About Men's Loafers
Men's loafers in suede and leather: penny loafers, horsebit styles, driving loafers and lace-detail pairs, plus a few other shoes to match. Pick by upper material first, then by sole and detail. For a narrower selection in one material, see men's suede shoes.
How to choose men's loafers
By material
Suede is the softest and the most casual: best on dry days. Smooth leather (cowhide, full-grain) is smarter and easier to keep clean. Titles say which; 'suede-touch' means a synthetic upper, not suede.
By style
Penny strap: classic and neat. Gold-tone horsebit: dressier. Driving loafer with penny strap: soft sole, for summer. Chunky sole with stitched welt: a stronger look with trousers. Lace bow detail on full-grain leather: the dressiest pair. Faux-fur lined: the winter pair.
Other shoes in this edit
Chelsea boots with elastic side panels, cap-toe leather lace-ups, suede lace-ups with cushioned insole, espadrilles with rope-wrapped sole and suede clogs. They are here because they pair with the same trousers.
By how you will wear them
With linen and shorts in summer, with wool trousers and a polo jumper in autumn. Match shoe and belt colours when you wear a belt.
Insoles and soles
Several titles name the insole: supportive, padded, cushioned or removable. If you will walk a lot in them, that detail matters more than the upper. Rubber soles are named where present.
Sizing shoes
If you wear thick socks, go up half a size where available. The product page lists the sizes stocked for each pair.
Looking after loafers
General guidance: suede wants a brush and a protector spray and no rain; leather wants a wipe and an occasional polish. Shoe trees help both hold their shape.
Breaking in
Suede softens within a few wears; smooth leather takes longer. Wear a new pair indoors for an evening first, and keep the thin socks you will use with them.
| Style | Occasion | Upper |
|---|---|---|
| Penny loafer | Smart-casual | Suede, leather |
| Horsebit loafer | Dinner | Suede |
| Driving loafer | Summer, travel | Suede |
| Chunky-sole loafer | Everyday | Leather |
| Chelsea boot | Autumn, rain | Leather |
FAQ
Can I wear suede loafers in the rain?
Avoid it. Suede stains and stiffens when wet. If caught out, stuff them with paper, let them dry away from heat and brush the nap afterwards. For rainy days choose the cowhide leather loafers or the Chelsea boots.
Do I wear socks with loafers?
In autumn and winter, yes, in no-show or thin socks. In summer, bare ankle with linen trousers is the usual look.
Which pair is the smartest for a dinner?
The full-grain leather loafers with lace bow detail, or the suede loafers with gold-tone horsebit. Both work with tailored trousers.
Is a driving loafer good for a long city walk?
Less so than the padded-insole or cushioned-footbed pairs: a driving sole is thin by design. Choose the penny loafers with cushioned footbed for a day on your feet.