Santoni

Santoni was founded in 1975 by Andrea and Rosa Santoni in Corridonia, in Italy’s Marche region. From an artisan shoemaking workshop, the family business grew into an international luxury brand. Their son Giuseppe Santoni played an important role in its international development. Attention to leatherwork and hand-finishing has remained central, while the range has expanded from classic shoes to include trainers and women’s styles.

• For a suit or formal occasion — Choose a smooth-leather lace-up with a plain toe and slim sole. Black looks more formal; dark brown also works well with less business-like clothing.
• For an office without a strict dress code — A leather loafer works with tailored trousers, chinos or dark jeans. Pay particular attention to the fit around your heel and instep, as there are no laces to adjust it.
• For a relaxed summer outfit — Consider suede loafers with linen or lightweight cotton. Suede looks softer than polished leather, but needs extra care in wet weather.
• For everyday casual wear — A leather trainer looks polished without the formality of a lace-up shoe. Compare the weight, flexibility and toe room of each style.
• For a classic shoe with more character — Choose a double-monk style or one with a visible colour gradient. Keep the rest of your outfit simple if you want the leather finish to stand out.

The right Santoni size depends on the style, last and sizing system used. Do not automatically transfer your trainer size to a dress shoe, and check whether the retailer lists EU or Dutch sizes. Many people find loafers fit differently from lace-up shoes: with loafers, pay extra attention to heel slip and pressure on the instep. Try them on with the socks you intend to wear; leather may soften, but a shoe that is too short will not become longer.

For smooth leather, use a soft brush or cloth and a care product suitable for the particular finish. Be cautious with strongly coloured shoe cream on leather with a hand-applied patina, as it may alter the colour gradient. Brush suede with a suitable suede brush and follow the care instructions for the style. Let wet shoes dry at room temperature, away from a heat source, and use correctly sized shoe trees to help maintain their shape.

In the UK, you can look for Santoni through the official online shop and specialist shoe shops or luxury multi-brand retailers. When ordering online, check the sizing system, material description, sole construction and returns policy. For pre-owned shoes, clear photographs of the uppers, lining, heel and outsole help you assess wear. A box or logo alone does not prove authenticity: ask for purchase information and, if in doubt, choose a seller offering buyer protection. Brands.nl is an independent brand guide and does not sell products.

• Floris van Bommel — Comparable for its range of smart leather shoes and casual styles, often with more noticeable details.
• Loro Piana — Loro Piana shares an understated luxury aesthetic and attention to materials, including refined loafers.
• Hogan — A relevant alternative if you are mainly interested in Italian luxury trainers and casual shoes.
• Mason Garments — Most comparable to Santoni’s trainer offering, with an emphasis on luxury casual styles.

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