Hello everyone, and welcome to another of my reviews. In this article, I’ll review the Dream Buckle Loafer from the local shoe label Sunnystep.
For those unfamiliar with the brand, Sunnystep is a homegrown footwear label best known for its comfortable walking shoes. I’ve previously reviewed both the Sunnystep Elevate Walker and the Balance Oxford, though it’s been over two years since then. This time around, I’ll be taking a closer look at the brand’s more formal offering—the Dream Buckle Loafer—to see how it measures up.
Sunnystep Dream Buckle Loafer – Review
Sunnystep describes the Dream Buckle Loafer as “a modern twist on a timeless silhouette”.
Let’s address the elephant in the room first: the Dream Buckle Loafer is crafted from recycled PU leather rather than genuine leather. As a result, it won’t develop the rich patina that leather enthusiasts often appreciate over time. If that is a key consideration for you, brands such as Arden Teal and Rad Russel, which offer genuine leather footwear, may be more suitable alternatives.
That said, the loafer’s recycled PU leather construction does come with its own advantages. It is lightweight, easy to care for, and requires far less maintenance than genuine leather. There is no need to invest in leather care products or worry about occasional exposure to rain. For those who value convenience above all else, the Dream Buckle Loafer offers a fuss-free, grab-and-go option that is well suited to everyday wear.
Unlike traditional leather dress shoes, which often feature leather soles, the Dream Buckle Loafer is fitted with an EVA rubber outsole. This offers several practical advantages, including improved traction, better slip resistance, and greater underfoot cushioning compared to conventional leather soles. The result is a more comfortable and confidence-inspiring walking experience, particularly for all-day wear.
Like all Sunnystep footwear, the Dream Buckle Loafer comes equipped with the brand’s signature arch-support insole, which incorporates acupuncture-inspired massage points that Sunnystep says “gently alleviate muscle tension all day.” In practice, I did notice that my feet felt noticeably less fatigued after prolonged wear compared to when I wore traditional dress shoes, or even some sneakers. Interestingly, Sunnystep also offers its signature insoles as a standalone product. This means you can purchase them separately and retrofit them into your existing dress shoes or sneakers, allowing you to enjoy the same level of comfort without replacing your current footwear.
I also found the styling of the Dream Buckle Loafer particularly appealing. Unlike the Elevate Walker, which still retains the appearance of a sneaker despite its black leather-look upper, the Dream Buckle Loafer presents a far more formal aesthetic. The polished buckle adds a refined touch to the single monk strap-inspired design, giving the shoe a smart, sophisticated look that pairs well with business attire.
In other words, the Dream Buckle Loafer delivers the appearance of a conventional dress shoe while offering a level of comfort more commonly associated with a pair of Skechers sneakers. At the same time, Sunnystep has incorporated a few playful design touches, including the brand’s signature smiley-face motif at the heel. Finished in gold to match the polished buckle, it adds a subtle hint of personality while tying the overall design together in a thoughtful way.
Conclusion – so Sunnystep Dream Buckle Loafer “shiok” or not?
Sunnystep describes its Dream collection as footwear for the modern professional, combining polished styling with everyday comfort. Designed to transition seamlessly from the office to after-work gatherings, the collection strikes a balance between formality and practicality. For those who spend long hours on their feet—whether hotel receptionists, lawyers, lecturers, or other professionals—the Dream Buckle Loafer offers a compelling combination of all-day comfort and a smart, professional appearance.
Those interested in purchasing the Dream Buckle Loafer (or any other Sunnystep shoes) can use the promo code “WAHSOSHIOK” to enjoy 5% off all Sunnystep shoes online. After the discount, the Dream Buckle Loafer would cost just $128, which makes it comparable to regular dress shoes (but with enhanced comfort), and also slightly cheaper than the Balance Oxford and Elevate Walker that I’ve reviewed previously. If your feet has been killing you when wearing standard dress shoes, I’ll recommend checking out the Sunnystep Dream Buckle Loafer.
View the Dream Buckle Loafer here.
View the full range of Sunnystep’s offerings here.
P.S. Shiok is a common word Singaporeans use to express admiration or approval. As of 2016, you can find the definition of the word in the Oxford English Dictionary.
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