Bass Weejuns: A History

In 1936 George Henry Bass, a bootmaker from Wilton, Maine, began making a loafer modeled after the popular footwear of fishermen in Norway.  He called them "Weejuns" to acknowledge their Norwegian heritage.  Bass added a signature leather band with a diamond cutout across the front of the shoe.  During the 1940's and '50's people began putting dimes in the slit - the price of a pay phone call.  Later the penny was added for aesthetic purposes, giving birth to the penny loafer.


Penny loafers continued to grow in popularity as celebrities like James Dean, JFK, and Michael Jackson all sported Weejuns on a regular basis.  Due to their prevalence among prep school and Ivy League University students throughout the years, they have become a true symbol of classic, casual American style.  Worn by both men and women, with socks or without, Bass Weejuns are a timeless piece of Americana. 

My last pair of cordovan Weejuns lasted for years, but finally kicked the bucket a couple of months ago - I wore them so often they were literally falling apart.  So, I headed back to Bass to pick up a new pair.

The vintage inspired packaging is pretty rad and this chestnut color should be a nice addition to the wardrobe - a true essential.

"Weejuns - a way of life since 1936."