The Best Loafers for Men Are the Most Crucial Shoes of 2025

If you had to whittle down your shoe rack to a single pair, you could do a lot worse than one of the best loafers for men. At GQ, we’ve long maintained that loafers are the Swiss Army Knife of shoes, ready to help you puzzle through all stylistic head-scratchers you encounter. Not sure what shoes to wear with a bespoke tux for a red carpet event—or just a really fancy wedding? Loafers. Not sure what shoes to wear with cut-off jean shorts for the after-after party that same night? (The only two vibes, really.) Loafers again.

Let’s put it this way: When you’re running out of the house in a frantic blur with nary a second to whip up a half-decent outfit, a pair of loafers will really save your ass. Loafers can take a well-thought-out fit and turn it into a galaxy-brain ensemble, and if these quarter-baked anecdotes aren’t doing it for you and you need a little more convincing, don’t worry—we’re just getting warmed up. No matter the style you're after, from classic penny loafers to dressy tassel loafers, we’ve tested and tracked down the absolute best loafers for men.

• The Best Loafers Overall: Meermin 514040 Penny Loafer, $215
• The Best Budget Loafers: G.H. Bass & Co. Larson Weejuns Loafers, $175
• The Best Upgrade Loafers: Vinny’s Yardee Loafers, $360
• The Best Knockabout Loafers: Dr. Martens Adrian Tassel Loafers, $150
• The Best Designer Loafers: Gucci 1953 Horsebit Leather Loafer, $1050
• The Best Venetian Loafers: Jacques Solovière Loafers, $378
• The Best Tassel Loafers: Alden Cordovan Tassel Loafer, $852
• The Best Loafers for Shoe Snobs: J.M. Weston 180 Loafers, $1065

Best Loafers Overall: Meermin 514040 Penny Loafer

It’s unlikely you’ll have heard of Meermin, but let this be the reason you never forget them. Technically, Meermin is a DTC label, but not in the Silicon Valley dropout solving a non-problem sort of way. Instead, the brand leans on the shoemaking heritage of its native Spain, where storied brands like Carmina and Santoni make some of the most revered derbies, Oxfords, and loafers in the world. What you get is a pair of loafers made of supple Italian boxcalf, made using top-tier construction details, and a beautiful, tasteful silhouette, at a price that you’d think was a mistake.

The leather is easy to break in, the studded rubber soles are weather-ready. The silhouette is rounded but not stubby, sleek but not pointy (a difficult task, for some reason). But what really sets Meermin’s penny loafers apart from the rest is the sum of its parts. The quality is on par with loafers that cost more than twice its price and the classic style does a lot to extend its value proposition. Though you can only buy it directly from Meermin, whose brick-and-mortar presence is limited, the straightforward returns process makes it less of a pain point.

No definitive loafer ranking would never be complete without a pair of Bass Weejuns. They've been an icon since the '30s, and when it comes to loafers—or any shoe, really—you'd be hard-pressed to find a better value. The brand's casual-leaning silhouette is a GQ-favorite, beloved by old-school legends like JFK and modern-day loafer aficionados alike. The best way to wear them? Play down their clean-cut origins by pairing them with everything from cuffed Dickies to flower-child faded jeans. For the bargain-savvy shopper, these are about as close as it gets to a near-perfect black loafer that doesn't compromise on quality and doesn't call for a short-term loan to afford. In other words: as long as Bass keeps making 'em, we'll keep recommending 'em.

In our experience, Weejuns require a little bit of breaking in—and like all leather-soled shoes, can be slippery at the outset. (We suggest taking your true size.) They may not come equipped with a Goodyear welt, the gold standard in highfalutin cobbling, but the Blake stitch construction is noticeably easier to break in—and just as resolable. “Think of these as your all-around loafer, the kind you wear everyday until they finally go kaput or you’re ready to upgrade,” says GQ style commerce writer Gerald Ortiz, who’s owned half a dozen or so pairs over the decades. It’s notoriously tricky to nail the quality-value matrix, but with the Weejuns, Bass did just that.

Best Upgrade Loafers: Vinny’s Yardee Penny Loafers

The next step from the iconic Weejun should ideally get you a pair of loafers with noticeably better materials, higher-quality construction, and upgraded stitching, not to mention charming good looks. Presenting the Vinny’s Yardee loafer. As far as quality is concerned, the Yardee is right up there with other premium options. They’ve got upgraded cow leather uppers, resolable construction, and are handmade in Portugal. But what sets them apart is Vinny’s deft blend of homage and modern appeal.

