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A Guide to the 32 Best Men's Loafers for 2023

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SSENSE, Stray Rats

Loafers have been a longtime staple of the menswear canon, but are only now reaching new heights of popularity. It's rumored that loafers were initially inspired by the designs of Norwegian fisherman and farmers in the 19th century, and developed from there. G.H. Bass & Co. has been credited with designing the first true "loafer" by modern definitions. The style began as a casual shoe, considering the lack of laces, and was a classic amongst Ivy league students and people dressing in that style. To get ready for the season ahead, we've compiled some of the best men's loafers you can buy this year and organized them for ease of viewing.

Related: 18 Types of Suits For Men: A Guide to Styles, Jackets and Brands

Picking the Right Loafers:

Now, with the rise of preppier styles within luxury and streetwear, brands like Aime Leon Dore have made the loafer cool once again. It can seem rather daunting at first to pick out a good pair of loafers. There are tons of different styles so it can be difficult to make out a solid starting point.

What are the best Loafers brands for men?

Some of our favorite brands for loafers are G.H. Bass, Duke + Dexter, Banana Republic, Beckett Simonon and Doc Martens. However, the most important elements of loafers are the quality and durability, and you don't have to necessarily go to a specific brand to get that.

What should I wear with loafers?

You can style loafers with dress pants, chinos, dressier shorts, and jeans. As for the tops, simple t-shirts, dress shirts, blazers, and suit jackets work well too. Loafers are unique because they can be dressed up to ultra-formal, or worn casually.

The Best Men's Loafers, at a Glance

Penny Loafers

Penny loafers are probably the most iconic of all loafer variants, dating their origins back to the 1930s. The strap on the upper, which resembles pursed lips, is meant to hold a penny for an emergency payphone call, back when it cost two cents to make a call. Now, it's simply a vestige of a bygone era, but maintains all of the classic elements that made it so great.

1. G.H. Bass Logan Weejun

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G.H. Bass

Our Penny Loafer Pick

  • Sizes: 7-13
  • Material: Leather
  • Features: Leather upper, traditional moc stitching

G.H. Bass & Co. Weejuns are simply the most tried and true option when it comes to loafers. Founded in 1876, the brand is an American classic and has been loved throughout the years by icons ranging from JFK to Michael Jackson. The name "Weejun" is actually an abbreviated version of "Norwegian" paying homage to the design's originators.

BUY NOW AT G.H. BASS , $175

2. Duke and Dexter Penny Loafer

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Duke and Dexter
  • Sizes: 7-13
  • Material: Italian Leather
  • Features: Leather upper, rubberised crepe sole

Duke and Dexter is a London based brand that combines traditional British craftsmanship with innovative design techniques. The resulting shoes are beautiful, feeling both classic and modern at the same time.

BUY NOW AT DUKE AND DEXTER, $300

3. Banana Republic Penny Loafer

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Banana Republic
  • Sizes: 8-10
  • Material: Suede
  • Features: Suede upper, signature penny slot, rubber outsole

Banana Republic has a solid suede penny loafer that is made with a genuine with the signature penny slot across the vamp, but in a more updated modern shape. The suede upper is flexible, and the rubber outsole is built for maximum flexibility, reduced shock, and better traction.

BUY NOW AT BANANA REPUBLIC, $120

4. Paraboot Reims Marche

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Paraboot
  • Sizes: 7-12
  • Material: Leather
  • Features: Leather upper, piped seam, saddle stream

The Paraboot loafers are everything you could possibly need. Constructed to the highest quality standards, these shoes are a classic piped penny loafer design on top of a genuine rubber sole with a Norwegian welt.

BUY NOW AT TODD SNYDER, $500

5. Cole Haan Men's American Classic Penny Loafer

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Cole Haan
  • Sizes: 7-13
  • Material: Leather
  • Features: Leather upper, EVA Footbed, heavy gauge stitch penny keeper

Cole Haan always come through with great shoes for men, and their penny loafers are no exception. This particular penny loafer has the same features as all classics with its round toe shape and modern outsole, and you will be sure to experience comfort with the lightweight EVA outsole and the EVA footbed.

BUY NOW AT COLE HAAN, $158

6. Vince Camuto Layton Penny Loafer

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DSW
  • Sizes: 8-13
  • Material: Leather
  • Features: Leather upper, stitched midsole, almond toe

Another classic by Vince Camuto, and you guessed it, it's a penny loafer. The shoe is crafted from leather to help bring a timeless flair to your ensembles, along with a padded cushion to help remain comfortable throughout the day.

