Do these loafers fit true to size, or should I size up/down? I've seen mixed feedback on penny loafers.

Fit varies based on reviews. Some customers find them true to size, while others report they run small—so we recommend checking the customer reviews for your size and considering sizing up if you're between sizes.

Simons

Lug-Sole Platform Penny Loafers Made In Portugal Women

3.5/5 (9)

CA$99.95CA$159.00-37%

In Stock

These women's lug-sole platform penny loafers are a Simons exclusive, designed in Canada and crafted in Portugal. They feature a genuine leather upper, leather lining, padded footbed, and a notched rubber lug sole with a 1.25-inch platform. The classic penny strap and moc toe styling make them suitable for everyday wear; customer reviews note that sizing can vary.

Color

BlackBrown

Size

363738394041

View on merchant site JSON

Specifications

Material: Leather, Rubber
Gender: female
Age Group: adult
Condition: new

Product Insights

These Simons loafers offer a super-chunky 1.25-inch platform and 0.75-inch heel incline in genuine leather, engineered in Portugal for all-day comfort and sockless wear, delivering the look of designer styles like the Gucci Harald at a fraction of the cost (C$159, often on sale for C$99.95). The tradeoff is mixed sizing—some buyers size up for comfort—but the padded footbed and durable materials support versatile styling for office, Y2K, preppy, and wide-leg looks.

Verified claims

Outfit ideas: The loafer is recommended for office, Y2K, preppy, and wide-leg looks.
All-day comfort: Platform and leather lining enable all-day comfort and sockless wear.
Trend platform: The 1.25-inch platform is taller than many sub-$150 alternatives and on-trend.
Sizing: Buyers report mixed sizing; some size up for comfort.
Comfort features: Padded footbed and 0.75-inch net heel incline enhance all-day comfort.
Craftsmanship heritage: Made in Portugal, where footwear exports average €28/pair and premium brands source.
Comfort engineering: Comfort is built into the shoe’s design from last to sole via Portuguese integrated construction.
Platform height: 1.25-inch platform is 0.25 inches taller than the Quince lug loafer, matching Gucci Harald's chunky profile.
Styling: Wear with wide-leg trousers or black tights for a balanced, leg-lengthening silhouette.
Value: At C$159 (or C$99.95 on sale), these loafers offer the super-chunky look of the Gucci Harald without the luxury price.
Leather care: Use cedar shoe trees, condition every 2–3 months, and waterproof before wet wear to preserve the leather.
Price and origin: Portuguese-made genuine leather loafer with 1.25 platform, at C$99.95 sale (37% off), replicating a designer look.
Material quality: Genuine leather upper and rubber sole with full leather lining and padded footbed; with care, lasts for years.
Comfort and versatility: 0.75-inch heel drop for all-day comfort; chunky design works for office and weekend, replacing two shoe purchases.

Product record

Title: Lug-Sole Platform Penny Loafers Made In Portugal Women
Brand: Simons
Price: 159 CAD
Availability: In stock
Rating: 3.5 stars, 11 reviews, scale 5

Deep Research

How to style chunky platform penny loafers

This chunky loafer is cited as the ultimate hybrid, bridging the gap between comfort sneakers and formal dress shoes, so it can serve as the one shoe that takes you from a blazer-and-trouser office uniform to a relaxed denim-and-tee weekend look without changing footwear.
The elevated sole of a chunky loafer is specifically called out as the most fashion-forward and Y2K-adjacent variation of the silhouette, and it is most widely styled with mini skirts and feminine-coded tops — making this shoe a direct entry point into early-aughts-inspired looks without feeling costumey.
Balancing a chunky lug sole with wide-leg or flowy trousers creates a proportion-perfect silhouette that flatters all body types — this pairing deliberately uses volume on the bottom to harmonize with the shoe’s substantial platform, resulting in a look that reads as intentional and designer-informed.
Wearing the black loafer with black tights or socks extends the leg line seamlessly because the continuous dark block creates a sleek column — an editor-touted cheat code for making a simple dress or skirt-and-top combination look significantly more considered.
Pairing the penny loafer with a structured mini skirt and white crew socks scrunched at the ankle delivers the modern preppy aesthetic that editors describe as polished yet playful — a look that translates effortlessly from campus to weekend brunch.
Swapping traditional heels for a platform penny loafer alongside neutral tailored trousers, a button-down, and a structured blazer injects personality and height into a business-casual wardrobe — the combination is presented as a direct way to modernize a classic office uniform.