The Yardee takes cues from the iconic Weejun with its beefroll details and rounded toe, but veers into 2025 with bright green leather lining and a slightly chunkier heel and sole. What’s more, the Yardee comes in a gang of leather options from supple suedes and nubucks to head-turning croc- and -lizard-embossed leathers. It’s the loafer for the discerningly stylish guy who’s prefers an updated and upgraded classic.

The Alden tassel loafers below are great and all, but the rarified price point, cordovan leather, and dainty silhouette give them a scholarly, somewhat fuddy-duddy air that might not jive with your street-leaning sensibility. That's where Dr. Martens comes in. Its cult-loved Adrian loafers are done up in the brand's notoriously tough smooth leather, and then plopped on top of its surprisingly giving AirWair soles. For Doc lovers, details like a double tassel and kiltie fringe—positioned around that signature cushioned sole—have helped loafer wearers look like counter-cultural icons since the ‘80s, and with a scuzzy cardigan and faded jeans they’ll do the same for you, too.

“I love the little extra vertical boost they promise,” says GQ associate commerce editor Tyler Chin. “Though going true to size with these might’ve been a miss—they’re maybe half a size too big.” Oh, and Chin isn’t the only Tyler we know who swears by the silhouette: it was a crucial cosign from Tyler, the Creator that convinced him to finally buy a pair.

The word "icon" gets tossed around real casually these days, but Gucci's horsebit loafer is the rare piece of design actually worthy of the moniker. (There's a reason the silhouette's barely changed since it was first introduced in the early '50s.) Gucci high-end loafers are still crafted in Italy, still embellished with the brand's signature horsebit detail hearkening back to its legacy as a small-time Florentine leather goods operation. Explaining their appeal is easy: not only do they go with everything you already own, but they'll swank up every outfit you pair them with—from the casual, everyday vibes you'll be bringing back to your re-opened office, to the wooly suit you've been jonesing to bust out with a funky tie.

Suffice to say, Gucci’s signature loafers are masterful, down to the carefully-shaped soles and quality stitching. Chin went true to size and had zero notes on the fit—but he did note that the leather soles are relatively thin, and might be prone to wearing out quickly. The fix is simple enough: If you want to extend the life of your shoes preemptively, have a cobbler apply a rubber sole.

According to Ortiz, who owns a pair in a Nicolas Cage-esque snakeskin print, the Ellis is “built like a tank.” The double-leather sole gives it a pleasantly hefty feel, a testament to its quality. Sizing, however, can be a little tricky; we suggest sizing down a half or whole size. The Ellis is “built as well as any heritage shoe,” Ortiz adds. “But the wild materials and colorways make it a hell of a lot more fun.”

We dig Jacques Soloviere's shoes for their unique silhouettes, which merge old-world craftsmanship with decidedly new-school flair. These Venetian-style loafers feature a gorgeous grained leather upper anchored by a slightly beefier sole, so you can wear them into the ground without visiting your cobbler. Which is great news, considering you'll want to wear them just about everywhere, and with everything, this spring: an Oxford shirt and jeans to hang out in the park, a dashing linen suit and a knit tie to a spring wedding, or shorts and a polo to [insert literally any other venue here].

GQ senior commerce editor Avidan Grossman doesn't own a pair of Jacques Soloviere's Venetian loafers, but he's tried them on one too many times not to weigh in here. “In my defense, I already own a ridiculous amount of loafers,” Grossman offers by way of explanation. “But these are sublime.” The grained calfskin is soft and supple, and the vamp is perfectly dialed in every way possible. “Please stop,” Grossman says, when pressed for more information. “If I spend another five minutes talking about these I'm going to buy 'em.” Sometimes even GQ editors need a little extra encouragement.

Tassel loafers are here, waiting, if you want something outside of a penny loafer that's still got some showmanship. Alden's signature version is absolute aces: handmade in Massachusetts from handsome shell cordovan leather (a.k.a the king of all leathers) on a deceptively comfortable leather outsole. You’d be hard-pressed to find a pair of shoes that’ll complement a pair of dark indigo jeans more effectively, or more instantly elevate a creamy pair of linen trousers to the realm of "gracefully aging Italian gentleman.”

According to Ortiz, who’s owned several pairs of Alden loafers, “the break-in period can be tough”—but it’s worth every blister. Shell cordovan is a little bit heftier than other leathes, but the patina it accrues it unmatched. “Start by wearing them every other day,” Ortiz says, “and after a couple of weeks they’ll be as comfortable as any other shoe in your rotation.” One important note: The shape of the last and toe box is sleek and narrow, so if you have wide feet, consider a wider width—or simply sizing up.

