Hermes Royal Loafer Women Goatskin Sliver Buckle Naturel

Natural goatskin and fringe were made for each other. The pale grain gives the fringes a soft, almost fur-like cast in daylight, and the fringe in turn breaks up the surface so the leather can mark and tan without ever looking ruined.

The Royal is built for standing: a sole that mixes black leather with rubber, and a heel to match, a heel height of six-tenths of an inch front and back so the stance stays level, a gold permabrass buckle crossing the vamp, and black goatskin through the insole and lining for a firm hold.

I wear mine with stone chinos and linen in summer and with wool in the shoulder seasons; the flat rubber-backed sole takes wet pavements far better than the leather-soled loafers in my closet, which is why these are the ones I take travelling. It comes in sizes 36 to 41.

The honest part is maintenance of the fringe itself. It collects dust, and it will curl where it rubs against the other shoe when stored. Straighten it with damp fingers, store the pair heel to heel rather than toe to toe, and accept that a few curls are part of the look. The pale upper also stains where a leather sole would simply darken.

Two years on, the goatskin has turned the colour of a paper bag and the fringe hangs soft and even. Made in Italy. Best worn without a plan, which is how all the good shoes get broken in.