How the lug sole and padded footbed affect comfort

The full leather lining and sock — not textile or synthetic — naturally wick moisture and gradually mold to the foot’s contours, while the padded underlayer prevents the thin, hard feel that unlined dress shoes deliver, so the interior becomes customized without an extended break-in penalty.
With a 2-inch heel offset by a 1.25-inch platform, the foot sits at only a 0.75-inch rise — about the same drop as many athletic shoes — which keeps the ankle relaxed and the metatarsal pressure low, so the loafer can handle a full workday without the forefoot burn that a true 2-inch heel would cause.

How it stacks up against other lug-sole loafers

At 1.25 inches (3cm), the Simons platform is a full half-inch taller than the 1-inch sole on Quince's Italian leather loafer, pushing the silhouette from modest lift to the bold, super-chunky profile that made the Gucci Harald Horsebit a cult favorite among fashion editors. For buyers chasing the chunky-shoe trend, this extra height makes the Simons a more on-trend pick than most sub-$150 alternatives.

What Made in Portugal means for quality

Portugal’s footwear cluster exports at an average of €28 per pair—a value-added price point reflecting a leather-focused production model, not volume output—which means this C$100 loafer inherits the same quality-conscious infrastructure that high-end brands like Loewe, Birkenstock, and Cos trust for their own Made-in-Portugal lines, lifting the genuine leather upper above typical fast-fashion alternatives.
Leather footwear accounts for 71% of Portugal’s shoe exports, and the material is prized for its mechanical, hygroscopic, and thermodynamic properties that yield comfortable, long-lasting shoes—so the genuine leather upper on this loafer is drawn from a supply chain where leather handling is a multi-generational core competency, not a commodity input.
Portuguese manufacturing philosophy embeds comfort into the shoe’s development—last shape, sole flexibility, upper suppleness, and internal finish—rather than adding it as an afterthought, so the padded footbed on this loafer reinforces an all-day comfort structure that starts at the design stage, not just a quick insole fix.

What to expect from genuine leather and how to care for it

Storing these loafers with cedar shoe trees between wears absorbs moisture and minimizes toe-box creasing, preserving the structured silhouette of the penny loafer and helping the leather upper maintain its shape over years of use.
The term 'genuine leather' on these loafers simply confirms a real animal hide upper, not synthetic—contrary to industry myths, it is not a quality grade but rather a material class that, like wood in furniture, spans a range; in a Portuguese-made loafer at this price, it represents a solid, real-leather construction that responds to care.
Applying a leather conditioner every 2-3 months replenishes the natural oils in the genuine leather upper, preventing the dryness and cracking that can shorten a loafer’s life—especially important for a style often worn without socks.
A high-quality waterproofing spray designed for smooth leather forms an invisible barrier against water and stains, safeguarding the upper during unpredictable weather without altering its appearance—reapply every few months during wet seasons for continuous protection.
The genuine leather upper on these loafers is real animal hide that combines durability and suppleness with the ability to develop a rich patina over time—unlike synthetic alternatives, it rewards regular conditioning with a deeper, more personal finish.

