Arguably the best everyday shoe a man can have in his closet, there are few pieces of footwear more versatile than a good pair of casual loafers.
Finding a single pair of shoes that can work in damn-near any scenario is notoriously tricky.
But the best loafers manage to perfectly thread the needle between a casual shoe that’s laid back and relaxed, and dress shoes that are sharp enough to wear with formal outfits.
And while pretty much all the big-name designers offer their own spin on the loafer, the good news is that you don’t have to shell out a thousand bucks for Gucci loafers to get a stylish, well made slip-on.
Today some of the best men’s loafers come from affordable shoe brands that offer the perfect combination of sharp style, solid construction, and a price range that won’t break the bank.
From classic loafers to modern hybrids, in this post we’ve rounded up more than a dozen different types of loafers so you can find the perfect pair to suit your tastes, preferences and personal style.
Look Cool While Keeping Casual:
The (Absolute) Best Men’s Casual Loafers
Overall Best Casual Loafers for Men ↓
Wolf & Shepherd
Crossover Loafer
Features:
- 5 Stars
- 201 Reviews
- Available in 3 leather colors
- Also available in 2 suede colors
Advantages:
Wolf & Shepherd specializes in combining strong support and sharp style into (insanely) comfortable shoes, so it’s no surprise that they have a few different styles of loafer on this list.
But the Crossover loafers easily earn their spot at the top by combining the timeless style of classic penny loafers with the stacked heel of a sneaker, resulting in arguably the most versatile loafers on the market.
They have a unique look that’s sharp enough to wear with a suit (I actually wore my pair to a wedding earlier this year) and casual enough to wear to the supermarket.
What I love about these shoes is that they have a sharp toe shape, which is one of the things that distinguishes formal shoes from more casual shoe styles like boat shoes or a driving loafer.
But they’re also insanely comfortable thanks to the thick rubber sole and memory foam footbed, which lends them a more casual look that makes them the perfect everyday style.
Plus they’re made from Italian full-grain cow leather, so while they may be casual, the quality is second-to-none.
Promising Review:
Love this Crossover Loafer. A very stylish look with extreme comfort and cushioning. Can be worn casual and dressed up. Fantastic shoe!
– Jeffrey T.
Do a (Dapper) Deep Dive ↓
Check out to find out how the Crossover loafers hold up after a (helluva) lot of wear and tear.
Beckett Simonon
Beaumont Loafers
Features:
- 5 Stars
- 226 Reviews
- Available in 5 leather colors
- Also available in 2 shades of suede
Advantages:
The perfect way to elevate your smart casual outfits, horsebit loafers combine the casual shape of a driving shoe with high-style elements like a leather sole and the metallic horsebit detail, which lends them their name.
Made from calfskin full-grain leather sourced from a Gold-Rated tannery in Arzignano, Italy, this pair from Beckett Simonon is not only one of the best horsebit options on the market, but one of the best men’s loafers, full stop.
It’s available in five different shades of soft, durable leather (the Bordeaux dark brown colour is a particularly rich shade) and two suede options, and constructed using the Blake stitch construction, making the Beaumonts a solid pair of loafers that can last for years.
But the most important thing about this pair might be the affordable price tag:
Similar Italian loafers with this kind of construction tend to start around $400, but at less than $250 the Beaumonts might just be one of the best deals in menswear.
Promising Review:
I love these, the fit of these shoes is perfect for me and they are amazing quality for the price.
– LaRandol C.
Amberjack
The Loafer
Features:
- 5 Stars
- 13 Reviews
- Available in 2 leather colors and 4 suede colors
Advantages:
Amberjack specializes in bridging the gap between comfort and style, and their slip-on loafers embody that ethos perfectly.
They’re available in two shades of brown leather and four different suede colors (including a particularly handsome olive shade that you don’t see very often in men’s shoes), and have a great toe shape that’s casual, but not squared-off.
