23 Must-Have Loafers for Every Occasion, Style, and Budget (2024)

"G.H. Bass is synonymous with the penny loafer and helped cement its place in classic American style. They’ve also managed to keep this timeless silhouette accessibly priced over the years," says Nordstrom Men’s Fashion Director, Jian DeLeon. Having been around since 1936, the Weejuns is the OG penny loafer style that still looks great today. In fact, our Gear & Commerce Editor has had them since 2020 and affirms that their craftsman-like construction can hold up even after years of wear. He highly recommends the all-black for more versatility in your loafer lineup simply because of how dressy, elegant, yet versatile they are. At under $150, it provides incredible value. An easy addition to your weekday uniform.

What Do Other Experts Say? "As the OG, Weejuns are an excellent choice for beginners venturing into this style. With their timeless silhouette, a wide array of styles, and true-to-size fit, Weejuns provide great value for your money," says personal menswear stylist Turner Allen.

Donning a simple, elegant design that feels a tad more casual while still delivering plenty of style points, the Patnoflex loafer benefits from a leather lining and ergonomic footbed that offers incredible support for a dress shoe, and it's incredibly flexible—style-wise and physically—to boot. We have not felt any discomfort while being on our feet all day in them, standing or walking.

What Do Experts Say? "For a more modern take on a loafer, I love the Astorflex Patnoflex Loafer with its streamlined details and unfussy energy. It is the perfect stand-in for a dress sneaker that both elevates casual looks and perfectly compliments business casual. Handmade with environmentally responsible construction in Italy by 6th-generation shoemakers, they are a simple slip-on with a super soft feel which makes them highly wearable," says personal stylist Stephanie Gisondi-Little.

Made with a foam footbed that delivers cushioning comfort and lightweight construction, these slip-on, barefoot-friendly loafers nail the balance between smart and casual to give us an everyday-friendly look that we have sported to run errands in, commute in, catch the plane in, etc.

What Do Experts Say? "These are the best choice if you're looking for some classy and trendy loafers. They can be used by both younger and older people, and you can combine them with tons of different styles. The best thing about these loafers is that they're extremely lightweight, and furthermore, the price is reasonable for such a quality product," says Chris Laverty, movie fashion and design expert at Elemental Spot.

For a pair of moccasin-like driving loafers, these are extra dressy and look formal-ready. With a lightweight but tough outsole, they’re also extra commute- and travel-friendly and lean on the casual—and warm-weather-friendly—side. I like wearing them with chino shorts and short-sleeve shirts. I also love how soft and flexible the fabric of these loafers feels which really brings out the comfort while walking.

What Do Experts Say? "I usually like to pair chinos with these slip-on shoes in suede to keep the look laid-back without going overly casual... The high-quality fabrication makes them feel a bit more formal without sacrificing comfort," says content creator and influencer Joe Weir.

The tassel loafer is a footwear icon. Dr. Martens' affordable, chunky, but still groovy iteration stays true to the Ivy style but brings out the casual flair and durability in a Goodyear welt construction. We love how rich the leather looks, how rugged the outsole is, and how the underfoot support will last all day.

What Do Experts Say? "I know Dr. Marten’s isn't where people usually look to buy loafers but these ones stand out. They're chunkier than a traditional loafer, which makes it a little more playful and the rubber sole improves comfort and mobility. Plus, Dr. Marten’s smooth, durable leather ensures the shoes can take a beating wear after wear," says stylist Fred Kim.

Most loafers don’t look great with a tapestry of colors on them, but Marc Nolan uses a combination of plaid, pattern, and colors to create penny loafers that look fun—but by no means funky—for dressing up. We love that the style is a nice spin on the classic loafers, but the comfort is also just as impressive: the athletic rubber outsole and flexible memory foam insoles will ground your every step.

What Do Experts Say? "The two-tone color combo with high-quality leather and materials come at a great price point, with lots of styles to choose from," says men's fashion and lifestyle influencer Leo Chan.

Rothy's recent foray into men's footwear wowed us with its sleek, upcycled shoes that look just as great as they feel, and its driving loafers are no exception. Stylish, comfortable, washable—yes, you heard that right—and extra grippy on the outsole, these are perhaps the best under-$200 loafers we've ever tested. They're knit from used plastic water bottles to feel like a second skin, and the dual-density insoles work with the sturdy outsole to provide underfoot support and balance. And yes, we've thrown them into the washing machine, and they came out as good as new.

What Do Experts Say? "Rothy’s driving loafer is a great sustainable option made from recycled plastic. Their shoes are washable and don’t require a break in period," says stylist Alyssa Dineen.

