When thinking about the best dress loafers for men, I can’t help but be influenced by my own experience with G.H. Bass Weejuns. These shoes are arguably the crème de la crème of men’s dress loafers.
However, they are also, arguably, the most uncomfortable shoes known to humankind. After trying to break in a pair for months and several blister-laden trips to the cobbler later, I decided to hunt down some different options.
The men’s dress loafers you see on this list offer something more than narrow-fitting, rigid leather of the classics. Below, you’ll find loafers in a range of styles, from typical penny to blingy horse bits. So, although you’re welcome to drop a couple hundred bucks on Weejuns, keep reading to discover more options for the best men’s dress loafers.
Key Takeaways
They say that to know someone well, you should walk a mile in their shoes. Well, I did the research equivalent of that. I researched for miles and miles until I found the picks on this list.
If you think of the best dress loafers for men as a true investment, then there’s no better pick than the Myrqvist Stenhammar Penny Loafers. Embodying a classic style with premium materials and an artisan construction, these loafers will carry you through any of life’s formal events with ease.
Since they do cost a pretty penny, if you’re looking for a more affordable pair of men’s dress loafers to knock around in, the Dockers Colleague Loafers are a compelling option made from synthetic leather with penny detailing.
Why they’re great: When it comes to nice shoes, Myrqvist hits the mark every single time, especially regarding the best dress loafers for men. This pair has a classic penny loafer style made from premium black calf leather, making them some of the most versatile kicks out there.
Dress them up for business casual, wear them to the office and weddings or even to impress a hot date. These shoes can really do it all, with an unbeatable price to quality ratio.
Who are these for? If your heart is set on black penny loafers, then this is the ultimate pair. Aside from the handcrafted Portuguese construction, these shoes are an incredibly solid backbone to any put-together outfit.
They’re also a great choice if you have wider feet, as many people consider them the top alternative to the incredibly narrow G.H. Bass Weejun.
Flaws but not deal-breakers: Like any dress shoes, these may seem to you a bit uncomfortable for all-day wear.
Material: Full grain calf leather | Sole Material: Half rubber | Sizes Available: US 5.5–13 | Colors Available: 4 | Style: Penny
Why they’re great: With matte pebbled leather and a similar golden horsebit, these are a compelling alternative to
Comfortable shoes for all day wear, these are among the best men’s dress loafers for various circumstances – they’re easy for formal occasions but can be dressed down, too, so don’t be afraid to bust them out any time you want to upgrade a boring outfit.
Who are these for? Made from Italian leather and constructed in Portugal, these high-end loafers have accessible pricing for men who want to look sharp without draining their bank accounts.
Flaws but not deal-breakers: These shoes are not made for wet weather, so avoid wearing them in the rain or snow.
Material: Full grain leather | Sole Material: Rubber | Sizes Available: US 6–14 | Colors Available: 2 | Style: Penny (horsebit)
Why they’re great: Unique dress loafers are few and far between, but this navy crocodile pair takes the cake. A choice statement piece for any formal outfit, these are the best dress loafers for summer to really make a splash… which is fitting considering they’re called “yacht loafers.”
Finished with a calfskin interior and fine Italian construction, these luxurious loafers are a prime pick for the daring gentleman.
Who are these for? It’s all leather loafers this, suede loafers that, but what about the old fashioned reptile pairs? A big hit in the early twentieth century, these loafers serve major mob boss for any guy looking to embody his own Al Capone style.
Flaws but not deal-breakers: I get it, crocodile (especially blue crocodile) can be a hard sell for some guys. But the ones who get it, get it – I don’t make the rules.
Material: Embossed crocodile leather | Sole Material: Rubber latex | Sizes Available: EU 40–45 | Colors Available: 2 | Style: Yacht
Why they’re great: There’s just something about a good tassel loafer that makes all the difference in a formal outfit. These are an excellent choice if you prefer soft suede over shiny leather, especially for a more comfortable fit and long days. Ideal for year-round wear, these unique men’s dress loafers will add a Eurochic spin to any ensemble.
Who are these for? For the guy looking for something a little different than a classic black leather loafer, these are it. The suede is also softer on the feet than rigid leather, so if you’ve found loafers uncomfortable in the past, then these could be your saving grace.
