Are Tod's Loafers Really Worth $500? | Tod's Gommino Drivers
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- Опубліковано 17 лип 2024
- As the owner of two pairs of Tod’s iconic Gommino driving shoes, I can attest to their stylishness. For me, they are the epitome of casual sophistication - they just look great. There’s a reason you perpetually see them included in best loafers roundups. But beyond the superficial, they’re super comfortable as well. What’s not to love?
Well, I’ll tell you, though if you’ve ever owned a pair, you already know that your relationship with the Gommino can be a complicated and frustrating one. Why?
They wear out. In and of itself, this is not a terrible thing. All shoes wear out, after all. But my Tod’s shoes seem to wear out much more quickly than any other pair I’ve had. And it’s always on the heel, which never looks good.
I’ve done a fair amount of studying up on Tod’s wearing out and it’s worth remembering that not all Tod’s are made for walking. The classic Gommino, which just has the nubs, is not a walking shoe. The City Gommino, on the other hand, has a rubber sole, which makes it much better for bumping around the city.
One of the questions that people routinely ask related to the shoes wearing out is: are they better if used for driving only? I’d say, not necessarily.
As I mentioned, one of the reasons I love my Tod’s is that they are so comfortable. Hanging around the house, on a plane (or train), and, yes, when I’m driving. When I had my manual transmission 3 Series, it was nice to be able to really feel the clutch. Yet when driving, the heel is getting a lot of wear. And since that always seems to be the first part of my Tod’s that wears out, I find that there is absolutely no longevity benefit if they’re just worn situationally for driving.
Now, if that situational wearing was just as a stylish slipper substitute around the house or lounging around your resort on vacation, that would probably be a different story.
I contacted the Tod’s store on Madison Avenue to see what the options were in terms of getting the shoes repaired. The good news is that they can be repaired. The store recommended an outside shoe repair shop that they always use - repairs aren’t done in-house or by the brand, though if you have an issue soon after buying, they will evaluate whether or not to warranty the shoes - and here’s how it’s dealt with.
If the wear or damage is to the sole, the pebbles will be removed and a rubber sole applied, making your regular Gommino more or less the city version. In the case of the wear or damage being to the heel you have two options: they can wrap the heel in rubber or they can replace the worn leather with another piece. So the choice is to give up a little of the stylishness for more durability in the case of rubber or know that you’ll have to get them fixed again when the new leather wears out. It’s a choice you need to make for yourself.
So, the big question: are Tod’s shoes worth it? Again, this is a question only you can answer for yourself. You need to weigh a few things - the cost, how often you want to wear them and if you’re willing to accept the fact that they’ll wear out and will need to be repaired (or discarded).
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#tods #gommino #loafers - Навчання та стиль
Always bringing quality content,so happy to have subscribed to your channel.
Awesome to hear. Thanks so much, George!
Great honest review, and yes I have the both styles and love them. My wife even flops around in them at the house.
Good advice, sir. Thanks for sharing. I feel that sometimes you have to treat yourself to pleasure in driving and inconvenience in price simultaneously.
I hate to be that guy, but there is plenty to read about Tod's business and production practices in Italy. I unfortunately find it hard to justify shelling out these sums of money for a company that supposedly utilises low-paid home workers to create these products without contracts or insurance. Of course they are not alone in this, but I think it should be taken into account when supporting a company, which is what I, as the customer, is doing after all.
Great video, though, I hasten to add.
Appreciate you chiming in!
WOW
$500 for a shoe that you don’t recommend wearing as a shoe except in house as a slipper
Thanks for your review
You're very welcome. You can definitely wear them out but just know that in my experience the don't last as long as other shoes.
On point, especially about picking your battles and the sports clutch. It's a sale purchase item for me
Cheers. Thanks for chiming in.
Just amazing. I agree with you the cost is not really worth it for an "everyday" use. They're a great looking shoe. Thanks Brian.
Thanks, as always, for chiming.
You and Brian speak for me.
I love your work.
Many thanks. Appreciate the support.
