I've been wearing the Katherine loafer for years now, so imagine my surprise when I was unable to find a pair this spring to replace the ones I was wearing out.  I discovered then that the Katherine loafer had been discontinued.  :((  I found a loafer that was similar, but had a leather sole and just didn't hold up to the abuse that I give these shoes.  Ended up finding the Casell by chance and decided to order it.  It is very similar to the Katherine except it seems as though they may have a metal shank in the sole.  Not a big deal, but different from the Katherine shoe.  The sole is rubber which is good and the fit is the same as the other Bass loafers I own.  I typically wear a 6.5 to 7 in most shoes, in this shoe, I wear a 7.  The leather is pliant so the break in period on these shoes is short and based on past experience with Bass loafers, I can tell you that they really take a beating.