This review of Gucci Brixton loafers has been a long time coming. I have been thinking of posting it for a while, but somehow the idea of writing about shoes which have been reviewed hundreds of times kept it sliding to the back of the queue. Still, each review seems to add something new and original to the long discussion so in the end, I thought, why not!?
People are attracted to Gucci Brixton loafers for many different reasons. Some like the minimalistic and classic style, others like the novelty aspect of the design (about that, later). As for me, I wanted a pair of shoes which would take the pressure off my Chanel loafers, which I am always fussing over. Also, a pair that would be easy to maintain, and one which I could simply enjoy without having to worry about them getting a little bit wet or dirty, or even scuffed. You know… just a normal, everyday pair of good quality shoes.
While the Brixtons have exceeded my expectations in many ways, they have also turned out to be a little more high-maintenance than what I would ordinarily expect from a simple pair of loafers. This is exactly what I am going to focus on here, and what got me over the line to write this review.
So without further ado, in this post I will share my thoughts on what I like about these luxurious Gucci loafers, and what to watch out for. I will also concentrate on the usual areas of contention such as the sizing. I hope that those of you who are still unsure about Gucci Brixtons will find it useful in deciding whether these glamorous loafers would be the right choice for you.
Appearance and detail
Starting with the basics …. Gucci Brixton loafers shown in this review are also known as the “Horsebit Loafers” or the “Foldable Slim Horsebit Loafers”. As you can see, I have opted for a pair in black, which is the most classic version of the shoes. Brixtons are also available in other colours, such as beige, pink, brown and white, all of which are gorgeous. I have a sneaking suspicion I may pick up the red ones in the future too, as they are rather tempting!
What makes Gucci Brixton loafers really special is the fabulously soft and smooth leather. As far as leather goes, it is exceptionally supple so it quickly adjusts to the shape of the foot for a bespoke fit. It is almost like having your shoes made to measure, and who would not like that?
The unique aspect of Gucci Brixtons, which distinguishes them from other loafers e.g. the Jordaans, is the collapsible heel. Thanks to the foldable back, the shoes can be worn two ways i.e. as loafers or as mules. I did not purchase my Brixtons with the intention of using them as slippers – for that I have my Gucci Princetowns – but this function may turn out to be useful one day, especially during travel. As much as the foldable heel is a good gimmick, I guess that most people who buy Brixtons end up wearing them as loafers to protect the back. They are not the cheapest shoes, after all, so you can be excused for wanting to preserve their original shape for as long as possible.
In terms of the overall appearance, Gucci Brixton loafers have a slimline silhouette and gently rounded “almond” toes. They are decorated with the iconic Horsebit detail, one of the most recognisable and long-standing trade marks of the brand, which clearly says “oh, that’s Gucci!”. By virtue of not being excessively shiny or bright, the gold-tone metal is reasonably low-key and tasteful, and yet visible. The heel measures 1cm, which is pretty standard for flats.
Although loafers can often have a masculine edge, the shape of Gucci Brixtons is more delicate than what you would normally expect from this model. As such, they should appeal even to those who usually gravitate towards more feminine styles of flat shoes, like the ballerinas. This is something that certainly took me by surprise. While I did not expect my Gucci Brixton loafers to be particularly cool, I was worried they might look a bit frumpy and old-school. In reality, they turned out to have nice and slender cut, and are actually quite elegant (well, at least for loafers). [Back to Menu]
Do Gucci Brixton loafers run true to size?
For the sake of comfort and expediency, I decided to order my Gucci Brixton loafers online via Flannels (in the UK), so they could be with me the following day. Also, I did not fancy spending ages in a ludicrous queue outside of the store – courtesy of the new social distancing measures – only to find out that my size was not in stock.
