Review on Donald Pliner Slip Black Stretch by Lakshmi Pennington

The Pliner Rex Black Nappas are by far the best dress shoes I have ever owned and I have tried many quality shoes. I vowed never to buy a pair of loafers - I always thought loafers were too old fashioned and sloppy. Also, I'm always afraid they'll slip off. A fine clothing store I frequent often uses them as a window when trying on the pants as they are easy to put on and take off and look great. After wearing them a few times I was amazed at how well they hold up and how great they look under a pair of good pants. Visually, they are more reminiscent of boots than classic frilled loafers. What is more surprising is that the upper is not made of leather. This is a type of rubber that mimics leather very well, but stretches well so it fits like a glove. They hug my legs which I love. I live in a cold, snowy climate and due to snow and salt damage, I have had to change a few pairs of shoes a year. I had concerns about durability but the seller assured me they are better suited for this purpose than leather - they simply rub and don't need polishing. I've had them for 6 months now and apart from a little wear on the sole they look like new. There isn't a single stain or dent on the upper and the sole is holding up well. The best part of all is how comfortable they are. They stay in place very well and don't spill. The heel stays in place without slipping. The soles have good traction and a firm kick, but are more flexible than most elite shoes. I liked them so much I bought a pair of Expressos. They are the same shoe and material as the black ones, but the black rubber has been painted brown. On closer inspection, they don't look as real as black ones, and not as shiny, but no less beautiful and comfortable. One thing I find a bit strange about the Expressos is that the heel is made of a slightly different material than the front of the shoe and is a slightly different shade of brown - it could actually be a piece of real leather. It's not a big villain. I definitely recommend the black ones; Brown is more a matter of taste, but still great shoes.