7 Best Casual Loafers for Men: Cradling Your Feet in 2024

Fashion

Fashion’s favorite footwear is loafers; there’s no two ways about it. And is it any wonder? Loved by editors and average Joes alike, the laceless Ivy-style design can be worn with just about anything at any time.

And, unlike brogues, Derbies, or dress shoes, loafers carry an air of sartorial nonchalance that brings a burst of Steve McQueen-coolness to all kinds of ensembles.

So, if you’re looking to step into something as comfortable as a sneaker but suaver than slippers, you’ve come to the right place. Keep reading as I round up the best casual loafers for men.

Key Takeaways

The lovable loafer takes many forms, from penny to tassel, and I’ve looked at them all, poring over ratings, reviews, and Reddit forums to create a list of the very best casual loafers for men.

What you’ll see here is the cream of the crop, including designs from Myrqvist and Aurelien, that have crushed the competition and proven to be the most stylish, comfortable, and versatile options out there.

Our Top Picks

two men wearing the yatch loafers
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Myrqvist Stenhammar Loafers: best casual loafers for men

Why they’re great: A little bit dressy, a sprinkle of casual, and just as comfortable as your canvas kicks, these Myrqvist loafers have it all. Which is why I consider them the best men’s casual loafers.

Made from full-grain leather (bonus points) with a thin half-rubber sole, they don’t tear up your trotters, nor do they weigh you down. Better yet, they look fantastic with pretty much anything—shorts, suits, jeans, you name it. All of which makes them the best casual loafers for men.

Who are these for? A fine investment, these are the loafers you’ll turn to season after season, whether you’re dressing for a wedding, heading into the office, or going about your everyday adventures.

Flaws but not deal-breakers: These are tough, not just handsome. You’ll likely find them most comfortable once you’ve worn them a few times.

Material: 100% Leather | Sole Material: 100% Rubber | Sizes Available: 5.5–13 | Colors Available: 5 | Style: Penny

Aurelien Leather Yacht Loafers

Why they’re great: Found on the feet of fashionable fellas worldwide, Aurelien’s Yacht loafers will take you from deck to dinner—offering five-star comfort, breathability, and flexibility.

Crafted from smooth nappa leather and set on sailing-inspired rubber soles, they’re the best casual loafers for men who are looking for the kind of style they can wear to work or while on vacation.

Who are these for? Aurelien offers many versions of this style in suede, but the leather pair offers greater versatility when it comes to being able to wear it during different weather conditions. Suitable come rain or shine, it’s an excellent all-rounder that’ll bring a touch of class to your everyday fits.

Flaws but not deal-breakers: You might need to stretch your budget, but I think they’re well worth the splurge.

Material: 100% Leather | Sole Material: 100% Rubber | Sizes Available: 7–12 | Colors Available: 1 | Style: Venetian

Velasca Bagatt Horsebit Loafers

Why they’re great: A guide to the best casual loafers for men wouldn’t be complete without a pair of horsebit loafers. First introduced by Gucci in 1953, the equestrian-inspired style is a must-have for every shoe collection.

Ready to style with jeans, chinos, or a suit, this pair from Velasca is quietly flashy while retaining all of its class. Most at home in the summer jingling and jangling across the cobbled streets of an Italian city, they’ll give your outfits a healthy dose of sophistication that’ll impress friends and love interests alike.

Who are these for? Whether you’re a professional navigating the city or a casual dresser looking to elevate your weekend attire, these men’s casual loafers cater to those who demand quality and versatility.

Flaws but not deal-breakers: The suede uppers can be difficult to keep clean during the winter, making these more of a warm-weather shoe. You’ll probably want to choose a leather pair once the rain arrives or grab your favorite boots.

Material: 100% Suede | Sole Material: 100% Leather | Sizes Available: 5–14 | Colors Available: 2 | Style: Horsebit

Dockers Colleague Loafers

Why they’re great: You’ll probably know Dockers most for its classic khakis, but it turns out that they also have an excellent pair of budget-friendly casual loafers, boasting an average rating of 4.4/5 on Amazon.

Not just affordable, they’re also comfortable, thanks to a cushioned latex footbed, and super easy to slip on and off. I particularly love the signature penny strap that adds a preppy edge, and the durable soles can handle plenty of wear and tear.

Who are these for? Great for wide feet and small budgets, these are a cheap option that are available in a regular and wide fit. Taking price and quality into account, they’re definitely one of the best casual loafers for men.

Flaws but not deal-breakers: They’re not real leather and you can tell the difference. I don’t think you can really grumble for the price, mind.

Material: 100% Synthetic | Sole Material: 100% Rubber | Sizes Available: 7–13 | Colors Available: 3 | Style: Penny

Rockport Penny Loafers

Why they’re great: It’s no surprise that I found plenty of the best men’s casual loafers on Amazon, but this pair from Rockport really stood out. Easy on the wallet and kind to your feet, they’re made from smooth leather and finished with a shock-absorbing, removable EVA footbed that softens every step.

More than 2,500 reviewers give these men’s casual loafers the highest possible rating, with many impressed by the cushioning, weight, value for money, and overall quality. Personally, I think you’ll be hard-pressed to find something nearly as good for the price.

Who are these for? Plenty of effort has been put into the comfort of these loafers, making them an excellent choice for guys that walk a lot or suffer from foot fatigue.