Of course, buying online involved the usual drama surrounding sizing. While reviews of Gucci loafers are plentiful, there is also a lot of conflicting information around on how the shoes run. To be frank, having come across comments stating that the Brixton ran large, true to size, and even small, I had little confidence in what I was ordering. Also, given that Gucci sizing is generally quite inconsistent, I could not rely on any prior knowledge of the brand in that respect either. The whole process was rather painful, to say the least.
So how do they run? To me Gucci Brixton loafers run ½ size large, so in the end I had to settle for size 37, rather than my usual 37.5. For comparison purposes, I am 37 in Gucci Ace sneakers (for review, click here), 38 in Gucci Princetown mules (review here), and 37.5 in Gucci Jordaan ankle boots (review here). As you can see – no consistency of size whatsoever! My foot is relatively average i.e. not too narrow or wide, and I do not have a high instep.
Even though I had to downsize, I did not find the fit to be overly tight or narrow. My toes were nowhere near the tips of the shoes. In all honesty, they felt like a standard size 37.5. I think, this is because the soles of Brixtons have a notably “long” cut for size 37. You can see what I mean by looking at the pictures, below:
To be more specific, the dimensions of Gucci Brixton loafers in size 37 are, are follows:
- Outer sole length: 26cm
- Outer sole width: 8cm
- Inner sole length: 25.5cm
- Inner sole width: circa 7.5cm (although that one is a bit tricky to measure)
The above measurements are practically the same as size 37.5 in other luxury brands, in a similar style of shoes. As a reference point, below I have set out the dimensions of the Flower Heel loafers from Salvatore Ferragamo and a pair of Chanel loafers, both in size 37.5:
Salvatore Ferragamo loafer:
Outer sole length: 26cm
Outer sole width: 8cm
Inner sole length: 25.5cm
Inner sole width: 7.7cm
Chanel loafer:
Outer sole length: 25.5cm
Outer sole width: 8cm
Inner sole length: 25cm
Inner sole width: circa 7.7cm
As is quite apparent from the side-by-side comparison and the shoe measurements shown above, there is no significant difference between Brixton Gucci loafers in size 37 and Chanel or Ferragamo loafers in size 37.5. Hence, if you usually wear 37.5 and your foot has a regular shape, there is a good chance that size 37 in this model may be the right fit for you.
I know all of this may sound like excessive information, but it took me forever trying to figure out which size to order and so I want to spare you going through the same motions! 😉 [Back to Menu]
Are Brixton Gucci loafers comfortable?
Brixton loafers are a proof that when it comes to footwear craftsmanship, Gucci are still on top of their game. The shoes are not only beautifully made, but also exceptionally comfortable. So if you are on a lookout for a pair of classic, no-fuss loafers which can be worn all day, they are certainly a good option to consider.
What makes Gucci Brixton loafers an undisputed star buy is, in my opinion, their finish. They are made of heavenly soft and luxurious leather. It is very supple, thin and malleable so there is hardly any friction or rubbing when it comes in contact with the skin. It sort of adjusts itself to, and works with, the shape of your foot, almost to the point when you forget it is there. It is really something special. This type of finish is ideal if you are planning to wear your Gucci loafers for extended periods of time, because the leather will comfortably accommodate the foot, even as it swells up throughout the day.
Another attribute which I also like is their weight. Gucci Brixton loafers are exceptionally light so they never weigh down your foot. In that respect, they remind of Romy pumps from Jimmy Choo (for review, click here), which have a similar weightless feel. It may just be an illusion, and I cannot verify it, but they feel like the lightest pair of loafers in my collection by far.
The fit has turned out to be a really nice surprise too. Before hitting the “buy” button, I found a handful of posts online from people who had their Brixton loafers professionally stretched (especially the toes) to make them more comfortable. As I opted for a smaller size, I assumed I would have to do the same. However, when the shoes arrived, the fit could not be more perfect.
Having said that, I can see why someone with a wider foot might consider relaxing them, because the uppers are a little snug when the loafers are new. Just to clarify, they are not too tight or constricting in any way. Here, I am talking about comfy-snug. Still, if they feel a bit close-fitting at first, it is worth bearing in mind that the incredibly soft leather should take no time to give, it is really that stretchy.