For those looking to stand out sans looking loud, these fine suede Venetian loafers are a subtle flex. We love that they aren't too flashy, and they'll match a lot of what's already in your wardrobe. Scarosso even updates them with a flexible outsole that offers plenty of traction for long urban treks or hours next to your standing desk; and in our testing, the reinforced heel which offers a little extra height really elevates any fit to look more formal.

What Do Experts Say? "More comfortable than sneakers due to the rubber sole, these loafers have an elegant Belgian loafer design, can be dressed up or down... and look like the Loro Piana Summer Walk," says men's fashion and lifestyle influencer Brian Chan.

Here we have a hybrid of tassel loafers, brogue dress shoes, and wing-tip style, making it one of the best dressy loafers we’ve ever worn. Its classy design speaks for its own and is perfect for formal and even tuxedo footwear. But their comfort is also one to beat: not only is the footbed fully cushioned for non-stop support when you stand or walk, but the outsole is also lightweight without compromising on grip.

What Do Experts Say? "I love the braid detail and the sheepskin leather that provides a mix of texture that really lends it to be dressed up or down. I can style this shoe with a suit for a more formal setting, or pair it with distressed denim rolled cuffed and white tube socks for a relaxed street style," says wardrobe stylist Taylor Orear.

Driving loafer? Penny loafer? The answer is yes. M. Gemi’s ingenious design combines the summer laidback panache of moccasin driving shoes with the classic design of the penny loafer to take the guesswork out of your “What type of loafers look best on me?” concern. We love that it’s incredibly lightweight and barefoot-friendly, even for walking. Our favorite part however is the oval toe which offers a comfortable fit and no-break-in-needed wear right out of the box.

What Do Experts Say? "M. Gemi’s Pastoso Uomo loafer is a classic Italian leather penny loafer style. The leather is soft and easy to wear. They also have a few colors that come with a contrasting sole which makes them interesting," says stylist Alyssa Dineen.

Aside from getting that penny loafer form in spades, these smooth loafers come with a durable, flexible outsole that absorbs impact and offers excellent traction when we walk. Our favorite part is that the suede upper will easily mold to your feet, meaning no need for breaking in—you will wear it right from the get-go. Lastly, the full Goodyear welt construction makes sure that these loafers will last till the end of time.

What Do Experts Say? "Edwin Loafer is the perfect summer staple and an example of the collaboration's practical-meets-refined approach. The sole allows flexibility and the lighter shades of suede work for the summer weather," says stylist Melina Kemph.

Crafted from full-grain calfskin leather sourced from a golf-rated tannery in Italy, these loafers exude classic style. Artisanal features like a Blake stitch construction and a Vachetta leather lining move these loafers into the upper echelon of footwear, all the while staying surprisingly reasonable in price.

What Do Experts Say? "Beckett Simonon only uses leather-certified gold by the Leather Working Group, including the water-resistant suede used in the Bernard Tassel Loafer. Handcrafted in Bog0ta, Columbia by expert shoemakers, this is a dress shoe that can be resoled again and again," says Style Writer Brad Lanphear.

Tested by our editors as a pair of business casual shoes, we’ve found that this brown suede simply doesn’t miss—simultaneously sophisticated yet easygoing, making it one of the most versatile shoes in the game. The style can complement any fit, and the design is not busy or distracting for office dress codes. We were also impressed by their construction which is lightweight and slip-resistant.

What Do Experts Say? "Constructed of high-quality calf leather, this material will wear well over time with the right care. The beautiful light brown shade is perfect for year-round wear and styles well with many colors within a wardrobe. Look for something like this pair, with a simple design, which is a timeless pick to invest in," says personal wardrobe stylist Grace Thomas.

We'd be remiss not to include the instantly recognizable loafer style—the horse bit, which has been a go-to design for C-level executives. And these horse bit loafers by VINNYS prove that you needn’t spend close to four digits to cop a pair of formal-looking loafers. We love that they look streamlined in a traditional yet classy form and are made with brushed hardware to spruce up your business casual fit.

What Do Experts Say? "Vinny’s is a younger footwear label out of Copenhagen founded by talented Black designer Virgil Nicholas. While they make more conservative options, I’m a fan of their more fashion-forward colors and materials," says Nordstrom Men’s Fashion Director, Jian DeLeon.

With a classic Venetian loafer upper and a modern polyurethane outsole, these loafers do not compromise on either style or function. If you’re always on the go, these fit like a glove to give you all-day comfort, no matter the mileage you take.

We also love how effortless these are as slip-on shoes to save time and energy before heading out, and the sole with lightweight shock absorption makes these loafers one of our favorite shoes to commute to the office while carrying heavy.