BUY NOW AT DSW, $79.99

Suede Loafers

Suede is a vamp material, and suede loafers can be any shape. These are our favorite suede leather loafers utilizing the textured leather for an altered aesthetic.

7. Wolf and Shepherd Monaco Loafer

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Wolf and Shepherd

Our Suede Loafer Pick

  • Sizes: 6-15
  • Material: Italian Suede
  • Features: Italian suede upper, FloatForm memory foam, side stitching detail

These Wolf & Shepherd loafers are perfect if you're opting for that sleek, suede look. Their minimal design also allows them too easily be dressed up or down, making them a versatile shoe in any wardrobe. The Italian suede used by the brand is also water repellant, ensuring the loafers' longevity.

Shop Now at Wolf & Shepherd, $195

8. J. Crew Suede Penny Loafers

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J. Crew
  • Sizes: 7-12
  • Material: Suede
  • Features: Suede upper

J. Crew has been a bastion of classic menswear for ages, and with good reason. The brand provides great designs at a reasonable budget, their loafers being no exception. At just $99, you'll be hard pressed to find a better deal elsewhere.

BUY NOW AT J.CREW, $99

9. Beckett Simonon Cohen Loafers

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Beckett Simonon
  • Sizes: 7-14
  • Material: Full-grain leather
  • Features: Full-grain leather upper, almond-shaped toe box, tapered waist

Beckett Simonon has a unique business model in which they make shoes to order, avoiding many of the overhead costs typically associated with the industry. This allows them to offer a high quality product at a more reasonable price point than competitors. The shoes feature a classic, pointed toe that looks sophisticated without looking dated.

BUY NOW AT BECKETT SIMONON, $219

10. Vinny's Off-White Yardee Loafers

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SSENSE
  • Sizes: 39-45
  • Material: Calfskin
  • Features: Calfskin upper, scalloped edge, round moc toe

This beautiful pony hair option from Vinny's is a great look for those who want a more eye-catching loafer. They also produce a zebra print iteration and some more muted options that boast their same high quality.

buy now at ssense, $265

11. Perry Ellis Genuine Leather Casually Penny Loafers

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Perry Ellis
  • Sizes: 7.5-10
  • Material: Leather
  • Features: Leather upper, rubber outsole, memory foam insole

Perry Ellis has some good selections as well. Their Genuine Leather Penny Loafer has plenty of cool features such as being made with genuine leather, having a memory foam insole, and a rubber outsole. A great price as well if we say so ourselves.

BUY NOW AT PERRY ELLIS, $70

12. Tecovas The Monterrey Penny Loafers

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Tecovas
  • Sizes: 7-15
  • Material: Suede
  • Features: Suede upper, rubber and leather sole, interior suede heel grip

You could also rock with The Monterrey Penny Loafers over at Tecovas which comes in four colors (Granite Suede, Hickory Bison, Honey Suede, and Butterscotch Bovine), and is handcrafted with a Blake stitch construction.

BUY NOW AT TECOVAS, $165

Tassel Loafers

Tassel loafers date back to the 1940s and are a story of customization. Hungarian actor, Paul Lukas, had a pair of oxfords with small tassels at the ends of the laces, and wanted to replicate the motif on a different shoe. After shopping the idea area, Alden, a shoe manufacturer, placed his tassels on top of a standard penny loafer. Thus, a modern classic was born.

13. Doc Martens Adrien Loafer

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Doc Martens

Our Tassel Loafer Pick

  • Sizes: 6-14
  • Material: Leather
  • Features: Smooth leather upper, slip-on design

The Doc Martens Adrien loafer is the quintessential tassel loafer. The shoe features a kiltie vamp that folds over itself, and is secured in place with a tasseled strap. The upper, seen here in a deep cherry red, sits atop the classic Doc Martens rubber sole.

BUY NOW AT DR. MARTENS, $140

14. G.H. Bass Lexington Tassel Loafer

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G.H. Bass
  • Sizes: 6-12
  • Material: Leather
  • Features: Leather upper, tasseled strap, 25 mm block heel, heel-to-heel welt stitching

No surprise here, G.H. Bass is back in the conversation with their tasseled loafer. Here, the tasseled strap weaves in and out around the heel of the shoe, much like a boat shoe.

