Rank: | Photo: | Model: | Rating: | More Info: |
#1 |  | BEST OVERALL Skechers Avillo Slip-On | ||
#2 |  | Skechers Equalizer Double Play | ||
#3 |  | Skechers Superior Milford | ||
#4 |  | Skechers Harper Forde Slip-On | ||
#5 |  | STACY ADAMS Tazewell Tassel |
You’ve surely seen men’s loafers on the runways but they’re chic on the street, too. Loafers are a classic staple in your shoe collection, which is the epitome of luxury because they’ll never go out of style.
What, exactly, are loafers? Loafers are slip-on shoes that don’t have fastenings or laces in their design. They’re usually made of quality materials such as suede or leather.
Having a pair or two of loafers in your shoe collection will surely help you stay fashionable and look good. With that in mind, let’s check out the best men’s loafers: step out in style every day.
Best Men’s Loafers – Reviews & Buying guide for 2021
Best Overall: Skechers Avillo Slip-On
When you think of Skechers, you probably first think of sneakers. But the brand has some great loafers on offer. Here’s one worth knowing about.
Specs
- Material: Canvas
- Sole Material: Rubber
- Size: 6.5-16
Pros
- These men’s loafers are imported 100-percent canvas with a rubber sole, so they’re durable and built to last.
- They’re perfect for casual outfits as they’re lightly padded and have concealed gored inserts.
- For the ultimate in comfort, these loafers have a cushioned footbed that’s made of memory foam.
- You don’t have to worry about feeling too hot or getting sweaty in these loafers because they’re designed with a moisture-wicking insole.
- The memory foam is air-cooled, meaning that it gives you pressure relief and comfort. This is great for long hours of wear.
- These loafers have a strong rubber sole that will prevent slipping in wet conditions and make you feel more confident about wearing them outdoors.
- These best men’s black loafers are stylish, but they also come in eight other fashionable colors.
Cons
- Some people who have purchased these loafers have reported that they can produce unpleasant odors if worn without socks. While wearing loafers without socks can be trendy, it’s best to avoid doing so with these particular loafers.
- Other people have reported that they had to break in their loafers as they were a bit uncomfortable at first. This is worth noting if you want to buy loafers for an upcoming function.
Runner Up: Skechers Equalizer Double Play
If you love Skechers shoes but you want something a bit different from the previous pair of loafers, these are worth considering. Here’s what to know about them.
Specs
- Material: Knit Mesh
- Sole Material: N/A
- Size: 6.5-14
Pros
- These shoes are made out of 100-percent knit mesh that ensures they remain comfortable and breathable.
- Thanks to their breathability, these loafers keep your feet dry all day long.
- They also have a memory foam insole for greater comfort. Since it’s gel-infused memory foam it will make you feel like you’re walking on clouds.
- These loafers are easy to slip on and remove, but they still give you a nice snug fit.
- Some people who have purchased these loafers have reported that they didn’t need to break them in as they were comfortable to wear right from the start.
Cons
- Although they have many good features, some people who have purchased these shoes have reported that they don’t offer much in terms of arch support.
- Others have reported that the soles wear out pretty quickly
Alternative: Skechers Superior Milford
These two-toned shoes look stylish, but they have lots of other features to offer. Let’s check them out!
Specs
- Material: Fabric
- Sole Material: Rubber
- Size: 6.5-14
Pros
- These shoes are made of soft mesh fabric and suede to make them trendy and comfortable.
- They have a memory foam insole. This makes the shoes breathable, comfortable and offers pressure relief.
- The memory foam is a gel-infused and high rebound, so you’ll have a spring in your step!
- The insole is resistant to moisture so your feet will stay dry all day.
- These loafers are designed in such a way to mold to the shape of your foot to make your experience of wearing them much more comfortable.
- These best men’s slip-on loafers have a perforated Dual-Lite footbed. This makes the shoes breathable.
Cons
- Although these shoes are slip-on, they have a stiff back and this makes it difficult to slide the shoes over the heel.
- The foam insole of the shoes is comfortable but tends to get hot.
- If you wear thin socks, the band that’s located around the heel of the shoes can feel uncomfortable because it digs into your skin.
Alternative: Skechers Harper Forde Slip-On
Relaxed-fit loafers sound like a dream, but what are these shoes all about? Let’s see their pros and cons.
Specs
- Material: Canvas
- Sole Material: Synthetic
- Size: 6.5-14
Pros
- These shoes are made of smooth full-grain leather. Since leather is naturally breathable and comfortable, it’s a great choice for loafers.
- They have stitching and overlay accents that make the shoes look fashionable.
- They contain air-cooled memory foam. This is one of the features that makes them the best men’s loafers under 200 dollars.
- People who have purchased these comfortable loafers have praised how they have extra padding in the heel to offer more support.
- While these loafers look like dress shoes, they’re said to be as comfortable as wearing trainers. Style and comfort in one!
