16 best loafers for men to buy in 2024
Leather, suede, black, brown or beige – these are the best loafer styles that deserve a spot in your shoe rotation.
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If you’re building out your wardrobe and looking for new additions, a good pair of loafers is essential.
The height of both style and convenience, loafers can be slipped on and off with ease and normally sit quite low on the foot, meaning your ankle is almost always exposed.
Loafers are an underrated men’s shoe – they’re something you can easily dress up or down and are available in a range of materials, colours and patterns, hitting all sorts of budgets.
According to Danielle Soglimbene, stylist at THE ICONIC, loafers can be worn for just about any occasion in any season.
“For an everyday look, pair your loafers with a cropped denim jean, white tee and a jacket,” she told news.com.au. “As we head into the winter season, I would style them with jeans or utility trousers, a light knit and the Staple Superior Bligh Car Coat.”
Choose from leather or suede, black, brown or beige in our round up of the best loafers your feet will love.
HOW WE CHOOSE
Our team of experienced writers spend hours researching products to include in articles. We find out what factors make a good product by talking to experts, reviewing test results and analysing thousands of customer reviews.
OUR TOP PICKS
In this article
EDITOR’S PICKS
Melbourne Bike Toe Men’s Slip On Shoes, $119.98 (down from $239.95) at Ecco
What You Should Know:
ECCO offers a modern approach to the formal shoe, arriving in the form of a masculine yet comfortable loafer. The black leather styling means you can dress this shoe up or down, wear it with jeans or trousers and still look fashionable.
We love that you can remove the leather-covered sole inside the shoe to help with air circulation, while the sole padding offers comfort and support. The upper part of the shoe is made from ECCO’s bovine leather which is just as soft as it is breathable.
“From the get go, these shoes are very comfortable to wear all day. They provide ample cushioning and support. Very versatile and easy to break into,” wrote one five-star review.
Another wrote, “Absolutely the most comfortable shoes I’ve ever had.”
Base London Mens Danbury Penny Burnished Leather Loafers (Tan), $150.14 at OZSALE
What You Should Know:
If you’re looking for a basic leather loafer, this is our top pick. We love the slim profile as it means they’ll work great with a classic suit pant or shorts combination. Keen to try something different? This gorgeous tan shade will still fit seamlessly into your wardrobe and offers something more than just your classic black.
Chocolate Allen Croc Leather Loafer, $79.99 (down from $159.99) at yd.
What You Should Know:
When you first look at this pair, you may think they are just a pair of dark brown loafers – but look again. We love the dark chocolate brown colour tone of these shoes, especially paired with the embossed leather and the sleek sole. We think this style is going to be on high rotation in your closet.
“Excellent value and an excellent leather loafer. I wear them daily, and they are incredibly comfortable,” wrote one five-star review.
BEST LEATHER LOAFERS
Double Oak Mills Penny Loafers, $119.99 at THE ICONIC
What You Should Know:
An elevated, more trendy iteration of your traditional black leather loafer, this pair from the offers the right amount of chunkiness without it overpowering your whole outfit. We love the ridged outsole and the pointed toe, as it provides a unique element to the classic black leather loafer.
Classic Loafer, $249 at Country Road
What You Should Know:
Country Road knows how to create staples in your closet that will last for years to come, and this loafer is no exception. Made from a textured leather that will eventually mould to the shape of your foot the more you wear it. If you’re looking for timeless comfort, this is the shoe for you.
Aquila McGregor Kilted Loafers in Black, $229 (down from $329) at Myer
What You Should Know:
If you’ve got some extra cash to splash on a good pair of leather loafers, this is our recommendation. We are obsessed with the distinctive leather fringe for that fun take on a timeless style that will go with absolutely everything in your closet. Know you’ll be getting a lot of wear out of your loafers? Consider spending a little bit more on something that promises comfort and support like this pair.
BEST SUEDE LOAFERS
Unison Connor Suede Loafer in Navy, $99.95 (down from $179.95) at Myer
What You Should Know:
Looking for loafers to pair with a more casual outfit? We love the look of these suede loafers and the cool navy shade brings something else to the table. A shoe that promises to feel like a slipper – only you can actually wear these out of the house. We’re in.
