Are you in the market for a new pair of loafers? If you are wondering what loafers are or why you should wear them, don’t worry I got you. This short guide will introduce you to the basics of men’s loafers, as well as highlight some great loafers in a few different categories.
Feel free to skip ahead to the specific loafers you might be interested in or read the entire article to learn more.
Let’s start with the basics.
What is a loafer and why should you wear them?
First things first, a loafer is a kind of shoe that has no fastening device, such as a strap or a fastener, but instead has a simple v notch. This allows you to easily slip the shoe on and off your foot.
Loafers have been around for quite a while. They originated in the early 20th century and were commonly worn by men in the 1920s and 1930s. During the war, loafers were commonly worn by soldiers.
Today, loafers can be worn casually as well as during semi-formal occasions, making them a great investment for guys with busy wardrobes.
| Name | Category | Product |
|---|---|---|
| ECCO Men's Classic Moc 2.0 Slip-On Loafer | Best Overall |  |
| Dockers Men's Sinclair Kiltie Loafer | Budget Pick |  |
| Cole Haan Men's Howland Penny Loafer | Upgrade Pick |  |
1. ECCO Men's Classic Moc 2.0 Slip-On Loafer
Pros:
- Easy slip-on design
- The eco-friendly materials make them durable and long-lasting
- Not too pricey for what you get
- Comes in multiple sizes and color options
The ECCO Men’s Classic Slip-On Loafer is great for those that want a comfortable yet stylish casual shoe. They are comfortable enough to be worn all day long, and they do so with style.
With every pair of ECCO loafers you get a cushy footbed, which is covered in microfiber. This is a registered trademark of ECCO and it’s what makes wearing their shoes a pleasure. The inside of these shoes is soft and it feels as if you’re not wearing anything on your foot.
The sole is made of compressed EVA, which also comes with a fantastic feature. The outsole is perforated, and this makes the shoe breathable. You could walk miles in these shoes and your feet would still be cool and dry. Plus, these shoes are also slip resistant.
Read more about the ECCO Men's Classic Moc 2.0 Slip-On Loafer
2. Dockers Men's Sinclair Kiltie Loafer
Pros:
- Pleasing design with the kiltie and stitching
- Good padding in the collar/ankle region
- B.D. Footwear last is a sensible shape
- Good durability for the price
Cons:
- The toe box is too short
- Weight is 9 oz. heavier than the advertised weight
- Some sizes can be considerably over-sized
The Dockers Sinclair Kiltie Loafer boasts exceptional quality and comfortable foot wear design. This shoe is a classic shoe design that gets better with age.
The upper is superior and the stitching pattern is pleasing to the eye as well as comfortable. The insole is also padded to make for comfort and durability. The leather is nice and conforms to your foot – moves with your feet.
The B.D. Footwear last is a sensible shape with a regular to medium width. The shoe offers more toe space and room for feet to splay for optimum comfort. The shoe is a medium to heavy weight and soles are nice and stable for long hours.
Read more about the Dockers Men's Sinclair Kiltie Loafer
3. Calvin Klein Men's Magnus Slip-On Loafer
Pros:
- Looks and feels like a much more expensive loafers
- Feels very good on the feet
- Very affordable, especially if you use a coupon
- Available from a wide range of on-line stores and even some brick-and-mortar department stores
- Features the air cool technology to keep your feet cool
Cons:
- They do tend to run a little narrow
- The insole is a little thin, so if you happen to have wide feet this may not be the best option for you
The Klein Mkuadrex is a very affordable shoe. However, they do not look or feel cheap.
With the air cool system your feet will always feel cool and dry which is especially good if you have sensitive feet.
The model also features removable insoles. This means that you can place an aftermarket insole if your feet require wide or extra padding. However, be aware that the insole does have a smell when you first wear the shoes.
Read more about the Calvin Klein Men's Magnus Slip-On Loafer
4. Rockport Men's Classic Penny Loafer
Pros:
- Great for larger feet and can be resized
- Super flexible sole
- Very comfortable
- Stylishly classic look
- Reasonably priced and high quality
- Warm in the winter and cool in the summer
- Easy to clean
- Works with formal and casual outfits
Cons:
- Skeleton provides no arch support
- The sole material may wear out more quickly than other brands
Rockport makes high quality shoes for the masses. The greatest thing about Rockport shoes is that they can be resized for larger feet. The shoe may fit a little on the narrow side with the smaller sizes such as 7.5 and 8, but the larger sizes go up to size 13.
The Penny provides enough comfort for all-day wear. A true penny loafer is the ultimate casual shoe. So if you’re looking for masculine styling, soft luxurious feel, and breathable material, these are the shoes for you. They can be paired with a nice pair of slacks for a weekend outing or a casual day at the office.
Read more about the Rockport Men's Classic Penny Loafer
5. JIONS Mens Driving Penny Loafers Suede Moccasins Slip On Casual Dress Boat Shoes
Pros:
- Cheap
- Stylish design
- Slip on design
- Durable and lightweight
- Supportive and comfortable
- Breathable material
Cons:
- Might run a bit small
- The sole gets dirty and is hard to clean
This Men’s driving penny loafer from Jions is a great pair of loafers for walking, running or going out for a day on the town. They are comfortable and have a great high quality look to them.
