Between 2024 and 2025, Yearn Shoemaker created four Made to Order collections as ‘seasonal drops’ for their shoe range. As Yearn basically makes most of its shoes as one-off MTO pieces, its seasonal drops are not as traditional as a stock RTW brand would be. One of the more intriguing collections was Yearn Shoemaker’s Lazyman series. I failed to touch on this collection last year, but as they say, better late than never!
What Is a Lazyman Shoe?
The Lazyman Oxford was a shoe created for Winston Churchill, who wanted the elegance of an Oxford with the ease of a slip-on loafer. The shoemaker added side gussets (like on a chelsea boot) to a full brogue that were hidden by leather panels. This allowed the facing to push forward so that the foot could enter without having to lace the shoes. It was a ‘best of both worlds’ concoction. The funny thing is that the shoe only recently gained immense popularity despite its creation way back when.
Yearn Shoemaker’s Take on the Lazyman
What I love about the Yearn Shoemaker Lazyman collection is how they have extended their offering to incorporate far more than your traditional lazyman, not only in style, but in color. Historically speaking, the Lazyman model was a full brogue. Most shoemakers might offer one in that style. Yearn took it to the next level by adding the Lazyman idea to several other designs, such as a derby brogue, a plain-toe balmoral style, an austerity brogue, a semi brogue, and a short boot.
It is the most extensive collection of Lazyman’s that I have seen.
Why Lazyman Shoes Deserve More Attention
What I like about the shoe, despite not actually owning any, is the fact that it can satisfy two needs at one time. On top of that, it can hopefully help to correct some of the laziness that society has succumbed to. A lot of people don’t want to wear oxfords these days simply because they don’t want to lace their shoes. But that doesn’t always lead to them purchasing an elegant loafer instead.
The Lazyman can help to keep society elegant by offering a dress shoe that still maintains a professional look, while giving the client/wearer comfort and ease. I do feel that half the battle for most people is the fact that they feel that ‘dressing nice’ takes effort. The Lazyman helps to remove some of that effort.
The irony is that it allows lazy people to remain lazy, but I prefer that to the alternative of Lulu Lemon gear on top of On shoes, which is sadly way too prevalent in the US.
Dress Shoe Ease Without Losing Elegance
Expanding on the above, the beauty is that for those who maybe do keep a smart appearance and want slip-on ease and comfort without having to resort to loafers, the Lazyman offers the perfect solution. Believe it or not, there are still some gents so classic in their style that they refuse to wear anything but oxfords. This model, at least, allows them to add some dynamics to their wardrobe.
Final Thoughts on Yearn’s Lazyman Collection
I think that this is a great collection for anyone who enjoys dressing smart and wants to add something different to their wardrobe. I know that the Lazyman has not caught on here in the US the same way it has in the UK and Asia, but I do think that Americans would love it. I cannot tell which one is my favorite, but I really enjoy the color of the semi-brogue in that olive-brown coloring. That is a real beauty!
Learn more here: https://www.yearnshoemaker.com/
—Justin FitzPatrick, The Shoe Snob
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***Yearn is a supporter of The Shoe Snob Blog, and you can consider this a sponsored post***
