Introduction to Loafers
Loafers are a timeless, stylish, versatile, and laid-back option for men, ideal for both casual and formal occasions, especially during spring and summer.
With their sleek design and comfortable fit, loafers are perfect for both young men and experienced fashion enthusiasts.
Whether you’re looking for a pair to wear with jeans, chinos, dress pants, linen trousers, or a full suit, loafers are an excellent choice for men from all walks of life.
Of course, with so many options available, it's hard to pinpoint which ones are worth your hard-earned dollars.
Luckily for you, this guide highlights three of the best brands on the market right now (in my opinion), all of which are well-built and classically styled.
But first things first...
What Is a Loafer?
In the strictest sense, loafers have some specific features.
Technically, any shoe that resembles a loafer but lacks a stitched seam on top is not a true loafer, but rather a slipper. However, with the constantly changing trends in modern style and menswear, I believe such details are becoming less important.
Loafer History
Loafers have a long history, dating back to the early 20th century, but what you really need to know is that the original loafers have roots in both Native American and Norwegian cultures.
During the late 19th century, Norwegian villages became popular destinations for British fishermen to catch large quantities of salmon.
It was then that English sportsmen first noticed the slip-on footwear of the local villagers, who preferred it over the laced dress shoes and boots they had become accustomed to back in England.
It wasn't until the early 1930s that these slip-on shoes, now popular in some parts of Europe, gained recognition in other parts of the world.
The turning point was when Norwegian shoemaker Nils Gregoriusson Tveranger took a seven-year trip to North America to study shoemaking craftsmanship, eventually drawing inspiration from the moccasin-style footwear of the Iroquois Native American tribes.
Thus, what would soon develop into today's loafers originally emerged as a casual and comfortable alternative to dress shoes.
Over time, loafers have developed into various styles and materials. Today, loafers are a popular choice for both men and women, providing a versatile and comfortable option for any occasion.
The rest of the history of loafers is an interesting story, featuring many notable designers and brands that have shaped their evolution, particularly Gucci and G.H. Bass Weejuns.
Casual & Formal Options
As mentioned, loafers can be dressed up or down, making them a versatile choice for both casual and formal events.
Casual loafers can be paired with jeans, t-shirts, and sneakers for a relaxed look.
Formal loafers can be paired with suits, ties, and dress shoes to achieve a more sophisticated ensemble.
Consider the occasion and dress code when selecting a pair of loafers. A good pair will work for virtually any occasion, but not all styles are equal.
Types of Loafers
With advances in technology and current trends, it seems like newer styles of footwear, including loafers, are released every few years.
However, nothing beats the classics, and that's what I want to focus on in this particular post.
Penny Loafers
Penny loafers are arguably the most classic and recognizable style of loafer, known for their simple slip-on design and a small penny-sized slot on the upper.
Seriously, that's actually how they got their name: students would keep their change in the small slits of their loafers to use a payphone, with one call costing two cents at the time (two slits, two pennies, one phone call).
Classic penny loafers are a timeless choice, providing a versatile and comfortable option for everyday wear.
When unsure, opt for these first!
Tassel Loafers
Tassel loafers are another popular choice, featuring a decorative tassel and a sleek, sophisticated design. I find that tassel loafers in suede are a particularly inspired choice and look excellent for a relaxed-business or smart casual ensemble.
Horsebit Loafers
Sometimes these types of loafers get made fun of because of their "older" vibe. But if I were you, I wouldn't worry about it. There's definitely a place for horsebit loafers, and not just in your grandfather's closet!
My advice for rocking a pair of these is to keep things simple. Avoid two-tone colors or wild style choices—stick to a classic design and silhouette in either black or brown leather.
Are Loafers "Technically" a Dress Shoe?
Dress shoes and loafers often overlap in style, but loafers tend to be more casual and comfortable.
Slightly dressier loafers can be worn with a suit and tie, while more casual options can be paired with jeans and a t-shirt.
Loafers with leather soles are a great choice for formal occasions, while those with rubber soles are better suited for casual wear.
The Goodyear welt construction is a hallmark of high-quality loafers, offering both durability and comfort.
However, you won't often find loafers with this particular welt, as it typically requires a larger sole. Goodyear welt construction is more common in boots for this reason.
However, the Blake stitch construction is an excellent and less bulky option for loafers and has become the standard in any loafers or dress shoes considered to be of quality.
Loafers with a rounded toe are a classic choice, while those with a more pointed toe can add a touch of sophistication to an outfit. Just be sure not to go too pointed... or else you'll look like the "Wicked Witch of the West."
Materials & Quality (Full Grain Leather)
High-quality loafers are crafted from premium materials, including full-grain leather or shell cordovan. The upper material is crucial, as it determines the comfort and durability of the shoe.
Full-grain leather is the good stuff.
This complete and most natural animal hide provides the most durability for an item made from full-grain leather.