I just bought a pair of the Black Gammino Mocs. Absolutely a stunning and timeless casual shoe. Absolutely will not wear them everyday. 😎✌️
Brian great content as always. What's your opinion about Meermin shoes? I'm thinking of buying loafers from them.
Thanks so much. Don't have any experience with them, unfortunately.
Hi,
Just wondering what your thoughts were, would it be weird to wear these a business casual office environment. I got some used and is great condition, was planning to keep them in the office as "indoor" shoes.
I own Tod's grey suede desert boots. Well worth the 💰. Had for 2 years. Comfortable, stylish and many compliments
Awesome. Have been curious about the desert boots myself. Good to hear they hold up.
@@hespokestyle my "way under the radar" endorsement is anything from Brown BILT. Outstanding quality at ridiculously low prices 👌
I agree with you. $500 and they wear out on the heels? Geez. Years ago I bought drivers from the Italian company Stokton who had a licensing deal with Barneys and those things are still holding up with no portion of the shoes being worn out.
Very cool. Are they still in business? I was really surprised to see how quickly the heels when on these.
@@hespokestyle Stokton is still in business but it appears they've made a change in their design aesthetic. Looks like they are making mostly sneakers now.
Thanks for the reply!
What are your thoughts on Bobbies? Much more affordable but still very stylish. My drivers from Johnston and Murphy finally wore out and I want a new pair but I want to upgrade. I’ve been eyeing the bobbies for a bit now, thinking about pulling the trigger.
Another clean video
Many thanks, John. Appreciate the compliment.
Great job .. thumbs up 👍
Many thanks. Appreciate the comment.
Great review !! I would love to hear your thoughts on belts
Thank you. Anything specific on belts?
He Spoke Style What types of belts you should wear with a suit, it would be interesting
Hi Brian! This is a very interesting point - you could even make a video about repairing clothes and shoes, and bring this shoe to a cobbler/shoemaker to fix the heels. I don't know about the stylistic value of a shoe that is fixed that way, but it would be a waste just to throw these out.
Agreed.
I’d opt for Ferragamo. I’ve had a pair of driving shoes for at least 5 years. Super durable. I wear them 3 times a week and they still look new.
Sweet. Thanks for chiming in.
He Spoke Style I would hope it goes without saying, but I do polish them weekly. Just a brush shine. I think the pebbled leather stands up to wear much better than calf skin.
Tod's gommino loafers are very stylish and great for the summer, but quite expensive. It's the perfect shoe to buy on sale, so the price is 40% or 50% off. I prefer the ones with a rubber sole.
Mr. Brian, I have been looking for the old design of Tod's ankle suede boots for men, regretfully finding them has turned quite difficult. Do you mind letting them to know about that. In advance, thanks for any help you might provide
Great video. I've never owned a pair but was always curious if they were worth the money. Do you have recommendations for cheap but stylish loafers in the sub $200 range?
Thanks, Yoni. Oooh, that's a tough one. I think Baudoin and Lange are a bit over that price point?
For my casual, everyday shoe, I wear a pair of Born loafers.
They've been to hell and back over the past few years in all kinds of terrain and weather and they're still looking good and remain my most comfortable pair of shoes.
He Spoke Style yes unfortunately. Beautifully looking shoes though!
Brian, I have owned Todds. I think you would enjoy the Louis Vuitton driver. I have owned two pair for about 6 & 8 years. Having said that I don't wear them often, usually when I'm going out on a driving day. LV shoes are in my opinion infinitely better.
Thanks so much for chiming in. Will check that out.
What are your thoughts on Preppy/Trad/Ivy style? Would be interesting to see a vid on it
Very interesting that you bring that up! I just recently got a few Polo RL pieces and told my wife it was going to be the summer of prep. It's a cool look. Can be pretentious depending on the personality (obviously)!
I debated for a while to get the Gomminos, but ended up going for the Car Shoe driving loafers, as they were the originals. Anyways, I’ve had them for about four years now (in a tan suede), wearing them quite regularly with no issues.
Awesome. Second comment suggesting Car Shoe. The heels hold up as well?
