23 Must-Have Loafers for Every Occasion, Style, and Budget

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LOAFERS ARE the most versatile "outside" shoes to sport in warmer weather. Offering the casual comfort of slippers and the formal sophistication of tuxedo shoes, loafers for men are slip-on shoes suitable for a wide range of occasions and a classic that’ll never go out of style.

The best loafers for men should be able to do it all and provide endless styling possibilities. In fact, Nordstrom Men’s Fashion Director, Jian DeLeon, says he wears loafers like minimal sneakers. "They can go with anything from jeans to a suit, and even can smarten up a casual shorts look." Yeah, that's the versatile prowess of loafers. And because the best loafers for men come in a variety of styles—from driving shoes to dressy tassel style to classic penny loafers—there definitely is one pair out there that best suits you.

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The best loafers for men should also be made for walking and standing, so we've spoken to a panel of experts and done extensive testing on over 50 loafers ourselves to bring you the 23 best loafers for men below that combine style and comfort.

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The Absolute Best Loafers for Men, Based on Testing and Expert Reviews

Larson Lug Weejuns

"G.H. Bass is synonymous with the penny loafer and helped cement its place in classic American style. They’ve also managed to keep this timeless silhouette accessibly priced over the years," says Nordstrom Men’s Fashion Director, Jian DeLeon. Having been around since 1936, the Weejuns is the OG penny loafer style that still looks great today. In fact, our Gear & Commerce Editor has had them since 2020, and affirms that their craftsman-like construction can hold up even after years of wear. He highly recommends the all-black for more versatility in your loafer lineup simply because of how dressy, elegant, yet versatile they are. At under $150, it provides incredible value. An easy addition to your weekday uniform.

What Do Other Experts Say? "As the OG, Weejuns are an excellent choice for beginners venturing into this style. With their timeless silhouette, a wide array of styles, and true-to-size fit, Weejuns provide great value for your money," says personal menswear stylist Turner Allen.

Patnoflex Loafer

Donning a simple, elegant design that feels a tad more casual while still delivering plenty of style points, the Patnoflex loafer benefits from a leather lining and ergonomic footbed that offers incredible support for a dress shoe, and it's incredibly flexible—style-wise and physically—to boot. We have not felt any discomfort while being on our feet all day in them, standing or walking.

What Do Experts Say? "For a more modern take on a loafer, I love the Astorflex Patnoflex Loafer with its streamlined details and unfussy energy. It is the perfect stand-in for a dress sneaker that both elevates casual looks and perfectly compliments business casual. Handmade with environmentally responsible construction in Italy by 6th-generation shoemakers, they are a simple slip-on with a super soft feel which makes them highly wearable," says personal stylist Stephanie Gisondi-Little.

Atticus LT Slip

Made with a foam footbed that delivers cushioning comfort and lightweight construction, these slip-on, barefoot-friendly loafers nail the balance between smart and casual to give us an everyday-friendly look that we have sported to run errands in, commute in, catch the plane in, etc.

What Do Experts Say? "These are the best choice if you're looking for some classy and trendy loafers. They can be used by both younger and older people, and you can combine them with tons of different styles. The best thing about these loafers is that they're extremely lightweight, and furthermore, the price is reasonable for such a quality product," says Chris Laverty, movie fashion and design expert at Elemental Spot.

Suede Driving Loafers

For a pair of moccasin-like driving loafers, these are extra dressy and look formal-ready. With a lightweight but tough outsole, they’re also extra commute- and travel-friendly and lean on the casual—and warm-weather-friendly—side. I like wearing them with chino shorts and short-sleeve shirts. I also love how soft and flexible the fabric of these loafers feels which really brings out the comfort while walking.

What Do Experts Say? "I usually like to pair chinos with these slip-on shoes in suede to keep the look laid-back without going overly casual... The high-quality fabrication makes them feel a bit more formal without sacrificing comfort," says content creator and influencer Joe Weir.