The upper part of the shoe is made with high quality material that wouldn’t cause irritation to your feet while walking. There is no stitching on the seams to cause discomfort.
This pair of loafers is slip on and ready to wear. There’s no need to lace up or tie them like other casual leather shoes.
Read more about the JIONS Mens Driving Penny Loafers Suede Moccasins Slip On Casual Dress Boat Shoes
6. Cole Haan Men's Howland Penny Loafer
Pros:
- Loafer slip on style
- Made with leather, rubber, and fabric trim
- Breathable leather lining that wicks away moisture
- Durable and supportive EVA sole
- Resists shrinkage and stretch for long-lasting comfort
- Lifetime guarantee, including normal wear
- 2 colors: black and brown
Cole Haan is a top designer of men’s and women’s footwear, accessories, and apparel. And this loafer is one of their top picks for men.
It’s made of leather, rubber, and fabric with a breathable leather lining that wicks away moisture. So it will keep your feet dry and comfortable. The sole is made of EVA which resists shrinkage and stretch for long-lasting wear.
It has a quilted pattern and is made of full grain leather – so it’s durable, supportive, and comfortable. And you can rely on this shoe to last a long time with its lifetime guarantee. It comes in black and brown leather with the option to choose in a wide width too.
Read more about the Cole Haan Men's Howland Penny Loafer
7. Cole Haan Men's Pinch Handsewn Tassel Loafer
Pros:
- Looks great
- Very comfortable
- Great for dress or casual wear
- Good value for loafer
Cons:
- Very little traction on sole
- Threading frays quite a bit
This unstructured loafer from Cole Haan is made of suede and has a subtle point toe that makes it very versatile.
Men’s loafers are always in style and, with this Cole Haan loafer, you can bring a little bit of elegance to any outfit.
With the tassel design at the end of the lacing system, you can be sure that you’ll get plenty of admiration.
Read more about the Cole Haan Men's Pinch Handsewn Tassel Loafer
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Which brand is best for loafers?
The most respected footwear manufacturers offer terrific loafers for men. These include Johnston & Murphy, Corcoran, Cole Haan, B.F. Goodrich, Sperry Top-Sider, Blundstone, Aldo, and Red Tape. If you’re looking for top-notch loafers and you’re willing to pay a bit more, any of these brands will offer excellent quality.
It’s also smart to consider the style of loafers you like best. For example, if you prefer patent leather loafers, Cole Haan offers a patent leather loafer that’s extremely sleek. Johnston & Murphy offers a similar option but in a more casual style.
What are the most comfortable loafers?
There are many different brands and styles of loafers that are comfortable. Some people are okay with or prefer the shoes that feel stiff or scratchy, others want a more flexible sole that moves with your foot and doesn’t rub or chafe.
A flexible, adjustable, leather or rubber sole is a good compromise as it allows for a more comfortable walk at the same time that it protects your feet. A more rigid sole can be comfortable if it’s rubber, leather, or that super-soft leather.
Fastening systems are another critical thing to consider. For a more comfortable fit, look for a slip sole with leather strap or buckle. Heel-to-toe pull-tabs are also a smart idea for easy removal and a custom fit.
What are the most comfortable formal shoes?
What do you typically wear with your boss? Loafers are a favorite style of most men when dressing up.
Loafers are usually made of leather and have a moccasin (slipper) design, but loafers don’t have to be leather. There are canvas and leather loafers available, but leather is usually more durable and looks better. Loafers can be suede, but most men find them very uncomfortable due to the material. Like all shoes, loafers need to need to be somewhat molded to your foot.
Even though loafers are considered casual, they can still be worn to the office if worn with the right color combinations and you keep the shoe looking neat and clean.
Since loafers tend to be the most comfortable shoes, many men wear them all the time. You will always find a pair in the closet.
What are the best penny loafers?
The first time you slip on a pair of penny loafers, you’ll understand why they’re considered a timeless and indispensable shoe. The rounded and sleek profile makes them appropriate for a wide range of occasions, from semi-formal to casual. Specifically, they make a perfect choice for summer.
With endless choices of color, material, and style, they’re definitely worth checking out. Whether you want a more traditional penny loafer in black or a more contemporary pair in white or brown leather, you’re sure to find a style that’s right for you. Read on to see the top 7 choices for the best men’s loafers.
Conclusion
It’s safe to say that men’s loafers are probably one of the most popular types of footwear around these days. They are comfortable, stylish, and durable, combined with a variety of colors and patterns to choose from. This makes them highly desirable. This article on the 7 best men’s loafers will help you narrow down your search finding the perfect pair for you.
Our Recommendation
| Name | Category | Product |
|---|---|---|
| ECCO Men's Classic Moc 2.0 Slip-On Loafer | Best Overall | |
| Dockers Men's Sinclair Kiltie Loafer | Budget Pick | |
| Cole Haan Men's Howland Penny Loafer | Upgrade Pick | |