Loafers are having a moment. No longer just a prepster staple, these laceless slip-ons have become a ubiquitous shoe choice regardless of someone’s chosen aesthetic. And why not? There’s something decidedly timeless about a loafer’s easy-to-wear silhouette, but as more brands (from the big-name designers to cool-kid start-ups) fashion loafers in a variety of styles, there’s quite literally a loafer for everyone. You can even wear them—lined with shearling or done in flannel—during the winter.
I’ve been wearing loafers since my grade-school years. They were part of my Catholic school uniform. And 30 years later, as an adult who travels for a living, I don’t think there’s a style of shoe I love more. I own quite a few pairs of loafers, largely because their classic shape goes with most activities and outfits. You want to wear them to a summer wedding in Capri? Great. How about with shorts and a linen button-down while exploring the pyramids in Egypt? Cute. Want to run around on a cruise with jeans and a t-shirt? Just slip your loafers on and head to the buffet! I’ve literally done all of the above with loafers on. And don’t even get me started about how easy loafers make getting through airport security.
Not convinced yet? Here are 15 of the best men's loafers that’ll make a believer out of you.
Browse the best loafers by style:
This article has been updated with new information since its original publish date.
The best everyday loafers
Madewell x G.H. Bass Larson Weejuns loafers
We love how fall-ready Madewell’s collaboration with Bass is. These Weejuns come with fun details like the lug sole which will give them more grip for daily wear. And this deep green suede is such an unusual choice for a shoe, but it’ll be great with autumnal hues like brown, tan, and orange. They can also transition beautifully into the holidays if you’d like a festive pair of footwear to go with all your party attire.
Sizes available: 7-13 (including half sizes)
Features: Suede upper, lug outsole
Greats Essex penny loafer
The chic combination of colors on these loafers screams Ivy Leaguer in the best possible way. Lean into the aesthetic by pairing them with jeans and a navy blazer for date night or with a pair of chino shorts and a button-down oxford for a warm day taking in a new city. And if you really want to have fun with it, keep checking back for limited-edition releases, like this outfit-brightening version in the color vintage blue.
Sizes available: 7-13 (including half sizes)
Features: Leather upper, rubber panel on the leather outsole
Astroflex Dartflex loafer
Sometimes you just want a pair of classic loafers that’ll go with everything you own for just about any occasion. These leather moc-toe loafers are it. Crafted out of thick cow leather with a pillowy-soft interior, these slip-ons are meant to mold to the contours of your feet as you wear them (so you’ll want to wear them a lot.). There aren’t a ton of visible bells and whistles, and that’s why we love them.
Sizes available: 7-14
Features: Leather upper, leather outsole, memory foam insole
Vinny's Creeper loafer
If you’re not familiar with this Copenhagen-based footwear brand, now is a great time to get acquainted. It's known for taking classic silhouettes and adding unexpected details to create a more special shoe. Take these loafers: They’re a classic suede penny-style loaded on top of a voluptuous crepe outsole for added comfort and to give the shoe a bit of extra bulk. They look cool, minimalistic, and will complement your day-to-day wardrobe seamlessly. But if you want to take it to the next level, opt for the baby pink colorway.
Sizes available: 6-13
Features: Suede upper, crepe outsole
Allen Edmonds Grayson Oxford
The classic good-looks of these leather loafers (adorned only with a wrap-around tassel) give them a wear-everywhere appeal, but they’re especially great for when you need to dress up. Yes, they’re naturally great for work. But they’re handsome enough to complement your outfit at more formal events, while being simple enough to wear to more easy-going functions. In short, these loafers might be the footwear workhorse of your next destination wedding, where you can slip these on for the rehearsal dinner, the ceremony, and the reception (and everything in between). You can change up your clothes, but you only need the same pair of shoes.
Sizes available: 6-14 (including half and wide sizes)
Features: Leather upper, leather lining, leather outsoles
The best loafers for travel
Wolf & Shepherd Monaco loafer
I wore these for nearly a year when I was stuck in Denver for 10 months, and I must say that the combination of super soft water-repellent suede and a memory foam footbed makes for very comfortable loafers. The silhouette (which is slightly narrower) is versatile, too. You can dress them up for dinner, or slip them on to walk the dog. The heel counter—the back part of the shoe that covers your heels—folds down, too, so you can also wear these as a mule. The best part: They will barely take up any space in your weekender. And the version in the color Coast? An instant summer-vacation classic!
Sizes available: 6-15 (including half sizes)
Features: Water-repellent suede upper, memory foam footbed, foldable heel counter
Amber Jack The Loafer
The upper silhouette of these shoes is your classic Venetian, and that comes in several colors and materials. There’s black leather, taupe suede, and there’s the blue suede that looks perfect for yachting. (Amber Jack uses water-repellent suede, by the way.) But what sets the brand apart is the proprietary tech that goes into the soles of the shoes. This includes a durable memory foam insole and a TPU outsole similar to what you’d find in more athletic shoes. And the back part of the sole is actually made of hiking boot material for added support. These are the kind of loafers you could pound the pavement in, for all-day sightseeing and the late-night stroll to walk dinner off.