Flaws but not deal-breakers: Suede can be a bit temperamental – if you’re not sold on the material, then the same tassel loafers also come in black leather.
Material: Suede calf leather | Sole Material: Leather | Sizes Available: US 5–14 | Colors Available: 2 | Style: Tassel
Why they’re great: I really like these loafers for those in between events. You know, the moments you know are dressy but aren’t sure if it’s tie-formal or blazer and a nice shirt-formal. These work for it all and then some — they can even be dressed down, so don’t be afraid to throw them on with jeans or slacks.
Who are these for? Thanks to their softer construction, these dress loafers for men are easy to slip on without scraping the skin off your heel. They also have a super plush footbed that absorbs shock when covering serious ground or tearing up the dance floor.
Flaws but not deal-breakers: Because these dress loafers are made from synthetic leather, they may not last you as long as a pair of genuine leather shoes.
Material: Synthetic leather | Sole Material: Rubber | Sizes Available: US 7–13 | Colors Available: 3 | Style: Penny
Why they’re great: The bit on these loafers takes them from casual to dressy without sacrificing comfort or wearability. Cole Haan is well-known for making dress shoes that are suitable for long days, ensuring that even the most drawn out occasions have footwear that’s up to the challenge.
With four colorways and the choice between suede and soft leather, these are an upscale take on drivers for the modern man, elevating them to some of the best dress loafers for men.
Who are these for? If you’ve struggled to find comfortable loafers, then these are well worth the spin. Rather than a classic leather lining, Cole Haan uses a textile that prevents unwanted friction and dreaded blisters.
The footbed also has a hefty dose of cushion which, when coupled with the rubber sole, makes them some of the most comfortable loafers around.
Flaws but not deal-breakers: These dress loafers run slightly large, so choose a half-size down if you’re caught between sizes. Additionally, these wear out faster than other leather loafers with frequent wear, so if you’re seeking shoes for daily use, these miss the mark.
Material: Leather | Sole Material: Rubber | Sizes Available: US 7–13 | Colors Available: 4 | Style: Horsebit
Why they’re great: Offering a sophisticated design and an A+ in the comfort department, these Clarks dress loafers are the building blocks of any formal outfit. The black leather is highly versatile and easy to style, whether you sport these loafers with a suit, pressed slacks, or your finest business attire.
Who are these for? These men’s dress loafers bypass the uncomfortable aspects of this shoe style. They have stretch panels at the top of the foot, which means you don’t need a shoehorn to get your feet in them.
They also mitigate impact with a shock-absorbing footbed, making them an awesome choice for commuters or any guy who plans on putting a few miles on his dress loafers. Plus, wide size options are always appreciated.
Flaws but not deal-breakers: Some men may be put off by the heel. However, this is what takes loafers from casual to dressy… don’t knock it ‘til you try it.
Material: Leather | Sole Material: Thermoplastic Rubber | Sizes Available: US 7–15 | Colors Available: 6 | Style: Classic
Why they’re great: Sophisticated, timeless, elegant, and under $50? These are definitely the best men’s dress loafers for work since they go with any outfit and are perfect for formal wear. The strap detail makes them stand out from other men’s loafers, giving them a similar feel to monk straps.
Available in multiple neutral colorways, these are great loafers if you need a pair in a pinch.
Who are these for? Whether it’s for everyday office wear, a last-minute event, or just an affordable pair of loafers, these will do the trick every time. They’re super comfortable dress shoes and also come in wide sizes, which is always a benefit for loafers, which tend to run narrow.
Flaws but not deal-breakers: The sizing can be a bit wonky, so if you’re unsure, you may want to opt for a size down. They also have decent quality, but nothing compared to genuine loafers.
Material: Synthetic leather | Sole Material: TPR | Sizes Available: US 6.5–13 Wide | Colors Available: 7 | Style: Square toe
Buying Considerations for the Best Dress Loafers for Men
Material
The main consideration when choosing the best dress loafers for men is the material. Material affects the overall look and feel of the shoes, as well as their durability. Leather loafers are the most classic option, designed to outlast just about any other footwear in your rotation. They work for four-season wear and are extremely versatile—don’t be surprised when you reach for them over and over (and over) again.
