13 Types of Loafers Designs for Men to Buy Online for Every Man
Shoes occupy an important position in a man’s wardrobe. A man can flaunt his rich taste and exquisite fashion sense by wearing a pair of thoughtfully selected shoes that blend well with his attire. There are different kinds of men’s shoes, and one immensely popular category is loafers.
Loafers are slip-on low shoes, in which the ankles stay exposed and the shoes will not snugly wrap around your feet. The sole of a loafer is always separate from its upper part, and many styles also have a low profile heel. Loafers themselves come in a variety of styles; let’s discuss each of them one by one.
13 Different Types of Loafers for Men to Buy Online
- Boat Shoes
- Driving Loafer
- Espadrille
- Chadwick Loafer
- Embossed Loafer
- Floaters
- Horse bit Loafer
- Opera Pump
- Kiltie Loafer
- Slipper
- Penny Loafer
- Tassel Loafer
- Venetian Loafer
1. Boat Shoes
Invented in 1935 specifically for boating, boat shoes maintain a good grip on the fiberglass of a boat deck without scratching it.
Formality Level: 1 out of 5 Stars
Style: 3 out of 5 Stars
Everyday Wear: Yes
Season: Spring & Summer.
Colors: Tan, Cream, Blue, White, Red, Brown, Cognac, Green, Navy, Black, Grey, Beige & Khaki.
Closure: Slip-On.
Best to Pair with: No-show socks, Shirt & Shorts, Tees & Chinos, Jeans, Jackets & Slacks.
Best to Wear on: Beach wedding parties, Beach/Pool, Weekend Errands, Brunch/BBQ & Date Night.
Worst to Wear on: Business Dinner, Business Casuals, Formal Wedding, Job Interview, Business Professional, Socks, Tailored clothes like Suits, Odd Jackets & Trousers and Tuxedo.
Toe Type: Moc Toe & Rounded Toe.
Material: Leather, Canvas, Leather, Suede, Nubuck & Microfiber.
Features: Breathable, Moisture Wicking, Water-resistant, Maximum traction/Anti-Skid on wet surfaces, Rustproof grommets, Waterproof rawhide laces, Comfortable to wear barefoot, Can help relieve associated common aches & pains such as heel pain, Shock absorbent.
Websites to Buy: Zappos.com, Allenedmonds.com, Amazon.com, Sperry.com, Famousfootwear.com, Dsw.com & Mrporter.com.
Recommended Boat Shoes For You
2. Driving Loafer
The driving loafers come with rubber nubs on the sole and heel counter, which helps the driver get a better grip.
Formality Level: 1 out of 5 Stars
Style: 4 out of 5 Stars
Everyday Wear: Yes
Season: Spring & Summer
Colors: Oxblood, Tan, Green, Black, Navy, Brown, Cognac, Red, Yellow, Beige & Grey.
Closure: Slip-On.
Best to Pair with: T-shirts & Shorts, Blazer, Fitted tees /Polos, Jeans & tees, Button-downs Shirts, Chinos & tees & With Sock/without Socks.
Best to Wear on: Weekend Errands, Brunch/BBQ & Date Night.
Worst to Wear on: Beach/Pool, Business Casuals, Business Dinner, Wedding, Job Interview, Business Professional, Dress trousers, Suits, Tuxedo & Evening Wear.
Toe Type: Mocassin toe.
Material: Leather, Calfskin Suede, Nubuck, Exotic Skins & Polyester.
Features: Pebble sole, Interwoven pattern, Embossed & Bow detailing.
Websites to Buy: Jomashop.com,ebay.com, Mrporter.com & Hm.com.
Recommended Driving shoes For You
3. Espadrille
It is a strictly casual style with a canvas upper and a cork or jute sole. What was once worn by dockworkers in France and Spain while working has now become a fashionable shoe to wear to the beach.
Formality Level: 0 out of 5 Stars
Style: 4 out of 5 Stars
Everyday Wear: Yes
Season: Spring & Summer.
Colors: Navy, Black, Grey, Beige, Khaki, Green, Charcoal, Blue, Tan, Green, White & Multi-Color.
