Gucci ‘horsebit’ men’s loafers | STYLE ICONS

Biography:

They are the shoes which are instantly recognisably as ‘Italian’ the world over.
They are also the shoes which are instantly recognisable as ‘Gucci’: the classic men’s loafer shoe with the now iconic ‘bit’ metal piece, has become an integral part of any stylish man’s wardrobe, several decades after they were introduced by the Gucci family.

Known throughout the world for their impeccable Italian craftsmanship, this now global brand was established with humble roots in Florence in 1921, having been inspired by the grandeur of Britain’s Savoy Hotel. Wanting to introduce a similar experience of luxury goods to his home town, Guccio Gucci returned home to start the ‘Gucci’ label with his family, all dedicated to the ideals of Italian leatherwork and artisan-ship.

In the 1960s Gucci’s classic moccasin with the horse-bit hardware became part of the permanent collection at the Costume Institute, Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York, sealing its status as a true style icon.

The Gucci men’s loafer: Making of an icon.

Gucci produce different versions of their classic ‘bit’ men’s loafer each season, often drawing inspiration from their extensive design archives.

The metal Gucci Horse-bit

Where does the metal ‘horse-bit’ used on men’s Gucci shoes come from?

The Gucci house’s history is closely linked to the horse-riding and grooming traditions of ancient Tuscany. In the 1930s, many of Guccio Gucci’s clients were the region’s horse-riding aristocracy. From this noble pastime came the inspiration for the ‘Gucci bit’, also known as the ‘Gucci snaffle’, something which now acts almost as a company motif, and is closely linked with the brand’s men’s footwear.

The ‘Gucci bit’ of course reminds us of the bridle piece and bit piece that are used in equestrian sports.

The Gucci Web

What does the green and red ribbon used on the loafer’s bridge mean?

The Gucci classic green and red stripe (The Gucci Web) is a reminder of Gucci’s strong equestrian roots, taking its inspiration from the canvas girth strap used to hold saddles firmly in place on a horse’s back. From a local Tuscan tradition and now into the world of luxury, the Web’s distinctive stripe was first developed in the 50s, and instantly became one of the brand’s important signature motifs.

The green and red stripe often serves as a base upon which the horse bit is placed on a classic Gucci loafer.

The Gucci Bamboo

During the 1940s and faced with a shortage of supplies during the difficult years of Fascist dictatorship in Italy and the supplies required to produce luxury goods seemingly a thing of the past, Gucci’s artisans began experimenting with unusual, but very ordinary materials, including bamboo, to extraordinary effect.

The rest is history, with the ‘Burnished Bamboo’ now an important part of Gucci’s heritage, still in use today in the men’s footwear ranges.

Where are Gucci shoes made?

Now, just as in the past, Gucci’s identity remains tied to the ancient Italian region of Florence (Tuscany), exactly the same as it did almost 100 years ago when Guccio Gucci created his first leather goods.

Today, Gucci’s ‘Made In Italy’ ethos (this is more than just a marketing gimmick) means that all of its leather goods, shoes and ready to wear are still painstakingly handmade to exacting standards in their Florence workshops. This hand-crafted legacy passed down through generations of artisan families in the specialist leather-ware region of Italy is something which cheaper brands simply cannot emulate.

What’s the best way to wear a classic Gucci loafer?

Gucci moccasins and loafers are an unusual shoe in that they look equally at home worn with jeans, as they are worn in Italy, as they do with suits and smart evening wear, as they tend to be worn in Britain.

However you choose to wear them though – there is no right or wrong way with this shoe – do make sure you keep them in good condition and respect the workmanship that has been imparted to them by the dedicated craftsmen who made them. If you need to get them resoled, take them to a traditional cobblers (for example Timpsons or similar in the UK) and make sure you get a leather resole.

Shop Gucci men’s shoes
Shop all Gucci menswear, footwear and accessories

How does the sizing work on Gucci men’s shoes?

You may find sizes are in the European system. Here is our sizing guide to Italian shoes.