Yes, they look great, but GH Bass Weejuns sizing isn’t always straightforward. Some folks say they run big, others say they’re snug at first but stretch.
So, what’s the deal?
If you’ve ever looked at the GH Bass Weejuns size chart, wondering, “Okay, but what does that mean for me?” “Do I size down?” “Do I need wide?” You’re not alone.
I’ve worn these loafers, talked to others who have, and gone down the sizing rabbit hole so you don’t have to, and trust me, getting the fit right can make or break your experience with these loafers.
In this guide, I’ll break down exactly what the size chart really tells you, how GH Bass Weejuns fit, and what to expect during break-in.
Let’s get into it.
Oh, and before we get too deep into Weejuns, you might want to check out this full guide on how loafers should fit. It’ll give you the big picture on things like toe room, heel slip, and how snug they should feel.
GH Bass Weejuns Sizing:
Do They Really Fit True to Size?
Key Takeaway:
Here’s something I always tell people: get your Weejuns as snug as you can comfortably tolerate. Seriously. They might feel a little stiff or tight at first, but don’t panic, that’s normal.
The break-in period isn’t brutal, but it’s real. Weejuns are made with structured leather, and the more you wear them, the leather softens up, stretches, molds, and loosens in just the right spots. So if they feel perfect on day one, chances are they’ll feel too loose a week later.
You want that glove-like fit, not painful, but definitely secure. If there’s a little pressure across the top of your foot or around the heel, that’s a good sign. That means the leather’s about to do its thing and shape to you.
Now, remember, nothing kills the vibe faster than loafers that slip off your heels or crush your toes.
Generally, most GH Bass Weejuns run about half a size larger. That goes for their classic penny loafers, lug soles, and even those chunky platform styles.
If you’ve got average or narrow feet, going true to size or going down half a size usually gets you a better, snugger fit, especially if you plan on wearing them sockless (which, let’s be honest, is how a lot of folks wear loafers).
Just make sure your heel isn’t popping out when you walk. That can ruin the feel, and honestly, you won’t wear them as much if they feel loose and sloppy.
Now, if your feet lean wide, things get a bit more personal. Sizing down might still work, but you’ll probably feel some pressure across the midfoot at first.
It’s not always painful, but it’s definitely noticeable. If that’s you, I’d say try both your regular size and the half-size down just to see which one locks in better without squeezing the life out of your foot.
But if you’ve got some really wide feet or fat toes, you might be better off looking at something like the Dr. Martens Adrian Tassel Loafers. They’re more forgiving in the toe box and overall shape.
One more thing, GH Bass sometimes lists their loafers in UK sizes, especially for the Layton styles. So if you’re in the U.S., double-check the conversion. A UK 10 usually equals a US 11, although their size chart says a US 10 is a UK 10E, which adds to the confusion.
So,
- Classic Weejuns: Go down half a size unless you’ve got wide feet.
- Lug Sole Loafers: Half size down for the best fit.
- Platform Weejuns: Also run large. Half size down usually works best.
@dulcetghost G.H.Bass Weejuns loafers – I got these in size 8.5, should I reorder side 8 or 7.5? #loafers #ghbass #ghbassweejuns #weejuns
Before we talk about the break-in period, these are the GH Bass Weejuns size charts…
Related:
Oh, and did you know there are loafers made entirely out of EVA foam? They’re called Floafers. We put together a full size chart and sizing guide for them.
GH Bass Weejun Size Chart
Men’s
Sizes can vary a bit, so use these measurements as a general guide.
| US Size | UK Size | EU | Inches | CM |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 5.5 E | 39 | 9.3" | 23.5 |
| 6.5 | 6 E | 39 | 9.6" | 24.1 |
| 7 | 6.5 E | 40 | 9.6" | 24.4 |
| 7.5 | 7 E | 40-41 | 9.8" | 24.8 |
| 8 | 7.5 E | 41 | 10" | 25.4 |
| 8.5 | 8 E | 41-42 | 10.1" | 25.7 |
| 9 | 8.5 E | 42 | 10.3" | 26 |
| 9.5 | 9 E | 42-43 | 10.4" | 26.7 |
| 10 | 9.5 E | 43 | 10.6" | 27 |
| 10.5 | 10 E | 43-44 | 10.8" | 27.3 |
| 11 | 10.5 E | 44 | 10.9" | 27.9 |
| 11.5 | 11 E | 44-45 | 11.1" | 28.3 |
| 12 | 11.5 E | 45 | 11.3" | 28.6 |
| 13 | 12.5 E | 46 | 11.6" | 29.4 |
| 14 | 13.5 E | 47 | 11.9" | 30.2 |
| 15 | 14.5 E | 48 | 12.3" | 31 |
| 16 | 15.5 E | 49 | 12.5" | 31.8 |
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Women’s
Sizes can vary a bit, so use these measurements as a general guide.