AQ by Aquila Porter Suede Loafers in Taupe, $209 at Myer
What You Should Know:
Can’t decide between whether you want a more formal or casual shoe? Why not have both! The contrasting sole on this loafer paired with the suede ensures that is’s perfect for both casual and formal attire. The taupe colour is also perfect to wear year round – summer or winter.
BEST STATEMENT LOAFERS
Cole Haan Men’s Pinch Tassel Loafer, from $65.75 at Amazon Australia
What You Should Know:
Make a statement with this tassel-topped pair of loafers. The smooth black leather means they’re a super wearable shoe, but the decorative tassel added on the top provides the eye with something different to look at. And it seems to be quite a popular shoe choice, with over 1,300 five-star global ratings on Amazon. One happy customer said they are “suitable for formal, business or casual wear”, so you know you’ll be getting bang for your buck.
Tommy Hilfiger Hybrid Loafer in Mentor Green, $99 (down from $229) at Myer
What You Should Know:
Did you ever think you could rock a green coloured pair of loafers? Don’t look past this pair from Tommy Hilfiger as they’re sure to make a statement in your closet. Combine the green hue with the suede and you’ve got yourself a super on-trend pair of loafers.
BEST BUDGET-FRIENDLY LOAFERS
Uncut Spargo Loafers, $58.47 (down from $89.95) at THE ICONIC
What You Should Know:
Shopping for loafers on a budget? Head straight on over to The Iconic and grab this pair for under $60. The shoe arrives in a smooth black finish with a cool pointed toe, plus the silver Penny Strap gives them a decidedly evening feel.
yd. Daze Lattice Shoes in Chocolate, $49.99 (down from $139.99) at Myer
What You Should Know:
If you’re looking to spend under $100 on a pair of a loafers, this leather lattice pair from yd. is a great choice. They are definitely on the more casual side, so you can wear them with your favourite pair of jeans or shorts.
Double Oak Mills Top Woven Leather Loafers, $99.99 at THE ICONIC
What You Should Know:
Grab yourself a pair of loafers with a leather upper for just under $100, all thanks to The Iconic. They come in black, brown or tan, so if you really love them, you can add all the colours to your shopping cart and rotate them in your wardrobe as you need. We also love the cool woven detail on the front of the shoe.
BEST DESIGNER LOAFERS
Gucci Brixton Horsebit Soft Leather Loafers, $1410 at Farfetch
What You Should Know:
Gucci loafers? That’s right. If you’re obsessed with high fashion and have the cash to spend, treat yourself to these gorgeous Gucci loafers. They have a cool gold horsebit on the front of the shoe, plus the leather is smooth and timeless, these shoes are going to last in your closet for years to come.
Ralph Lauren Polo Men’s Reynold Driving Style, from $132.56 at Amazon Australia
What You Should Know:
Who knew you could shop a designer brand like Ralph Lauren at Amazon? Turns out you can, and they’re actually not as expensive as you would think. The casual slip-on style is going to work with your wardrobe easily, plus five-star reviewers have described them as being “perfect” and a “comfortable fit”.
WHAT MATERIAL IS BEST FOR LOAFERS?
You’ll generally find loafers made out of either leather or suede. Both materials are premium and offer their own individual benefits.
Leather loafers can be dressed up or down – pair them with jeans or a suit. They’ll also wear really beautifully and last in your closet for years to come.
On the other hand, suede loafers make more of a statement in your overall wardrobe and suit better for those more casual outfits.
“An all leather loafer is always a guarantee to work through every season, as well as a suede option to take you from day to night,” Danielle says.
So really, you can shop for both options and wear them at different times with different outfits.
DO YOU WEAR SOCKS WITH LOAFERS?
The age old question – do you wear socks with loafers. Well it depends on how you’re wearing them. In a corporate environment, if you’re wearing loafers, we recommend pairing them with a nice thin dress sock.
But if you’re wearing them more casually with a pair of jeans, you can certainly ditch the socks – or wear a super low cut sock if you’re not in the mood to go barefoot.
To help you save on every purchase be sure to check out news.com.au Coupons, where you’ll find deals and coupon codes for many of your favorite brands and retailers. This includes The Iconic, Myer, Charles Tyrwhitt, Country Road, OzSale, Bonds, ASOS and Nike.
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