Skip to main content

The Manual may earn a commission when you buy through links on our site.

The best loafers for men: These shoes offer a modern twist on a classic design

Pick up these flawless slip ons to elevate your shoe wardrobe

G.H. Bass Larson Weejuns
G.H. Bass Larson Weejuns
Jump to details
Gucci Leather Bit Loafers
Gucci Leather Bit Loafers
Jump to details
Allen Edmonds Newton Penny Loafers
Allen Edmonds Newton Penny Loafers
Jump to details
Nisolo Alejandro Slip-Ons
Nisolo Alejandro Slip-Ons
Jump to details
Crockett and Jones Boston Loafers
Crockett and Jones Boston Loafers
Jump to details
Florsheim Berkley Moc Toe Penny Loafers
Florsheim Berkley Moc Toe Penny Loafers
Jump to details
Johnston & Murphy Gavney Slip-On
Johnston & Murphy Gavney Slip-On
Jump to details
Taft The Fitz Loafer
Taft The Fitz Loafer
Jump to details
Artemis Design Co. Sumak Kilim Loafers
Artemis Design Co. Sumak Kilim Loafers
Jump to details

We know what you're thinking; loafers are grandpa's shoes. Well, not anymore, the best men's loafers have come back with a vengeance, and they are some of the most amazing shoes you can own. These low, laceless slip-ons look great with just about anything. But what are loafers to be worn with exactly? They are to be partnered with selvedge denim jeans, white T-shirts, oxford shirts, and more; they're about as classic as it gets.

We mean that literally—loafers have a rich history that dates back almost a century, with roots in 20th-century Ivy League style. Although today these shoes are synonymous with bourgeois leisure (and Wall Street bankers), they were initially worn by fishermen in Norway. The easy-to-wear silhouette made its way through Europe and eventually to America in the 1930s.

Today's loafers are modern, fresh, and timeless. With that spirit in mind, we rounded up a guide to the best loafers, broken down by category. Shop away to your heart's content.

G.H. Bass Larson Weejuns
Image used with permission by copyright holder

G.H. Bass Larson Weejuns

In 1936, G.H. Bass was the first American brand to create a local interpretation of the slip-on, Bass Weejuns, a pun on -- you guessed it -- "Norwegian." They are also referred to as the original penny loafer because legend has it that students would tuck a one-cent coin in the front slot of their shoes to use for payphones. Almost a century later, these loafers are still G.H. Bass' bestsellers and can be worn retro or modern. Pair them with rugged jeans and a gray tee for a dash of devil-may-care attitude, or team them up with a khaki chino suit. To us, those sound like the best loafers overall … period.

G.H. Bass Larson Weejuns
G.H. Bass Larson Weejuns
Gucci Leather Bit Loafers
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Gucci Leather Bit Loafers

These instantly recognizable leather bit loafers have become a status symbol among investment bankers (and have inspired a legion of knockoffs). Still, they look just as polished outside of Wall Street. Made to be worn with your sharpest suit or your simple shirt-and-jeans combo, these Gucci loafers can instantly elevate any fit for generations to come, and they'll live up to your investment.

Gucci Leather Bit Loafers
Gucci Leather Bit Loafers
Allen Edmonds Newton Penny loafers in suede.
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Allen Edmonds Newton Penny Loafers

How do classic grey or navy blue suede loafers sound? Loafers, in general, are a timeless staple, and these are no exception to that rule. They feature a host of thoughtful additions like soft suede uppers, wonderfully comfortable rubber soles, and flexible construction. Allen Edmonds takes the same meticulous approach to these sleek loafers as it does with its durable dress shoes and boots. You can pair them with everything from a navy cotton suit to slim black denim and a white oxford shirt (think Alex Turner a la the Arctic Monkeys).

Allen Edmonds Newton Penny Loafers
Allen Edmonds Newton Penny Loafers
Nisolo Alejandro Slip-Ons
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Nisolo Alejandro Slip-Ons

Nisolo makes its stylish loafers ethically at one of the world’s best shoe factories, and it helps that these fashionable slip-on shoes feature a laid-back silhouette and a design that’s just different enough to separate them from the pack.

Nisolo Alejandro Slip-Ons
Nisolo Alejandro Slip-Ons
Crockett and Jones Boston Loafers
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Crockett and Jones Boston Loafers

Step right into a handsome pair of loafers made by this James Bond-approved British heritage footwear maker. While Bond needs something a little more functional than loafers, these sharp brown suede loafers are perfect for us mere mortals. Wear them with white jeans and a navy polo, accessorized with classic, must-have sunglasses—the Aviator sunglasses.