Flaws but not deal-breakers: The leather does have a bit of a shine to it, which some wearers found made them look cheaper than some of the alternatives.

Material: 100% Leather | Sole Material: 100% Thermoplastic Elastomers | Sizes Available: 6.5–16 | Colors Available: 7 | Style: Penny

Johnston & Murphy Hayes Tassel Loafers

Why they’re great: Once a casual shoe for the aristocracy, loafers now take pride of place in any well-dressed guy’s wardrobe—giving him a fail-safe option that’s easy to style and comfortable to wear.

This pair is destined to become a regular player in your everyday arsenal thanks to its timeless design, soft leather lining, and generously cushioned footbed. They’re also very competitively priced.

Who are these for? A great option if you’re looking to nail that tricky smart-casual dress code, these tasseled loafers can be styled with everything from tailoring to jeans and khakis.

Flaws but not deal-breakers: Guys with particularly wide feet might find the toe box a touch narrow. It will, however, loosen up over time.

Material: 100% Leather | Sole Material: 100% Leather | Sizes Available: 7–14 | Colors Available: 2 | Style: Tassel

G.H. Bass Larson Easy Weejuns Loafers

Why they’re great: G.H. Bass is synonymous with the penny loafer and the go-to name for effortlessly cool footwear that doesn’t break the bank.

The Weejuns is the brand’s OG style that looks just as good with khakis and an Oxford shirt as it does with shorts and crew neck sweater. They’re casual, comfortable, and forever a classic, and I own several pairs that have been a mainstay in my wardrobe for the best part of a decade.

Who are these for? A fan-favorite for any loafer fan, especially those who love the Ivy League look, these are a versatile choice that can be dressed up or down. Not only do they look great, but they also offer excellent value for money and only get better with age.

Flaws but not deal-breakers: If you’re in between sizes, it’s suggested that you size down. I have particularly narrow feet and have found that they can gape ever so slightly at the sides if I’m not wearing any socks.

Material: 100% Leather | Sole Material: 100% Leather | Sizes Available: 7–13 | Colors Available: 4 | Style: Penny

man wearing the G.H. Bass Larson Easy Weejuns Loafers
ghbass / Instagram

Buying Considerations for The Best Casual Loafers For Men

Material

The best men’s casual loafers come in various materials, each offering unique benefits. For example, leather loafers are durable and versatile, making them ideal for both casual and semi-formal occasions. They also provide good weather resistance, making them suitable for year-round wear, particularly in cooler or rainy seasons.

Suede loafers, on the other hand, offer a softer, more casual look and are perfect for warmer weather. They do, however, require more maintenance and are less suitable for rainy days.

Comfort

Comfort is key. Try looking for loafers with good arch support to ensure that they’re comfortable enough to wear for long periods, especially when standing all day. You may also want to check if the insoles offer adequate cushioning and always make sure that they are easy to slip on and off.

Style

Not all loafers are the same. From driving loafers to tasseled designs, consider all of your options and decide which one aligns best with your personal style. You’ll also want to make sure that the pair you choose is versatile enough to wear for multiple occasions.

the stenhammar loafers by myrqvist
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How We Chose

In my quest to find the best casual loafers for men, I left no shoe unturned. During weeks of research, I analyzed 40 popular pairs before narrowing my list to seven standout styles. Each was judged on the below criteria:

Price: I sought to find loafers that offered the best value for money by comparing the cost of each pair against its features, materials, and overall construction quality. This criterion helped identify loafers that were worthy of their price tag, regardless of what it was.

Versatility: The best casual loafers for men should seamlessly transition across different settings and outfits; therefore, I examined the design, color options, and adaptability to various occasions.

Quality: Quality was paramount in determining the best casual loafers for men. I assessed the materials used, as well as the craftsmanship, including stitching and construction methods. I found that high-quality loafers not only look better but also last longer, providing better comfort and support.

Customer Feedback: When possible, I tried and tested the loafers personally. But for those that I wasn’t able to wear myself, I scoured reviews and ratings from various online retailers and fashion forums to gather opinions on comfort, durability, and overall satisfaction. Only loafers with consistent positive feedback and high ratings made the cut.

Why Trust Us?

Billy Webb is a seasoned writer with more than a decade of experience in the fashion industry. His extensive knowledge and a keen eye for detail have made him an important voice in menswear, particularly in the realm of footwear, where he has covered everything from shoes for overweight men to the best bunion-friendly designs.

Billy’s articles and reviews have been featured in many of the industry’s biggest publications, in which he shares his insights on the latest trends and practical advice for the modern man. His deep understanding of materials, construction, and style versatility ensures that his recommendations can always be trusted.

Final Verdict

Sitting somewhere in between refined and relaxed, Myrqvist’s Stenhammar loafers are the best casual loafers for men. Versatile enough to dress up or down and durable enough for everyday wear, they’re a seriously impressive shoe that will soon become your favorite (they certainly are mine).

FAQ

    • Yes, loafers are excellent for casual wear because of their versatile design, comfort, and ease of use. They effortlessly blend style and practicality, making them suitable for a variety of casual occasions.

      • Those that offer excellent arch support, cushioning, and soft, supple uppers are often the most comfortable. You should also look for features such as memory foam insoles, padded collars, and flexible rubber soles, which provide additional comfort and support.

        • Definitely, though it very much depends on personal preference. Socks are also a more common choice during the winter, while no-show designs are popular when it’s warmer.

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