| US Size | UK Size | EU | Inches | CM |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 2.5 | 35 | 9" | 22.8 |
| 5.5 | 3 | 35.5 | 9.125" | 23.1 |
| 6 | 3.5 | 36 | 9.25" | 23.5 |
| 6.5 | 4 | 37 | 9.375" | 23.181 |
| 7 | 4.5 | 37.5 | 9.5" | 24.13 |
| 7.5 | 5 | 38 | 9.625" | 24.45 |
| 8 | 5.5 | 38.5 | 9.75" | 24.77 |
| 8.5 | 6 | 39 | 9.875" | 25.08 |
| 9 | 6.5 | 40 | 10" | 25.4 |
| 9.5 | 7 | 40.5 | 10.125" | 25.72 |
| 10 | 7.5 | 41 | 10.25" | 26.04 |
| 10.5 | 8 | 41 | 10.375" | 26.34 |
| 11 | 8.5 | 42 | 10.5" | 26.66 |
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Related: Hey Dude Shoe Size Chart
Kids
Sizes can vary a bit, so use these measurements as a general guide.
| US Size | UK Size | EU | Inches | MM |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 12 | 11 | 30 | 7 1/8" | 180.98 |
| 13 | 12 | 31 | 7 1/2" | 190.5 |
| 1 | 13 | 32 | 7 3/4" | 196.85 |
| 2 | 1 | 33 | 8 1/8" | 206.38 |
| 3 | 2 | 35 | 8 1/2" | 215.9 |
| 4 | 3 | 36 | 8 3/4" | 222.25 |
| 5 | 4 | 37 | 9 1.8" | 231.78 |
Breaking in GH Bass Loafers
Fresh out of the box, Weejuns aren’t bad at all. They’re actually comfier than some dressy loafers I’ve worn like Allen Edmonds, but don’t expect them to feel like sneakers.
GH Bass uses box leather, which is more structured and takes some time to soften. After a few wears, though, it starts molding to your foot, especially around the toe and heel.
Pro tip: Wear them with socks during the break-in phase. That little bit of extra pressure helps the leather stretch and shape faster. Once they start to form to your foot, you can ditch the socks for that classic, breezy loafer feel.
Here’s how different materials feel:
- Box leather: Holds its shape, takes longer to break in, but lasts longer.
- Suede: Softer, more forgiving, and breaks in faster.
- Tweed/fabric versions: Fit more true to size and don’t stretch much at all.
Now, here’s something I noticed when I compared them to a pair of Aldo Kiran loafers in the same size: the Weejuns felt sleeker and more snug, while the Aldos had a roomier, more relaxed fit.
If you like that close-to-foot feel, Weejuns will probably feel just right after a few wears.
And if you’re checking out the Weejun Heritage Layton II Moc Kiltie, heads up: they run a little roomier than other Weejun styles.
Not wildly so, but enough that if you’ve got narrow feet, you might want to go down half a size or throw in a thin insole. That extra padding can help reduce heel slip and make them feel way more secure.
By the way, Crockett & Jones also make a ton of loafers in different shapes and styles. Here’s how Crockett & Jones loafers fit if you’re curious how they compare.
How to Measure Your Feet for GH Bass Weejuns
Getting the right size in loafers is tricky, especially with something like GH Bass Weejuns that look simple but feel totally different once you slip them on.
And since they’re leather and meant to mold to your feet, you’ve got to get that first fit as close to perfect as possible.
Here’s how to measure your feet at home, properly, so you don’t end up with blisters, heel slip, or a shoe you’ll regret wearing.
Step 1: Gather What You Need
- A piece of paper (big enough for your whole foot)
- A pencil or pen
- A ruler (preferably in centimeters and inches)
- A hard floor (not carpet)
- A pair of socks (optional, depending on how you plan to wear your loafers)
Pro tip: If you plan on wearing Weejuns sockless, measure barefoot. If you’re adding insoles or wearing thin dress socks, wear those while measuring.
Step 2: Trace Your Feet (Yes, Both)
- Stand up straight with one foot on the paper. Make sure your weight is evenly distributed, not just hanging back on your heel.
Then:
- Trace around your foot as closely as you can.
- Keep the pencil straight up and down, not angled in.
- Repeat with the other foot.
Why both? Because most people have one foot that’s slightly bigger than the other. You always want to base your sizing off the larger foot.
Step 3: Measure Length and Width
Grab your ruler and measure:
- From the heel to the longest toe (this gives you your foot length).
- Across the widest part of your foot (this gives you your foot width).