My first “test walk” in Gucci Brixton loafers was a reasonably long one and I deliberately chose a route with rough and uneven surface to see how the shoes would respond. While I was expecting them be a little stiff, I could barely feel them on my feet. They were just amazing! The only issue I experienced was some scratching caused by the stitching connecting the uppers with the sides, coming into contact with my skin. The photo, below, shows what I mean:
To be clear, it did not lead to much pain or ripping of my skin. It was just a little annoying. Afterwards, I started applying a non-rub stick in the place where I felt the friction, and the problem went away.
Overall, it is a minor issue. But I wanted to flag it up, as those who wear their loafers on bare foot, or with “invisible” socks, or even those with particularly sensitive skin, may want to protect themselves from some initial discomfort caused by the stiff stitching. [Back to Menu]
A couple of caveats…
While I cannot praise them enough for their comfort, there are a few things to bear in mind if you decide to invest in a pair of Gucci Brixton loafers.
The first one is the outer sole. The leather sole is incredibly smooth so when the shoes are brand new, they do not have much of a grip. The heel has a small, non-slip patch, but it is not particularly effective and so I would not advocate relying on it for safety. I nearly landed on my backside when I first tried on my Brixtons at home on a smooth carpet, so do take extra care.
Although I have never had problems with my Gucci loafers feeling slippery outdoors, the first time I wore them was in the countryside, in wet-ish and muddy conditions, so the soles became scuffed pretty quickly. I know that much has been said about the merits of having the loafers resoled to stop the slipping issue, but I am not planning to do that just yet. The natural scuffing has worked well for me so far. However, I would definitely consider it as an option in the future, especially when the fronts start showing the first signs of use.
The second red flag is the fact that the shoes are somewhat tricky to put on. While a pair of tights, or invisible nylon socks might help, even with those on I would not say that Brixtons “slip on” without any difficulty. In fact, getting into the loafers involves a lot of bending, stretching and pulling of the soft backs to push the foot in. This, somewhat undignifying, process would be much easier if the shoes had elasticated straps joining the side leather with the caps but, unfortunately, there are none.
To take the heat out of the situation, I would strongly advise buying a shoehorn, if you do not have one already. I always assumed (clearly erroneously!) that shoehorns were just for grannies and old-school gents, but in the case of Gucci Brixton loafers they are truly indispensable. I cannot express how much easier and quicker it is to put the shoes on when you are using one. So if you are planning to invest in a pair of Brixtons, try to pick up a shoehorn as soon as you can. Trust me, it will be a real time saver. [Back to Menu]
How durable are they?
One of my favourite things about Gucci Brixton loafers is how study and well-made they are. The supreme quality of craftsmanship and materials is something that all Gucci shoes have in common. From my experience with the brand, and especially its footwear, Gucci quality always translates into longevity, and so I was expecting nothing less from my pair of Brixtons.
The one aspect of the design, which did not disappoint and should significantly contribute to prolonging the lifespan of Gucci Brixton loafers, is the outer sole. The sole is made of a relatively thick and hard-wearing piece of leather, reinforced by two brass nails in the toe area, which protect the tips from scuffing. There are also some additional nails in the heel, although I am not sure what their function is meant to be.
The sole is not thick in the standard sense. But for luxe footwear, often characterised by fragile and slim soles, it is notably solid and sturdy. Its tough nature also means that it is less predisposed to thinning and disintegrating through use, unlike the soles of many luxury brands e.g. Valentino or Chanel, which often have to be reinforced (i.e. re-soled) soon after the purchase. Well, at least from my experience.
