Your winter boots have long gotten, well, the boot, and you're ready to step into breezy warm weather style. Well, almost. Sure, you might have a set of the best men's dress shoes on hand, but a pair of the best loafers for men are just as worthy of consideration when the thermostat climbs this season.
Loafers have a preppy heritage (particularly classic "penny" loafers worn on Ivy League campuses), but they're just as fresh and stylish today. They're like a more streamlined take on the dress shoe, with a clean laceless look that pairs well with tailored chinos, a lightweight summer suit or even rolled dark jeans. There are popular brands making timeless takes on the style, and doing so in a way that might make the loafer the most comfortable pair of "dress" shoes you've ever worn. These are the options we're sliding into this season.
Best classic
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A mid-century modern classicAllen Edmonds delivers a streamlined, iconic take on a classic, and in rich brown leather. -
From the OG loafer brandThe Weejun name has a preppy legend that precedes itself, and these shoes are just as timeless today.
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An uncanny Gucci dupeWant a look that's similar to iconic Gucci loafers without breaking the bank? These are your best bet.
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Resoleable for years of wearBeckett Simonon cuts out the middleman and delivers handsome, classic loafers in rich shades of leather.
Best for comfort
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For foam-cushioned feetSneaker-like comfort – a Cole Haan signature – meets the crisp design of the classic penny loafer.
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Business on top, comfort on the bottomThe loafer goes modern with a sleek sneaker sole and eye-catching contrasting leather upper.
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For with or without socksThe rubber forefoot and leather interior molds to your foot, and the two-tone upper is stylish as can be.
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Slips on and off with easeWith sizing from Medium to WIde and Extra Wide, these polished loafers are ideal for long days on your feet.
Best suede
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For hitting the pedal to the metalLightweight yet grippy, these suede loafers are perfect for getting behind the wheel.
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For a footloose wedding seasonYour best summer suit deserves a dash of sprezzatura with these refined loafers in rich brown suede.
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High contrast, high comfortA lovely Italian suede leather upper adds a dash of distinction atop a sporty white rubber sole.
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Feel six generations of Italian craftsmanshipLook like a million bucks (for under $230) with these timeless Italian suede loafers for work or play.
Best with tassels
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For a sleek almond toe silhouetteBusiness casual style just got a whole lot cooler, thanks to these tasteful tassel loafers in tan leather.
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Woven with unique design detailsWoven construction meets a distinctive tassel design for a new twist on prep style.
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Just what the doctor orderedTrade in your edgy Doc boots for an even edgier pair of bulky, cool leather loafers on a chunky sole.
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Hot off their 2 centuries in the menswear industryBrooks Brothers puts its own spin on an American icon with these timeless loafers.
FAQs
How do I style loafers for men?
Beauty is in the eye of the beholder, and that's certainly true when it comes to popular brands making some of the best loafers for men. Loafers can be styled plenty of different ways, starting with the classics: They work very well as a dress shoe alternative alongside comfortable men's workwear (like chinos, a well-fitting polo or an Oxford shirt, and a cotton blazer).
Maintaining a crisp, cleaned-up loafer with the help of your best shoe polish gives you a pair of work shoes you can confidently wear to the office. If your pair has a sneaker-like sole or a more casual nubuck leather, they can work in place of sneakers with chino shorts and a pocket tee for a touch of high-low, laidback prep style.
You can also wear your loafers for formal events, like with a light cotton or linen suit to an outdoor summer wedding. And in a final show of versatility, a more casual style of loafer can be paired with rolled dark blue jeans and an Oxford shirt or well-fitting polo – off the clock, cold beer in hand.
How do I choose the best pair of loafers for men?
Choosing a pair of the best loafers for men is a fun quest all its own, but it requires honing in on how you plan to wear your loafers. If you want an alternative to dress shoes, opt for a pair from a brand like Allen Edmonds, which uses a dress shoe-esque design to create a streamlined, sharp pair of loafers ready for both the office and a classy summer wedding.
Brands like Brooks Brothers and SuitSupply also specialize in sharp-looking, sleek loafers able to be worn with dressy, tailored ensembles. Yet, there are companies making more sporty driving loafers, like Oliver Cabell, emphasizing the grippy design you can wear behind the wheel of a car. And Cole Haan's use of sneaker technology in modern loafers with a sporty outsole is also impressive, and well-suited for plenty of casual style situations. The right loafers should fit your lifestyle, and by choosing wisely, you'll have a wardrobe staple to rely on for years.
