I remember being a tween and wanting all the Coach signature things. The bags the wristlet. I even recall a monumental moment in my young fashion years when I bought my first pair of designer shoes with my hard-earned money while I was a Nordstrom B.P intern. They were a pair of Coach, brown kitten heel signature C pumps. With a leather cap toe and a buckle. Hideous now that I think about them. Actually, here they are in a dark red — yup, hideous. But they meant so much to me. It’s one of the few fashion purchases I truly remember from my younger years.
These memories came flooding back to me when I ordered a pair of Coach leather lug sole loafers. I really asked myself “am I actually buying something from Coach?”. Like, are they still a thing? I know they still have stores and are obviously making bags and shoes. But are they “in”? Are people into it? I’m sure many people will say that they never went away. It’s a classic brand. But you can’t deny the hold that those signature C’s, especially in pink, had on us all in our teenage and college years. Or the nylon tote bag, remember this? So while I’m sure their classic black leather bags like this one stayed in style, this was definitely a brand that I wrote off years ago. Not anymore.
Coach Leah Platform Loafer
This is the shoe that got Coach back on my radar quickly. I was browsing online for a chunky loafer. And honestly been browsing for at least two years now. Even bought the very popular Sam Edelman Laurs loafer that I quickly returned. Too chunky and hurt my ankles. I even owned for a hot second, the Sam Edelman Loraine loafer. Didn’t love either and donated them after a couple wears. Just so not me. So when I saw these Coach ones, I thought they were super cute. They didn’t seem too chunky (which was my goal) and they didn’t seem too minimal. Kind of like the perfect in-between. I also find myself struggling with a low ankle, anyone else? I try on flats and the sides of the shoe hit my ankles and it’s so irritating. Makes them impossible to wear. These didn’t do that to me! A win!
TIP: It turns out you can actually avoid the low ankle situation by buying these inserts for your shoes. I haven’t tried it yet but saw this tip in a TIkTok and have to give it a try.
For sizing on the Coach Leah loafer, I went with my usual larger size in shoes. I have worn these several times now and they’re quite comfortable. My one complaint is they rub my pinky toe a bit, but I think they’ll soften and widen a bit with more wear. I wear these little no show socks in black with them to help with that though.
Shop Today’s Look
The Perfect Lug Sole Loafer
If you’re in need of a new shoe for fall this year, a lug sole loafer is really it. Pairs perfectly with all those straight leg jeans and even wider leg ones like I did here. And can be worn with dresses and skirts too. They’re also super cute styled with a little ankle sock. I know we’re seeing it everywhere with a white ankle sock, but I saw my friend Camille do a little black one and I actually really love it. Super fun with even a printed or sheer sock. You can also style them with some opaque tights for a very chic look for skirts and shorts.