Cons
- The soles become very slippery when wet.
- Some people who have purchased these shoes have reported that they tend to squeak a lot.
Alternative: STACY ADAMS Tazewell Tassel
Not a fan of Skechers? No problem. Consider these Stacy Adams loafers instead. Here’s what they have to offer.
Specs
- Material: Microfibre
- Sole Material: Rubber
- Size: 7-16
Pros
- These best men’s designer loafers are made out of microfiber material. Microfiber is said to be beneficial for shoes because it’s light and breathable. This is also said to effectively wick away moisture, so you’re less likely to have bacteria and unpleasant odors forming in your shoes.
- They have a cushioned memory foam insole which gives you padded comfort and shock absorption, making these loafers great for the outdoors or for wearing them indoors for many hours per day. As a bonus, the memory foam insole is from heel to toe so that it can better accommodate your stride to keep you as comfortable as possible.
- While they’re made to be durable, these shoes are also lightweight to make them much more appealing to wear. Part of the appeal of wearing loafers is that they’re easy to slip on and off, so you don’t want to feel trapped in heavy shoes.
- These loafers give you a stylish touch in the form of their suede-look tassel on the front. This makes them versatile for casual as well as formal events, making the transition from one to the other seamless.
- These best men’s tassel loafers come in four fashionable colors: brick (red), grey, navy, and black.
Cons
- People have reported that there are sizing issues, with some stating that the shoes were larger than they expected.
- Others have reported that there’s not enough width in the shoe’s design to make it very comfortable. If you battle with finding shoes that are wide enough to accommodate your feet, these might not be the wisest choice. It’s important to bear in mind that if you have wide feet you’ll benefit from round-toed loafers. Not only do these work with wider toes but they make your feet look narrower.
Men’s Loafers FAQ
Seen a pair of loafers that you really like from our reviews and want to purchase them? Go right ahead, but before you do be sure to check out these important questions about loafers to learn more about them and how to wear them fashionably.
Why are loafers so popular?
Earlier, we mentioned that loafers are a classic shoe that should be in your shoe collection, but why are loafers so popular? Here are some of the biggest reasons.
Loafers are easy to put on. Since they’re slide-on shoes, you can easily slide your feet into them without having to sit down to tie up laces or close any other fastenings on the shoes.
Since they’re easy to step into, loafers are also a great shoe for busy mornings or when you’re in a rush. Simply step into them and start your day without a hassle.
At the end of the day, when you just want to relax, you don’t have to worry about undoing their laces or other fastenings. This feature is what has given loafers their relaxed reputation. You can “loaf” around in them!
Loafers are versatile. You can wear loafers in a variety of situations, such as if you’re spending time indoors or heading outdoors. This is in part thanks to their level of comfort.
Loafers can also be worn with a variety of clothing items, such as trousers or denims.
They’re therefore the perfect go-to shoe choice for a range of outfits you wish to wear. You can also choose loafers that have embellishments, such as in the form of tassels, that means you can take your loafers from day to night.
Loafers are comfortable. Some types of shoes can feel restrictive, such as high tops, which is why loafers are always a popular choice if comfort is your number one priority.
In addition to the above, loafers usually have arch support and/or sole cushioning to make them even more comfortable and to prevent the shoes from putting strain on your toes, feet, or legs, especially after long hours of wear.
What is the best season to wear loafers?
Earlier, we mentioned how versatile loafers can be. They’re also useful because you can wear them in any season of the year. This is because you can wear them with or without socks, depending on your preference.
When it comes to your clothing choices, loafers can be worn with khakis, denim, or smart trousers. During summer, sockless loafers look trendy when paired with shorts or you can make them look cool by wearing them with a t-shirt and jeans.
Extra tips for wearing loafers in the winter:
- When the temperature takes a dive, make sure your loafers are equipped to keep you warm. You will have to wear thick socks with your loafers so that you don’t catch a chill when stepping outside.
- Show off your socks! You’ll be putting your socks on display when you wear loafers, so make sure you have eye-catching socks, like ones with patterns or bold colors to show off your personality.
- Stick to darker colors. Brown and black loafers are the most versatile as they will go with many more items of clothing during the winter, and can also be worn with dress pants.
- Avoid wearing heavy clothing. Since loafers are quite sleek, you want to avoid wearing them with heavy items of clothing, such as thick coats. Stick to slimmer coats, such as the peacoat, as this will ensure your loafers work with your clothing choices.
Extra tips for wearing loafers in the summer:
- What about wearing loafers when the weather’s warm? If you’re wearing loafers in the summer, you’ll be able to get away with wearing them sockless. But, just make sure you choose a loafer that’s got a breathable design. Avoid ones that are said to make your feet sweat or form unpleasant odors.
- Make sure that your trousers are of the right length – they should reach your ankle.