Adrian Slip-On Tassel Loafer

The tassel loafer is a footwear icon. Dr. Martens' affordable, chunky, but still groovy iteration stays true to the Ivy style but brings out the casual flair and durability in a Goodyear welt construction. We love how rich the leather looks, how rugged the outsole is, and how the underfoot support will last all day.

What Do Experts Say? "I know Dr. Marten’s isn't where people usually look to buy loafers but these ones stand out. They're chunkier than a traditional loafer, which makes it a little more playful and the rubber sole improves comfort and mobility. Plus, Dr. Marten’s smooth, durable leather ensures the shoes can take a beating wear after wear," says stylist Fred Kim.

Abe Cognac Plaid Leather Penny Loafers

Most loafers don’t look great with a tapestry of colors on them, but Marc Nolan uses a combination of plaid, pattern, and colors to create penny loafers that look fun—but by no means funky—for dressing up. We love that the style is a nice spin on the classic loafers, but the comfort is also just as impressive: the athletic rubber outsole and flexible memory foam insoles will ground your every step.

What Do Experts Say? "The two-tone color combo with high-quality leather and materials come at a great price point, with lots of styles to choose from," says men's fashion and lifestyle influencer Leo Chan.

The Driving Loafer

Rothy's recent foray into men's footwear wowed us with its sleek, upcycled shoes that look just as great as they feel, and its driving loafers are no exception. Stylish, comfortable, washable—yes, you heard that right—and extra grippy on the outsole, these are perhaps the best under-$200 loafers we've ever tested. They're knit from used plastic water bottles to feel like a second skin, and the dual-density insoles work with the sturdy outsole to provide underfoot support and balance. And yes, we've thrown them into the washing machine, and they came out as good as new.

What Do Experts Say? "Rothy’s driving loafer is a great sustainable option made from recycled plastic. Their shoes are washable and don’t require a break in period," says stylist Alyssa Dineen.

Ludovico grigio scamosciato Loafers

For those looking to stand out sans looking loud, these fine suede Venetian loafers are a subtle flex. We love that they aren't too flashy, and they'll match a lot of what's already in your wardrobe. Scarosso even updates them with a flexible outsole that offers plenty of traction for long urban treks or hours next to your standing desk; and in our testing, the reinforced heel which offers a little extra height really elevates any fit to look more formal.

What Do Experts Say? "More comfortable than sneakers due to the rubber sole, these loafers have an elegant Belgian loafer design, can be dressed up or down... and look like the Loro Piana Summer Walk," says men's fashion and lifestyle influencer Brian Chan.

Lexington Kiltie Tasseled Wing-Tip Loafer

Here we have a hybrid of tassel loafers, brogue dress shoes, and wing-tip style, making it one of the best dressy loafers we’ve ever worn. Its classy design speaks for its own and is perfect for formal and even tuxedo footwear. But their comfort is also one to beat: not only is the footbed fully cushioned for non-stop support when you stand or walk, but the outsole is also lightweight without compromising on grip.

What Do Experts Say? "I love the braid detail and the sheepskin leather that provides a mix of texture that really lends it to be dressed up or down. I can style this shoe with a suit for a more formal setting, or pair it with distressed denim rolled cuffed and white tube socks for a relaxed street style," says wardrobe stylist Taylor Orear.

The Pastoso Uomo

Driving loafer? Penny loafer? The answer is yes. M. Gemi’s ingenious design combines the summer laidback panache of moccasin driving shoes with the classic design of the penny loafer to take the guesswork out of your “What type of loafers look best on me?” concern. We love that it’s incredibly lightweight and barefoot-friendly, even for walking. Our favorite part however is the oval toe which offers a comfortable fit and no-break-in-needed wear right out of the box.

What Do Experts Say? "M. Gemi’s Pastoso Uomo loafer is a classic Italian leather penny loafer style. The leather is soft and easy to wear. They also have a few colors that come with a contrasting sole which makes them interesting," says stylist Alyssa Dineen.

