The Best Casual Loafers

Buying Guide

Those of us who love shoes have a go-to pair for every occasion. Sometimes even a few: boots or heels for a night on the town, sneakers for active days and flats or dress shoes for the office. But when it comes time to wind down, nothing beats a good pair of loafers.

MORE: The Best Chunky Loafers

You’ll see brands refer to low-profile shoes in a lot of different looks as loafers. The only real defining traits of these shoes are that they leave the ankles bare and have no little to no heels, with no functional laces or fasteners. As the name implies, these are comfortable shoes made for loafing around in — ones you can slip into and out of easily.

That’s not to say that they can’t be stylish. Even the most casual and comfy loafers can be part of a date night outfit if they’re paired well. That goes equally for men and women.

There are many different styles of loafers, and some are arguably more than a century old. There’s the iconic penny loafer with its strap across the top — such a staple of preppy fashion for decades that it’s now somewhat hip to wear them again. There’s the somewhat more formal tasseled loafer with its signature decoration, and the distinctive metal chain of the Gucci (or horsebit) loafer. All of these are great choices for a dressy yet carefree ensemble, but you’ll want to take care of the material properly so they last as long as possible.

Buying the right material in the first place will make that a lot easier. Polished leather or suede are the primary choices here, and leather is definitely the more formal of the two. If you want shoes that will last, look for top-grain or full-grain leather. These grades denote leather that comes from the topmost part of the animal hide, and they’re going to be the most resistant to rain and scuffing. On top of that, they’ll usually look a lot better right out of the box, but you’ll want to by some polish and use it periodically to keep them that way. Avoid leather that’s graded “genuine” if you can. It may sound acceptable, but this type of hide is a low-quality grade often cobbled together from leftover scraps.

Suede is a great choice that looks best with slacks or warm summer outfits. It has a very distinctive texture that evokes a comfy couch, but oddly enough this relaxed material needs a little more care. It’s thinner and not as water resistant as leather, so take care when wearing suede outdoors for extended periods.

Today, faux leather is also an option you’ll see a lot. Sometimes it’s called vegan leather or PU leather. These fake leathers are not as long-lasting as real leather, but can provide additional color options to match your style. Plus, faux leather costs less in general. Other tynthetic materials are also common in modern loafers.

If you just need slippers to wear around the house, the sole will be the main thing to consider. Rubber or polymer soles are especially good for traction if you have hardwood floors. Get something that fits snugly but is not tight in any particular area, with enough cushioning to keep your feet cozy all day. They are called loafers, after all.

How do you wear a loafer? As with most casual shoes, there aren’t a lot of “don’ts” when it comes to style. Loafers look smart with pressed slacks or jeans on men, and they’re a great fit with women’s dress pants or longer skirts. There is one fairly ironclad rule if you’re going to wear them out of the house, though: Leave the ankles bare. Loafers have that low profile for a reason, and socks usually have a pretty jarring effect. If you must wear something to keep your feet from sweating, go with ankle socks.