Image Analysis

5 images

01: Product
Side-profile of a single black penny loafer with a thick lug platform sole, shown on its outer lateral side.
Overall shapeOuter lateral side view of a low-cut loafer with a rounded moc toe and a raised platform lug sole creating a visible undercut at the midfoot.
1 region
x 0.03 · y 0.35 · w 0.94 · h 0.50 (high)
Upper material and finishSmooth matte black leather upper with subtle sheen and stitched seam details along the topline and heel counter.
1 region
x 0.10 · y 0.38 · w 0.78 · h 0.35 (high)
Penny strapClassic penny strap across the vamp with a horizontal slit detail and visible stitching at each end.
1 region
x 0.46 · y 0.42 · w 0.28 · h 0.18 (high)
Toe constructionRaised apron-style moc toe seam that follows the rounded front profile.
1 region
x 0.64 · y 0.42 · w 0.28 · h 0.17 (high)
Heel and counterLow stacked heel area integrated into the thick sole with a smooth heel counter and a vertical stitch at the rear.
1 region
x 0.03 · y 0.48 · w 0.18 · h 0.26 (high)
Lug sole detailThick black rubber platform sole with deep rectangular lug tread blocks and a cutout under the arch creating a visible gap between heel and forefoot.
1 region
x 0.03 · y 0.66 · w 0.94 · h 0.19 (high)
Stitching at weltVisible welt stitching line where upper meets sole running along the perimeter above the platform.
1 region
x 0.08 · y 0.58 · w 0.84 · h 0.10 (high)
Other
Product shot centered on a plain light gray background with even studio lighting and a soft shadow beneath the shoe.
Background and stagingEven, neutral light gray seamless background filling the frame with the shoe centered horizontally and placed near the lower third of the image.
Shadow and lightingSoft diffuse shadow directly under and slightly to the right of the sole indicating top-front lighting; highlights on the leather are subtle and evenly distributed.
1 region
x 0.20 · y 0.76 · w 0.60 · h 0.10 (medium)
Shot compositionCrisp studio product photograph with full shoe visible and no props or human models.
Colors
matte black· upper#13120Ddeep black· sole#0E0E0C
02: Product
Black penny loafer shown in right-side profile with a chunky lug platform sole, smooth upper with a penny strap and visible stitching around the apron toe.
Profile viewRight-side profile of a single loafer showing the outside lateral side of the shoe.
1 region
x 0.06 · y 0.43 · w 0.88 · h 0.34 (high)
Upper material and finishSmooth black leather or leather-like upper with a matte to low-sheen finish and minimal surface texture.
1 region
x 0.12 · y 0.47 · w 0.70 · h 0.20 (high)
Penny strapHorizontal penny strap across the vamp with a slit detail in the center, matching the upper in color and finish.
1 region
x 0.30 · y 0.49 · w 0.30 · h 0.09 (high)
Apron toe stitchingVisible narrow stitched apron running around the front of the toe box following a classic loafer moccasin line.
1 region
x 0.12 · y 0.50 · w 0.35 · h 0.12 (high)
Heel counter and quarter seamVertical seam at the heel counter and a defined topline at the shoe opening visible toward the rear.
1 region
x 0.06 · y 0.45 · w 0.16 · h 0.17 (high)
Platform lug soleThick black platform sole with deep rectangular lug tread cutouts and a recessed arch section between heel and forefoot.
1 region
x 0.06 · y 0.66 · w 0.88 · h 0.17 (high)
Sole-wall junctionSmooth vertical junction between upper and sole with a slight lip where the upper meets the platform sole.
1 region
x 0.12 · y 0.61 · w 0.70 · h 0.08 (high)
Other
Studio-style product shot on a light neutral background with even front lighting and a soft shadow beneath the shoe.
BackgroundUniform light gray background filling the frame with no visible props.
Lighting and shadowEven diffuse lighting from the front with a soft faint shadow visible beneath the sole on the supporting surface.
1 region
x 0.15 · y 0.76 · w 0.70 · h 0.12 (medium)
Shot compositionShoe centered horizontally with full right-side profile visible and slight negative space above and below.
Colors
black· upper#0E0E0Cblack· sole#0E0E0D
03: Product
Rear view of two black platform penny loafers showing smooth upper leather, stitched heel panels, pronounced lug platform sole, and contrasting brown inner lining visible at the collar.
Rear heel profilePair of loafers shown from the rear/three-quarter-rear angle; each shoe has a rounded heel counter with a horizontal seam where the upper meets the sole.
2 regions
x 0.05 · y 0.30 · w 0.45 · h 0.55 (medium); x 0.45 · y 0.30 · w 0.50 · h 0.55 (high)
Upper material and finishUpper appears smooth, low-sheen black leather or leather-like material with visible stitching lines forming a rear panel shape.
1 region
x 0.18 · y 0.22 · w 0.64 · h 0.36 (high)
Platform lug soleThick black platform sole with deep rectangular lug cutouts along the outer edge and a slightly raised block heel.
1 region
x 0.15 · y 0.60 · w 0.70 · h 0.33 (high)
Sole welt detailThin glossy welt or trim line where the upper joins the sole, visible as a narrow horizontal sheen above the platform.
1 region
x 0.20 · y 0.50 · w 0.60 · h 0.10 (medium)
Penny strap visiblePartial view of the penny strap across the vamp on the shoe at right, seen from the rear three-quarter angle.
