts (known as shoe tree inserts) to maintain the shape when not in use.

Photo courtesy Wikimedia Commons, Attribution-Share Alike 4.0 license

They are a recognizable status symbol and today you will see many famous celebrities wearing this iconic pair loafers on the red carpet. I think that after 70 plus years, this shoe is not going out of style any time soon.