Sizes available: 6-15 (including half sizes)
Features: Leather upper, sheepskin lining, heat-activated insole
Swims Braided Lace loafer
Scandinavian lifestyle brand Swims turns the classic loafer on its head with this water-friendly iteration—the perfect shoe for your next trip to the tropics. A breathable textile over a cushy insole and a grippy rubber outsole make this a comfortable pair to slip into for a week spent island hopping around the Caribbean. Details like the braided tie-up top and the woven toe box lend it some stylish flair if you want to rock ‘em for a cool beachside dinner. Swims offers them in countless colors, too, from classic navy to a head-turning Bordeaux.
Sizes available: 7-13 (including half sizes)
Features: Rubber outsole, machine washable, moisture wicking
The best budget-friendly loafers
Steve Madden Goliath Moc Toe loafer
A classic pair of leather loafers with horsebit detailing never goes out of style. This pocket-friendly pair from Steve Madden is a great entry-level choice if you’re looking to try out loafers. We love how the gold-tone hardware complements the rich tan leather for a vintage feel that will go with just about any outfit.
Sizes available: 7-13 (including half sizes)
Features: Leather upper, rubber outsole, gold-tone hardware, removable cushion insole with arch support
G.H. Bass Larson Weejuns loafers
You can definitely find loafers that are less expensive than these, but Bass has been making them for nearly 100 years. This in mind, you’d be hard-pressed to find better value in the category. They capture the preppy essence of the penny loafer with the classic Larson style, but they’re not afraid to roll out more playful versions, too: like colorblock, bright cherry red, or woven leather. You also can’t go wrong with a standard black or brown for their wear-forever quality.
Sizes available: 7-13 (including half sizes)
Features: Leather upper, leather outsole, exposed stitching
Stacy Adams Marlowe Penny loafer
Does it get more classic than a pair of blue suede shoes? These sleek slip-ons feature a more narrow toe box, giving them a dressier vibe, but the blue suede material is an equally great choice for more casual looks, like with a pair of seersucker shorts for your trip to Mexico this winter. And at this price point? A fantastic steal.
Sizes available: 7.5-15 (including half sizes)
Features: Suede upper, rubber outsole, removable cushioned insole
Deer Stags Men's Herman Tassel loafer
We love the vintage appeal of these tasseled loafers. They look like the perfect shoe choice to go with a pair of Madras trousers and a cable-knit sweater. These slip-ons feature a ton of unexpected details like the woven leather construction at the toe box, the side stitching that runs along the length of the shoe, and, of course, the fun kiltie on top. There’s a lot to look at, sure, but they’ve included comfort touch points, too, such as a textile lining that will make these easy to wear with or without socks.
Sizes available: 8-13 (including half and wide sizes)
Features: Leather upper, rubber outsole, molded memory-foam insole
The best splurge-worthy loafers
Todd Snyder x Rubinacci Marphy loafer
American designer Todd Snyder partnered with Italian style icon Luca Rubinacci on a collection of Belgian loafers that come in a variety of materials and colors. This pair in green velour is very classic-with-a-twist on a silhouette first introduced by Henri Bendel in the 1940s. Belgian loafers, with their unusual tongue shape and quirky leather bow, are a popular choice for more formal occasions. (For instance, they’d be great if you’re heading to a European ball.) But in recent years, they’ve been showing up on more casual outfits, too, proving their enduring versatility. We’re also partial to this newly launched version in croc leather, which is elegance personified.
Sizes available: 8-12
Features: Velour upper, leather lining, leather outsoles
Gucci Loafers with Horsebit
We can’t talk about loafers without including Gucci, especially if you’re looking for a pair with hardware. I’ve always admired the brand’s Horsebit loafers, and after landing my post-college magazine job in 2007, my first real splurge was on a pair that looked a lot like these (except mine were suede in a light shade of camel). They look a lot like a classic pair of penny loafers, but the yellow-gold hardware adds that dash of glamour the brand is famous for.
Sizes available: 5.5-14.5 (including half sizes)
Features: Leather upper, leather outsoles, gold-tone hardware
Santoni Door Penny loafers
If you’re going to splurge on loafers, I would recommend going for a classic silhouette from a brand known for shoemaking over a more fashion-forward pair. These made-in-Italy slip-ons are a perfect choice: The supple burnished calfskin leather looks super luxe, while the Goodyear construction makes the shoe impossibly lightweight and flexible. (You can nearly fold it in half). Wear it with a crisp navy suit for a destination wedding or with a great pair of jeans for a more casual day of shopping in Paris.
Sizes available: 6-12.5 (including half sizes)
Features: Leather upper, leather outsole, leather lining, Goodyear construction
