If you ask us, loafers take the top spot when it comes to men’s formal shoes.
It’s a silhouette that does it all. Whether you wear them with jeans, smart-casual trousers or a suit, they’re an easy staple that’s a great alternative to trainers on days when you want to make an effort.
There are a couple categories to look out for. First up, there’s penny loafers. Aptly named as, back when they were invented in the thirties, their trademark leather strap with a small slit was used to carry a coin for emergency payphone calls.
Next, there’s bit loafers. These boast metal hardware front and centre and were popularised by Gucci in the 60s. Then, in 2015, Alessandro Michele, then creative director at the Italian house, looked to the brand’s archives to show an updated version for his autumn/winter show. And, as they say, the rest is history.
Whichever you prefer, we’d always recommend having at least one brown and one black so every outfit is taken care of. For a timeless classic, heritage brands G.H.Bass and Sebago are a great place to start. Both heritage labels specialise in the original penny loafer which they offer in a range of colourways.
If you’re looking for something luxury, it’s Prada or Grenson that should be on your radar. The former is a fashion crowd favourite which is sure to secure an approving glance or two, whilst the latter guarantees understated quality and contemporary silhouettes.
Keep scrolling for the best.
G.H.Bass Easy Weejun Penny Loafers Wine
G.H.Bass is a master of the penny loafer. Coming in a rich wine high-shine leather with a handsewn construction and leather outsole, these would look best worn with indigo or cream denim - and you could amp-up the preppy vibe with an argyle sock.
If the burgundy isn’t to your taste, they have endless colourways available too so you can find the shade to suit.
Buy now £151.00, Fenwick
Grenson Epsom
Grenson is your best bet for quality dress shoes. The British heritage label has over 150 years experience in the footwear field, so it’s certainly perfected a pair of loafers. Crafted using a polished black leather with a tonal sole, these are classic through and through.
Buy now £440.00, Grenson
Prada Brushed Leather Loafers
The holy grail of all loafers, Prada’s iconic design is sought after by fashion editors and street stylers alike. Adorned with the Italian fashion house’s signature triangle logo plaque and featuring a chunky sole, this shoe exudes luxury and will add a touch of class to any outfit.
Buy now £920.00, Selfridges
Camper Twins Multicolored leather loafers for men
For statement footwear, Camper has you covered. The Spanish brand is a go-to for colourful styles and modern silhouettes as well as a strong selection of classics. Our favourite? This patent green leather penny loafer. If you’d prefer something more understated, though, it also comes in black and dark brown among ten other colourways.
Buy now £165.00, Camper
Clarks Aldwin Step Loafer
Footwear high street hero Clarks always comes through with a selection of reliable, quality shoes at a great price. One of the most comfortable in this edit, these are built with the brand’s signature cushioning which means you can wear them all day long without complaint.
Buy now £80.00, Clarks
Sebago Dan Leather Loafer Black
Boasting an archive of penny loafers that dates back to 1946, Sebago’s classic loafer has been inspired by over 75 years of history.
Crafted using an ultra-smooth leather with expert craftsmanship, it’s a comfortable and durable design that will live in your footwear collection for years to come.
Buy now £210.00, John Lewis
Duke + Dexter Wilde Snake Penny Loafer - Men's
After a two-tone penny loafer? Look no further than Duke + Dexter. The London-based brand not only offers them in various colourways, but also with illustrations that range from a collaboration with Playboy to traditional Mediterranean-inspired prints of fruit – and the entire range is handmade in England.
Buy now £260.00, Duke + Dexter
Dunhill Audley Leather Penny Loafers
When it comes to brown footwear, it’s best to stick to rich shades of chocolate or chestnut instead of those on the lighter end of the spectrum – tan, caramel and toffee included. Luckily, Dunhill has just the pair.
The British fashion house is known for its expertise in the classics and these are no exception. They’re made in the traditional English method but with modern upgrades like a padded insole and rubber-injected leather sole.
Buy now £750.00, Dunhill
Oliver Cabell Penny Loafer Black
With a low profile and two-tone stitching, Oliver Cabell’s loafers have the preppy #OldMoneyAesthetic look nailed down. They’re crafted from Italian leather upper and a rubber outsole, both of which are put together by hand in Portugal.
Buy now £120.00, Oliver Cabell
Myrqvist Stenhammar Dark Brown Suede
Suede loafers feel a little more relaxed than leather. Where you’d wear the latter to work, the former is perhaps best suited to the weekend or for out-of-office events. Enter: Myrqvist’s Stenhammars. They’re soft, comfy and ready for any off-duty event that’s thrown your way.
Buy now £279.00, Myrqvist
St. Valentin Black Grained Leather Loafers
St. Valentin is a Danish footwear brand which exclusively makes men’s shoes, from boots to trainers to loafers. Since these are made using full grain leather, they’ll only look better as their patina develops over time.
Buy now, Wax London