BUY NOW AT G.H. BASS, $115

15. Eytys Rio Loafers

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SSENSE
  • Sizes: 36-42
  • Material: Leather
  • Features: Leather upper, rubber sole, square moc toe, grosgrain pull-loop

Eytys always has some weird, left-field take on a silhouette, and their loafer is no exception. The boxiness of the toe is emphasized by the rigid structure of the sole, making the shoe feel both chunky and sleek at the same time.

BUY NOW AT SSENSE, $370

16. Our Legacy Leather Loafers

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Farfetch
  • Sizes: 40-43
  • Material: Leather
  • Features: Leather upper, flat rubber sole, chunky low heel

Our Legacy's fringe loafers are packed full of details, from the paneling choices to the serrated-cut trim around the collar and tongue of the shoe. The upper is perched atop a Vibram rubber sole.

BUY NOW AT FARFETCH, $493

17. Velasca Men's Brown Leather Loafers

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Velasca
  • Sizes: 5-14
  • Material: Calf Leather
  • Features: Calf leather upper, double stitching

While black might be the go-to color when it comes to selecting loafers, don't sleep on a nice sleek dark brown either. The Velasca loafers are crafted with a smooth brushed calf leather, and is durable loafer that can last you for decades. Literally.

BUY NOW AT VELASCA, $350

18. Solovair Tassel Loafer

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Noah
  • Sizes: 4-13
  • Material: Leather
  • Features: Leather upper, kiltie-style vamp, patented Solovair sole technology

Made in England, the Solovair Tassel Loafer features an all-leather upper complete with tassels and kiltie-style vamp, along with a Goodyear welt that is patented with Solovair Sole Technology.

BUY NOW AT NOAH, $200

Chunky Loafers

The history of the loafer can be characterized by its borrowed nature, as the original design was derived from the shoes of Norwegian fishermen. The most contemporary update to the loafer is the addition of the chunky sole, which has been particularly popular in the last few years. Bulkier shoes of all sorts have been revived, calling back to eras like the 90's were these styles ran rampant. Naturally, the loafer should get the same treatment as all the other platform boots, sneakers, and other shoes on the market.

19. G.H. Bass Larson Super Lug Weejuns

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G.H. Bass

Our Chunky Loafer Pic

  • Sizes: 7-12
  • Material: Leather
  • Features: Leather upper and lining, hand-sewn stitching

Once again, G.H. Bass & Co. has proven themselves to be the master of the loafer. This edition comes in a fantastic two-tone upper with a thick, lug sole. These are a great budget option if you want to try out a new style.

BUY NOW AT BLOOMINGDALES, $175

20. Vagabond Jeff Loafer

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Vagabond
  • Sizes: 40-45
  • Material: Leather
  • Features: Decorative tassels, rounded toes, leather upper

Vagabond clearly brings a Swedish touch to the loafer, offering a minimalistic chunky silhouette where everything flows nicely. Small additions, like the tongue sitting over the vamp or piped seams, really bring the design over the edge.

BUY NOW AT VAGABOND, $140

21. Zoe Chunky Loafer

Screen Shot 2023 07 13 at 12.57.21 AM
Portland Leather
  • Sizes: 5.5-11
  • Material: Leather
  • Features: Leather upper, leather lining, rubflex outsole

Portland Leather loafers keep things stupid simple, opting for a tiered look on the midsole and letting the shape of the shoe speak for itself.

BUY NOW AT PORTLAND LEATHER, $132

22. H&M Chunky Buckle-Detail Loafers

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H&M
  • Sizes: 5.5-11
  • Material: Polyurethane
  • Features: Polyurethane upper, thermoplastic rubber sole

Comfortable and very affordable. Can't ask for much else.

BUY NOW AT H and M, $34.99

23. Centro Black Leather Chunky Loafers

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Steve Madden
  • Sizes: 6-15
  • Material: Leather
  • Features: Leather upper, rubber sole, synthetic lining

When it comes to chunky leather platform loafers that are cutting edge but still simple, few so it better than Steve Madden

BUY NOW AT STEVE MADDEN, $159.95

Designer Loafers

Finally, we have designer loafers. These aren't necessarily their own style entirely, but are categorized separately because they either have a unique design characteristic are are emblematic of exceptional quality. Brands like Prada and Martine Rose have made the loafer iconic symbols of their brands, each offering their own take on the design. Often, loafers feel the best when they look like a formal shoe made more casual.

24. Prada Monolith Loafers

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Prada

Our Designer Loafer Pick

  • Sizes: 5.5-13
  • Material: Leather
  • Features: Leather upper, lug tread sole, apron with stitched raised seam

The Prada monolith is a classic, with a lug tread sole that is instantly recognizable. The design symbolizes duality, a quality close to the core of the Prada brand. On top of it all, the shoe features the iconic Prada logo in enameled metal on the vamp panel.