Closure: Slip-On.
Best to Pair with: Linen Jacket, Chino pants, Tees & Shorts, Jeans, Slacks, Shirt & Casual Pants & Bathing Trunk.
Best to Wear on: Beach/Pool, Weekend Errands, Brunch/BBQ & Date Night.
Worst to Wear on: Business Dinner, Business Casuals, Formal Wedding, Job Interview, Business Professional, Evening Wear, Suits, Dress trousers, Tuxedo & Socks.
Toe Type: Rounded Toe & Narrow Toe.
Material: Canvas, Calfskin, Leather, Lamb Skin, Esparto rope, Suede, Cork, Jute, Hemp, Nylon, Polyester, Cotton & Raffia.
Features: Twill Pattern, Striped Color Combinations, Embroidered, ribbon trim & Braided raffia.
Websites to Buy: Zappos.com, Mrporter.com, Saksfifthavenue.com & Dillards.com.
Recommended Espadrilles For You
4. Chadwick Loafer
An interwoven pattern or burnished finish is what makes the Chadwick Loafer different from other styles. It is suitable for casual or business casual occasions.
Formality Level: 2 out of 5 Stars
Style: 3.5 out of 5 Stars
Everyday Wear: Yes
Season: Spring, Summer, Autumn & Winter.
Colors: Navy, Black, Grey, Beige, Khaki, Green, Charcoal, Blue, Tan, Green, White, Brown & Cognac.
Closure: Slip-On
Best to Pair with: Shirt & Chinos, Denim, Tees & Slacks, Jacket & Slack Pant, Polo & Shorts and Socks.
Best to Wear on: Beach/Pool, Weekend Errands, Brunch/BBQ, Date Night, Business Casuals, Formal Wedding & Business Dinner.
Worst to Wear on: Job Interview, Business Professional, Evening Wear, Suits, Dress Pant &Tuxedo.
Toe Type: Round toe & Cap’s toe.
Material: Leather, Suede, Cotton, Canvas & Nubuck.
Features: Burnished Finish & Interwoven pattern.
Websites to Buy: Macys.com. Nordstromrack.com, Vince.com, Saintbernard.com, Lastcall.com, Bloomingdales.com & Dsw.com.
5. Embossed Loafer
These loafers have embossed patterns on the vamp. You can wear them with casual or formal outfits, but avoid them in highly formal and professional scenarios like client meetings or job interviews.
Formality Level: 2.5 out of 5 Stars
Style: 3.5 out of 5 Stars
Everyday Wear: No
Season: Fall, Spring, Summer & Winter.
Colors: Black, Brown, Light Brown, Dark Brown, Burgundy, Green, Red, Coffee, Navy & White.
Closure: Slip-On
Best to Pair with: Shirt & Cropped Jeans, Fun Socks, Polo & Dress Pant, Tees, Wool Pant, Blazer & Suit and Jackets.
Best to Wear on: Business Dinner, Formal Wedding, Business Casual, Date Night, Prom, Party, Brunch/BBQ & Weekend Errands.
Worst to Wear on: Beach/Pool, Job Interview, Business Professional, Client Meeting & Tuxedo.
Toe Type: Moc Toe, Apron, Round Toe, Squared Toe & Almond toe.
Material: Genuine Leather, Calfskin, Suede, PU, Sheepskin, Cow Leather, Synthetic & Faux Velvet.
Pattern: Alligator, Lizard, Crocodile, Snake & Pigskin.
Features: Leopard Print Finish, Medusa Detail, Breathable, Anti-slip, Wear-resistant, Sweat Absorbent & Anti-Odor.
Websites to Buy: Macys.com, Saksfifthavenue.com, us.shein.com, Farfetch.com, Amazon.com, etsy.com, ebay.com, Poshmark.com, Tiethis.com, Raffaello-network.com, Calvinklein.us, Zara.com, Shopbop.com, Madewell.com, Lyst.com, S aksoff5th.com, Bloomingdales.com & Tradesy.com.