1 region
x 0.55 · y 0.28 · w 0.18 · h 0.12 (medium)
Interior lining colorInterior collar and lining show a warm brown/tan material visible above the heel opening.
2 regions
x 0.48 · y 0.11 · w 0.20 · h 0.12 (high); x 0.18 · y 0.12 · w 0.14 · h 0.12 (medium)
Other
Studio product shot with neutral light gray background and soft diffuse lighting; slight shadow under shoes and tight crop focusing on rear and sole.
Background and stagingPlain light gray background filling the frame, providing even contrast with the black shoes.
Lighting and shadowSoft diffuse lighting from above produces mild shadows beneath the soles and subtle highlights on the leather upper.
Shot compositionTight crop showing the rear halves of both shoes with the right shoe positioned slightly forward of the left; no props or packaging visible.
Colors
black· upper#151513black· lug sole#0E0E0Etan brown· interior lining
04: Product
Pair of black penny-loafer style shoes shown from above with smooth glossy uppers, a stitched penny strap, and chunky lugged platform soles. Visible tan-brown insoles with a stamped word.
Overall viewTwo loafers shown from a top-down viewpoint, arranged side-by-side with toes toward the top of the image.
1 region
x 0.05 · y 0.03 · w 0.90 · h 0.94 (high)
Upper material and finishSmooth, slightly glossy black leather-like upper visible across vamp and toe, with a uniform finish and subtle reflections.
1 region
x 0.12 · y 0.06 · w 0.76 · h 0.55 (high)
Penny strapBlack penny strap across each vamp with a horizontal slit detail centered on the strap.
2 regions
x 0.25 · y 0.24 · w 0.22 · h 0.12 (high); x 0.53 · y 0.24 · w 0.22 · h 0.12 (high)
Toe shape and stitchingRounded toe with a raised apron stitch line around the front of each shoe creating a moc toe appearance.
2 regions
x 0.20 · y 0.06 · w 0.28 · h 0.18 (high); x 0.52 · y 0.06 · w 0.28 · h 0.18 (high)
Platform lug soleThick black platform sole with pronounced lug tread; sole has a layered profile rising from toe to heel and visible serrated tread on the outer edge.
1 region
x 0.06 · y 0.40 · w 0.88 · h 0.53 (high)
Insole color and materialVisible tan-brown insole with a smooth leather-like texture in each shoe interior.
2 regions
x 0.32 · y 0.54 · w 0.18 · h 0.34 (high); x 0.51 · y 0.54 · w 0.18 · h 0.34 (high)
Insole stamping“simons”
2 regions
x 0.50 · y 0.67 · w 0.17 · h 0.18 (medium); x 0.31 · y 0.67 · w 0.17 · h 0.18 (medium)
Other
Top-down studio shot on a neutral light gray background with even diffuse lighting and soft shadows below the shoes.
Background and lightingLight neutral gray seamless background with even diffuse lighting producing soft, minimal shadows beneath the shoes.
1 region
x 0.00 · y 0.00 · w 1.00 · h 1.00 (high)
CompositionShoes centered in frame, both fully visible, image cropped with modest margin around outer edges of soles.
Shadows and reflectionsSoft shadow visible under and slightly to the lower-right of the shoes; slight specular highlights on the upper from studio lights.
1 region
x 0.12 · y 0.44 · w 0.76 · h 0.40 (medium)
Colors
black· upper#0E0E0Cblack· sole#0E0E0Ctan brown· insole#737373
05: Product
Right-side profile of a single black penny loafer with a chunky lug platform sole; smooth upper with a penny strap and low-cut topline visible.
Profile viewRight-side profile of a single shoe shown on a neutral background, toe to the right and heel to the left.
1 region
x 0.06 · y 0.24 · w 0.88 · h 0.56 (high)
Upper material and finishSmooth, uniform black material on the upper with a low sheen consistent across vamp, quarter, and heel counter.
1 region
x 0.12 · y 0.28 · w 0.70 · h 0.25 (high)
Penny strapHorizontal penny strap across the vamp with a rectangular cutout detail centered over the toe box area.
1 region
x 0.36 · y 0.34 · w 0.30 · h 0.12 (high)
Vamp stitchingVisible welt or topstitching line around the apron of the toe creating a moc-toe effect.
1 region
x 0.34 · y 0.36 · w 0.40 · h 0.10 (high)
Lug platform soleThick black lug sole with pronounced rectangular treads and a raised platform heel; sole has a visible cutout/arched space under the midfoot.
1 region
x 0.06 · y 0.53 · w 0.88 · h 0.28 (high)
Heel blockChunky squared heel section forming part of the lug sole, slightly higher than the forepart of the sole.
1 region
x 0.78 · y 0.50 · w 0.16 · h 0.24 (high)
Inner topline and collarLow-cut topline showing a slim collar with consistent black interior lining visible above the heel area.
1 region
x 0.10 · y 0.28 · w 0.25 · h 0.12 (medium)
Other
Studio product shot on an even light gray background with soft shadowing; shoe centered horizontally and fully in frame.
BackgroundUniform light gray background filling the frame with no visible props or packaging.
Lighting and shadowSoft, diffuse lighting from above producing gentle highlights on the upper and a faint shadow beneath the sole.
Image crop and compositionShoe shown completely within the image bounds with space around the toe and heel; centered horizontally and positioned slightly above vertical center.
Colors
matte black· upperblack rubber· sole#0E0E0C

