I've been buying these shoes for years. Here's why: First, the shoes have a natural shine that makes them look like they've just been polished, even if they're a year old. The sole doesn't stick out like many modern shoes, so it doesn't stick to things (e.g. gas and brake pedals). I can literally walk down the street in these loafers. They have leather soles that don't grip like rubber soles when turning your foot on carpet. The initial fit is tight. After a few weeks they stretch a little, but not much - maybe a width (not enough for extra pads).