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The change in weather comes with a change in wardrobe, and there’s no better time than winter to swap out whatever’s on your feet with a pair of the best loafers for men. The average loafer’s versatility has been proven boundless, whether it involves dressing up for a formal occasion or trying to look (and feel) a bit smarter while keeping things casual; whichever category you fall under, a well-crafted loafer will effortlessly elevate your style, and likely your height, too.
While these slight boosts are convenient, comfort comes first, especially since you’ll likely wear these shoes while standing all day. Luckily, out of all of the different styles of loafers, most are designed with soft leather or sturdy rubber outsoles and a slip-on design, which makes for ideal work shoes or sophisticated styling for nights out and about.
When buying these men’s dress shoes, podiatrist and foot pathology specialist Dr. Jacqueline Sutera makes one thing as clear as day: “Choose a pair of shoes that match the shape of your foot.” Buying a comfortable pair of loafers can feel like a chore, mainly if you deal with issues like plantar fasciitis or bunions and need bolstered shoes for ankle support, and wearing the wrong size can only agitate these common foot problems. On that note, many brands suggest sizing down or up in a pair, as some options are a bit roomier, and others are designed to contour to the shape of your foot. Plus, a little extra space makes way for warm and fuzzy socks or trendy Nike gym socks.
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While sizing is paramount, your preference still plays a big part in choosing men’s dress loafers. From the functional penny slot to the decorative tassels and metallic bit accents made ever-so-famous by Gucci, loafers of all kinds remain prominent in the world of footwear, serving as a testament to their timelessness and wearability. Whether it’s traditional shades of black and brown leather or bolder patterns, each silhouette’s versatility ensures they seamlessly complement a variety of looks, be it black-tie or laid-back.
Regardless of your favorite men’s loafer style (of which you can have more than one), we laid out a guide with help from expert advice and thorough research to cover every base.
Colorways available: Black, Wine, Whiskey
Materials: Leather upper, EVA outsole
Nordstrom Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.8/5 stars
inspiration from Norwegian moccasins, an increasingly popular silhouette in Europe, later convincing him to bring them to America. Nowadays, they remain a surefire essential for everyone from bankers to brokers, although they first garnered love from household names like Elvis and JFK. Overall, the hand-sewn leather stepper speaks for itself, all placed atop a chunky EVA sole for extra height and grip.
What testers say: “I own a pair of the regular style in black leather as well as Oxblood. Finding a cobbler isn’t as easy as it once was. Both of the pairs I own have served me well but are in desperate need of new soles. I needed a pair of shoes to take with me on a trip to Florida, so I ordered these. Classic style on top with a modern twist in the sole. Really nice. I think I’m going to get myself a pair of super lugs next. The quality seems to be as good as it ever was.”
Price upon publish date of this article: $185.00
Colorways available: Black, Vintage Merlot, Dress Brown
Materials: Leather upper, rubber sole
What testers say: “They are super comfortable out of the box and I’ve been wearing them with no complaints. They seem to be breaking in and wearing exactly like I want them to.”
Price upon publish date of this article: $158.00
Colorways available: Black, Dark Brown
Materials: Leather upper, signature AirWave Bouncing sole
Zappos Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.8/5 stars
Price upon publish date of this article: $149.95
Colorways available: Black, Brown
Materials: Calf leather upper, leather sole
Saks Fifth Avenue Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4/5 stars
What testers say: “There are no imitators to the classic and iconic Gucci 1953s. This is a great piece and the supple quality of the leather is instantly noticeable. Extremely comfortable to wear, especially with the more updated cloth lined interior. You can’t go wrong and there is simply no other loafer that defines elegance at the same level.”
Price upon publish date of this article: $920.00
Colorways available: Black
Materials: Calf leather upper, leather sole
Nordstrom Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.8/5 stars
Neiman Marcus Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.5/5 stars
What testers say: “This shoe totally elevates my business look. I work in the city and the rubber sole is great for walking, both for comfort and prevents slipping. It runs a little big – I ordered down a half size.”
Price upon publish date of this article: $850.00
Colorways available: Brown, Racing Green, Black
Materials: Suede, Leather or Croc Leather upper
Price upon publish date of this article: $588.00
Colorways available: Black
Materials: Calf leather upper, leather sole
Saks Fifth Avenue Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4/5 stars
Price upon publish date of this article: $745.00
Colorways available: Black
Materials: Crinkled leather upper, suede lining
Ssense Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.5/5 stars
Price upon publish date of this article: $615
Colorways available: Black, Burgundy
Materials: Calf leather upper, leather sole
Farfetch Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.1/5 stars
Price upon publish date of this article: $938.00
Colorways available: Chocolate, Bovine, Tobacco
Materials: Leather upper, Vibram 1757 sole
Price upon publish date of this article: $395.00
The Best Brands for Men’s Loafers
- Alden: The Massachussets-bred brand’s signature 405 boots were made famous by Indiana Jones, but their dressier shoes are equally noteworthy. As a pioneer in the shoemaking business since the late 1800s, Alden Shoe Company is adept at designing all sorts of quintessential loafer silhouettes in fantastic fashion.
- Beckett Simonon: Beckett Simonon’s Goodyear welted loafers and dress shoes have grown synonymous with affordability and quality, and rightfully so. The brand’s consistent focus on ethical production and durable, timeless designs has appealed to consumers seeking well-crafted footwear without the customary luxury price tag.
