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- M.Gemi is a D2C footwear company known for quality, handmade Italian
shoes without the high markup. - In the past, we've recommended its Felize Drivers (from $145) and Corsa Boots (from $265) for their comfort,
style , and versatility. - We tested the company's newest loafer style, The Sacca Donna (from $225), which is available in 15 colors and three materials: suede, perforated suede, and snakeskin printed leather.
- If you can justify the cost of the loafers, we think they're worth it. We recommend you order your standard size or go a half-size up if you prefer a bit more breathing room.
Popular shoe startup M.Gemi partners with small, old-school workshops across Italy to lower the costs associated with buying handmade Italian leather shoes. In turn, the brand is able to preserve Italian craftsmanship and support families with decades of experience in the trade.
M.Gemi's shoes are still a bit pricey — ranging from $198 for sandals to $348 for boots — but the craftsmanship really is exceptional. We consider the Felize moccasin that put the company on the map to be the best driver-style loafer that you can buy online and, after years of wearing them, senior editor Sally Kaplan recommends the M.Gemi Corsa boots to anyone who can justify the $348 cost.
Recently, the company sent the
According to M.Gemi, the Sacca Donnas are made in a Tuscan workshop owned by a master artisan and the son of the original owner, who opened the workshop in 1956. Their soft suede is sourced from a nearby tannery, and each part of the shoe is sewn, mounted, and finished by hand.
How the Sacca Donnas feel and what they're like to wear
Both senior editor Sally Kaplan and I tested the Sacca Donnas in printed snakeskin. Like all of the M.Gemi shoes we've reviewed, the craftsmanship is even more obvious up close. The leather is supple and thin but strong, and the color is rich and vibrant — true to the hue that's displayed online.
The Sacca Donnas are, first and foremost, a very comfortable iteration of the classic loafer. As Sally put it, "loafers are one of my favorite types of shoes (as evidenced by the 10 pairs currently in my closet), and the Sacca Donna from M.Gemi is probably the most comfortable pair I own."
Their leather footbed is cushiony, and the 0.4-inch stacked heel is low but dressy enough to transition an outfit from morning to night — though they're not more comfortable than our favorite pair of sneakers for days full of walking. Out of the box, the Sacca Donnas aren't as stiff and rough to wear as other loafers we've owned. "The inner texture is is soft and suede-like, and the thin nature of the material at the sides and back make the shoe flexible and unlikely to blister your feet," Sally says. "The back of the heel and the top of the shoe are reinforced with multiple layers of leather so the shoe still feels quite sturdy, but I really appreciate how nothing feels stiff or restrictive."
We also love the Sacca Donnas' shape, specifically the high vamp that creates a secure fit and a style that can transition from season to season. They're unlined and meant to be worn sockless, and the thin walls also ensure a relatively breathable experience.
Choosing the right size
In terms of sizing, we recommend ordering your typical size for a snug fit and going up a half-size if you'd like a bit more room. We both have relatively normal foot widths, but Sally ordered a half-size up, and I ordered my standard size. Both are comfortable without socks. Sally's half-size up has enough room to breathe but not so much that her heels slip out when walking. Mine were snug at first but loosened slightly into a glove-like fit with frequent wear. If you want a close fit or have particularly narrow feet, you may be happier going with your true size. If you want more room or plan to layer with thin socks on occasion, we'd recommend you size up.
The color, quality, fit, and comfort are all selling points, and we also happen to love the style of the Sacca Donna — laidback, refined, and versatile enough for multi-season and daytime or nighttime wear.
Cons to consider
The unlined interior means you can feel the texture of the printed snakeskin slightly when worn without socks, which isn't as soft as smooth, full-grain leather. It took some getting used to for me. If that sort of texture may bother you, we recommend sticking with the suede styles.
The Sacca Donna is not chump change at $225, but the quality is worth the cost. If the price doesn't work for your budget, we also recommend styles from Everlane, Rothy's, and more here.
The bottom line
Overall, the Sacca Donna is an excellent classic loafer if you're willing to spend more money in exchange for a superior pair of shoes. We've been impressed by the quality, fit, comfort, and versatility. We own and love other loafers, but M.Gemi tends to make the most luxurious versions at a cost that's still relatively reasonable. It's also nice that the company offers free shipping and returns, and that you can expect a pair of handmade Tuscan loafers at your door in as little as three days later.