He Spoke Style so far so good. My wife has two pairs of Tods, but both in a much heavier Patent leather (as opposed to my soft suede) and those seem to hold up well too.
My Tod heels are so sticky and leave black marks, on both pairs. One is a slip on and the driving pegs are on the front and the back has a heel. Please advise.
What would you recommend for an everyday loafer? If possible also a bit less expensive than the tod's
"A bit" less expensive--Belgian Shoes NYC. Otherwise, I'd look at Baudoin and Lange or Carmina.
Hey Brian, love the channel. Keep up the great work. Which loafers would you recommend as daily wearers under or around $500? Thanks
Personally, I love Belgian Shoes. Baudoin and Lange is also very good. As is Carmina.
Do you stuff yours with anything before storing them? I’d imagine too soft for a shoe tree? I have pair of leather Prada drivers, and find the fronts wear a bit, but the heel is super sturdy compared to these Tods
I don't regularly.
I have 5 pairs and love them! Only wear occasionally so mine last way longer!
Tod's has a beautiful shop in the new Hudson Yards shopping center right next to Cartier, Dior, and Rolex. There's most of what you need to know ;-)
Haha. Thanks for the tip, Jon!
I haven't tried them but they seem expensive for a driving shoes. any better alternatives you recommend?
For straight up drivers, I don't have a short list. Some commenters have recommended Car Shoe. They are the original, but also a bit pricey.
I personally prefer Car Shoe, I think they hold up better over time. I have had mine for over 4 years and they are still in great shape!
@@hespokestyle Yes in my experience it does. The difference to the Tod's is that Car shoe have a more rigid sole inside and the little studs just feel a bit harder, which makes them very hard wearing. Also the studs towards the back are bigger than those in front, which gives you more support and prevents the heel from having contact with the floor, hence the leather looks untouched in that area. The only wear I can see is on the front of the shoe, where the suede has become slightly more pale but that happens with all driving shoes. They are however a little bit more rigid than Tod's because of the sole but certainly not uncomfortable! As a great alternative to Tod's, there is also Bobbies Paris. The quality is about the same and they cost about half.
Awesome. Thanks so much for the reply.
Do you then have a recommendation of a better loafer that has the look and durability? Thanks.
For this style of shoe, not really. Some people say to go with Car Shoe, since it's supposedly the original, but I have no experience with them. Sorry I can't help out more.
I have two pair of Cole Haan, penny loafers brn & blk; two pair of Geox both in brn and on pair of Bragano in suede natural. The last one I have had for 9 years.
Nice! Money well spent?
I own a pair of the Tod’s driving moccasin loafers. They have a full leather sole that is stitched on and replaceable. The sole has rubber nubs. At the heel is a wraparound heel cap with the Tod’s name. I am getting ready to replace the part of the heel cap under the shoe as it is finally wearing out. Obviously these soles are not as soft but these solve all the problems that you are complaining about. I feel very lucky that I didn’t buy the ones that you have. Maybe you can look into whether they are still made. They are a lot more work to make.
it's great buy at secondhand market.
only speaking for the female part of the products.
only wear those and birkenstocks these days.
cheaper brands of swede moccasins were good substitutes but can be a pain in chaotic sizing. these type of shoes do wear out relatively easily.
resoling is impractical for swedes but maybe an option for full leather in good condition
The price in Europe is 370 eur including 20% sales tax. If you pay 500 usd excluding sales tax it means in the US you are paying far too much in import duties. By the way, in Europe you can find these and the Car Shoes for about 200 eur.(tax included) in many outlets in Italy, France, etc.
Tell me where!
@@hespokestyle for example here, firenze.themall.it/it/outlet-toscana/homepage/ (in Tuscany) and here www.mcarthurglen.com/en/outlets/it/designer-outlet-noventa-di-piave/ (Nearby Venice) You'll find Car Shoes inside Prada shops.
No offense for asking, but are driving shoes still in vogue, comfortable like any moccasins?
They're never out of style. And yes, very comfortable.
Brian, I had the same issue! Will never buy them again. I have other drivers at half the price with no where near the ridiculous issues with the Tod's.
