Travel in Style With The 13 Best Loafers for Men (2024)

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

ByJoel Balsam

Published on January 12, 2024

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  • Reviews
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Travel in Style With The 13 Best Loafers for Men (1)

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 co*cktails 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.

Our Top Picks

Jump to Review

Best Overall

Amberjack The Loafer

Travel in Style With The 13 Best Loafers for Men (2)

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

Best Designer

Belgian Shoes Mr. Casual All Calf

Travel in Style With The 13 Best Loafers for Men (4)

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

The 8 Best Slip-on Shoes for Men of 2024, Tested and Reviewed

Best Leather

Blackstock & Weber Ellis Penny Loafer

Travel in Style With The 13 Best Loafers for Men (5)

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

Best Classic

G.H. Bass Larson Lug Weejuns Loafer

Travel in Style With The 13 Best Loafers for Men (6)

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 butfor 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.

Best Versatile

Peter Millar Excursionist Penny Loafer

Travel in Style With The 13 Best Loafers for Men (8)

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

Best Casual

Dr. Martens Adrian Smooth Tassel Loafers

Travel in Style With The 13 Best Loafers for Men (9)

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

Best Suede

Oliver Cabell Driver

Travel in Style With The 13 Best Loafers for Men (10)

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

Best Penny Loafers

J.Crew Camden Loafers

Travel in Style With The 13 Best Loafers for Men (11)

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

Best for the Office

Charles Tyrwhitt Leather Tassel Loafers

Travel in Style With The 13 Best Loafers for Men (12)

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

Most Comfortable

Cole Haan 4.ZERØGRAND Loafer

Travel in Style With The 13 Best Loafers for Men (13)

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

The 12 Most Comfortable Dress Shoes for Men of 2024, Tested and Reviewed

Best Sustainable

Matt & Nat Altman Loafers

Travel in Style With The 13 Best Loafers for Men (14)

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.

The 10 Best Men’s Travel Shoes of 2024, Tested and Reviewed

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Edited by

Sophie Mendel

Travel in Style With The 13 Best Loafers for Men (15)

Sophie Mendel

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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Travel in Style With The 13 Best Loafers for Men (2024)

FAQs

Are loafers still in style for men? ›

Fashion: Loafers Are Still The Hottest Thing In Menswear.

What looks good with loafers men? ›

Casual loafers can be worn with denim and khakis, and sockless with shorts during warm seasons. Go for jeans and a t-shirt if you want to keep things relaxed, and a shirt and chinos if you want something with a little more class.

What shoe brands are famous for loafers? ›

With an emphasis on craftsmanship, labels like Church's, G.H. Bass, and Grenson also join Gucci on the list of need-to-know brands that are dominating in the loafer department, from the chunky styles to the slim suede and leather driving loafers.

How dressy are loafers? ›

Despite its simple style, the loafer is a classy item, perfect for dressing up an outfit. Moreover, loafers can be worn for both casual and formal occasions, which makes them extremely versatile . Although loafers aren't considered formal footwear, they aren't entirely casual either.

What color loafers go with everything? ›

Black: Classic, timeless, and formal. Perfect for business settings or formal events. Brown: Ranging from light tan to dark chestnut, brown loafers are versatile and can suit both casual and semi-formal occasions. Navy: An elegant alternative to black, navy can be equally formal but adds a touch of uniqueness.

What type of person wears loafers? ›

If you're someone who loves sophistication and elegance, then loafers may be just the thing you need! Despite its simple style, the loafer is a classy item, perfect for dressing up an outfit. Moreover, loafers can be worn for both casual and formal occasions, which makes them extremely versatile .

Should men wear socks with loafers? ›

In most business and professional environments, it isn't appropriate to show your bare ankle. In these instances, you'll always want to pair your loafers with dress socks. Loafers are designed to fit snuggly, so dress socks will be thin enough to comfortably fit while also tying together your look.

Can men wear loafers with jeans? ›

Loafers, whether classic or contemporary in design, exude a timeless charm that complements the casual elegance of denim. This combination is perfect for various occasions, from laid-back weekend outings to semi-formal events, allowing men to convey confidence and sophistication with ease.

How do you make loafers look cool? ›

In the spring, you can wear loafers with jeans a simple tee and cardigan or blazer, or an oversized shirt and leggings. If you want to wear loafers with a pair of shorts, opt for tailored shorts and a button down shirt that fit the more classic style of loafers. Throw on a blazer for a touch of elegance.

Do you wear socks with loafers? ›

Yes, you can wear socks with loafers. In fact, wearing loafers with socks is the preferred approach. This is one of the key distinctions between loafers vs slippers. With that said, some men and women will forego socks on occasion.

Are loafers still in style 2024? ›

Penny loafers are the most versatile pair of shoes to have in your rotation and can be worn in fully suited up settings or even shorts. They're the perfect shoe to have this season.

What loafers does Meghan Markle wear? ›

Sarah Flint, a shoe designer based in the UK, is a long-time favorite of Meghan Markle — and the brand just released a new shoe style for 2020. The Ilene loafer from Sarah Flint is a sleek flat, available in leather and suede, that perfectly encapsulates the polished style the brand is known for.

What jeans go with loafers? ›

Cropped or wide-leg jeans also look great with loafers - just make sure that the pant length hits at a flattering spot on your ankle. And for a more preppy vibe, pair loafers with skinny jeans and a button-down shirt.

What pants go with loafers? ›

For a structured, elevated look that still has a casual vibe, you can't go wrong with a pair of dark-wash skinny jeans and black penny loafers. To show off your sleek shoes, we recommend cuffing your jeans at the ankle or opting for a pair with a cropped fit.

Are loafers going to go out of style? ›

The style of loafers will change overtime, but the loafer itself isn't going anywhere! Let's talk about how to wear these classic shoes so you can look stylish in this classic look year round.

When should men wear loafers? ›

That being said, you can always fall back on a polished pair of penny loafers when heading to an office with a business casual dress code. Their sleek design combined with an undeniable charm makes for a smart addition to chinos or dark-washed jeans, paired with a crisp button-down shirt.

Are loafers outdated? ›

"The traditional loafer is having a comeback and is much more polished and sleek-looking than the boat shoe with its more aggressive tread," she told BI.

Will loafers ever go out of style? ›

From driving to smoking, the loafer continues to be one of the most important shoes of the moment. The timeless silhouette hasn't changed much over the years and has always been considered a stylish yet non-divisive staple to top off any outfit.

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