Additionally, goods manufactured from full-grain leather often retain richness in color and texture, a quality commensurate with premium leather products.
A well-crafted loafer with a sturdy sole and comfortable upper can last for years with proper care.
Look for brands that utilize traditional craftsmanship and meticulous attention to detail to craft high-quality loafers.
The price difference between high-end and low-end loafers can be significant, but the quality and comfort of the shoe are well worth the investment.
What About Designer Loafers?
Brands like Gucci come to mind when discussing designer shoes, and for loafers, my advice is to steer clear of them.
Look, I have nothing against Gucci; in fact, their horsebit loafers are always exceedingly stylish and classy, but not for $1,000... (again, that's just my opinion).
Let's be honest, anyone who spends over a thousand dollars on a pair of loafers like these isn't mainly concerned with their quality or craftsmanship—they just want to be seen in a pair of Gucci loafers.
The luxury tax linked to fashion brands like these is extremely high, and if you have that kind of money and want to buy it, then more power to you.
For those of you seeking well-crafted shoes with an elegant silhouette, durable and high-quality soles, and a look as handsome on your feet as any pair of Gucci, Alden, or Allen Edmonds dress shoes, keep reading to discover which three brands I personally recommend.
Best Men’s Loafers Under $300
Thursday Boot Company
Best known for their boots, Thursday Boot Company has been making waves lately with its wide selection of footwear.
Thursday's brown Lincoln Penny Loafers are particularly outstanding and were my very first pair of loafers I ever owned.
I have kept them as a staple in my wardrobe for several years now. Handsome, classic, and extremely versatile, these penny loafers feature the following:
- Rich Mahogany Hand-Finished Full-Grain Leather
- Hand-Stitched Moccasin Toe
- Blake Stitch Construction for Longevity
- Fully Lined Supple Glove Leather Interior
- Comfortable Shock-Absorbing Insoles
- Premium Leather Outsoles
- Handcrafted With Integrity
Thursday is one of my favorite brands because of its honest pricing and excellent quality.
Whether it's boots, dress shoes, sneakers, bags, jackets, or flannel shirts, Thursday never disappoints (in my opinion), and the fact that they have proven to be virtually inflation-proof over the last few years is a testament to their promise of offering the best footwear for the most honest price possible.
Thursday features a few types of loafers, including penny loafers with lugged soles and boat shoe variations, but if you ask me, nothing beats the classic and timeless style of the Lincoln's design.
Beckett Simonon
This is a brand I have proudly worked with for some time now, and like Thursday, they are committed to providing luxury-grade footwear at a competitive price.
Beckett Simonon is a direct-to-consumer, made-to-order men’s shoe brand that offers high-quality shoes at affordable prices.
By eliminating the traditional supply chain, Beckett Simonon can offer significant savings to customers. The company's shoes are handcrafted and remain committed to quality, craftsmanship, and ethical manufacturing practices.
These loafers are exceptionally well-crafted, featuring a classic silhouette. In my opinion, they are definitely worth the wait.
Amberjack
Amberjack is a relatively new men's shoe brand that I can certainly appreciate.
Led by founder John Peters, a diverse team from Cole Haan, Allen Edmonds, and Adidas launched Amberjack in 2019. The brand aims to redefine the conventional dress shoe by blending style, comfort, and value.
Amberjack's shoes are crafted from sustainable materials and incorporate advanced technology. The brand offers a variety of styles, including dress shoes, boots, and slip-ons, all made with full-grain leather.
Amberjack combines modern technology with the classic design of traditional dress shoes, prioritizing fit, comfort, and wearability. The shoes are created using a unique construction process that involves over twenty custom-developed components.
Additionally, Amberjack incorporates a dual-density outsole to provide enhanced structure and flexibility, utilizing advanced athletic footwear technology.
Amberjack's comfortable loafers are crafted from water-repellent Italian suede and feature a sheepskin lining. They use A-grade full-grain leather from top-rated tanneries in the U.S. or Argentina.
They also feature a soft buckskin lining for added comfort and are manufactured in a fair-wage factory in Portugal.
Among all these brands and their featured products, Amberjack's might be the most comfortable straight out of the box, but in terms of quality, I would say they fall behind both Thursday and Beckett Simonon.
Amberjack's shoe and boot soles are all cemented, meaning they are essentially glued onto the leather uppers. This prevents them from being resoled and often indicates lower-quality footwear.
Elevated Laid-Back Style
Loafers are highly versatile options that fit well in any business casual or smart casual wardrobe.
You can easily dress them up for the office or a wedding, or wear them in more casual settings, such as date nights or wine-tasting trips. These shoes are a must-have in any man's closet, and the outfit possibilities are virtually endless.
Hopefully, this article has served as an excellent guide to the best men's loafers available today. Regardless of your personal style and level of formality, any of these three brands will fulfill your stylistic preferences.
