The Best Loafers, According to Cut Editors (2024)

always shopping

By Bianca Nieves, senior shopping editor for the Cut who researches and identifies the best fashion, beauty, and lifestyle products to add to cart. Her work has also appeared in Teen Vogue, Refinery29, Glamour, Fashionista, and others.

The Best Loafers, According to Cut Editors (2)

Photo-Illustration: by The Cut; Photos: Retailers

For more of the Cut’s favorite fashion, beauty, and home finds,sign up for the weeklyCut Shop Newsletter.

Loafers are a hero piece in any wardrobe. Just ask the Cut’s fashion director, Jess Willis. No, they won’t make you look like a little lad — even if you pair them with your favorite white socks. Instead, the best loafers are timeless and functional. Think about them as mary janes’ and ballet flats’ older and more mature sibling.

The blister period might literally give you battle scars (though not all loafers are created equal), but as a loafer enthusiast myself, I can attest that once you’ve broken them in, they are just as comfortable as your go-to sneakers. Sure, I might be biased, but below I provide a list of loafers that are worth the cost per wear, are Cut editor–approved, and detail a realistic period to break them in.

.

Cut Shop picks:

The New Classics

Hereu’s pricing might be a turn-off for some, but I’m here to tell you they are worth every penny. They’re crafted in Spain and the quality is impeccable. And luckily, more often than not, sites like MatchesFashion (RIP) and Farfetch tend to have various styles marked down. I wear mine with socks, and they are very comfortable. (The only time I needed backup, Band-Aids, was the first time I took them out for a stroll.)

The Cut Favorite

When I asked my colleagues if they had a favorite pair of loafers, a handful of them immediately responded that they swear by G.H Bass’ Weejuns. They are no frizz, go with literally everything, are under $200, and your feet won’t hate you if you decide to walk all over the city in them.

The Elevated Pair

Favored by Bella Hadid, Nomasei creates elevated versions of our beloved loafers. With a one-inch heel that will literally elevate you every so slightly without discomfort, these are my favorites to pair with dresses and sport shorts to create a nice contrast. Also, every time I wear them, I get so many compliments.

A Pair for Petites

Senior culture editor Brooke Marine recommends the Camper Milah loafers. She loves how they give her petite frame some height while still being comfortable (and affordable!).

The Custom Ones

Senior writer Sangeeta Singh-Kurtz can’t recommend Majordome enough. The Swiss shoe label does custom shoes, so you can pick the leather, lacing, sole, etc., and the company also fits it to your foot exactly. She even prefers these over her Gucci loafers (!). It has a store on Madison Avenue where you can go and customize yours.

Another Classic Option

I love my Sebago loafers. I have a cow-print pair that is in my most-used shoe rotation. I’ve worn them with and without socks, and while they have never given me blisters to the point of bleeding, sometimes they do give me tiny blisters on my pinkie toes.

The Designer Pair

Our market editor, Cortne Bonilla, loves this chunky pair from Prada. They are a nice alternative to your usual black leather loafer and super-comfy. So much so Bonilla wears hers almost every day.

Another Designer Pair

Editorial assistant Brooke LaMantia loves her Gucci loafers. Her trick? Buy them secondhand, and if they are from the men’s section, even better. They mold to your feet quicker and feel like a second skin.

The Ones You Wear If You’re Not a Fan of Loafers

Shopping editor Hanna Flanagan can always count on these from Tony Bianco. They are a classic black with an edgier but subtle silhouette, perfect to throw on with your spring attire.

An Under $200 Pair

My beloved Cole Haan loafers were a thrift find from years ago, so they are no longer available. However, recently I tested out this pair and they are just as good. I had to break them in a bit more compared to an already used pair, but not too much blood was shed.

.

More tried-and-true options:

A Solid Black Option

We’ve shared how we love Vagabond Shoemakers for its black boots. The same can be said for its black loafers. Whether you opt for a tassel pair like this one or one of the chunkier iterations, it’s a good quality shoe under $200. I suggest you try them on before purchasing or purchase multiple sizes, since as with any shoe, the wrong sizing will make using these a less than favorable experience.

The Little Lad Ones

Sometimes you do need a pair that resembles those that a little lad would wear. And that’s okay. The square toe and gold detailing will add a touch to your outfits. Plus, a former colleague wore her pair during Fashion Week, so you know it passed the comfort test.

A Woven Option

Loeffler Randall knows how to do a leather shoe. Of its boots, heels, and ballet flats, its loafers might be my favorite. Especially this woven pair that features a padded leather footbed for added comfort. I love how my pair hugs my feet just right after the first use.

A Solid Under-$100 Option

If you really liked the Nomasei option but you’re currently on a budget, consider this Charles & Keith pair. I own multiple loafers from the brand and can say that the quality is great considering its pricing. People always think they look way more expensive than they actually are.

A Platform Option

Not your typical loafer. The Seoul-based brand Reike Nen is mostly known for its heeled sandals and boots, but lately its loafer and mule options are taking social media by storm. With their rubber sole, this pair is incredibly lightweight and perfect for those who want to try out the loafer trend but with a twist.