Best Loafers for Shoe Snobs: J.M. Weston 180 Loafers

Rarified air as it may be, the few shoes held with stratospheric regard are more than just a few. You’ve got your stalwarts like John Lobb and George Cleverley, as well as newcomers like Viberg. To debate which one is the one true king would be a waste of time because you can only argue so much about quality before the rifts come down to personal taste. So with that said, our favorite loafers for the menswear nerd is the 180 loafer from French shoemakers J.M. Weston. The loafer gets its name from the number of steps it takes to make the shoes, which are produced in the Weston factories in Limoges.

The flagship model comes with luxurious French boxcalf leather uppers, calfskin lining, vegetable-tanned leather outsoles, Goodyear welted construction with a closed channel (or rubber soles), and the signature split apron toe design. They’re nice. Nice as hell. But what gives the 180s the edge over other famed high-end loafers is the overall design. That split apron toe is distinct but versatile, and the toebox strikes the ideal level of roundedness where others have a snooty point.

Sebago

Dan Loafer

$260

Mr Porter

Sebago's Dan Loafers are about as classic as you can get, and they've become GQ associate commerce director Michael Nolledo's go-to loafer for the office. “They're comfortable straight out of the box and require little break-in,” says Nolledo, adding that they're also a great travel shoe.

Beckett Simonon

Beaumont Loafers

$239

Beckett Simonon

Countless brands try, but it's hard to touch the quality, heritage, and look of Gucci's iconic horsebit loafers. That said, Beckett Simonon's Beaumonts give the Italian fashion house a real run for its money. The leather is almost just as supple, the construction nearly just as good, and, for a quarter of the price, they'll give you second thoughts about whether the price of clout is worth it.

Allen Edmonds

Randolph Loafers

$425

Amazon

Allen Edmonds’ Randolph loafers boast European calfskin uppers, vegetable-tanned leather soles, and all the nerdy fixings you’d expect from one of America's oldest shoemakers. Naturally, they’re Goodyear-welted so you can easily resole them again, and again, and again.

Hereu

Sineu Loafers

$530 $387 (27% off)

SSENSE

Hereu's Spanish-made shoes are not only some of the finest quality on the market, but some of the most elegantly creative. The Sineu loafers, with their simple woven toe are the best possible example of the old "classic with a twist" approach.

Yuketen

Rob's Pebble-Grain Leather Penny Loafers

$695

Mr Porter

Yuketen has harnessed the skills of expert shoemakers all over the world, be it for mocassins, boots, or dress shoes. The indie label's Rob loafers are among its many crown jewels, with satisfying pebble-grain leather, pinked leather trim, closed channel soles, and timeless silhouette.

Lemaire

Flat Piped Slippers

$740

SSENSE

With its piped detailing and bifurcated toe box, Lemaire’s piped loafer isn’t your standard riff on the genre—which helps explain its appeal among hard-boiled menswear nerds. In a loafer market saturated with near-identical alternatives, its perfectly left-field flourishes are their own kind of staying power.

Belgian Shoes

Belgian Shoes

$725

Belgian Shoes

When you want to feel like absolute royalty (even in a cramped apartment), a pair of dainty Belgian Shoes is all you need. They’re a quintessential New York City shoe, and in keeping with their old-school vibe, you can only buy ‘em at the brand’s small Midtown boutique. It’s worth the trek: Their gorgeous silhouette looks good with wide-leg pants and even better with pleated shorts.

Morjas

Unlined Penny Loafer

$450

Morjas

Sometimes your loafers aren't laissez faire enough, which is where Morjas' boneless, crushable, unlined penny loafers come in. They're lightweight, fit like a glove, and are so luxe you'd really prefer to wear them sans socks.

The loafers on this list range in style, make, and price, but the throughline across each of them is simple: overall value. Whether you have $100 or $1,000 to blow on a new pair of shoes, you should be spending that money judiciously—any old loafer won’t quite do it. What that involves, practically speaking, is assessing a loafer by its quality, first and foremost. For our purposes, we tried to avoid loafers that can’t easily be resoled by your local cobbler, i.e. ones made with soles actually stitched to the uppers, not glued. Stitching the soles improves a loafer’s wearability by leaps and bounds—and can extend its lifespan by the same metrics (with proper upkeep, of course).

You know the saying “fashion hurts”? It shouldn’t. We don’t really buy into the notion that you should suffer for what you wear; any loafers we tested that failed to meet our highly scientific, not-at-all arbitrary comfort threshold after the requisite break-in period were nixed without a second thought. (Though, yes, comfort is subjective, and break-in periods may vary.)