- Who says you can’t wear your favorite loafers with a pair of shorts during summer? Just make sure that you keep the look sophisticated and fashionable when choosing to do this. Always ensure that the shorts reach above the knee and team them with a tailored shirt and belt so the look is complete and stylish. Just because wearing loafers with shorts is very casual, that doesn’t mean you should let the look become sloppy!
Are loafers good for walking?
Loafers are very comfortable shoes so they’re ideal for walking. However, if you plan on spending a lot of time walking in your loafers, make sure that they’ve been designed to be as comfortable as possible.
They should have padding and cushioning in their design so that you’ll feel light on your feet and prevent foot and leg strain. As a bonus, loafers that offer good arch support will also ensure you can walk around in them or stand all day without feeling sore.
It’s also good to look for loafers that are breathable. Not only does this ensure greater comfort but it prevents sweating and the unpleasant odors that can go along with that. It’s worth noting here that suede and leather are naturally breathable materials.
Any shoe can become a bit painful if you’re doing a lot of walking, so it’s worth ensuring that the loafer fits properly, especially on the back.
However, bear in mind that you might have to break in your loafers just like with other shoes. This is not the case for all loafers, so it’s always good to read reviews about loafers you want to buy before you complete your purchase of them.
An example of a pair of loafers that don’t require you to break them in before wearing them is the Skechers Men’s Equalizer Double Play Slip-On Loafer that we featured in our reviews.
Now, when purchasing loafers online for walking, it’s worth bearing in mind that there could be size issues. Some people say that you should go down a size when shopping for loafers.
This actually isn’t a myth! The reason for this is because of how loafers are thinner than other shoes, such as Derby shoes, and they mold to your foot much more. This means that they have to be as close to your foot as possible in order to fit snugly.
Remember, loafers don’t make use of fastenings or laces, so you need them to be as snug as possible otherwise you’ll feel like you’re going to step right out of them. That can make walking around a lot very uncomfortable.
What is the best walking shoe for seniors?
If you’re a senior, you should look for walking shoes that will offer support and be comfortable. Here are some important tips to follow when purchasing shoes for walking:
- Get the right fit. Make sure that the shoes you choose for walking give you a wider fit if that’s what you need. As we’ve seen in these best men’s loafers reviews, you can find loafers that come in wider designs to accommodate larger feet. We’ve also seen previously in this article that you should choose loafers that are in a size smaller than the shoe size you usually wear, but it’s worth trying this out in a retail store to be sure that you’ve got the right fit. Ultimately, you want the loafer to mold to your foot properly instead of slipping out of it.
- Look for stability. When we grow older, our balance can get worse, so it’s essential to choose walking shoes that have features to give us greater stability. An example is a supportive insole, which we’ve seen in many shoes in our reviews, such as the Skechers Men’s Superior Milford Slip-On Loafer that has a memory foam insole. This contributes to greater support, breathability, comfort, and pressure relief. If you battle with aches and pains in your feet or legs, then memory foam insoles are good to look out for when purchasing loafers.
- Ensure a lack of chafing. What causes shoes to chafe and become uncomfortable? If the inside of the shoes has seams or irritating materials, these can be uncomfortable. Look for shoes that avoid these in their designs. It’s also good to choose shoes that contain breathable materials.
- Good slip resistance. You don’t want to fall, so make sure you have slip-resistant rubber soles to help you prevent slipping and getting injured.
- Cushioning. You need to ensure that the shoes you choose for walking will give your feet the right protection. After all, that’s the most important reason for switching up your footwear depending on the activities you’re doing. Cushioning serves to absorb shock and disperse it so that the amount of vibration or shock that reaches your feet and moves up your ankles and legs is reduced. Make sure your shoes are well padded, such as the Stacy Adams Men’s Tazewell Tassel Slip-on Loafers that offer shock absorption. This is important, especially if you’re walking outdoors as it will protect you against impact. Memory foam and gel padding are especially effective at achieving this.
- Look at the upper. The upper part of the shoe is what wraps around your foot and it should be padded to give you greater comfort and support. Synthetic or leather uppers are good choices.
- Enjoy ease of use. The last thing you want is the stress of trying to put on or remove your shoes, especially if you have mobility issues. Therefore, it’s good to choose shoes that are easy to slip on and off. While all loafers achieve this, some make it easier than ever. An example is the Skechers Men’s Equalizer Double Play Slip-On Loafer from our reviews.
Based on the above points, we can see that loafers are an excellent shoe choice for seniors who want to increase their walking activity.
Conclusion
Loafers are a versatile and classic style of shoe to have in your collection. Best of all, you can wear them all year round. In this article, we’ve outlined five of the best men’s loafers to purchase, looking at their pros and cons to help you find the ones that will complement your outfits.
We’ve also featured some important information about loafers in our FAQ section so you can always make the best fashion choices when you want to wear your loafers in public. Keep them classy!
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