Documents & Data

Customer Reviews

9 total

3.5

9 reviews · out of 5

High quality attractive shoe

★★★★★Barbara D.July 7, 2026

I love the look in the feel of this shoe; the leather is soft and the sole is comfortable. My only concern is that even though I am a perfect size 39 when I put my foot in the shoe my toe slide to the front. I am hoping to put in a non-slip insole to avoid this.

Trop grand

★★★★★Marie-Claude F.September 28, 2025

Trop grand

Love them

★★★★★Joanne M.October 18, 2025

Love them

Very nice, a little big,

★★★★★Patricia B.November 15, 2025

Very nice, a little big, have to put an insole in

Sole flaking off

★★★★★Mary H.October 3, 2025

These loafers are very cute and comfortable, but unfortunately after two days of wear the sole started flaking off. Simons customer service was super helpful and responsive and I’ll be getting a refund, but just wanted to leave a note for any future buyers.

Haven't received my order yet

★★★★★Hanna R.December 14, 2025

Haven't received yet.

Chaussure magnifique

★★★★★Marie R.October 12, 2025

Belle chaussure de couleur brun qui font très bien et semblent bien confortable. La pointure semble toutefois un peu longue pour un 8. À voir si je l’échange pour une taille plus petite

Belles chaussures en Suède brun

★★★★★Lise R.October 1, 2025

Ces chaussures me plaisent beaucoup mais malheureusement, les 9, ma pointure habituelle, était trop petits et les 10 vraiment grands.

Super confortable

★★★★★Melanie D.November 22, 2025

J’avais peur de la grandeur européenne, car souvent c’est trop petit ou grand, mais le 40 correspond bien à ma grandeur régulière soit un 9. Ils sont très confortable et léger.

Q&A

1 answered

Do these loafers fit true to size, or should I size up/down? I've seen mixed feedback on penny loafers.: Fit varies based on reviews. Some customers find them true to size, while others report they run small—so we recommend checking the customer reviews for your size and considering sizing up if you're between sizes.

Provenance

Merchant Link: https://www.simons.ca/en/women-footwear/loafers/lug-sole-platform-penny-loafers-made-in-portugal-women--19155-2511326?colourId=0
Updated: July 31, 2026