The 13 Best Loafers for Men of 2024

You can never go wrong with a versatile pair of loafers.

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Loafers for Men arranged on a grey background

Travel + Leisure / Alli Waataja

If you’re looking for a fashionable slip-on travel shoe, look no further than the humble loafer. A classic style for more than a century, loafers are the perfect travel shoes because they’re so versatile – wear them out for cocktails then to the boardroom the next morning without a second thought.

Loafers typically feature leather or suede designs with either tassels, a bow, or a simple strap over the tongue. While the designs tend to be straightforward, loafers feature varying levels of leather quality, and some soles are made to last for hours on your feet while others, painfully, aren’t. Whatever you’re looking for, we’ve got you covered. Read on to see our top picks for every type of traveler.

Why We Love It
  • This is an incredibly versatile pair of reasonably priced loafers. 

What to Consider
  • There’s a break-in period while the arch supports mold to your feet.

Brooklyn-based Amberjack put a tremendous amount of thought into their loafers, using top-quality materials that make them incredibly versatile for walks around town, commutes to the office, and travel. The TPU outsole feels comfortable – like you’re wearing a sneaker – but they don’t look overly athletic. The arch support is made from memory foam that magically molds to your feet when it warms up then hardens for durability. And the leather upper, which is crafted in Portugal, exudes class and style whether you snag it in obsidian (black), honey (brown), or cobalt (blue suede). 

Another great aspect of these loafers is that they’ve been pre-stretched, so they shouldn’t expand too much with pressure from your toes.

The Details: 7 to 15 | Full-grain leather and sheepskin lining, memory foam arch support and TPU outsole

Why We Love It
  • These have a classic look, and the price is unbeatable.

What to Consider
  • The lining may split after a lot of use.

For under $50, these Bruno Marc loafers are impressive. They’re made with a synthetic microfiber and polyurethane lining (which is much cheaper than leather to produce), as well as a shock-absorbing thermoplastic rubber outsole, and have a classic square-toe style. They’re suitable for the office, a business function, or as an affordable travel-only pair if you want to leave your fancier loafers at home. 

Note that synthetic leather can make your feet a bit hot and stinky after a while, so keep that in mind with this pair. There have also been some reports of the lining splitting over time. But for this price, it’s hard to go wrong if you simply need a pair of loafers for occasional use. 

The Details: 6 to 15 | PU upper and TPR sole

Why We Love It
  • It’s a luxury loafer unlike any other.

What to Consider
  • You can only buy them from a designated retailer or by directly contacting the brand.

Belgian-made for nearly a century, these stylish shoes are unique without being over the top. Grab them in classic black or brown leather styles to match any outfit in your travel wardrobe. These luxury loafers come with a hefty price tag, but if you’re looking to invest in something nice you’re sure to have for years to come, you’ll be glad you made the investment.

The Details: 5.5 to 13, plus narrow and wide sizes | Calfskin upper and outsole

Why We Love It
  • They come in a wide range of funky and classic colors, so you’ll be able to find a pair for every occasion. 

What to Consider
  • They’re a bit pricey.

Brooklyn-based, Blackstock & Weber says its clothing is inspired by travel, music, culture, art, and photography – and it’s easy to see why when you look at their loafers. Each pair is a work of art, with more than a dozen styles to choose from including a snazzy acorn/white and an eccentric furry leopard print. 

And rest assured the style is matched with quality. Each pair is made with leather sourced from Tanneries Du Puy in Portugal and have thick double leather soles. Wear them on your next trip to Europe, or with a pair of chinos to the bodega down the street.

The Details: 4 to 16 | Leather

Why We Love It
  • This is a near-perfect loafer at an accessible price point.

What to Consider
  • They take some breaking in.

It doesn’t get more classic than over a century in business. These G.H. Bass loafers are truly timeless, having been worn by legends like John F Kennedy Jr., Grace Kelly, and Michael Jackson. Made with full-grain leather handsewn in El Salvador, they’re available in three beautiful colors: wine, whiskey and black, and you can also get them with a thicker lug sole, which is ideal for travel when you don’t know the terrain. The kicker? They’re reasonably priced for the quality at less than $200.

The Details: 7 to 13, plus wide | Leather

Why We Love It
  • You definitely won’t blend into the crowd when wearing these.

What to Consider
  • They may be too eccentric for some tastes.

For the guy who wants to look anything but bland, check out these gorgeous loafers. Made with nature weave patterns like fiore (red floral) and black dragonfly, they look like a piece of vintage furniture but for your feet. They’re excellently crafted as well, made with premium leather handmade in Europe, and are reasonably priced for how unique they are.

The Details: 6 to 15 | Cotton jacquard weave and leather.

Why We Love It
  • Versatility is key with anything you plan to take traveling, and these loafers check that box.

What to Consider
  • Order a half-size down from what you typically wear.

Crafted in Brazil and made with 100 percent leather, these loafers would work as well for a casual outing as they would for a business trip. The suede is water-resistant, which is perfect for travel if you happen to get caught in a drizzle, and the sole is comfy for hours of wear. Be sure to note Peter Millar’s sizing, however, which calls for ordering a half-size down from what you usually wear. 

The Details: 8 to 12 | Water-resistant leather upper and EVA sole

Why We Love It
  • Get the iconic look of Dr. Martens but in a surprisingly stylish loafer – and with tassels to boot.