Crockett and Jones Boston Loafers
Crockett and Jones Boston Loafers
Florsheim Berkley Moc Toe Penny Loafers
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Florsheim Berkley Moc Toe Penny Loafers

We’re totally in favor of classic loafers that are a bit bold at the same time -- take the eye-catching burgundy colorway found on these Florsheim penny loafers, and at a great price to boot.

Florsheim Berkley Moc Toe Penny Loafers
Florsheim Berkley Moc Toe Penny Loafers
best loafers for men johnston  amp murphy
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Johnston & Murphy Gavney Slip-On

Very few shoe brands have the mix of affordability, quality, and brand recognition that Johnston & Murphy enjoys. While they have a wide variety of amazing shoes to choose from, these patent leather loafers will look great with everything from a sharp pair of jeans to a great evening suit.

Johnston & Murphy Gavney Slip-On
Johnston & Murphy Gavney Slip-On
best loafers for men taft
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Taft The Fitz Loafer

Taft is one of the country's most popular and fastest-growing shoe brands. They have become known for their unique colors and patterns on classic silhouettes. These beautiful brown check loafers dress up any denim in a casual situation and will look fabulous with a sport coat.

Taft The Fitz Loafer
Taft The Fitz Loafer
Artemis Co loafers
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Artemis Design Co. Sumak Kilim Loafers

Artemis Design Co., an Istanbul-based footwear upstart, has rightfully gained a cult following for its intricately designed, head-turning shoes. Case in point: These gorgeous loafers are sourced from Turkish carpets and embroidered with red, white, and blueprints of animal iconography.

Artemis Design Co. Sumak Kilim Loafers
Artemis Design Co. Sumak Kilim Loafers

While we may have grown up thinking the loafer is a grandfather shoe, it is undeniable that they have had the staying power needed to remain stylish since he was our age. Get yourself some of these nine best men's loafers and suit up with the same class as he and the rest of the most classically elegant men in history.

Editors' Recommendations

Mark McKee
Contributor
Mark is a full-time freelance writer and men's coach. He spent time as a style consultant and bespoke suit salesman before…
The 4 best Nike running shoes for men in 2024
The Nike Pegasus 40 men's running shoes against a white background.

Nike is one of the biggest names in athletics, and it’s regularly considered one of the best workout brands on the market. Nike running shoes are a big reason for its popularity. Making quality running shoes is even how Nike first made a name for itself. Whether you’re a seasoned runner or just starting to make a running routine part of your life, you may be wondering what the best Nike shoes for men are. We’ve rounded up our favorites, and among them you’ll find what we consider to be the best Nike running shoe for men in 2024. We’ve made some other selections as well, so read onward to see them all.
The Best Nike Running Shoes for Men In 2024

Buy the for the best Nike running shoes overall.
Buy the for the best Nike running shoes for distance running.
Buy the for the best Nike running shoes for trail running.
Buy the for the best Nike running shoes for a budget.

Read more
These popular On Cloudswift running shoes are 20% off today
On Running Cloudswift

Runners rejoice because we have a fantastic deal for you. The popular Cloudswift Running Shoe is now on sale at Nordstrom, and you are not going to want to miss out. For $112 you can grab these technologically advanced sneakers that will instantly improve your run, no matter your level of expertise.

This is one of the best running shoe deals happening right now so be sure to take advantage of it. You can get 20% off these sleek and stylish running shoes that are originally priced at $140. Keep reading to learn more about why shoppers are so obsessed with these sneakers.

Read more
New Balance sale: Sneakers and running shoes from $56
A New Balance shoe walking on the sidewalk.

For great running shoe deals along with sneaker deals, check out the New Balance sale going on right now. It’s possible to buy skateboarding shoes from $56 with running shoes also available for the same price. There’s something for nearly every budget here and some great styles are available too. If you want to know more, tap the button below to see the full sale for yourself. However, if you want to see what we recommend, keep reading while we take you through everything.

What to shop for in the New Balance sale
Definitely in key with the best sneakers for men, we love the style of the skateboarding shoes. They’re 20% off so they’re down to $56. Eye-catching for all the right reasons, they’re an adaptation of an original New Balance classic clay court tennis shoe from the 1970s. They retain the original relaxed shape while adding a double-layer suede ollie area, asymmetrical material selections, and a custom drop in PU insert for added comfort and durability.

Read more