However, leather loafers are a pain to break in. Not all pairs are created with the same degree of rigidity, but generally speaking, your heels are going to be sore for a couple of weeks into wearing new leather loafers.
If you’d prefer a softer option, suede is a wonderful choice for the best men’s dress loafers. Although it’s a bit more temperamental than shiny leather, it’s soft on the feet and has a sophisticated look, especially for warm-weather wear.
The one downside to suede is that it’s not suited to wet conditions, so if there’s any hint of rain in the forecast, I’d choose another option.
Color
Aside from sneakers, loafers have some of the most extensive color options for men’s shoes. But when thinking about formal wear, it pays to stick to neutrals.
Choose dress loafers in black or brown for frequent wear—think to the office, those one-off events, or out on frequent date nights. These colors go with everything and will easily slot into your current wardrobe.
If you want something a bit more out there, consider a blue suede loafer, which will serve you well for dressy events where you may want to stand out with your distinguished choice of footwear.
Loafer Type
Loafer type doesn’t make or break anything, but it does influence how dressy the shoes are. In general, the most formal types of loafers include a classic penny or loafers with details like a horsebit or tassels.
Adding subtle details takes everyday loafers to the next level, making these choices well-suited to any formal occasion, from the boardroom to a wedding.
Although drivers, yacht, and slipper loafers are the most comfortable, they’re also considered less formal, so you may want to steer clear for dressier events. The same goes for boat shoes and espadrilles unless, of course, you’re traversing a beach setting or sailing around (in which case, you should definitely invite me).
How We Chose
Not all dress shoes are created equal. With thousands of options on the market, I used the following criteria to determine the best dress loafers for men:
Comfort: A lot goes into choosing a good pair of shoes, but when it comes to dress loafers, there’s nothing more important than comfort. Because these shoes are notoriously harsh on the feet, all the pairs chosen prioritize a comfy fit, along with their good looks.
Versatility: While selecting the best dress loafers, versatility was at the front of my mind because, after all, you’ll want to wear these bad boys more than once, right? Suitable for a wide variety of situations, from supremely dressy to cool and casual, the loafers on this list will get you where you’re going in style.
Value: It’s evident that leather shoes cost a pretty penny, but I’d never suggest shelling out a few hundred bucks when it’s not really worth it. For this reason, all of the loafers on this list were chosen intentionally based on the price-to-quality ratio they provide. Every pair offers exceptional value if nothing else.
Brand Reputation: A lot goes into a good pair of shoes, and the brand can have a significant impact on the product. Each one of these loafers is backed by a strong brand name to give you peace of mind, in case you don’t want to take my word for it.
Why Trust Us?
Aside from being a loafer fanatic, Jane is a well-seasoned fashion writer with plenty of shoe experience under her belt (or, uh, soles?). From her articles on comfortable shoes to shoe cleaning kits, she has a keen understanding of the men’s footwear world and is eager to share it with gentlemen worldwide.
To select the best dress loafers for men, Jane meticulously researched a variety of sources, comparing top brands, and evaluating customer feedback. Her comprehensive guides on loafers and other footwear types demonstrate her commitment to helping readers make informed choices.
Trust Jane to provide insights that combine both timeless elegance and modern flair, ensuring that you step out in style and confidence.
Final Verdict
The best dress loafers for men are the Myrqvist Stenhammar Penny Loafers, which have a classic look, high-end leather construction, and very comfortable fit. Since they have an investment price point, for a more affordable option, choose the Dockers Colleague Loafers, which are a fan favorite for a budget-friendly pair.
FAQ
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The best loafers with a suit are penny loafers, but if you want to add a bit of flair to your outfit, opt for tassel or horsebit loafers, which have extra details to add dimension to your formal get-up.
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Most common loafers are considered formal, like penny, tassel, and horsebit loafers. Loafers with a small heel are also often considered formal, as are ones made from exotic materials like crocodile or velvet loafers.
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Loafers are not too casual for a suit, especially if you choose a sleek leather pair. Just avoid the driver loafer style, which is considered informal when compared with the dressy formal pairs.
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