Cole Haan Mens Howland Penny Loafers Shoes Review

Nice shoes, fits okay and design is nice and elegant. Like it.

I have somewhat high arches and a foot width that must be middle of the road. Usually that means I don't need special accommodation in my footwear. If that doesn't sound like you your mileage may vary significantly from mine.These shoes come feeling a bit narrow but they widen out quickly as they break in. Give them time. After a few days of breaking them in I was very happy wearing these all day long. If your feet aren't on the wide end of the spectrum I don't think you should be deterred by reports of narrowness. From the point of view of someone who stuck it out with this shoe and is glad to have done so, there's really only one draw back to the shoe: as loafers with a very flexible sole they aren't very supportive shoes. The supple leather, flexible sole, and low profile of the shoe all combine to allow a lot of lateral motion, especially as the leather stretches out over time.However, all those things also make it a very classy looking shoe that feels very nice on the foot. They are quite soft on the foot, and style-wise they occupy a very useful place in between absolute casual and truly dressed up -- meaning they're as good for a night out as they are for work. If you're not planning on doing anything athletic these are a great choice with a lot of stylistic range and comfort.

Let me start by saying these are the best loafers I have owned and have purchased several pairs in the last few years. They are some of the sharpest and best looking on the market by a quality company. With this in mind, I would like to give a summary for what you the buyer can realistically expect.These will fit very snug at first and basically hurt your feet, I recommend wearing them with socks/long pants only to start. After wearing them several times they start to loosen and literally fit your feet like a glove. After this there will be no more discomfort and wearing them with or without socks they will be very comfortable and easy to wear. This is the trial phase during which most of the comment complains and returns stem from. But I can assure you after taking some discomfort and annoyance they will be some of the best fitting shoes you own.I just purchased my 3rd pair, usually about every year and a half it is time for new ones. The toes will begin to scuff pretty much the first day you wear them, which I have purposely tried to avoid letting happen but it still does. They are not good on a rainy day or in wet situations- clearly since they are leather. They will show water marks on the bottom and sides for some time if not permanently if you are trudging around while its raining allowing the leather to fully absorb water.Over time with normal wear and use the toe will rub through the leather eventually revealing part of the insole. The undersides both inner and outside do not have any sole to protect them and will also begin to wear through revealing the insole. At this point it is time to get new ones. With this type of shoe you run a premium with quality looks for any occasion and sharp eye catching leather construction- with the downside being limited to no sole on the toe and side portions. Inevitably unless you only use these for certain occasions they will begin to show the signs of wear. I wear them to work occasionally and fairly often out on weeknights and weekends. They too at some point begin to wear based on the amount of time you are wearing.I would highly recommend as a classy, good looking loafer. But be prepared to buy new ones after a year or so as these will begin to wear out and very visibly show it.

I have owned these shoes in tan for around five months and they have quickly become my go-to shoes. I was concerned about spending the money on a pair of driving shoes (because of the beating they typically take) but they have been well worth the money and I when the time comes I will replace with another pair.When I purchased these I also purchased a pair of Polo Ralph Lauren Men's Telly Driving Shoe. There is no comparison between the two. The quality of the leather and the fit are the two most obvious differences. I ordered both in my standard size, 11D. The Cole Haan's slide on and off with little effort and both the width and length fit correctly. I noticed some of the other reviews mentioned that they thought they were very narrow. I don't have narrow feet and have had no complaints about the width. As I have worn the Cole Haan's they have broken in very well and now feel almost like a slipper on my feet. The RL's on the other hand were very difficult to get on and off. I am sure if they were broken in more they would have become easier, but who wants to deal with that if you don't have to?The shoes work well with or without socks. I typically wear them with jeans and an Allen Edmonds Manistee belt in tan. The colors match perfectly and they look great together.Leave the sneakers at home and give these a try.

The Cole Haan Howland driving shoes look great and should make a good driving shoe. However, I had to return the pair that I ordered since they were not wide enough. I ordered the 11.5 W, but I would need something a bit wider. The sizing appears to be very accurate for this shoe since the 11.5 was the right lenght. It is too bad this shoe is not offered in a EEE width. It is hard for me to find shoes that fit well since I require a very wide shoe.