Justin Jeffers is a self-proclaimed men’s style nerd and loafer guru. You may have seen his videos on his YouTube page The Fine Young Gentleman and you may follow him on Instagram at @fygblog.
Justin grew up in the preppy Philadelphia suburb of Bryn Mawr. He attended The Shipley School and Villanova University before moving to the San Francisco area where he earned an MBA from the Haas School at UC Berkeley.
Justin understands ivy style better than anyone. In 2011, he started The Fine Young Gentleman as a blog focused on finding quality menswear on a budget. Three years later he founded Jay Butler.
Justin set out to buy the perfect pair of loafers—one that was well made, well styled, and well priced. When he couldn’t find one, he decided to make them himself.
Now in its 10th year, the company’s mission remains the same: the perfect loafer at the perfect price. With the Black Friday Sale at Jay Butler you simply can’t get better shoes at a better price.
The Labor Day Sale at Jay Butler runs through Tuesday, December 3rd and is 20% off sitewide.
I’ve also searched high and low for the best value in loafers, trying all the usual suspects and then some, and I’ve found Jay Butler to be the best option for the money by far. After years of wear, my Jay Butlers only look better and feel more comfortable.
I have a hunch that sizing up, 9E = 9 1/2D for loafers is a good rule of thumb for most brands. In the case of my AE Kenwood pair, the in-store salesman put me in 9 1/2 E with a tongue pad. He did a good job. For my 80s vintage J&M Ski-Moc Tassel Loafers, I bought my Brannock size. I got lucky. I wear department-store, over-the-calf, nylon dress socks, which helps.
The same trick going backwards doesn’t work for narrow feet. Well, at least not mine. My heels are extremely narrow and the rest of my feet are wider and flat. And don’t get me started about my long toes. My feet are ridiculous.
The soggy winters here in the PNW would quickly wreck the remarkably thin — and remarkably comfortable — leather soles of my Jay Butler loafers. So winters here are for Weejuns: I get the soles reinforced for tread and water resistance at my favorite cobbler here in Portland.
Summers here are for Jay Butlers: They may look softer and more delicate than my Weejuns, but they’re damn tough shoes. They’re are also easily the most comfortable loafers I’ve ever worn, and both pairs are going strong after a couple of years. I’m sure they’ll last at least another few years before needing a trip to my favorite cobbler.
They’re a steal on sale, so take advantage!
His reasonably priced loafers (including a pair in alligator) got my sons through school and college.
I’ve also searched high and low for the best value in loafers, trying all the usual suspects and then some, and I’ve found Jay Butler to be the best option for the money by far. After years of wear, my Jay Butlers only look better and feel more comfortable.
I’m glad to see he’s taking care of the guys with big, wide feet. Now, how about us weirdos who wear 14B? Please.
I have a hunch that sizing up, 9E = 9 1/2D for loafers is a good rule of thumb for most brands. In the case of my AE Kenwood pair, the in-store salesman put me in 9 1/2 E with a tongue pad. He did a good job. For my 80s vintage J&M Ski-Moc Tassel Loafers, I bought my Brannock size. I got lucky. I wear department-store, over-the-calf, nylon dress socks, which helps.
The same trick going backwards doesn’t work for narrow feet. Well, at least not mine. My heels are extremely narrow and the rest of my feet are wider and flat. And don’t get me started about my long toes. My feet are ridiculous.
The soggy winters here in the PNW would quickly wreck the remarkably thin — and remarkably comfortable — leather soles of my Jay Butler loafers. So winters here are for Weejuns: I get the soles reinforced for tread and water resistance at my favorite cobbler here in Portland.
Summers here are for Jay Butlers: They may look softer and more delicate than my Weejuns, but they’re damn tough shoes. They’re are also easily the most comfortable loafers I’ve ever worn, and both pairs are going strong after a couple of years. I’m sure they’ll last at least another few years before needing a trip to my favorite cobbler.
They’re a steal on sale, so take advantage!