An Embellished Pair

If you can’t escape Ganni’s buckled ballet flats but don’t want to jump on the bandwagon, consider its loafers instead. They still have metallic detailing and will look just as good with all the outfits you had planned.

If You Want a Pop of Color

Imight not own Tory Burch loafers, but I own Tory Burch ballet flats, and while they massacred my feet the first time I wore them, now they fit like a glove. (Disclaimer: They are a half-size smaller than my usual size.) Since the silhouette of these is more structured, I’m sure your feet won’t meet the same outcome as mine. Especially if you wear socks.

Tags:

  • shopping
  • style
  • always shopping
  • shoes

Show Leave a Comment

The Best Loafers, According to Cut Editors
The Best Loafers, According to Cut Editors (2024)

FAQs

How to choose the perfect loafer? ›

Your toes should have enough room to wiggle, and the shoe should not feel too tight or too loose. Walk around in the shoes to see if they provide adequate support and cushioning. Remember, comfort is key when it comes to choosing the perfect pair of loafers.

What do penny loafers say about you? ›

Penny Loafers

A great pair of loafers says to everyone that you are stylish, adaptable, and can fit in anywhere. One of the reasons that loafers are loved so much is because they are comfortable as well as being practical and easy to get on with.

What type of person wears loafers? ›

If you're someone who loves sophistication and elegance, then loafers may be just the thing you need! Despite its simple style, the loafer is a classy item, perfect for dressing up an outfit. Moreover, loafers can be worn for both casual and formal occasions, which makes them extremely versatile .

Should loafers be tighter or looser? ›

In general, your shoes should fit you snugly - not too tight, not too loose.

Should you size up or down in leather loafers? ›

If you're buying leather loafers, keep in mind that they may feel slightly tight at first but will stretch over time. Consider ordering one size larger when purchasing synthetic loafers to guarantee a comfortable fit.

Which loafers go with everything? ›

Without a doubt, loafers in timeless colours like black and white take the top spot in terms of wearability and versatility. They are failsafe colours that will match effortlessly with any outfit and are perfect for any occasion.

Do you wear socks with loafers? ›

In most business and professional environments, it isn't appropriate to show your bare ankle. In these instances, you'll always want to pair your loafers with dress socks. Loafers are designed to fit snuggly, so dress socks will be thin enough to comfortably fit while also tying together your look.

Are loafers still in style in 2024? ›

Q: Are loafers still in style in 2024? A: Yes, loafers are still in style in 2024! Loafers have proven themselves as an enduring style choice, as proven by their regular occurrence on trending street styles. They are versatile, comfortable, and easy to style.

Why do men put pennies in their loafers? ›

But what are penny loafers, and why are they called that? The strap had a small slit was the perfect size to hold a coin, and back in the days when using payphones was the norm, many young men and women would keep money in their shoes in case they needed to make an emergency call.

What pants do you wear with loafers? ›

A slim or straight-leg cut often works best with loafers, creating a clean, streamlined look. Opt for Dark Wash: Dark wash jeans exude a more polished appearance, making them an excellent choice when pairing with loafers. They effortlessly transition from day to night.

What do British people call loafers? ›

Slip-ons are typically low, lace-less shoes. The style which is most commonly seen, known as a loafer, slippers, or penny loafers in American culture, has a moccasin construction. One of the first designs was introduced in London by Wildsmith Shoes, called the Wildsmith Loafer.

What color of loafers go with everything? ›

As we know black is a classic and neutral color that can complement a variety of outfits. That is why black penny loafers are suitable for both formal and casual occasions.

How do you match loafer shoes? ›

Elegant, comfortable, and versatile, loafers are an excellent choice for everyday wear. Select a pair in classic neutral tones like black for timeless appeal. They will complement jeans beautifully, so you can never go wrong pairing them with your favorite denim and a classic t-shirt to create a chic off-duty look.

How much room should I have in my loafers? ›

Generally speaking, there should be about one finger's width of space between your longest toe and the end of the shoe.

What color loafers are most versatile? ›

Black: Classic, timeless, and formal. Perfect for business settings or formal events. Brown: Ranging from light tan to dark chestnut, brown loafers are versatile and can suit both casual and semi-formal occasions. Navy: An elegant alternative to black, navy can be equally formal but adds a touch of uniqueness.

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Tyson Zemlak

Last Updated:

Views: 6318

Rating: 4.2 / 5 (63 voted)

Reviews: 86% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Tyson Zemlak

Birthday: 1992-03-17

Address: Apt. 662 96191 Quigley Dam, Kubview, MA 42013

Phone: +441678032891

Job: Community-Services Orchestrator

Hobby: Coffee roasting, Calligraphy, Metalworking, Fashion, Vehicle restoration, Shopping, Photography

Introduction: My name is Tyson Zemlak, I am a excited, light, sparkling, super, open, fair, magnificent person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.