While the soles of Gucci loafers are definitely something to rave about, some parts of the Brixton are less resilient to wear and tear. The one part, most likely to show signs of deterioration, is the uppers. Although soft leathers are prone to developing marks and wrinkles to varying degrees, Brixton Gucci loafers happen to be made of the type of leather that is particularly susceptible to lines and creases. This is a bit of a shame but, on the flipside, the supple and buttery leather is the reason why the shoes are so fabulously comfortable, which makes up for something, I guess…
The below photos demonstrate the extent of the problem quite well. Here, you can see a brand new and unworn pair of Gucci Brixton loafers vis-a-vis the same loafers after just one wear:
As is clearly shown in the above pictures, the first lines start appearing very soon after the initial use. A similar thing happened to my Gucci Princetown mules, albeit not to the same extent, so I reckon the design itself, i.e. the high, loafer-style fronts, may also be a contributory factor. However, it is beyond doubt that the main culprit behind the wrinkling is the supremely soft leather.
So what can be done to delay the process? In a nutshell, a proper storage and upkeep of the shoes will be of vital importance. If are you are planning to invest in a pair of Gucci Brixton loafers, I would strongly recommend buying either cedar shoe trees or using paper or synthetic inserts to support the shoes’ structure. Understandably, the creases will not be eliminated in their entirety, but the inserts should be instrumental in preventing the uppers from collapsing upon themselves. To be the most effective, you will also need them pretty much from day one because the creases start forming very quickly, as demonstrated earlier.
Personally, I tend to alternate between the inserts and cedar shoe trees. Although, for convenience, I prefer the inserts, the cedar shoe trees are particularly useful because they prop up the loafers’ structure and absorb the moisture from the footwear, keeping the inner sole fresh. Whichever option you end up going for, I can assure you, it will make a big difference in the long run.
Another area to take special care of is the collapsible heel. As mentioned in the earlier section, Gucci Brixton loafers can be a little tricky to put on, and it is nigh impossible to inset the foot in without some serious pulling and twisting of the counters, i.e. backs of the shoes. By constantly fiddling with the counters, they are bound to become less firm and misshapen. They are already soft to begin with, to create the mule-effect. Any additional pressure will cause them to stretch out even further and result in the leather developing deep grooves.
In the case of my Brixtons, the first lines started appearing very soon after I got them. You can see what I mean by looking at the picture, below:
The best way to avoid the continuous stretching of the soft leather heels, is to invest in the earlier mentioned shoehorn. Again, like with the inserts, a shoehorn is not going to eliminate all the wrinkling. However, by taking the stretching and bending of leather out of the equation, it should help to preserve the original profile of the counters and contribute to their overall longevity. Without it, the only alternative is to force the foot into the shoe, which will lead to the backs collapsing, the creases becoming more prominent, and ultimately the shoes looking tatty and worn.
As an additional measure, a good shoe stretcher should also keep the counters in shape when the Brixtons are not in use. Here, I mean the two-part shoe stretcher which extends from the fronts and also covers the heels. They will be particularly valuable if you are planning to wear the loafers as mules as, over time, the foldable heel will become flattened and misshapen, and the counters will eventually need supporting. Admittedly, I have only recently started using them, but I can already see the difference in how they improve the shape of the counters. [Back to Menu]
Are Gucci Brixton loafers worth it?
Are Gucci Brixton loafers a good investment piece? Looking at the evidence, it is hard to disagree. Even though the style requires a lot of TLC, I have no regrets about adding them to my shoe collection.
Some may argue that the Brixton is not in the same category of “classic” footwear as, for instance, the Gucci Jordaan loafer. Still, it is not far off. Whether with a soft back or not, the simplicity and sophistication conveyed by the design are the reasons why Brixton Gucci loafers are unlikely to go out of fashion any time soon.
The relatively plain style, without any obvious and loud logos, will please those who like understated chic. The decorative horsebit element is sufficiently subtle to enhance the Gucci loafer without attracting too much attention. By virtue of being simple and tasteful, Gucci Brixtons are also exceptionally adaptable so they will match many different styles of clothing, whatever the occasion may be. Whether you wear them with skinny jeans or a smart suit, they will always look the part.
