Fashion

The Best Loafers for a Variety of Occasions and Styles

Classic shoes are an important staple in a man’s wardrobe.

There so many key and designed brands sporting loafers these days. This classic shoe isn’t going anywhere soon, and makes the ideal footwear for a sophisticated occasion. But, which style and material should you choose? Does it even matter? In this article, we’re exploring the best loafers on the Internet right now, things to consider, and tips to keep them sparkling for life.

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A Bit About the Best Loafers

Loafers have been around for awhile. But how did they gain popularity and traction. Furthermore how do you care for them? In this section, we'll answer all of your questions about the best loafers before suggesting our favorite pairs.

A Brief History of Men’s Loafers 

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Credit: Flickr, Robert Sheie

Loafers are a popular style of men’s shoes, and it’s not hard to recognize why. They’re the footwear of choice for celebrities and professionals. However, they are one of the most difficult shoes to get right, because they can look boring. But, in more recent years, we’ve seen a positive impact on patterns, designs, colours and even textures. Major shoe designers are no longer afraid to step outside of the box and challenge what a loafer should look like.

Finding the best loafers really depends on where you want to wear them and which designer you invest your money in. The Bass Weejun loafer stepped onto the scene in 1936 with the intention of being only for men. As time progressed and its success increased, Bass Weejun branched into more feminine footwear for women. With a perfect balance between style and comfort, Weejun went on to become a staple on college campuses across the United States. Soon, the loafer became the most popular and adored shoe in the United States – particularly through to the late 1960’s.

There’s something exceptionally freeing about loafers. They’re not for people who are afraid to take fashion risks. This is because the beauty of them is in their flamboyant colours and patterns. With their appeal to a variety of people and lifestyles, there’s something so broadly accepting about them.

Caring for Loafers

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Like some of the best shoe styles, loafers need care and attention to remain in tip-top condition. If you’re wearing them all the time, they’ll require more product and cleaning to keep them lasting longer. There isn’t one cleaning process for every loafer, as it depends on the material they’re made of. For example, you can clean leather styles with a hard brush and polish. This will keep them looking new and buff away any marks. However, for patent styles, a wet cloth or wipe is better suited to get them clean and sparkling again.  

We love that loafers aren’t high maintenance. If they get muddy, leave them to dry in a cool place and allow the mud to dry before carefully using a knife to scrape away the dirt. If you own suede loaders, invest in a suede protector spray to prolong the life of your shoes. For dirt patches, purchase a suede brush. With warm water, use circular motions to remove any stubborn marks. Ordinarily, the water alone won’t remove these marks.

As well as the outside, it’s good practice to clean the inside of your loafers too. Mix together a teaspoon of vinegar with warm water. This will eliminate dirt and neutralize any odours. Dry sprinkle a small amount of baking soda inside your shoes and leave the magic to happen.


The Best Loafers to Add Style to Your Wardrobe

We appreciate that finding the best loafers isn’t an easy task. However, it’s definitely possible and worth the time researching and deciding. If you look back on their fashion, you’ll see that they can be worn at any time of the year, though are more considered a spring-summer show. They are quite tricky to wear with an outfit, but they really are a wardrobe staple. We recommend choosing leather, as they’re more malleable and comfortable on your feet. This is particularly important if you intend on wearing them during the hot months. Most importantly, they will stand up better against heat and if you wear socks too.

Whilst we’re on the sock debate, it’s entirely up to you if you wear socks with loafers. However, if you decide to ditch the socks, we recommend taking this up during the summer months. Alternatively, opt for socks during the winter months for keep your feet warm. Ensure that your socks aren’t obviously visible over your loafers. Consider the colour too so that they match your footwear.

Let’s take a look at the best loafers to add style to your wardrobe. We’d tried to create a varied selection, so that there’s a perfect loafer for every taste and lifestyle.

1. Paul Parkman Mens Genuine Python Loafers Camel

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These handmade Paul Parkman shoes are one of the best loafers in terms of luxury and style. With a leather sole and finish, they’re high-quality and guaranteed to last a long time. Also, the camel-colour genuine python material on the upper part of the shoe makes these a stand-out shoe.

This brand creates luxury men’s footwear with optimum sophistication. Paul Parkman never loses sight of the real art and delicacy of handcrafting. As a result, this enhances the personality of the brand and each product. In addition, Paul Parkman prides itself on creating the highest quality shoes on the market. During the years, the brand has grown to create collections of delicate shoes. However, they remain classical and fashionable for a variety of occasions.

Paul Parkman makes luxury shoes which are made of exceptional quality and from a made-to-measure service. Every detail of this shoe is incredibly stylish and appropriate for important events. Having been carefully created and designed from start to finish, they’re constructed and painted in limited numbers. Thanks to an extensive amount of research and handwork put into each shoe, you’ll experience that they’re completely one-of-a-kind. With a unique hue and polish, there aren’t any other shoes similar to these on the market right now. It takes 15 days to construct and create each shoe from this brand. Therefore, you’ll get peace of mind that they’re created with love and care just for you.