6. Floaters/ Slip-on loafers
These are made up of eco-friendly foam, bringing together traditional elements and modern style. Floaters are strictly casual, you may put them on for a stroll to the beach or over the weekend barbeque.
Formality Level: 0 out of 5 Stars
Style: 3.5 out of 5 Stars
Everyday Wear: No
Season: Spring, Summer, Autumn & Winter.
Colors: White, Navy, Brown, Orange, Green, Gray, Brown, Tan & Multi-Color.
Closure: Slip-On
Best to Pair with: Chino pants, Tees & Shirts, Polo & Jeans, Shirt & Slacks, Tank Top & Casual Pants & Bathing Trunk.
Best to Wear on: Beachwear, Poolside, Canoeing, Boating, Weekend Errands & Brunch/BBQ.
Worst to Wear on: Business Dinner, Business Casuals, Formal Wedding, Job Interview, Date Night, Business Professional, Evening Wear, Suits, Dress trousers, Tuxedo & Socks.
Toe Type: Moc Toe & Rounded Toe.
Material: EVA Foam
Features: Lightweight, Waterproof, Slip Resistant, Breathability, Quick Drying, Anti-Microbial, Scuff Proof, Odor-free, 360-degree ventilation, Massage-pod footbed with enhanced arch support, Utility hole to conveniently attach your Floafers when you’re on the go.
Websites to Buy: Floafers.com, Macys.com & Westmarine.com.
7. Horse bit Loafer
This variant is recognizable from the horse-bit shaped metal strap across the vamp. It is a semi-formal style that brings together elements of a moccasin and dress shoe, and it is suitable enough for wearing with a dress shoe.
Formality Level: 3 out of 5 Stars
Style: 3 out of 5 Stars
Everyday Wear: Yes
Season: Spring, Summer, Autumn & Winter.
Colors: Tan, Black, Dark Brown, Grey, White, Navy, Cognac, Brown, Coffee, Red, Oxblood, Camel, Burgundy, Walnut, Camo, Khaki & Mahogany.
Closure: Slip-On
Best to Pair with: Dress Shirt & Pant, Jeans, Coat & Wool pant, Trouser, Suit & Blazer and Jackets.
Best to Wear on: Business Casual, Date Night, Formal Wedding, Weekend Errands, Brunch or BBQ, Business Dinner & Business Professional.
Worst to Wear on: Beach/Pool, Job Interview & Tuxedo.
Toe Type: Moc Toe & Square Toe.
Material: Genuine Leather, Suede, Nubuck, Exotic Skins, Calf Skin, Synthetic, Lambswool & Buffalo Leather.
Features: Watertight oil-treated upper sole, Moccasin construction, Non-Skid, Water Repellent & Burnished Finish.
Websites to Buy: Neimanmarcus.com, Rancourtandcompany.com, Amazon.com, Martindingman.com, Gucci.com, Aldenmadison.com & ebay.com.
Recommended Horse-bit Loafers For You
8. Opera Pump
These are evening dress slippers, distinct from other styles courtesy the bow across the vamp. In the Victorian era, these were popular for wearing to evening events of which music and dance were an important part, hence the name Opera pump. It is the standard style for white tie events, and one might also wear them as a part of black-tie attire.
Formality Level: 3 out of 5 Stars
Style: 5 out of 5 Stars
Everyday Wear: No
Season: Spring & Summer.
Colors: Black, Red, Blue, Green & Burgundy.
Closure: Slip-On
Best to Pair with: Socks, Tail Coat, Tuxedo & Smoking jacket.
Best to Wear on: Music or Dance, Black-tie, White-tie, Broadway, Evening Dress & Court dress.
Worst to Wear on: Beach/Pool, Weekend Errands, Brunch/BBQ, Business Casuals, Date Night, Formal Wedding, Business Dinner, Job Interview, Business Professional & Suit.
Toe Type: Plain Toe & Round Toe.
Material: Velvet, Synthetic Patent Leather, Calfskin, Woven Leather, Suede, Bordeaux Leather, Satin, Cotton & Cashmere.
Features: Lightweight & Breathable.