Down below they sport a heat-activated arch support insole that keeps your feet comforted, and a dual-density TPU outsole that uses the same technology usually reserved for athletic shoes.
Promising Review:
I’ve always worn loafers, that’s my style. I feel like I am always on the look out for the “perfect” pair that will look great dressed up or down.
I’ve finally found my shoes.
– Lee Harper
M.Gemi
Fabio Suede Loafers
Features:
- 4 Stars
- 3 Reviews
- Available in 3 suede colors
Advantages:
A more unique alternative to M.Gemi’s popular Volo Due Italian loafers, these Venetian loafers combine suede construction with a low heel and sleek design that will lend your casual weekend look an air of sophistication.
Of course, different types of men will have different tastes in loafers, and the Fabio has a more formal look than many others.
Venetians are one of the more popular styles for guys who want to skip the ornamentation, like suede tassels or the horsebit featured above, in favor of a simpler and sleeker footwear style.
Another nice thing about the Fabio is that it lets you go beyond the usual options of black or brown loafers.
While it’s available in both tan and gray, the blue suede loafers are the right choice for guys who want to stand out from the (sharp, if similarly dressed) crowd.
Promising Review:
Clean, different , versatile style. Insanely comfortable. Now I want the stone color too.
– Stephen K.
Beckett Simonon
Roy Loafers
Features:
- 5 Stars
- 41 Reviews
- Available in 8 shades of leather
- Also available in 2 suede colors
Advantages:
Sporting a classic penny loafer design that works just as well with your casual style as it does with semi-formal attire, the Roys are a great choice for guys who want a single pair of high-quality leather loafers they can wear damn near everywhere.
(Unlike the Roys featured on Succession, who are low-quality free loaders you can’t take anywhere.)
All kidding aside, this is my favorite pair of penny loafers for work because they’re dressy enough to wear with a suit on Wall Street, but casual enough to wear to the bar for happy hour.
Like all of Beckett Simonon’s leather shoes, they’re available in a wide range of both leather and suede options, but this particular pair has a perfect toe shape that’s round enough to be casual, but sleek enough to look sharp.
Promising Review:
The quality is exceptional at this price point. I now have 6 pairs of Beckett Simonon shoes.
I will never go full retail/department store ever again.
– Kenny M.
Wolf & Shepherd
Monaco Penny Loafer
Features:
- 5 Stars
- 95 Reviews
- Available in 3 suede colors
Advantages:
A more traditional penny loafer style than the Crossover listed above, this model from Wolf & Shepherd is lightweight and comfortable enough to wear as an at home slipper loafer.
But the toe shape is also sharp and sophisticated, so you could easily get away with wearing these on more formal occasions.
And they’re made from water-repellent suede that stands up to the elements better than most suede shoes, so you can wear them in the rain without giving it a second thought.
Promising Review:
These are absolutely some of the best shoes I have ever bought.
I have purchased loafers in Italy, Argentina and Portugal and after a while they seem to feel uncomfortable.
These are always comfortable and great looking.
– Robert T.
Johnston & Murphy
Neilson Bitt
Features:
- 5 Stars
- 29 Reviews
- Available in 2 leather colors
Advantages:
Another horsebit style loafer, this model from Johnston & Murphy comes in either brown or black leather.
What I like about the black model in particular is that it’s quite sophisticated, but much more versatile than the kind of stuffy-looking dress loafers dress loafers you’d wear to a black-tie event.
Promising Review:
This is such a gorgeous piece of Italian footwear. Amazing price for such a comfortable shoe, which IMO is nicer looking than most other designer bit loafers out there.
Thicker sole is great for walking, and the interior comfort is on par with the usual J&M construction.
– Andrew K.
Wolf & Shepherd
Gunner Driver
Features:
- 5 Stars
- 512 Reviews
- Available in 2 leather colors
- Also available in 2 suede colors
Advantages:
In the world of loafers, a good driving shoe is about as classic as it gets.