BUY NOW AT PRADA, $1,250

25. Fear of God Off White "The California Loafer"

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SSENSE
  • Sizes: 36-40
  • Material: Rubber
  • Features: Rubber upper, embossed logo, inner side vent

Jerry Lorenzo's Fear of God is known for its modern design aesthetic, and here the designer applies his ethos to the loafer. The shoes are mounted on a rubber sneaker sole akin to a sneaker, rather than a traditional heeled sole. Paneling on the upper of the shoe is minimal, limiting itself only to the necessities.

BUY NOW AT SSENSE, $195

26. Dior Timeless Loafer

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Dior

The Best Loafer for Summer

  • Sizes: 5-13
  • Material: Calfskin
  • Features: Calfskin upper, blake construction, palladium-finish brass

Dior went balls to the wall on this design, with totally exaggerated proportions throughout. The toe is nice and bulbous, mirrored by the large round shapes of the outsole. Everything is tied together with some stitching.

BUY NOW AT DIOR, $1,000

27. LOEWE Paulas Loafer

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SSENSE
  • Sizes: 40-44
  • Material: Calf Leather
  • Features: Calf leather upper, round toe, slip-on style

These Loewe loafers will always be my favorite loafers, forever. They are simply so well designed, and consist of everything you could possibly want out of a loafer. The leather and suede mixture offers a perfect contrast giving you something you can wear from season to season.

BUY NOW AT SAKS FIFTH AVENUE, $550

28. COACH Men's Loafer

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COACH
  • Sizes: 7-13
  • Material: Leather
  • Features: Leather upper, man-made leather lining

Whether you choose the black or maple color option, the COACH Signature Loafers are a timeless that will certainly compliment any clothing item you pair them with.

BUY NOW AT COACH, $275

29. Valentino VLogo Calfskin Loafer

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Valentino
  • Sizes: 5-13
  • Material: Calfskin
  • Features: Calfskin upper, antique brass finish, leather sole

An automatic show stopper, the Valentino Vlogo Chain Calfskin Loafer are sure to be a head turner wherever you go. The shoes are made in Italy, and feature an antique brash finish along with a leather sole.

BUY NOW AT VALENTINO, $1,150

30. Hermès Giovanni Loafer

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Hermès
  • Sizes: 40-45
  • Material: Goatskin
  • Features: Goatskin, palladium-plated Paris buckle.

The Giovanni Loafers are a very cool James Bond-esque shoe made with goatskin and a palladium-plated Parisian buckle for a chic bold style that will never fail you.

BUY NOW AT HERMES, $990

31. Christian Louboutin Dandelion Loafers

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Christian Louboutin
  • Sizes: 39-48
  • Material: Veau velours
  • Features: Veau velours upper, tone-on-tone grosgrain piping

A little Christian Louboutin that will have all eyes on you whether you are on a date, or on the dance floor.

BUY NOW AT CHRISTIAN LOUBOUTIN, $895

32. Armani Suede Driving Loafers

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Armani
  • Sizes: 6-13
  • Material: Bovine Leather
  • Features: Bovine leather upper, split leather

These Driving Loafers from Armani are very much giving James Bond/Tom Cruise/Wolf on Wall Street (yes all three of them combined). An automatic dapper look, these loafers are a must-have.

BUY NOW AT ARMANI

A Loafer Buying Guide

Here's your official guide to buying loafers in 2023 and beyond.

Material: The most common loafer material is leather, which is something that can be seen on this list. However, there are other solid materials that make for a quality loafer such as suede, calfskin, goatskin, and more.

Vamp: You may be wondering what a vamp is. In short, vamp is just another term for upper as it's the top portion of the shoe that stretches from the toe to wherever the shoe ends on your foot. For the most part, the vamp tends to match the overall material of the shoe. So if a shoe is constructed with leather, then the vamp will be leather (and so on and so forth).

Sole: Most soles tend to be constructed with rubber as rubber known to be very sturdy and durable material, but occasionally you'll see the sole of a loafer made with another material. Rubber is the most common however.

Color: Obviously the traditional colors for loafers are black and brown as they are mostly seen as a dress/formal shoe, but that doesn't mean you can't find them in funkier colors such as green and white. The color of the loafers you prefer is something that is entirely up to you.

RELATED: The 25 Best Golf Shirts for Men to Shop This Season

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