Edwin Loafer

Aside from getting that penny loafer form in spades, these smooth loafers come with a durable, flexible outsole that absorbs impact and offers excellent traction when we walk. Our favorite part is that the suede upper will easily mold to your feet, meaning no need for breaking in—you will wear it right from the get-go. Lastly, the full Goodyear welt construction makes sure that these loafers will last till the end of time.

What Do Experts Say? "Edwin Loafer is the perfect summer staple and an example of the collaboration's practical-meets-refined approach. The sole allows flexibility and the lighter shades of suede work for the summer weather," says stylist Melina Kemph.

Bernard Tassel Loafers

Crafted from full-grain calfskin leather sourced from a golf-rated tannery in Italy, these loafers exude classic style. Artisanal features like a Blake stitch construction and a Vachetta leather lining move these loafers into the upper echelon of footwear, all the while staying surprisingly reasonable in price.

What Do Experts Say? "Beckett Simonon only uses leather-certified gold by the Leather Working Group, including the water-resistant suede used in the Bernard Tassel Loafer. Handcrafted in Bog0ta, Columbia by expert shoemakers, this is a dress shoe that can be resoled again and again," says Style Writer Brad Lanphear.

Light Brown Slip-On

Tested by our editors as a pair of business casual shoes, we’ve found that this brown suede simply doesn’t miss—simultaneously sophisticated yet easygoing, making it one of the most versatile shoes in the game. The style can complement any fit, and the design is not busy or distracting for office dress codes. We were also impressed by their construction which is lightweight and slip-resistant.

What Do Experts Say? "Constructed of high-quality calf leather, this material will wear well over time with the right care. The beautiful light brown shade is perfect for year-round wear and styles well with many colors within a wardrobe. Look for something like this pair, with a simple design, which is a timeless pick to invest in," says personal wardrobe stylist Grace Thomas.

Le Club Snaffle Bit Loafer

We'd be remiss not to include the instantly recognizable loafer style—the horse bit, which has been a go-to design for C-level executives. And these horse bit loafers by VINNYS prove that you needn’t spend close to four digits to cop a pair of formal-looking loafers. We love that they look streamlined in a traditional yet classy form and are made with brushed hardware to spruce up your business casual fit.

What Do Experts Say? "Vinny’s is a younger footwear label out of Copenhagen founded by talented Black designer Virgil Nicholas. While they make more conservative options, I’m a fan of their more fashion-forward colors and materials," says Nordstrom Men’s Fashion Director, Jian DeLeon.

More Best Loafers for Men We Love

Leather Casual Slip On Loafers

Leather loafers for under $50? No wonder Go Tour's slip-ons have been an Amazon best-seller. It's also received five-star reviews for its soft interior that's easy to pack in your carry-on luggage. In our testing, we found them super easy to slip on and off, light and flexible enough to walk in, and soft enough to wear without socks. Though at this price point, they haven't lasted as long as other more premium loafers we've tested, so proceed with caution.

Moccasin Loafers

Under $40 but ultra-mighty, these lightweight moccasin loafers bring style and substance to the table at an affordable price point. Its outsole is textured to provide a good grip, and the upper needs no break-in period to bring out comfort. And how about that unmistakable driving loafer look? We have colleagues who wear these year-round beyond warm-weather days, in the office, at the bar, or on vacations, so the comfort and versatility of wearing them on the go are tried and true.

The Loafer

Aiming for the utmost support and style, these loafers are packed with performance feats—water-repellent upper, soft breathable lining, supportive foam arch, and a hybrid sole that brings together the flexibility of sneakers and the durability of boots. Having owned these for a few months, I find them to be the most comfortable loafers I’ve ever tested. With an athletic design meant to let your feet move in comfort, you’ll want to sport Amberjack’s loafers all day long and wear them to face anything on your way.