- Write down both measurements for each foot.
Tip: Measure in the evening. Your feet swell throughout the day, and this gives you the most realistic sizing.
Step 4: Use the GH Bass Size Chart… Carefully
GH Bass uses US sizing, but some styles are listed in UK sizes. Double-check the product listing and compare your measurement against the official Bass size chart.
General size conversions:
- UK 10 = US 11
- UK 9 = US 10
…and so on.
And remember: Weejuns usually run about half a size big, so keep that in mind when comparing your foot measurement to the chart.
Step 5: Know Your Fit Preferences
Now that you’ve got your size, think about how you actually want the shoes to feel.
- If you like that glove-like feel, go for a snug fit. If your foot slides around or lifts at the heel, go down half a size.
- If you require some room for your insoles, stick closer to your true size.
- If you want to wear them sockless, definitely consider sizing down, especially if you have narrow or average-width feet.
Bonus: How to Check Fit Without Trying Them On
If you’re going to be ordering online, here are two tricks to predict the fit from home:
1. The Paper Test (After They Arrive)
- Slip on the loafers and stand on a flat surface.
- Can you wiggle your toes slightly? Good.
- Is there more than a thumb’s width of space at the front? Too big.
- Does your heel lift with every step? Too loose. Try an insole or go down half a size.
- Is the vamp (top part of the shoe) pressing into your foot? That might stretch out—but if it hurts, size up.
2. The Sock Roll Test (During Break-in)
Put on thicker socks and wear the loafers indoors for an hour. If they feel tight but not painful, you’re in the break-in sweet spot.
Key Reminders Before You Buy
- Measure in the evening, not first thing in the morning.
- Use your bigger foot to choose your size.
- Don’t size up “just in case.” That’s how you end up with sloppy heels.
- Weejuns stretch. Go snug, not roomy.
- If you’re in-between, try both sizes if possible. It’s worth the hassle to get the fit right.
A Quick Walk Through GH Bass Weejun History
So here’s a cool bit of trivia: GH Bass launched the very first American-made penny loafer back in 1936. That’s right. The Classic Weejun was born nearly a century ago, and it hasn’t really gone out of style since.
The name Weejun is actually short for Norwegian, since the design was inspired by slip-on shoes fishermen wore in Norway. GH Bass took that idea, polished it up, and turned it into something that worked just as well with a blazer as it did with jeans.
At first, these loafers were built for simplicity and elegance, nothing flashy, just clean lines and solid leather. But once Ivy League students in the 1950s started rocking them sockless, the Weejun became a symbol of that cool, preppy, “I’m not trying too hard” vibe.
Even Hollywood icons like James Dean and Grace Kelly helped push them into the spotlight. Kinda wild that something so polished started off with that rebellious twist.
And GH Bass didn’t just stop at tradition. Over the years, they’ve quietly added comfort upgrades, like dual-density foam insoles, without messing with the classic look. It’s still the same silhouette, just easier on your feet.
Then came the spin-offs:
Easy Weejuns. Same style, more comfort. Think flexible soles and easy-wear uppers. If you like the Weejun vibe but need something more forgiving, these are your move.
Lug Weejuns. Built for folks who want traction and support but still want to keep it classy. Perfect for city walks or slippery sidewalks.
Super Lug Weejuns. These go all in. Chunky rubber soles, shock-absorbing insoles, and serious grip. They look sharp, but they’re made to handle stuff.
From outdoor work boots in Maine to modern loafers with a cult following, GH Bass has been in the shoe game for over a hundred years.
And honestly, what’s kept the Weejun relevant isn’t just the history; it’s the way they’ve evolved. They still feel classic, but they don’t feel stuck in the past.
It’s that rare kind of shoe that fits in everywhere. On campus, in the office, out to dinner, or just kicking around town, Weejuns are one of those “always works” kind of shoes.
Final Thoughts
Weejuns aren’t just good-looking shoes. They’re a piece of American-style history. But that history doesn’t mean much if they don’t fit your feet the right way.
Go snug. Half a size down usually works. They’ll feel a little stiff at first, but that’s the deal with leather loafers. They stretch, they mold, and before you know it, they’ll feel like they were made just for you.
Measure your feet, trust the break-in, and don’t ignore how they feel around the heel and midfoot. If they’re too roomy from day one, you’ll be fighting heel slip forever. And if they’re a bit tight at first, that’s exactly where the magic happens.
Now that you’ve got the GH Bass Weejuns sizing, have you tried GH Bass Weejuns before? How did they fit you?
Drop a comment below. I’d love to hear if you sized down, added insoles, or had to break them in for weeks. Everyone’s feet are a little different, and your experience might help someone else get the perfect fit.