- Blackstock and Weber: The dress shoe game’s relative newcomer has garnered quite a name for itself since hitting shelves in 2017. Blackstock & Weber churns out traditional silhouettes in a broad spectrum of colors, offering everything from celebratory penny loafers with four-leaf clover embellishments to the lugged option included above.
- Church’s: The English label has designed dressy footwear in all forms, including some of the best oxford shoes for men and pristine calfskin derbys. And since they excel in the world of leather, Church’s also designs a range of sumptuous accessories, including wallets, tote bags and belts that are just as smooth as their shoes.
- Ferragamo: When you make your first shoe before reaching double digits in age, odds are you know what a thing or two, and so was the case for Salvatore Ferragamo. Today, the world-famous name remains a staple among Italian luxury brands.
- G.H. Bass: The loafer world practically runs through G.H. Bass, a heritage brand oft recognized for creating the original penny loafer and sticking to its classic, preppy style ever since 1876. Through an onslaught of contemporary collabs, it’s still virtually impossible to top the original, which is typically made as big as a size 13 and even comes available in wider designs.
- Gucci: Gucci has left an indelible mark on loafers for men and women, as they are responsible for a style that needs no further introduction. The product of high-quality materials and top-notch craftsmanship, the Horsebit loafers were first released in 1953 and have become an enduring symbol of elegance, style and the luxury imprint’s impact on fashion worldwide.
- Our Legacy: While not primarily a footwear brand, the contemporary Swedish label praised has dabbled in it. Our Legacy has produced everything from boots to mules that seamlessly reflect their overarching ethos – clean, chic, and high quality. Popular designs like the Camion or Black Tassels included earlier are available in the typical European size, which range from 39-46.
- Tod’s: Famous for their comfortable and durable loafers, Tod’s flagship is the iconic Gommino driving shoe. The Italian brand is traditional at its core, boasting a catalog of staple silhouettes available in a humble, muted set of colors suitable for any outfit. That said, they implement several different finishes to appease voguish tastes.
- Todd Snyder: Like most of the New York clothier’s catalog, Todd Snyder’s collection of loafers often comes courtesy of collaborations, working alongside staple brands including Sanders, Rubinacci and even the aforementioned Alden. Still, Snyder sticks to the script and adheres to the tradition of each brand at play, often putting nothing more than a subtle twist on each release.
What to Look for In the Best Men’s Loafers
- Material: Like any shoe, materials will determine the comfort, aesthetic, and, most of all, how long any of the best loafers for men might last. For the most part, basic leather is a conventional choice for its durability and classic look, although full-grain leather is often the highest quality. Conversely, It’s hard to go wrong with suede or patent leather, as each offer a different texture and finish. Accounting for materials trickles down to the soles, where you’ll want to see durable rubber or leather to provide breathability and a better traction grip.
- Fit: If you’re dealing with common foot problems or are simply in the market for a more comfortable pair of shoes, their fit is pivotal. And when it comes to buying the proper pair that suits your feet, Dr. Suetra says, “If you have a square, wide foot or have bunions or hammertoes, avoid narrow, pointy toe boxes. Instead, opt for a rounder or square-toe box.” The goal is to wear this versatile style as much as possible, so choose carefully based on your foot health and comfort needs. Plus, pay attention to whether brand sizes run large or small and select your fit accordingly, keeping in mind space for sock layering too.
- Silhouette: This is the most critical part to consider, as it all comes down to preference. You’ll want something that’s made well and comfortably fits you regardless of the shoe, but how will said shoe look? Through the guide above, we highlighted several examples that have been mainstays for decades, including Gucci’s iconic Horsebit design, traditional penny loafers, and specialized driving shoes. Loafers with added embellishments like tassels and hardware add an extra dose of polish and personality to any outfit, while more minimalist options present an effortlessly chic low-profile.
How We Selected the Best Loafers for Men
For more than 75 years, Footwear News has been the shoe authority. Our coverage spans top industry news, retail trends, head-to-toe fashion, athletic and outdoor analysis, and more. Footwear News’ global network of editors has carefully curated all product selections featured using our expansive brand knowledge and thorough research to find quality, long-lasting items.
To curate our guide to the best men’s loafers, we referred to a podiatrist’s advice on what to look for in a comfortable pair of shoes. After thoroughly researching the market and crucial facets to consider, such as material, comfort and design, we pinned down ten pristine sets of steppers capable of meeting the demands of everyday wear or just rocking for a good-looking boost. Our evaluation encompassed reviews and customer feedback to ensure that our list comprises a variety of options catering to different preferences and occasions. Learn more about us here.
Meet the Expert
Dr. Jacqueline Sutera is an NYC-based surgically trained doctor of podiatric medicine specializing in the prevention and treatment of foot pathology. She is a proud member and spokesperson for the American Podiatric Medical Association and the New York State Podiatric Medical Society.
Meet the Author
Yoni Yardeni is a Los Angeles-based fashion, footwear and culture journalist who has written articles for publications including HiConsumption and HotNewHipHop. Through prior stints, his work ranged from curating buyer’s guides for the fashion world’s best boots, sneakers, and jackets, including writing about stylish men’s shoes like loafers.