Oh, and one final word on price: you’ll see a solid degree of variety in the options above, from damn-that’s-a-steal to they-must've-added-an-extra-zero-here. That’s by design. Frankly, we’d love to say you can find an excellent pair of loafers for a mere fifty bucks, but in our experience, we’ve yet to encounter a zero-notes pair for less than $150.

In 2025, loafers come in more shapes and styles than colors of the rainbow. These are the four you’ll hear us talk about most.

• The Penny Loafer: Penny loafers are defined by a leather strap that stretches across the vamp of the shoe, often featuring a decorative cut-out. As legend has it, college students would insert a penny into the slot as a fashionable accent, giving the silhouette its name. An especially important variation of the penny loafer is the beef-roll, which features a strap finished at the edges that—yes—resembles a tied-up roll of beef.
• The Tassel Loafer: Tassel loafers are defined by a decorative leather tassel attached to the top of the shoe. The tassel can sometimes be paired with a leather strap, or even set atop a kiltie, an additional piece of leather that’s cut with a fringe.
• The Venetian Loafer: Venetian loafers are the silhouette at its most stripped-back. Unlike penny and tassel loafers, Venetian loafers eschew ornamental designs at the vamp, other than the occasional moc toe stitching.
• The Belgian Loafer: Belgian loafers—often made in Belgium and sold in New York (confusing, we know)—are the daintest riff on the silhouette. A spiritual relative of house slippers or opera shoes, Belgian loafers are defined by their diamond-shaped vamp, which are typically adorned with telltale small bows.

Though loafers come in a variety of styles, there are still some common themes that we hope each pair of loafers hits. Like any piece of clothing, we look at overall style, quality, comfort, and price. The mainstays that have had a deep track record are sure to get our approving nods but there are always seasonal bangers or trending styles we can honestly get behind. We tried to avoid loafers that aren’t easily resoled by your local cobbler. That means loafers we opted for loafers with soles actually stitched to the uppers rather than ones that use cheap glued construction. This improves a loafer’s quality by leaps and bounds and can actually make a shoe last for years longer (with proper upkeep, of course).

We don’t really buy into the notion that you should suffer for fashion so we preferred loafers that were more comfortable. That said, comfort is subjective and break-in periods vary. Prices range from suspiciously cheap to first-born child and we would love to tell you that a pair of $50 loafers is good, but we can’t say that we’ve ever encountered a well-made pair of loafers for less than $150.

Style is subjective, we know—that’s the fun of it. But we’re serious about helping our audience get dressed. Whether it’s the best white sneakers, the flyest affordable suits, or the need-to-know menswear drops of the week, GQ Recommends’ perspective is built on years of hands-on experience, an insider awareness of what’s in and what’s next, and a mission to find the best version of everything out there, at every price point.

Our staffers aren’t able to try on every single piece of clothing you read about on GQ.com (fashion moves fast these days), but we have an intimate knowledge of each brand’s strengths and know the hallmarks of quality clothing—from materials and sourcing, to craftsmanship, to sustainability efforts that aren’t just greenwashing. GQ Recommends heavily emphasizes our own editorial experience with those brands, how they make their clothes, and how those clothes have been reviewed by customers. Bottom line: GQ wouldn’t tell you to wear it if we wouldn’t.

We’ve handled more loafers than any one person should experience in a single lifetime. From working retail to incessant shopping to endless showrooms to miles and miles of loafin’ around over the years, the GQ Recommends team has seen it all. With our own experience laying the groundwork, we asked ourselves: if loafers were the only shoes we could wear, which ones would we pick?

We burrowed deep into the rabbit hole, we sifted through dozens and dozens of contenders. We parsed through the longtime classics, the genre-defining catalysts, and the soon-to-be stalwarts, narrowed it down to a select few and summoned them to the high court of GQ Recommends. Then we got to work. We slipped our sexy feet into each loafer bopped around as we normally do, commuting to work, logging our daily 10,000 steps, and subjecting loafers to the rigors of a daily life. Along the way, we assessed the straight-away comfort, how each pair wore in, how the soles faired over time, and, crucially, how each loafer looked with our outfits.

Finally, we assembled our team and ran the numbers. After some nerding out and more heart-to-hearts than we were expecting (three is normal for us), we came up with what we believe to be the best loafers on the market right now. We’ve got it all, from the entry-level starter loafers to the status symbol horsebits to a handful of very right-now picks we couldn’t ignore, this is our ideal loafer list.