Websites to Buy: Zappos.com, online.paulparkman.com & Brooksbrothers.com.
9. Kiltie Loafer
These loafers from Scotland have the instep covered with decorative fringes on the instep. Initially, the fringes would cover the laces and prevent them from catching dirt, which made the shoe popular among golfers. Later on, the design was adapted to slip on shoes in combination with tassels, laces, or buckle.
Formality Level: 1.5 out of 5 Stars
Style: 2 out of 5 Stars
Everyday Wear: Yes
Season: Spring & Summer.
Colors: Cognac, Tan, Navy, Black, White, Burgundy, Brown, Dark Brown & Sand.
Closure: Slip-On
Types of kilties: Tassel Kiltie, Lace Kiltie & Buckle Kiltie.
Best to Pair with: Shirt & Chinos, Tees, Jeans, Odd jacket & Casual Trouser, Polo Tees & Slacks, Khakis & Corduroys
Best to Wear on: Weekend Errands, Brunch/BBQ, Business Casuals & Date Night.
Worst to Wear on: Beach/Pool, Formal Wedding, Business Dinner, Job Interview, Business Professional, Tuxedo & Suit.
Toe Type: Moc Toe, Round Toe & Split Toe.
Material: Genuine Leather, Suede, Calf Skin, Bordeaux Leather & Cow Leather.
Features: Shock absorption, Long-lasting traction, Lightweight, Breathable & Burnished Finish.
Websites to Buy: Lyst.com, Shop.nordstrom.com, Amazon.com, Bergdorfgoodman.com, Sasshoes.com & Dellamoda.com.
Recommended Kiltie loafers For You
10. Slipper
If you want to know which style resembles the original loafers the most, here is your answer! The slipper is a very formal style of loafers, close to the original, and it is strictly reserved for events like a wedding where you may wear them along with your tuxedo.
Formality Level: 0.5 out of 5 Stars
Style: 4 out of 5 Stars
Everyday Wear: No
Season: Summer & Spring.
Colors: Black, Purple, Green, Burgundy, Gold, Silver & Navy.
Closure: Slip-On
Best to Pair with: Smoking Jacket & Tuxedo Jackets.
Best to Wear on: Black tie, Wedding, Gala Events & Business Dinner.
Worst to Wear on: Beach/Pool, Weekend Errands, Brunch/BBQ, Business Casuals, Date Night, Job Interview, Business Professional & Suit.
Toe Type: Moc Toe & Round Toe.
Material: Velvet & Satin.
Features: Embroidery
Websites to Buy: Brooksbrothers.com, Neimanmarcus.com, ebay.com, Amazon.com & Stubbsandwootton.com.
11. Penny Loafer
This most popular loafer style consists of a horizontal strap across the vamp. The strap has a lip-like shape with a cut in the middle, perfect for a penny to fit in, hence the name. The semi-formal shoes go well with jeans as it does with trousers.
Formality Level: 3.5 out of 5 Stars
Style: 2 out of 5 Stars
Everyday Wear : Yes
Season: Spring, Summer & Autumn.
Colors: Black, Cognac, Brown, Dark Brown, Tan, Sand, Mahogany, Honey, Coffee, Blue, Oxblood, Navy, Taupe, Olive, Gray, Red, Teal & Burgundy.
Closure: Slip On
Best to Pair with: Slacks, Chinos, Khakis, Jeans, Socks, Tees, Shirt, Bomber Jacket, Sport Jacket, Blazer & Suit.
Best to Wear on: Business Casual, Date Night, Business Dinner, Weekend Errands, Brunch/BBQ, Job Interview & Business Professional.
Worst to Wear on: Beach/Pool & Tuxedo.
Toe Type: Moc Toe, Apron Toe & Plain Toe.
Material: Full Grain Leather, Genuine Leather, Suede, Canvas, Synthetic, Fabric, Polyurethane, Poron Performance Foam, Sheep, Cow Suede & Woven Leather.
