M.Gemi Felize Driving Loafers Review: Comfortable, Durable Suede

If you know about M.Gemi, then you’re just as likely to know why this brand bears the tagline, “Made in Italy the old way and sold the new way.”

Founder Maria Gangemi grew up along the olive tree-lined streets of Sicily. She would go on to mount a career in merchandising and creative direction for footwear and accessories brands, always reserving a special appreciation for the artistry bestowed upon shoes made in the mom-and-pop operations. Three things ruled these hot, intimate shops clustered in town: quality, attention, and pride in one’s work.

This is led Gangemi to create M.Gemi, a startup that connects anyone with internet access to shoes done “the old way.” For reference, M.Gemi’s fine leather goods are of the same material quality as luxury brands like Prada (and are sometimes even better), but cost way less.

If you’re going to try anything from M.Gemi, the Felize driving loafers are the perfect showcase as to what the brand does best. They’re the top M.Gemi style to bring in second-time customers, and in the past have accumulated a waitlist of over 36,000 people.

The Felize Suede Driving Loafer

The Felize is the classic driver that moonlights as the perfect travel shoe. It’s been produced in nearly 200 unique color and material combinations since its debut. Currently, you can pick up The Felize in suede ($228) and shearling ($278).

I have The Felize Suede driving loafers in emerald green (a colorway that’s now retired), and I’m happy to report that they’re relatively true to size and required zero break-in time. My only fit tip is that they begin snug and grow looser and more custom-fit over time, meaning you should size a half size up for a looser fit immediately. For what it’s worth, my regular size allowed for socks.

It slips off easily for airport security lines, combines an effortlessly timeless style with extremely sensible comfort, and is made from a nice leather (or suede) and leather lining that gets better with time — molding to cup your foot like a custom-fit glove. It’s the deceptively chic sub-in for sneakers on grocery trips, weekend mornings, or travel days.

The Felize Shearling Driving Loafer

“I’ve written at length about the most comfortable loafers for women, but this is my favorite moccasin style for winter. I wear them at home as slippers because the cozy shearling lining is incredibly soft on the inside, even if they present like typical driving loafers on the outside. I also like that the “gommini” soles (Italian for “rubber padded”) provide excellent traction, so I’m not sliding on suede when I step.

I wear a US 8, so I chose a size 38.5. They took a couple days to form to my foot because the fuzzy shearling is piled high, but they eventually fit me true to size. Now, they slip on and stay on with ease.” — Gabrielle Chase, associate style editor, Insider Reviews

How the Felize loafer is made

Part of the company’s small-scale — and decidedly human, handmade process — means limited batches. And that can mean frequent sellouts, so not all colors and sizes are regularly available. However, the dexterity of a lean family-owned factory means that, overall, you’ve still got plenty of options (M.Gemi’s also known for dropping styles on a regular basis, so there’s always something new). 

Each pair is handmade in Tuscany in a tiny workshop that’s been running for over 30 years. M.Gemi’s partner artisan, Norina, oversees every detail — “including a tiny flame [taken] to the edges to singe away any loose threads.”

The bottom line

My Felize loafers have stayed in good shape. They’ve worn into a customized mold over time, but haven’t lost their form. The color is still a vibrant green, and they show no real visible wear despite my frequent treks across the city. And I’d gladly buy a new pair if these ones vanished in the night. 

If you’re looking for a chic driving loafer that can go anywhere, The Felize ($228) is my go-to recommendation for anyone that deems the price reasonable. Quality, style, fit, and comfort will deliver — so it really does come down to budget. If you’re willing to spend a little bit more upfront to replace them less often, either because the fit isn’t great, you’re less ecstatic about the style or wear breaks down your cheaper pair, these are worth the splurge in my opinion. And, like other shoppers, you may find yourself returning to grab another pair of handmade Italian shoes from the startup before the year is up.