2. Prada Men's Saffiano Leather Loafers

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If you’re looking for the best loafers, you should definitely get excited about these Prada shoes. These particular shoes are made from 100 percent authentic and the finest Prada quality and craftsmanship. Also, made from genuine leather and real calfskin, they’re one of the highest quality shoes available to men right now. Also, the scratch resistant Saffiano leather material is useful to keep your shoes in tip-top condition.

In 1913, Prada opened its first store in Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II. At this point in their business, they sold leather bags, trunks and luxury accessories. However, you wouldn’t have found high-quality shoes like these ones above. It wasn’t until 1999 that Prada began branching out and focusing on shoes for both genders. They got the rights to the Car Shoe trademark – and Italian brand which specialized in driving shoes. In 2003, Prada signed a 10-year contract for eye wear and shoes along with a joint venture with a cosmetic manufacturer.

3. BALLY Mens Webb Loafer

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These are another of the best loafers which are also a reasonable price. Coming in two shades – black and coconut – they’re both ideal for a variety of occasions. The founder of Bally – Carl Franz Bally – founded the brand in 1851 and set up a workshop in his own home in Switzerland. His vision soon came to life. By 1857, he already expanded beyond Switzerland’s border.

Edouard and Arthur Bally became appointed to head the business in 1892. Their shoe-making process became more expansive than before, and each shoe was made from the highest quality and resources possible. In 1942, the Bally Museum opened in Switzerland as a dedication to the history of shoe making. You might be wondering what made this brand so successful and stand out from others. Well, this was mainly due to offering exceptional comfort, high-quality leather and a range of innovations. This business reinvented beautiful footwear with new types of stitching and ribbon weaving like nothing that had gone before. Today, Bally sets the benchmark for timeless style. Also, the company lavishes the same care on its heritage as it does on its shoes.

Bally is one of the first global multinationals. The company produces 4 million pairs of high-quality shoes, and employs more than 7,000 people around the world. In order to make some exceptional shoes, the brand has a Research and Development center. This is purely focused on leather craftsmanship techniques and production processes. To celebrate its 100-year anniversary, Bally commissioned the Scribe Shoe. Every shoe is handmade in 200 steps, and takes six hours to complete. This particular show has become of the Bally’s most successful and famous products to date.

4. Swims Men's Shoes Lace Up Woven Loafer

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These lace loafers by Swims are built on a rubber driver outside and have an exclusive, elastic, woven vamp. As a result, they offer you a comfortable and sophisticated look with every wear. Also, the suede collar and metallic trims add an additional luxurious feel. As part of a premium collection, these are one of the best loafers for when you are strolling around Milan on your way to a glamorous dinner date. They’re also comfortable to wear for hours, so your feet won’t ache if you’re constantly standing/walking.

Swims founded in 2006 in Oslo, Norway and breathed life the men’s footwear industry. Starting off with a simple idea of transforming and creating quality shoes, it grew quicker than they’d excepted. Its bold personality and minimalistic design helped to adapt this brand into what we recognize today. Norwegians have to adapt between warm summer months and heavy winter months. As a result, they need shoes which are extremely versatile and functional for all seasons. With this in mind, the brand enables Scandinavians to look sleek whilst maintaining comfort and ultimate functionality for all kinds of weather. As a result, these particular shoes are ideal for a variety of occasions, and will instantly take you from daytime to nighttime attire.

Finally, the brand’s philosophy is to create timeless classics with perfectly befitting footwear, apparel and accessories. Swims have grown to serve the lifestyle of international urban travelers with a desire for function, quality and design. Over the past years, Swims have become more of a lifestyle brand with added vibrancy and character to each and every one of their designs. These particular shoes are a great example of that.

5. Testoni Men's M60443dum Penny Loafer

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These loafers offer an exceptional style and appearance like no other men’s footwear. Made from 100 percent leather with a rubber sole, they’re comfortable, versatile and practical, whilst remaining stylish. The founder – Young Amedo Testoni – opened the brand’s first workshop in 1929 after learning the secrets of Bolognese craftsmen. During the ‘50’s, they improved their traditional production to develop some of the most beautiful shoes in the world. The brand continues to take pride in using the finest materials and achieving the highest quality, without compromising. Its philosophy aims for original technical and aesthetic solutions along with continuous innovation and development. As a result, it remains one of the most modern and stylish Italian brands in the world.

By utilizing Bolognese construction, this characteristic embodies the hand-crafted values of a.testoni shoes. The upper is hand-sewn to a special lining in a soft kidskin. This fits like a globe and ensures unbeatable comfort and flexibility. Also, the brand has combined this construction with the classic Goodyear method to create a Goodyear Bolognese method. This is a perfect combination of comfort, flexibility and resistance. Therefore, if you’re looking for one of the best loafers for an exceptional price which offers versatility and practicality, these are a great choice for you.

The great variety of leathers used range from calfskin to ostrich and crocodile. This constitutes a continuous challenge and commitment. It is necessary to select the best leathers, test their resistance and find experts capable of hand-sewing complex materials that even the most sophisticated machines are unable to cut.

