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Rain, snow, or sunshine…the loafer is the year-round all-star in any shoe collection. But not just any loafer will do, of course. The best loafer brands offer both functionality along with an undeniably chic edge that compliments any outfit.
Take Gucci’s Horsebit design for example. It’s no secret that the brand’s equestrian-inspired take on the loafer has become a pillar of sophisticated ease since the 1950s. And even in the Italian house’s most recent runway show, the brand continues to prove just how poignant of a staple the loafer can be in any wardrobe, pairing them with nearly every look, from a red hot mini patent leather dress to menswear inspired waistcoats.
With an emphasis on craftsmanship, labels like Church’s, G.H. Bass, and Grenson also join Gucci on the list of need-to-know brands that are dominating in the loafer department, from the chunky styles to the slim suede and leather driving loafers. But that’s not all. Ahead, we’ll give you a crash course on all of the best loafer brands approved by Vogue editors—and our favorite styles from each, below.
The Loafer Wish List
- The Everyday Essential: G.H. Bass Whiteney Easy loafer, $175
- The Investment-Worthy Find: Loro Piana Summer Charms Walk suede loafer, $1,025
- The Timeless Treasure: Santoni penny loafers, $680
- The Sleek Silhouette: ATP Atelier Airola loafers, $550
- The Affordable Favorite: Mango leather moccasins, $99
- The Celebrity-Approved Pair: The Row Adam loafer, $1,090
- The Heritage Hero: Gucci Horsebit 1953 loafer, $990
G.H. Bass
Of course, we had to put the creators of the penny loafer at the top of our list. In the 1930s, George Henry Bass transformed a Norwegian slipper by adding a thicker soul and fastening a notched strap on top. Fast forward to today, and the timeless brand is still a go-to for classic loafers at more accessible price points.
Gucci
From the coveted handbags to those logo-tastic belts, there are so many reasons to love Gucci. But if you asked most Vogue editors, they’ll tell you it’s the undeniable high-quality Italian leather and craftsmanship of the brand’s shoes that they love most, especially its iconic loafers.
Gucci horsebit-detailed leather loafers
Tod’s
Here’s a brand who’s history goes back to the early 1920s. In the early days the brand focused on crafting small batches of shoes in Italy, but now the global presence is undeniable. And the label also holds the title for being Princess Diana’s go-to loafer of choice.
Church’s
There aren’t many brands that can say that their origin story begins in the 1600s, except for Church’s. In England, Anthony Church laid the foundation for expertly handcrafted shoes, but it wasn’t until 1800s that his grandsons expanded the business into a global brand that’s still celebrated and loved today, thanks to designs that feel both formal and effortlessly chic.
Grenson
Continuing the work of his father William Green, CAK Green combined the words “Green” and “Son” to create the Grenson brand in 1913. Today, the heritage label continues to be a source for wear-everywhere designs built on British charm.
Hereu
For a contemporary brand, turn to Hereu, which was founded in 2014. The label has become a favorite thanks to beautifully stitched and woven details. Even better? All designs are made in family-operated factories in Spain.
Aeyde
If understated luxury is what you’re after, Aeyde will be a favorite. The label’s designs are created in the effortlessly cool city of Berlin and then crafted by excellent manufacturers in Italy.
Loro Piana
There is no compromising on materials at Loro Piana’s headquarters. You’ll find loafers made out of the highest-quality of leather and the softest suede. The dedication to excellence all started with a desire to create the best cashmere sweaters, and while those are certainly still around, it’s the timeless loafers that have become modern-day heroes in our wardrobes.
Bougeotte
Consider yourself extremely lucky to slip your feet into a pair of Bougeotte loafers. It takes about 36 hours total for one pair to be fastened and sewn together by hands—and it’s this dedication to tradition that makes Bougeotte stand out amongst the rest.
Bougeotte
Flaneur leather flat penny loafers
Scarosso
With a commitment to uncompromising greatness in all aspects of the shoemaking process, Scarosso prioritizes transparency and ethical practices in the production process as one of its core philosophies by ensuring that factory working conditions are safe for artisans.
M.Gemi
M.Gemi founder Maria Gangemi loves shoes almost as much as she values the artisans who work behind the scenes to make them. In the hopes of preserving centuries-old craftsmanship, she works closely with a skilled team to create small batches of each style.
The Row
Named after the London street known for its bespoke tailoring, The Row takes menswear-inspired pieces and reimagines them for the modern-day woman. While there are so many ways to incorporate the brand into our closets, we’re especially fans of its minimalist loafers that will never go out of style.
ATP Atelier
The best way to describe ATP Atelier is in the brand’s own words: It’s all about smart luxury. If you’re looking to invest in loafers that marry quality with timeless design, it’s been a priority since 2011.
Santoni
In 1975, the Santoni family started crafting shoes for men in the eastern Italian region of Le Marche. Today, it puts a modern twist on the classics for women with sleek silhouettes and impeccable attention to detail.