Features: Removable Insole, Breathable, Lightweight, Wick Moisture, Anti Microbial, Odor Free, Fade and crack resistant, Footbed features flax seeds in elastic pouches that mirror the sensation of walking on sand, Floral Lining, Perforated body, Contrast Stitching, Cork infused sole, Slip-resistant pad, Opanka handcrafted construction & Burnished finish.
Websites to Buy: Allenedmonds.com, Rancourtandcompany.com, Dsw.com, Landsend.com, Amazon.com, Macys.com, Shop.nordstrom.com & Colehaan.com.
Recommended Penny Loafers For You
12. Tassel Loafer
This American style is has a vamp embellished with decorative leather tassels. The tassel loafers lean more on the casual side, though they can be worn to certain formal events like a wedding or a business dinner.
Formality Level: 3 out of 5 Stars
Style: 2 out of 5 Stars
Everyday Wear: Yes
Season: Spring, Summer & Autumn.
Colors: Cognac, Tan, Navy, Black, White, Burgundy, Brown, Sand, Khaki, Lilac, Silver & Coffee.
Closure: Slip-On
Best to Pair with: Shirt & Slacks, Tees & Shorts, Polo & Jeans, Bomber Jacket & Cropped Pant, Khakis, Corduroys, Chinos, Blazer, Jacket & Coat.
Best to Wear on: Business Casual, Brunch/BBQ, Date Night, Business Dinner & Formal Wedding.
Worst to Wear on: Beach/Pool, Weekend Errands, Job Interview, Business Professional & Tuxedo, Suit.
Toe Type: Moc Toe, Square Toe, Plain Toe, Apron Toe, Closed Toe & Round Toe.
Material: Genuine Leather, Microfiber, Suede, Box calf Leather, Jaguar haircalf, Velvet & Woven Leather.
Pattern: Snake, Lizard, Crocodile & Alligator.
Features: Elastic gore, Breathable, Moisture Wick & Burnished Finish.
Websites to Buy: Magnanni.com, Macys.com, Nunnbush.com, Rockport.com, Wideshoes.com, Noahny.com, Allenedmonds.com, Sears.com, Shop.nordstrom.com & 6pm.com.
Recommended Tassel Loafers For You
13. Venetian Loafer
It is a mid-heeled loafer with the top part partially open to the kick of the foot and the ankle. The style comes with absolutely no adornments on the upper part- there are no saddles, buckles, tassels, etc.
Formality Level: 3 out of 5 Stars
Style: 3 out of 5 Stars
Everyday Wear: Yes
Season: Spring, Summer, Autumn & Winter.
Colors: Tan, Black, Brown, Dark Brown, Cognac, Gray, Taupe, Navy & Sand, Red.
Closure: Slip-On
Best to Pair with: Jeans, Shirt & Slack, T-shirt, Wool Pant, Jacket, Suit & Blazer, Khakis, Socks & Tuxedo.
Best to Wear on: Business Dinner, Formal Wedding, Business Casual, Date Night, Job Interview, Business Professional, Client Meeting, Prom & Party.
Worst to Wear on: Beach or Pool, Weekend Errands & Brunch/BBQ.
Toe Type: Moc Toe, Cap Toe, Apron Toe &Rounded Toe.
Material: Suede, Leather, Full Grain Leather, Patent Leather, Synthetic, Calfskin, Cowhide, Deerskin, Velvet, Knit & Woven Leather.
Features: Elastic gore insets, Contrast Stitching, Waxed Leather Finish, Shock Absorber, TPU Pods in heel and forefoot for durability & Traction, Lightweight, Breathable, Water-resistant, Burnished Finish
Websites to Buy: Macys.com, Amazon.com, Shop.nordstrom.com, Allenedmonds.com, Colehaan.com, Macys.com, Dillards.com, Dellamoda.com, Saksfifthavenue.com, Anthropologie.com, Shopbop.com, Neimanmarcus.com & Poshmark.com.
Recommended Venetian Loafers For You
Loafers make for a great combination with sophisticated leisurewear. Most variants are suitable for occasions that are not too casual or formal. Do remember that loafers are vulnerable to damage by weather elements hence clean them once every two to three weeks to maintain them in the best conditions.