Palmer Venetian Loafer

With a classic Venetian loafer upper and a modern polyurethane outsole, these loafers do not compromise on either style or function. If you’re always on the go, these fit like a glove to give you all-day comfort, no matter the mileage you take.

We also love how effortless these are as slip-on shoes to save time and energy before heading out, and the sole with lightweight shock absorption makes these loafers one of our favorite shoes to commute to the office while carrying heavy.

American Classics Penny Loafer

Similar to combat boots, Cole Hana’s “platform” loafers offer lots of tough leather style and height. And also similar to combat boots, these loafers provide steady traction via their rugged patterned sole, ensuring comfort at every step. We also love that its round toe keeps the fit full and therefore comfortable to walk in, and the cushioned footbed feels responsive for everyday wear. Some breaking-in is required, but our testing editor says that it's rather a breeze.

Cabo II Penny Loafer

Even more casual and fun than Sperry's infamous boat shoes, these penny loafers are updated with a modern, sneaker-like silhouette at the outsole while still sporting the brand's signature added cushioning for an ultra-cozy fit, and the recognizable penny saddle that only loafers have. Perfect for dressing down, we love how on-point they are for resort, vacation footwear. The upper and overall fit, however, do need breaking in before you will get the most out of these shoes.

Crossover Loafer

Road trips call for loafers that are easy to slip on and comfy to wear for hours. This hybrid loafer ticks both boxes, thanks to its soft, moisture-wicking lining, memory foam insole, and grippy outsole. Wear it without socks, we dare you, as our colleagues have for many times a month. In addition to the arch support and soft upper, we are equally impressed by the thermal rubber outsole that grounds your step and thus your style.

Baleen Blue Sabah

While Sabah is still relatively new (established in 2013), these handmade Turkish are certainly not. Made from soft nubuck leather, these loafers in a unique silhouette offer a solid changeup to the traditional loafer we think of in Western culture. One of our testing editors has worn these for quite a few years, and he loves that the leather upper has broken in and aged beautifully without any tear or wear. At last, with shorts, jeans, or even sweatpants, they will manage to look awesome.

Excursionist Venetian Loafer

A pair of versatile loafers should be minimalist, look and feel everyday-friendly, but still elevated enough to be dressed up. Enter Peter Millar's Venetian loafers stage left. The upper is extra soft in a velvet-like suede but also extra rugged for water resistance. And overall, its clean-cut, minimalist style means it can be dressed up or down, with suit pants or blue jeans, in a preppy style or an everyday travel ensemble.

How to Choose the Best Loafers for Men?

Size and fit: "You want to avoid too much 'heel slip' when you wear them, which is the amount of friction between your heel and the back of the shoe," says Nordstrom Men’s Fashion Director, Jian DeLeon. In addition, he suggests that loafers should fit snug, not tight, so you should be aware of how much space you have in the toe box. Men's personal stylist Patrick Kenger recommends sizing down a touch because once they stretch, they cannot be tightened.

Upper material: The most common materials for loafer's upper is leather and suede. Style-wise, menswear influencer Brock McGoff believes that suede is more unique but has higher maintenance, whereas leather is timeless and easy to care for. Comfort-wise, leather and suede break in much differently, according to DeLeon, "with the latter being more comfortable from the first wear, but with leather developing more of an interesting patina over time."

Construction: Goodyear welted construction is highly recommended for loafers, since it is the build that for sure will last. In addition, personal stylist Turner Allen calls Goodyear "a sustainable approach that ensures the longevity of your favorite loafers" because it allows for easy sole replacement so you don't have to discard perfectly good loafers just because their soles are worn-out.

What Are the Different Types of Loafers for Men?

Penny loafer: perhaps the most popular loafer style, the penny loafer was made by G.H. Bass in the 1930s with an added strip of leather across the upper. The leather strip features a small diamond cutout slit.

Tassel loafer: featuring decorative tassels at the front of the upper, these loafers originated from Brooks Brothers and are meant for dressing up—such as at cocktail parties, red carpets, and stays at five-star hotels.

