Loro Piana Summer Walk vs. Open Walk: Which one is better?

The Loro Piana Summer Walk is a quintessential low-profile loafer, while the Open Walk is its ankle boot counterpart, defined by a higher cut and a signature laceless design with internal elastic. Both icons from Italian luxury brand Loro Piana share the same premium suede and minimalist aesthetic, but their drastically different silhouettes make one a warm-weather specialist and the other a versatile year-round choice.

Here's everything you need to know to decide which iconic shoe is the right addition to your wardrobe.

Loro Piana Summer Walk Loafers

The Summer Walk is the definitive ultra-luxury loafer, famed for its unlined construction that makes it incredibly soft, lightweight, and packable. Its sleek, understated profile has made it a favorite for elegant warm-weather dressing, effortlessly pairing with everything from tailored shorts to linen trousers. Treated for water and stain resistance, it merges form and function for the ultimate refined casual shoe.

• What it is: A versatile, low-cut slip-on loafer crafted from supple, unlined suede for a sock-like feel.
• Key features: Water-repellent and stain-resistant suede, non-slip white latex sole with a classic kummel color edge, hand-stitching on the vamp, and a dedicated space on the heel for personalization.
• Price: Around $1,050
• Materials/Construction: Unlined premium calfskin suede with a patented, all-natural rubber sole designed for flexibility and grip.
• Sizing/Fit: Fits true to size for most, though some may size down a half-size for a snug fit. The soft suede will mold to your foot with wear. It's designed to be worn without socks or with no-show socks.
• Pros: Exceptionally comfortable and lightweight, breathable design is perfect for heat, timeless and versatile silhouette, easy to pack for travel.
• Cons: High price point for a seasonal loafer, the white rubber soles get dirty easily and require cleaning, less foot protection than a full shoe.

This is the ideal choice for those seeking a sophisticated, understated travel or yachting shoe, for smart casual events, work-from-home, or everyday use.

Shop this product: us.loropiana.com/products/mens-shoes-summer-walk

Loro Piana Open Walk Ankle Boots

The Open Walk revolutionized ankle boot design with its laceless form, featuring hidden elastic bands for a clean look and ease of use. This creates a modern version of a desert boot that feels less restrictive and more minimalist. It provides more styling potential as it is not strictly a summer shoe, offering more structure than the Summer Walk but maintaining a soft and comfortable fit. It's a versatile choice that works seamlessly with both casual and smart ensembles.

• What it is: A chic, laceless ankle bootie made from water-repellent suede that slips on easily.
• Key features: Patented laceless design with concealed elastic, water-repellent and stain-resistant suede, classic white latex sole, and light-colored saddle.
• Price: Around $1,050
• Materials/Construction: Premium suede upper with a calfskin lining and natural rubber sole identical to the Summer Walk.
• Sizing/Fit: Fits true to size with a secure yet flexible feel around the ankle. Sizing is consistent with other Loro Piana footwear styles.
• Pros: Unique and modern silhouette, versatile enough for multiple seasons, provides more support and foot coverage than a loafer, easy to slip on and off.
• Cons: Ankle-height cuff can be warmer in very hot climates, can look odd with shorts, premium price point matches its classic sibling.

The perfect pick for fans of minimalist luxury who prioritize versatility, the Open Walk bridges the gap between a casual sneaker and a formal boot.

Shop this product: us.loropiana.com/products/mens-shoes-open-walk

Loro Piana Summer Walk vs. Open Walk Comparison

Style & Silhouette

The most important difference is the cut. The Summer Walk offers a classic, low-profile loafer silhouette that is perfect for summer elegance. It’s designed to be worn without visible socks, pairing perfectly with shorts, chinos, and rolled-up trousers, embodying a relaxed, Riviera-inspired aesthetic.

In contrast, the Open Walk is an ankle-height boot, drawing inspiration from the desert boot, albeit featuring a much cleaner look, offering substantially more coverage. Its modern, clean-cut form factor is less seasonal and pairs well with denim, smart trousers, and chinos. It can feel a bit odd when worn with shorts because of its height and overall style. Ultimately, the Summer Walk skews very classic, while the Open Walk feels more clean-cut and modern.