6. Allen Edmonds Men's Grayson Tassel Loafer

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These are the best loafers for a crisp and traditional style. Shoe people what you’re all about with these graceful, elegant loafers. Featuring side lacing, tassels and a tapered, squared-off toe to create a flattering day or evening look. They also feature Allen Edmonds’ signature full-leather lining for a superior fit and comfort.

To create each shoe with this brand, it takes 212 steps for the manufacturing process. This has been the basis for handcrafting Allen Edmonds Goodyear welted shoes since 1922. During this year, the founder Allen Edmonds launched this shoe company in Belgium, Wisconsin. Allen knew that in order to become a success, they needed to stay close to their roots and work honestly and trust that this would grow to become a successful shoe company. Each year, this company receives around 60,000 pairs of shoes that are sent by customers who have fallen in love with the fit and look of their shoes. With so many processes and stages, the team completely rebuild the shoe including a new welt, cork and sole, plus they strip and refinish the leather uppers and add new laces. As a result, the shoes return looking almost brand new.

Furthermore, Allen Edmonds offers dozens of materials for their soles, including leather, rubber and more. These particular shoes are suitable for dress to casual occasions, and a variety of different weather. This sole is designed for a specific purpose: to keep your feet comfortable. Also, these leather soles are great for formal occasions. Utilizing an oil-fused for enhanced flexibility and added protection, they suit your needs and lifestyle.

7. Donald J Pliner Men's Ario Loafer

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These shoes are made to impress. The luxe calf leather and impeccable craftsmanship joins together to create the perfect shoe. With tassel embellishments, and leather lining, this provides all-day comfort and a noticeable style. Donald Pliner has built a reputation for innovative materials, remarkable design and quality craftsmanship in luxury footwear. Recognized for combining premium leather and materials with impeccable design, he also meets this with a quality fit and comfort to the highest standard.

From the beginning of the brand, Donald Pliner brings innovation and thoughtfulness to the design and construction of accessory products. The brand became first to develop all-over crepe elastic shoes, which is still one of the best-selling material variations today. Thanks to exceptional materials such as haircalf, fine suedes and exotics, which are routinely used to create contemporary style choices. Thanks to embellishments taking the center stage, the elaborate hand beading and unique decorations on many of their shoes make them a stand-out.

From looking at these shoes, it’s clear that Pliner’s inspiration is drawn from energy and destinations. This includes Spain to the mountains of Italy. Infused with uniquely bold, unexpected and modern styling, there’s no other shoe designer who can produce creations like his.

8. Ferrini Men's 3877 Slip-On Loafer

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These are another of the best loafers to purchase from the Internet. Made from 100 percent leather, these loafers are durable and water-resistant. Ferrini accesses leather from procurement through tanning to create a unique, premium material. Each shoe or boot is hand-crafted for the perfect appeal and design for men’s footwear. This process includes all aspects of the shoe. Made from genuine, high-quality materials, they make some of the best loafers you’ll ever see.

This brand originates from generations of commerce in exotic skins and premium leathers from places around the world. Currently, the family still own the business and produce exclusive leather products for customers all around the world. Their hands-on approach is what makes this brand so special. They can turn a classic shoe into one with purpose which is suitable for a variety of occasions.

9. ALDO Men's Hearst Loafer

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These loafers by Aldo are courageous, full of character and flamboyant. In 1972, Aldo stepped onto the scene. The founder – Aldo Bensadoun – set out to make his dream come true. Ignited with passion and a strong understand of the shoe business, he set out to create a brand he truly cared about. Understanding the customer was a huge part of ethos as he wanted to provide the best possible products.

In this current day, Aldo is one of the world’s leading fashion retailers. Nearly 200 million customers visit their store each year. When you look at the loafers above, it’s not hard to appreciate why. They take risks, whilst still keeping the customer’s needs at the core of their production. Each shoe is energetic and contains a spirit which many other brands cannot replicate. You can wear these particular shoes to a fun night out and stand out from the crowd.

10. George Brown Men's Fulton Penny Loafer

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These leather and synthetic shoes are a modern approach to fashion. The calfskin upper with a textured leather heel fits to every foot. In 1914, George Brown engineered highly durable officer shoes for the first World War. These were designed in a new way to approach military footwear with functional features. Through the next 100 years, Brown built, innovated, invented and inspired a new way of making shoes. These particular loafers focus on more of his modern approach.


Why Do You Love the Best Loafers?

Loafers have been around for nearly one hundred years, and it’s amazing to see their transformation over that time. However, we also love that the best loafers keep to the tradition and definition of what this footwear should embody. There are endless choices with where this footwear can take you. For example, dress up for a formal event, or keep it casual with black loafers and a relaxed outfit.

Now that you’ve heard from us, we’d love to hear about your opinion on loafers. Do you have some recommended go-to brands? Or, perhaps you’d like to share some fashion tips for with this footwear. Share your thoughts and tips in the comments to inspire others.

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