In addition to being an incredibly comfortable loafer, the Gunner is perfect for driving thanks to the patterned rubber outsole, which provides a firm grip when you’re stomping down on the pedal.
But even if you don’t have a car, these may well become your favorite loafers thanks to the supple Italian leather full grain uppers, hand-crafted construction and a removable memory foam footbed.
Promising Review:
Great fit for these driver shoes, spot on. The leather is supple and the shoes are very comfortable with no pressure points.
I’m getting compliments on these. Great with my shorts, jeans or casual slacks.
– Fred E.
GH Bass & Co
Larson 90S Weejuns
Features:
- Available in 3 leather colors
Advantages:
The G.H. Bass Weejun has the rare distinction of being worn by not one but two style icons: Steve McQueen and James Dean.
Featuring a thick lug sole and a rounded-square toe box, this is a distinctly casual take on the penny loafer, but one that’s stood the test of time.
In addition to the celebrity pedigree, what makes Bass Weejuns so cool is that they play by their own rules:
While Venetians and Belgian loafers opt for sleekness and simplicity, the Weejuns are big, bold and unapologetic, with a thick lug tread sole that makes them almost as good for trail hiking as they are for pounding the pavement.
Steal the Look of a Style Icon:
Check out our complete guide to Steve McQueen’s style to learn more about the King of Cool’s timeless, masculine style.
Best of the Rest
While the casual loafers above represent our favorite models on the market, they’re hardly alone at the top of the heap.
Each of the slip on shoes below offers an alternative take on casual loafers that could work just as well for your style, taste and personal preference.
Cole Haan
Osborn Grand Loafer
Features:
- 5 Stars
- 3 Reviews
Promising Review:
Perfect fit, straight out of the box. Very comfortable and easily worn past 12 hrs. The shoes look fantastic and polished.
– Wilford
Wolf & Shepherd
SwiftKnit Loafer
Features:
- 5 Stars
- 150 Reviews
Promising Review:
Best Slip on EVER. They are fresh, dress them up, dress them down.
I wear them with a suit and get compliments, or with a T-shirt. Great shoes, very comfy.
– Tom F.
Brooks Brothers
Tassel Loafers
Johnston & Murphy
Cresswell Venetian
Features:
- 4.7 Stars
- 223 Reviews
Promising Review:
These may be the most comfortable and understated shoes I’ve ever owned.
They are perfect for casual and formal events, with or without socks, and are so modestly styled that they will always be in fashion.
– Michael B.
Clark’s
Atticus LT Edge Loafers
Johnston & Murphy
Holden Penny
Features:
- 4.6 Stars
- 66 Reviews
Promising Review:
Very stylish for sure. Even more than I expected. Comfortable beyond belief too. I love these shoes.
– Greg S.
More Resources ↓
More Advice onMen’s Boots and ShoesfromIrreverent Gent:
- The Best Men’s Shoes to Wear with Jeans
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- The Most Stylish Men’s Casual Boots to Wear with Jeans
- The Absolute Best Men’s Shoes for Standing All Day
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- The 8 Most Stylish Types of Men’s Shoes
- The (Absolute) Best Casual Shoes for Men
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- 17 of the Best Men’s Chukka Boots
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- The 31 Best Shoes for Walking on Concrete All Day
- How toWearRock a Blue Suit and Brown Shoes
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- The 9 Best Boot Styles for Men
- The Best Red Wing Boots for Men to Wear Daily
- The Most Comfortable Golf Shoes for Walking the Course
- The 11 Most Comfortable Steel Toe Boots for Standing All Day
- In-Depth Wolf and Shepherd Shoes Review
- The Best Monk Strap Shoes for Men
- The Best Men’s White Sole Dress Shoes
The Recap ↓
Overall Best Casual Loafers for Men
Dave Bowden
Summary
The Crossover loafers easily top our list by combining the timeless style of classic penny loafers with the stacked heel of a sneaker, resulting in arguably the most comfortable, versatile loafers on the market.
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