Seasonality & Versatility

Versatility is this comparison's main theme. "Summer" in the loafer's name suggests a clear intended usage: warm weather, travel, and leisure. It truly shines in environments where its main comfort and breathability features stand out. It provides little to no protection against rain or colder weather conditions.

The Open Walk is a clear winner in cross-seasonal wear. Its ankle-covering design makes it suitable for spring, autumn, and even milder winter days in addition to summer. Since its design isn't tied explicitly to warm weather, it offers a more useful daily option for most climates, increasing the chances you'll wear them.

Fit & Comfort

Both models are world-renowned for their incredible comfort, a high priority in Loro Piana's quality standards. They both feature the same non-slip white latex sole made from natural rubber for grip, providing cushioned walking and using the same water-repellent, butter-soft suede material.

The Summer Walk feels almost slipper-like, designed with no breaking-in period, extremely non-restricting and airy. Meanwhile, the Open Walk provides a better feeling of substance and increased support, offering more ankle protection thanks to its higher silhouette. It's ideal for use during colder times, bad weather, or at night.

Price & Value

The Summer Walk and Open Walk are generally priced identically, at around $1,050, reflecting the fine craftsmanship involved in their production. The perceived value depends entirely on the buyer, their style preferences, and lifestyle requirements.

If you live in a warmer climate or if your wardrobe leans more towards a classic style, then the Summer Walk may deliver better value with versatility as a secondary consideration. On the other hand, if you enjoy modern design, comfort, and wide wearability as primary factors, the Open Walk ankle boot should cover most of your shoe needs throughout the year.

Which One Should You Choose?

Both loafers provide outstanding value propositions, yet they cater to different lifestyle needs.

Choose the Summer Walk if:

• You're looking for a dedicated summer shoe that is the perfect mix of comfort, lightness, and exceptional design.
• You favor its classic silhouette over trendy fashion design changes.
• Your daily wardrobe includes wearing shorts, chinos, or linen trousers without the need for socks.
• You prefer a light and breathable feel on your skin.

Choose the Open Walk if:

• You appreciate unique, modern style and a shoe with wider, year-round usability.
• You prefer styles with a higher silhouette, offering better protection from weather and other external influences.
• Your favorite shoe pairing includes trousers, jeans, or chinos instead of shorts.
• You value greater ankle support that brings a better sense of protection and confidence.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the main difference between the Loro Piana Summer Walk and Open Walk?

The core difference is their silhouette. The Summer Walk is a low-cut loafer designed for supreme comfort in warm weather. The Open Walk is an ankle-covering boot that offers a well-designed alternative for ankle wear.

Are Loro Piana shoes true to size?

Both styles generally fit true to size, though some may opt for a half-size smaller due to potential wear expansion. If purchasing online without a fitting, order from retailers with relaxed return policies such as MyTheresa, Mr. Porter, or LuisaviaRoma.

Which is more comfortable, the Summer Walk or Open Walk?

Both shoes provide high levels of comfort, but the Open Walk offers a snug, secure feel thanks to its higher height and concealed elastic band. Both versions use the same skin-friendly suede material and feel comfortable without socks. The choice relies on personal preference for a lightweight shoe (Summer Walk) versus a more supportive shoe (Open Walk).

Do you wear socks with Loro Piana Summer Walks and Open Walks?

The Summer Walk is designed to be worn without socks or with no-show socks to maintain its intended silhouette. The Open Walk offers versatility, it can be worn with or without socks, adapting to different seasons and outfits.

Are Loro Piana shoes worth the money?

For those who value high-quality craftsmanship and understated luxurious design, Loro Piana shoes are worth the investment. The extraordinary level of material quality and attention to detail in their production justifies their price.

How can one keep suede shoes from Loro Piana clean and in mint condition for as long as possible?

Each pair of new Loro Piana shoes comes with a complimentary suede brush. Use this and occasionally apply special cleaning products to ensure a long-lasting pristine condition.

How do you clean the white rubber soles?

Magic erasers are effective tools for restoring the shine to rubber soles. Be cautious when using abrasive cleaning products as they can harm the suede material and affect the shoe's durability.

Which style feels more formal between the Summer Walk and Open Walk?

Neither style is strictly for formal occasions. However, the Summer Walk is more suited for casual elegant/business attire, while the Open Walk fits modern business and relaxed dressing better.