Navy Blue Strap Loafers for Men

This loafer puts a buckled strap across a navy leather vamp, so it slips on like a loafer but looks as finished as a monk strap. It is the easy way to wear navy shoes, and it is Goodyear welted on a leather sole and made to order in US sizes 5 to 16.5, in standard or custom width.

What a strap loafer is

A strap loafer is a slip on with a leather strap and buckle across the vamp. On a monk strap shoe the buckle is how you fasten the shoe. On a strap loafer the strap is set to your size when the shoe is made, so the buckle is a design detail and the shoe goes on without adjustment. You get the look of a monk strap with the convenience of a loafer, which is why the style sits well between business casual and weekend wear.

• Slips on and off without touching the buckle.
• Reads dressier than a plain penny loafer.
• Held by the throat and heel, like any loafer.

Why navy works better than you expect

Navy shoes sound bold, but in practice navy behaves like a dark neutral. It pairs with gray, tan, stone, white and cream pants, with dark and light denim, and with gray or tan suits. It is the one colored shoe that looks deliberate rather than loud. The only thing it does not want is a navy suit of the exact same shade, where the shoe disappears into the pants.

• Best with: gray flannel, tan chinos, stone linen, denim.
• Avoid: matching navy on navy, and black pants.

Specifications

How this compares

Buckle loafers range from designer suede slip ons to budget pairs with a glued sole. The practical differences are construction and whether the fit can be made to your foot.

Fit and sizing

Loafers run large compared with lace ups, so expect to take less than your lace up size. The shoe should feel snug across the instep on day one, because nothing can be tightened later. A little heel lift when walking is normal. Check the men's shoe size guide before ordering, and send us your measurements if you get heel slip in loafers generally.

• Between sizes: take the smaller length.
• Narrow or wide fitting through our made to order service.

Care

• Brush after each wear and use a neutral cream sparingly.
• Rest a day between wears and use cedar shoe trees.
• Wipe the buckle with a dry cloth so it stays bright.
• Use a shoe horn rather than kicking the heel down.

Who these are for

These suit the man who wants a loafer that looks a little more finished than a penny, without the formality of a lace up. They work in a business casual office, at a summer wedding with a light suit and on weekends with denim. If you already own black and brown loafers, navy is the natural third pair, because it adds color without giving up versatility.

Frequently asked questions

Is a strap loafer the same as a monk strap?

Not quite. A monk strap is a closed shoe fastened by a buckle, so you open and close the strap to put it on. A strap loafer is a slip on with the strap set to your size when the shoe is made, so the buckle is decorative and you simply step in. The look is similar, but the strap loafer is quicker to wear and reads a touch more relaxed, while a monk strap sits closer to a lace up in formality.

What do you wear with navy loafers?

Navy loafers work with more than most people expect. Gray flannel pants, tan or stone chinos, cream linen and both dark and light denim all pair well. With tailoring, a gray or tan suit looks sharp, and a navy blazer over gray pants is a classic combination. Avoid wearing them with a navy suit in the same shade, where the shoes vanish into the pants, and avoid black, which looks heavy next to navy. With denim, keep the jeans dark and slim so the navy shoe stands out.

Can you wear navy loafers to work?

In a business casual office, yes. A navy strap loafer looks polished with gray pants and a blazer, or with a lighter suit in gray or tan. It is less formal than a black or dark brown lace up, so for a conservative office, black tie or a funeral choose a plain black oxford instead. For most modern workplaces, navy loafers read as confident and considered rather than casual. Pair them with a crisp shirt and a blazer to keep the look sharp.

Should loafers feel tight when new?

They should feel snug but not painful. A loafer has no laces, so it relies on the throat and heel to hold your foot, and leather softens and gives slightly with wear. If the shoe feels comfortable and roomy the first time you put it on, it will probably slip at the heel within a few weeks. Aim for a firm, even grip across the instep, toes with a little room and only slight heel lift as you walk. A snug start means the fit stays right as the leather relaxes.

Can the buckle be changed or polished?

The buckle is metal, so a soft dry cloth after wear keeps it bright, and a small amount of metal polish removes any dullness. Keep polish off the leather around it. If a buckle is ever damaged, a cobbler can replace it without touching the rest of the shoe. For a different buckle finish on a new pair, ask before you order and we can confirm the options available for the made to order build. The strap itself is set when the shoe is made, so it never needs adjusting.

Are navy loafers a good choice for summer?

Yes. Navy is one of the best loafer colors for warm weather, because it pairs naturally with the lighter clothes men wear in summer: stone and cream linen, white or tan chinos, light gray suits and light denim. Wear them with no show socks for a clean look. A leather sole keeps them smart enough for summer weddings and evening dinners, and a Goodyear welt means the sole can be replaced after a few seasons of heavy wear. They are a cooler alternative to brown in hot months.

See penny, tassel and bow styles in our full range of men's leather loafers.