Thanks, Felix. Which brands do you have?
He Spoke Style I have 3 pairs. RL, Brooksbrothers and Mephisto. The mephisto were the most expensive around 300 but super comfortable. Ive has them for 7 years now with same heel and sole. The bad thing, it’s discontinued.
Wish I had read your review before buying mine. I was extremely disappointed with my ‘gommino,driving ’ shoes...the heels wear out extremely fast: apart from that the sole is not very well protected against small stones...basically feel you can only wear that in house....and for that there are much cheaper options....
Please do a video about looks from Pitti Uomo Summer ‘19
Thinking about it.
I own 3 pairs. Same experience! They wear out in the front for me. Maybe it's the way we walk. I agree, for 500 I should get more wear. I've moved more to Santoni and Carmina.
Thanks, as always, for chiming in, Steve!
@@hespokestyle PS my favorite pair are black. The sole came slightly loose in the front. I superglued ($1.75) it and still wearing them :)
@@gsmarkham Well done!
Nice shoes. Still prefer Gucci 1953 bit loafers or Gamo though.
I have Minnetonka driving mocs that are stylish ,bullet proof ,comfortable and 50 bucks on sale at Von Maur .
Awesome!
Absolutely love my Tods driving moccasins. They are just so comfortable and incredibly good looking! I have a yellow leather, line suede, and black leather. Just fabulous shoes, but you can’t beat Gucci, LV and Prada also. I have those also! 🔥.
Good video. Thanks for sharing your experience with Tod’s Gommino Drivers. As you suggest, $500 is a heck of a lot of money to spend for shoes which don’t last long. I’ll take a pass on these. Nice job!
Thanks, Ed. You're very welcome.
Everything you have said I have experienced. I now wear Louis Vuitton drivers. Much much better. Have had them for years.
Much better in terms of quality?
He Spoke Style
Yes...
Quality is much better. I became tired of Todd’s falling apart after I went through 3 pair of Ferrari edition drivers in a month. Even though they were given to me when I bought a car, I was pretty disappointed. One of the car club guys suggested Louis Vuitton. As I’m already a LV customer they got some in for me on approval. I haven’t looked back... 7 years later I now own 4 pair in varying colours. They are all going strong. Biggest issue is the toe scuffs quite readily when walking any distance. But a bit of polish fixes that.
Having said all that, I do not use them for any kind of distance walking. I wear them mostly for driving, lounging and boat.
Hopping you are having a fantastic Sunday🥂
@@kurjan1 I think your last sentence is key. You wear driving shoes for driving and lounging, it's what they're made for. You can of course choose to walk in them just as the video points out, be aware of its short lifespan.
I suppose if you can get them for a discount they're fine but full retail seems too much according to what you've said :/ Never really been intrigued by Tod's before and I guess this video hasn't really changed my mind otherwise lol
Thanks so much for the comment. Glad you enjoyed the video.
You can find them second hand in a good condition. Never ever buy retail!! Retail is stupid! Only second hand!
I bought some of their loafers, not driving shoes, several years ago and within a couple of months one of the shoes started making this super annoying squeak with every step. They look nice but honestly the leather is not that great. After living in Asia for a decade, in my mind Tod's is now just a shoe that some pot-bellied rich Chinese mainlander guy buys at the duty-free at Incheon airport, on his way back home after bringing his girlfriend half his age to Korea to have a plastic surgery chin reduction (I'm not exaggerating... This is a totally normal thing there)
I know what you mean lol
Thanks for chiming in.
Got a seemingly-unworn pair for like 14$ at a thrift shop.
Adrien Desautels good work
Well done!
I own TODS. To be honest this loafer is so comfy
Yes they are. Just not worth the price IMO
On YOOX you can find them for 250 EUR
review louboutin shoes next.
Don't own any and don't have any experience with them.
Im good with some Allen Edmonds
Which model?
Exactly the same thing happened to my Gucci driving loafers....not happy!!!
Ah, bummer. Sorry to hear that.
I don't believe you! Gucci, Fendi, Chanel, Dior shoes are made at the best of the best Italian shoe factories with the highest quality standards.