What to Consider
  • These loafers run large.

Dr. Martens on a list of Loafers? Yep! The Adrian Smooth loafers date back to the 1970s, and it’s quite possible that somebody who bought a pair back then still has theirs today, as they’re extremely durable. The stitching is Goodyear-welted and heat-sealed at more than 1200 degrees Fahrenheit to keep them tight for years on end.

A great thing about these loafers is that, unlike usual Dr. Martens, they are much easier to break in since the leather is made to be smoother. Also note that these shoes come in yellow stitching and a platform height just to make sure everyone knows you are indeed wearing Dr. Martens.

The Details: 6 to 14 | Leather and rubber

Why We Love It
  • They feature a sleek and stylish look with special attention paid to product transparency.

What to Consider
  • Drivers aren’t as durable as other loafers, so tread carefully.

These driver-style loafers are both sleek and stylish, made with Italian suede and calfskin lining and assembled by artisans in Portugal. It’s refreshing to see how Oliver Cabell is so transparent with its products, from the price breakdown of every item to the details of its European manufacturers. 

In terms of fit, these shoes are a dream to wear and are certainly something you can (and should) wear outside the driver’s seat.

The Details: 6 to 15 | Italian leather upper, calfskin lining and rubber outsole

Why We Love It
  • It’s a classic style that has been around for nearly a century.

What to Consider
  • They run big, so size down if you’re on the cusp.

Based on the classic schoolwear penny loafer from the 1930s, the J. Crew Camdens are as classic as it gets. They’re made with a premium leather upper that you can easily slide right into. Note that the inside is unlined, so they’ll mold to your feet over time. Wear the Camdens with or without socks, and with any outfit for optimal versatility. 

The Details: 7 to 13 | Leather and rubber

Why We Love It
  • It’s a stylish loafer that feels modern and classic at the same time.

What to Consider
  • They don’t come in half sizes.

For travelers who mean business, check out these loafers from British brand Charles Tyrwhitt. A classic-looking loafer with a couple of tassels hanging off the tongue, they won’t look out of place in the boardroom or at your desk. The smooth black leather option caters more to the business traveler, while the chestnut brown suede pick works best for laidback settings.

The Details: 8 to 13 | Leather and upper lining with a nubuck sole

Why We Love It
  • These might be the most comfortable loafers ever made.

What to Consider
  • They may be too casual for more formal occasions.

Cole Haan has made a name for itself by defying expectations and splitting the middle between comfort and dresswear. The American brand’s 4.ZERØGRAND loafer combines a sleek and stylish loafer-style leather upper with an extremely comfortable GRANDFØAM sole that feels like a sneaker. That means you can stand around in your loafers for hours without dealing with any foot pain or blisters. The TPU outsole also has a good level of grip if you’re working outside or commuting. 

The Details: 7 to 13 | Leather, TPU and upper

Why We Love It
  • It’s a stylish, vegan loafer.

What to Consider
  • The smallest available size is 40 (EU).

If you’re looking to avoid animal byproducts, Montreal-based Matt & Nat’s loafers are made with all-vegan PU leather, but they don’t look cheap or overly synthetic. These loafers are probably best worn without socks as they’re tapered into the middle of the foot, but can also be worn with socks pending your preference. For something flashy, go for the lime green colorway.

The Details: 7 to 13 | Polyurethane

Tips for Buying Men's Loafers

Consider the Materials

Loafers can range from $30 to over $1,000 or more. The big difference is the quality of the materials used. Usually, this means synthetic fibers are on the less expensive end while premium leather made in Italy or Portugal are on the more expensive end. The better–quality leather will do a better job at molding to your foot and will last longer without the seams bursting than will synthetic or less-expensive materials. Also consider cushioning and support if you plan to spend hours on your feet.

Choose a versatile color

You can’t go wrong with black or brown leather or suede when it comes to choosing a versatile loafer to go with everything in your suitcase. Get something you can match with a variety of different outfits so you can get away with packing fewer pairs of shoes.

Frequently Asked Questions
  • How should men's loafers fit?

    Men’s loafers should neither fit too large or too small, but as loafers can be finicky with sizes, you’ll want to check the brand’s recommendations as well as customer reviews to see whether you should size up or down. Remember that if they’re leather, they’ll probably need some breaking-in time to mold to your foot as well.

  • How do you clean men's loafers?

    Most loafers can be polished if they’re dirty or scuffed. Do so either with a product-specific leather cleaner or spot-clean them with mild soap and water. As always, we recommend referencing the brand’s suggested cleaning instructions to best preserve the life of your loafers.

Why Trust Travel + Leisure

For this story, writer Joel Balsam reviewed the best men’s loafers on the market today by scouring the internet and hundreds of customer reviews. He also used his expertise as a world traveler to make these selections.

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Edited by
Sophie Mendel
Editor Sophie Mendel at a restaurant
Sophie Mendel is a Commerce Editor at Travel + Leisure with Dotdash Meredith where she assigns, edits and publishes the product reviews and recommendations that help guide travelers toward the best shoes, apparel and accessories for their needs. Sophie has traveled to 50 countries and has lived in five, and is bilingual in English and Spanish. She has more than five years of experience as a writer, editor and copywriter.
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