Shop Men's Leather Loafers, Handmade and Goodyear Welted
Find the slip on that works from a Monday meeting to a Sunday lunch, in penny, tassel, Belgian and bow styles cut from calf, suede and hand painted patina. Every pair of our men's loafers is stitched on a resoleable Goodyear welt and made to order in your size and width.
Whimsical Walk
Men's Embroidered Velvet Loafers | Hand Welted, Leather Sole
Loafer Styles Compared: Penny, Tassel, Belgian and Bow
A loafer is a laceless slip on held in place by a close fitting heel and a snug throat. What sits on the vamp decides how dressy it looks.
| Style | Defining detail | Formality | Best with |
|---|---|---|---|
| Penny loafer | Leather strap across the vamp with a slot | Smart casual to business | Chinos, suits, denim |
| Tassel loafer | Leather tassels on a lace or vamp | Business to dressy | Suits, blazers, flannel |
| Belgian loafer | Soft, low cut with a small bow | Relaxed, evening | Linen, summer tailoring |
| Bow loafer | Decorative leather bow on the vamp | Dressy casual | Tailored pants, events |
Penny Loafers
The most versatile slip on a man can own. Penny loafers for men became a campus staple in the 1950s, when students tucked a coin into the strap slot, and they still work with everything from jeans to a navy suit. Our mens penny loafers come in black, brown, burgundy, olive and blue, in calf, suede and patina, so one style can cover the office, the weekend and a summer wedding.
Tassel, Belgian and Bow Loafers
Tassels add movement and read dressier, which is why they became the American lawyer's shoe. Belgian and bow loafers are softer and lower cut, made for warm evenings and relaxed tailoring.
Leather, Suede or Exotic Texture
- Smooth calf: takes a shine and is the dressiest option for mens leather loafers.
- Suede: soft from the first wear; mens suede loafers in brown, blue or olive suit spring and summer.
- Woven intrecciato: hand woven strips of leather for texture and breathability.
- Hand painted patina: layered color that deepens at the toe, so no two pairs match. See our patina shoes.
- Exotic textures: ostrich, stingray and crocodile grain for a statement pair. Browse our exotic shoes.
How to Wear Loafers, Office to Weekend
- Office: black or dark brown calf penny or tassel loafers with a suit or odd pants and a blazer.
- Smart casual: brown suede loafers with chinos and an open collar shirt.
- Weekend: suede or colored loafers with dark denim, cropped or cuffed at the ankle.
- Summer: Belgian loafers with linen, worn with no show socks.
Why a Welted Loafer Outlasts a Glued One
Most mall loafers are cemented, meaning the sole is glued to the upper and the shoe is finished when that sole wears through. Ours are Goodyear welted: a leather welt is stitched around the upper and the outsole is stitched to it, so a cobbler can replace the sole several times. A cork layer between insole and outsole molds to your foot over the first weeks, which matters on a shoe with no laces to adjust the fit.
How Loafers Should Fit
- Snug across the instep with no pinching, because nothing can be tightened later.
- Your heel should lift only slightly when you walk.
- Loafers often run larger than lace ups, so many men take a half size smaller.
- Choose width separately, from D to EEE.
- Check our shoe size guide or send us your measurements before ordering.
FAQs
Are penny loafers appropriate for the office?
In most offices, yes. A black or dark brown calf penny loafer looks sharp with a suit, and even more natural with odd pants and a blazer. It is slightly less formal than a lace up oxford, so for black tie, a funeral or a conservative law or banking office a plain oxford is still the safer choice. For business casual workplaces, a penny or tassel loafer is often the best shoe in the room.
How should men's loafers fit?
A loafer should feel snug across the instep and around the heel, because there are no laces to tighten later. Your heel should lift only slightly as you walk, and your toes should have a little room without sliding forward. Leather loafers stretch a small amount with wear, so a pair that feels comfortably firm on day one is right. If your heel slips badly or the throat gapes, the size is too big.
Can you wear loafers without socks?
Yes, and in summer it is the classic way to wear them. Choose no show socks rather than going fully barefoot, since they absorb sweat, protect the leather lining and prevent odor. Suede and Belgian loafers look best sockless with linen, shorts or cropped chinos. With a suit or in cooler weather, wear thin dress socks that match your pants so the line from hem to shoe stays unbroken.
Can you wear loafers with jeans?
Loafers are one of the best shoes to wear with jeans. Choose slim or straight dark denim, hemmed or cuffed so it sits just above the shoe instead of bunching over it. Brown suede penny loafers are the easiest pairing, while black calf loafers with black or charcoal jeans look sharper for evenings. Avoid very wide or distressed jeans, which make a sleek loafer look lost at the bottom of the outfit.
Are suede loafers hard to take care of?
Less than most people expect. Spray new suede with a protective water and stain repellent before the first wear, then brush it with a suede brush after wearing to lift dirt and restore the nap. Avoid heavy rain, and if the shoes get wet, stuff them with paper and let them dry naturally away from heat. A suede eraser removes most marks, and a welted sole can be replaced when it wears.
How long do Goodyear welted loafers last?
With rotation and basic care, a Goodyear welted loafer can last ten years or more. The outsole is stitched to a leather welt rather than glued, so when it wears thin a cobbler stitches on a new one while the upper stays untouched. Use cedar shoe trees after each wear, rest pairs a day between wears and condition the leather every few weeks, and the uppers will outlast several soles.
Prefer laces? Explore our full range of handmade men's shoes.