Can someone explain me why to give 500 for a pair of shoes?
Because you want to.
you're not alone. many guys i know stay away from them. they opt for lv or gucci these days. on the flip side for out and about you may want the loafer not with the micro beaded bottoms but those with those "blocks" under that seem to last way longer
Yes, definitely. The city Gomminos are better for walking.
Have you seen loro piana summer walk? Different sort of aesthetic
I put shoe goo on the sole. When the goo dries, it becomes a clear coat of rubber.
Baudoin & Lange FTW.
Alain makes a nice shoe.
Man, what are you doing driving around in BMW. I think driving a second-hand Lada would better suit your style. And buy a proper, Durable, military shoe to go with it. 🤣
As for me, I definitely go for Stylishness rather than plain, staid Durability. As for the $500 price of these, that seems a bit cheap to me. But brown suede one looked like a million dollar to me. That's the one I'd take. Not one but two pairs since I know most high-class driving is heel-and-toe and heels of driving shoes can sometimes wear out.
My next problem would be far trickier; what would one look better driving in one of those pairs________ a Ferrari, or a Lamborghini?
$500 eh! I don’t wear my Gucci driving loafers at all so I guess they are quite expensive!
Thanks for chiming in.
I would never spend that kind of money for a driver. I have a number of drivers, they are comfortable and
have held up. I should add that I have approximately 55 pairs of shoes, that said, I guess none have excessive ware.
Which brands do you like?
You’ve likely spent many times over the price of these, with that many shoes. Rotation of shoes is def key to longetivity.
Video ends at 1:50 :D
Kinda!
Ferragamo driving shoes are comfortable, stylish and wear like iron.
You mean, they're durable?
I bought mine a month ago probably used it thrice, there are already scuffmarks on heels just like yours , definitely not worth the 3000 Malaysian ringet I paid.
Someone please explain why Tods continues to make driving shoes when no one actually wants them.
Try Santoni instead.. much more value for money....
Cheers.
Exactly, never owned a better loafer
0:28 Tod's loafers are not my style,i find them ugly.That's a personal opinion.
Thanks for chiming in.
I guess you are not walking the way that the Tod's want you to walk.
Haha.
they're for driving cars. hence the name "driving shoe." they really arent made for anything else.
For $500 you can get 3 quality pairs elsewhere..i paid $200 for my Tod pair, closedown sale, nothing special about them, they are over priced like gucci etc
Thanks for the comment.
Nice shoe but price wise? No. Use the money saved for something else. It does look good on you though.
Cheers. Appreciate the comment.
Brian, please never put your shoes on a desk, table or dresser. You never know what you might have stepped in. Thanks in advance.
Haha. Thanks!
Short answer: No, not worth it at all. J.M. Weston makes way better loafers in general. Check out their Le Moc' for spring/summer.
Thanks for the rec, Anthony.
I got two pairs gomino driver loafers wearing one s already looks...... won't buy anymore
Not happy with Tod’s quality lately.
Loads of replica shoes that look just as good.
For example?
very bad quality thank god i paid only 200 euros for them i recommend santoni when it come to loafer
Thanks for chiming in.
Nice pair of shoes for fifty dollars like all Italian shoes are ridiculously overpriced
They are expensive luxury shoes that's why they do not suppose to last long! Rich people replace them every 3 -4 months, that's the concept of luxury shoe consumerism. If you want long lasting shoes buy cheap shoes marketed for poor people, they are made of long lasting materials, but they won't be Tod's.
There has to be some happy medium, for non-rich and non-poor people who like quality, not cheap shoes.
Never
I do not love these shoes at all
Just the overall style? Or are you not a loafer person?
@@hespokestyle I'm not a driving loafer person. Having said that I probably own just 1 pair of loafers
Dont want to offend anyone here but these things a awful in every way.
Can you elaborate? Just not your style?
@@hespokestyle hi there, yeah my son bought me a pair for Fathers day couple of years ago, they looked horrible and fell apart, for something like this I now wear Sperry's deck shoes xx