The Ultralight Loafer has been an idea knocking about for some time. We finally decided to move ahead with the project late last year, hoping for an April/May 2025 delivery so these can be enjoyed just in time for Summer.
In true Archibald spirit, we directed you to a survey to ensure we were making something you wanted instead of something WE think you want. The final details have now been clarified.
This pair will be made using the same Buttery Soft Suede we use on the Arienzo and the UltraLIGHT-LV series in Buttery Soft Suede, and this, as it tends to be on most pairs we use it on, is the star of the show.
To get the best out of using such a luxurious suede, it will be partially-lined (as little as possible, just enough to provide structure) so it keeps with the spirit of ultimate comfort that all the ULTRALights provide and will have the French Lactae Hevea soles. Finally, the pair will be made with the same strobel construction and coconut fibre in-soles that we use across the entire ULTRALight family.
Other design choices chosen made by the community:
- Puller - There will be no puller, but we will look to deliver the shoe with a mini shoe-horn to help slip it on and off. This is largely because even the most secure puller will at some point come off or catch on something, and it seems a bit unnecessary.
- Design on the tongue - referencing the feedback we received the community decided to go plain. Why feint the formal look when these are just much more fun! It also opens up the opportunity to look into a different style more akin to a classic Penny.
If you are ever curious about the questions on [**the survey**](https://74je2r0u40i.typeform.com/to/lKbmJeHJ) you can find it here.
**Note images shown are renders for the time being.
##Handcrafted in Italy
Located in Corridonia, Italy is a small family owned and operated atelier that has been making exceptional footwear with a focus on quality and construction since 1905. Excellence in shoemaking has been an obsession and never-ending quest that has spanned three generations of this family. As skills are passed from generation to generation there is an insistence to remain in-touch with developments in technology to ensure that both worlds, old and new are always respected in order to achieve the highest quality, most comfortable and longest lasting purpose built shoes. Currently led by the granddaughter of the founder, it was clear from our first interaction that this team of masters fully understood our raison d'etre at Archibald and relished an opportunity to work with us and allow more people to experience the difference their expertise and craft can make in terms of end-product.
##A luxuriously supple Italian-tanned unlined French suede calfskin is used to form the wonderfully unstructured upper, which is then stitched to a Lactae Hevea sole.
We spent many months seeking out this special skin originally for our Arienzo loafers. It was only fitting that we picked this for the ULTRALight experience in suede, and it really is difficult to describe - a unique blend of comfort, protection, and longevity from the moment you wear them. The softer suede acclimates to your foot almost immediately and provides an unparalleled level of comfort. The French-made Lactae Hevea soles are outstandingly comfortable thanks to the microstructure of tiny air bubbles that form as the sole is made from the virgin hevea milk - subtle alchemy of tradition and modernity. Finally, to top it all off, we have selected a unique and comfortable removable leather-lined insole made of coconut fibers.
##Located in Corridonia, Montegranaro, Italy is a small family owned and operated atelier that has been making exceptional footwear with a focus on quality and construction since 1905.
Excellence in shoemaking has been an obsession and never-ending quest that has spanned three generations. As skills are passed from generation to generation there is an insistence to remain in-touch with developments in technology to ensure that both worlds, old and new, are always respected in order to achieve the highest quality, most comfortable and longest lasting purpose built shoes. There is a beauty in the balance between passion and practicality.
• Handmade in Corridonia, Italy
• Upper: Hand-cut, specially selected, buttery soft unlined Italian Suede
• Construction: Strobel
• Unisex
• High-grade Lactae Hevea soles, Made in France
• Coconut fibre in-soles
• Use a horsehair brush to remove any dust