Driving/mocassin loafer: having gained popularity in recent years, this type of loafer uses a moccasin upper and a rubber sole. Designed for driving, it offers superior grip and flexibility.

Venetian loafer: they are the most plain-looking loafer type—no strip, strap, tassel, metal, or any other ornament at the upper. Just plain leather which can be super versatile. As slip-ons, they’re also very easy and comfortable to sport.

Horsebit loafer: adorned with a shiny horse-bit-style metal link at the front upper, this type of loafer was the first loafer to bring “loafer” to the class of dressy, formal wear, in lieu of just being casual footwear.

Which Brands Make the Best Loafers for Men?

Many brands have carved a niche for themselves in the world of men’s loafers, so the options are aplenty. G.H. Bass’ OG loafers and Allen Edmond’s performance loafers combine timeless design with reliable comfort. Household footwear brands like Cole Haan and Clarks make everyday-style loafers with everyday comfort to match. Then we have newcomers like Rothy’s, Astorflex, and Amberjack whose loafers are versatile, durable, and so easy to wear every single day. And those best-sellers from popular shoemakers you see online like Florsheim, Bruno Marc, and Rockport deliver designs that’ll never be out of style and performance on the go.

In short, brands that make the best dress shoes also make the best loafers since they consistently deliver on style, comfort, and craftsmanship.

How to Style Loafers for Men?

The reality nowadays is that loafers indeed look great with anything, any fit, as long as you’ve got the right one. "I would style loafers with just about anything. They can be an easy alternative to clean, minimal sneakers for casual outfits (even with denim!) or even a good replacement for your lace-up dress shoes when wearing them with suits (especially in the warmer months)," says men's style influencer Brian Chan.

For instance, McGoff suggests dressing them down with shorts and a camp collar shirt for summer, or wearing them with a suit—but with a polo shirt instead of a dress shirt and tie—for business casual. Personal stylist Stephanie Gisondi-Little believes that wearing loafers without socks makes a classic spring/summer look, especially when paired with a slightly cropped khaki or cuffed denim. For an everyday look, wearing loafers with relaxed shirting and denim or chino pants is foolproof.

All in all, when it comes to styling with loafers, it's about interlaying the casualness of the shoes with the formal flair of the rest of your fits to create a sharp, dynamic look.

How We Selected

To find the best loafers for men, our editors and writers have personally tried on and tested a variety of styles, such as attending casual weekend hang-outs in Astorflex's Patnoflex Loafer, sporting G.H. Bass' penny loafers to a formal event, or commuting in and wearing Amberjack's loafers to the office.

Then, our testing editors narrowed the selection by evaluating these loafers based on their style, comfort, price point, and versatility. We also considered tested recommendations of loafers from style experts such as stylists and fashion influencers.

In addition, our selection focuses not on trendy or trend-chasing shoes; instead, our picks of the best loafers for men all fit great athletic guys, provide great value and performance at reasonable price points, and come in styles that will look great years from now.

Read more: Learn How Men's Health Tests Products

Why Trust Us

At Men’s Health, our testing editors and writers always make sure to actually test and use the products ourselves before considering whether to include them. Therefore, rest assured that our product recommendations derive from first-hand experience, and you can read more about our testing process here.

In addition, we have a whole fashion closet in our NYC office dedicated to calling in, trying out, and selecting the best and newest menswear products. We put them on stylish, fit guys to hear their opinions and see how the items look on them before making our final decision. And as style editors, we constantly go into the fashion closet to feel a product’s materials—even put it on ourselves for a spin—to test it.

Lastly, you can trust our opinions on shopping recommendations, whether it’s the products, styling tips, or trends. Not only do we have Fashion Director Ted Stafford and Deputy Editor, Commerce Christian Gollyan, but we also have a panel of style experts—including stylists, fashion influencers, designers, etc.—whom we regularly seek shopping guides from. Therefore, our product recommendations and buying tips are all driven by professional, expert opinions.

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