The practicality of Gucci Brixton loafers is another big pro, and a reason why they are worth splashing out on. The shoes are not only tremendously soft and comfortable, but also versatile so they can be worn two-ways. There are not many examples of luxury footwear, which can easily transform from an elegant slipper into an edgy mule, so in that respect these glorious Gucci loafers are also rather unique.
Like with all designer footwear, the one obvious downside of Brixton loafers is the fact they are markedly expensive. At the time of writing of this review, a pair of Brixtons cost £575 in the UK (that is, as of early 2021). One may argue that for a pair of shoes which are notably demure, low-key and unpretentious, and which can easily go unnoticed to those unfamiliar with the subtleties of Gucci trade marking, £575 may seem like lot of money. However, when compared to the cost of similar styles offered by other high-end brands, Gucci loafers seem affordable. My reference points are usually the fashion houses of Hermes and Chanel, which relentlessly push the boundaries when it comes to the extreme footwear pricing. So… £575 for Brixtons versus £830 for the Hermes Paris moccasin? I think you get the idea…
One of the points, which I always consider in my reviews is the potential for picking up the item at a discounted price. Unfortunately, as one of the most sought-after classic designs, Gucci Brixton loafers tend to be excluded from sales. At least, I have never come across a pair of black Brixtons, which would be marked down. This is, understandably, another downside of the shoes. Those who are after a bargain are more likely to find them on second-hand luxury websites like Vestiaire Collective. However, even there a pair of well-maintained, used Brixton Gucci loafers may not be that easy to find.
In terms of airport discounts, I do not recall seeing the black Gucci loafers at Heathrow where you can often pick up designer items duty-free, at 20% off. However, it does not necessarily mean they are not available there, I have just not seen them. If I do come across them in the future, though, I will update this post and let you know.
Overall, to those who value comfort, quality and classic designs, Gucci Brixton loafers should look like a solid, long-term investment. The minimalism of the style, combined with a modern twist of the foldable heels, will not disappoint those on a lookout for distinctive models capable of standing the test of time. If you do not mind the hassle of maintaining the somewhat delicate exteriors of Brixtons, you might have just found yourself the perfect pair of shoes! My verdict: An edgy classic with strings attached [Back to Menu]
Photos by Irene Pedrosa (https://asturgirl.wixsite.com/irenepedrosa) and Unwrapped.Fashion
© Copyright Unwrapped.Fashion (2021) All Rights Reserved
There Are 24 Comments
Omg. This is by far the best review I have seen, the writing is amazing. I would like to continue to see your posts. How do I do that.
Aww thank you so much for such a positive feedback! 🥰🥰 It’s nice to know that others find it helpful. If you are interested in new reviews, you can always subscribe to me blog. That way you should receive notifications whenever something new is published. Thank you again for visiting Unwrapped! ☺️💖😘 xx
Thank you for such a thorough and honest review of all the pros and cons. I’m Just purchasing my first pair on-line and this has definitely given me guidance especially in relation to sizing which I have been deliberating about.
Thank you again. J x
That’s so sweet of you, thank you so much for the lovely feedback ❤️❤️. And I’m really pleased I could be of some help ☺️. I hope you enjoy your Brixtons, they are one of my all time faves! xx
This is such a detailed and easy to read review of the shoes. I’ve been keeping an eye on the Jordaan loafers and have yet to come across a review like this, so it’s much appreciated!
Thank you so much for the kind words, it really means a lot!! xx
Wonderful review! Thank you. I hope you do more of these for other brands, like Christian Louboutin, Salvatore Ferragamo, Hermes and of course more Chanel 🙂
Thank you so much for visiting my blog and for the very kind words 🥰🙏💕. I’m definitely planning to post more reviews for those brands so watch this space!😁 xx
Hi, Impressive and helpful review. Do you have any experience with the Jordaans?
Hi Monica 🤗 Thank you so much for visiting my blog and for the lovely feedback. It means a lot! 💕💕Unfortunately, I don’t have any experience with the Jordaan flats (only the Jordaan ankle boots and I’ve already posted a review on them 😊). I may still get the Jordaans but, to be honest, I’ve been so happy with the Brixtons that I’m more likely to get them in another colour first before trying other styles ☺️ xx
Thank you
You as most welcome and thank you so much for visiting my blog 🙏😘🤗 xx
BEST review ever thanks!!!
Thank you so much, Lovely! ☺️🙏💕. It really means a lot xx
Thank you for writing such a detailed yet easy-to-understand review of these shoes. You cover everything like a handbook!
Aww… 🥰🥰 Thank you so much for such a lovely feedback and I’m really glad you enjoyed the review 😊😘🤗🌹
Thank you for this detailed and complete review, I have a quick question regarding water. Living in the UK are those shoes waterproof, can you wear them when is raining a little bit ?
Hi Founay, thank you for visiting my blog 😊. I wore these shoes on rainy days and they were absolutely fine. However, they are made of really soft and delicate leather (especially the part around the heel) so it’s best not to get them too wet as this may damage the structure of the loafer. Personally, on wet days, I tend to opt for Chanel quilted ballerinas because they are more sturdy and the leather is much thicker. But if it rains only a bit, Gucci Brixtons can definitely handle that ☺️. I hope this helps xx
Hi! This is by far the best review I have read on Gucci Brixton loafers. I live in the USA and purchased my first pair last year. I ended up returning them as the insole, which was just a half insole, started to tear away after one wear. I read several reviews complaining of the same issue. Gucci returned them without issue but I was so disappointed as, like you, I found them to be otherwise very on point. Did you have an problems with the insole at all? Will definitely be following your blog from now. Thank you!
Hi Chrissy! Thank you so much for the lovely comment and sorry to hear about the insoles. I’ve inspected mine very closely but, so far, they seem intact. One thing, I’ve always worn them with hidden socks on – perhaps that’s what made the difference. Not sure if I was just lucky with my pair or yours happened to have some kind of manufacturing flaw. Either way, I’m glad you were able to return them, but what a letdown indeed 😕. I’ve been buying Gucci shoes for years and never experienced any problems with their insoles, so hopefully it’s not an indication the quality is going down. Have a great day! 🤗😘🤗😘
Fabulous review!! So detailed much appreciate!
I’m planning to order my first pair of designer flats. I’m just worried about sizing. I’m a solid 36 in most shoes in my Tory Burch flats which I own a few of, I wear 36. I wonder if indeed I do size down .5 to 35.5?
Anyways thanks again! Much appreciated.
Thank you so much for the lovely feedback. Cindi 😘🙏. Brixtons will be a great choice for the first pair of designer loafers. They are super comfy and one of my favourite pairs of shoes 💖. Regarding sizing, as mentioned in my review, I found this particular style to run a little bit large. It’s mostly due to the design itself and the incredibly soft and stretchy leather, especially on the heel. So if your your standard size in most shoes is 36, it may be worth considering going down half a size. Unfortunately, I can’t really compare them to the sizing on TB flats because I don’t have any (I have TB espadrilles, wedges, boots – not the flats – all in size 7.5). Good luck with the Brixtons, I hope you find your perfect pair! 😊🤗.
Hi, do you resoled both the sole and the heels of your new Brixton or just the sole? I’m asking as my cobble advised to resole the sole only or the heels will be too high if I do both. Thank you
Hi Janette
Thanks for visiting my blog 😊.
I have not resoled my Brixtons yet, but I have resoled many other flats in my collection e.g. Chanel ballerinas, Valentino Rockstuds ankle-strap flats etc. The shoe restoration company I have been using has always advised me to resole both the sole and heel, as otherwise the shoes might not be in balance. Personally, I have never had a problem with the heel being too high as a result.
I hope this helps ☺️ xx