Slip On Success: How Men’s Loafers Became The New Style Staple
By
3 weeks ago
The versatility of a men's loafer only gets more apparent with time – and these modern styles prove it
Shoemakers are refashioning the classic slip-on – and they’re good for more than just loafing about, says Shane C. Kurup. These are the men’s loafers worth investing in this season.
The Designers Modernising Men’s Loafers
Forget no brown in town – a glance downwards on any city street or in a swanky Mayfair restaurant will reveal that the sneaker has left the confines of track and field and conquered all walks of life.
But if you’re a traditionalist who feels wearing a pair of New Balance or AirMax to dinner at Corrigan’s is a step too far, the good news is that established shoemakers have introduced a raft of intelligent design details to give their shoes a cloud-soft step, without defiling any style standards – and it’s the loafer that’s striding ahead.
‘We definitely see increasing demand for suppleness and comfort,’ says Euan Denholm, head of brand and business development at Northampton maker Edward Green, which has seen a 50 percent spike in sales for its softer, unlined loafers since 2024. ‘Our wardrobes have changed hugely in recent years. Just as our clothes have become more relaxed, and our tailoring softer and less structured, we’ve also seen this shift with shoes.’
Fancy unlacing those stiff Oxfords and slipping into something more comfortable? Here’s the pick of the best new-gen loafers that will have you skipping down the Piccadilly Line escalators.
Crockett & Jones
Finchley Burnished Leather Loafers, £570
Still retaining the sturdiness that made Crockett & Jones the first choice of King Charles III and other men of taste who appreciate the craft of Northampton cordwaining, these Finchleys are much more forgiving after a long day on your feet thanks to an in-house-developed supple SUPERFLEX sole.
Manolo Blahnik
Oliver Suede Loafers, £650
These two-tone Oliver loafers have a deep, cushioned sole and a soft Italian suede upper that will make it feel like you’re walking on clouds. Manolo Blahnik took inspiration from contemporary urban mode for this natty design – and it shows.
Edward Green
Polperro Suede Loafers, £520
In summer-appropriate sage calf suede, these British-made Polperro loafers take their design cues from slipper-like Neapolitan construction methods. With a featherlight sole, they make for easy packing, which is good news as they just shout ‘I’m off to the piazza for aperitivo.’
New Balance
1906L ‘Snoafers’, £120
Proof that even the sneaker gods can learn from tradition, these hybrid sneaker-cum-loafers that went viral on release might be polarising, but with a beefed-up shock-absorbing sole and look of a loafer, you’d be hard pushed to find another slip-on to top these ‘Snoafers’ for comfort. Even Claridge’s will let you cross the threshold.
How To Look After Your Loafers
James Fox, Brand Director of Crockett & Jones, shares his top care tips to help your loafers go the distance:
- As loafers are slip-ons, it’s important to use a shoehorn so you don’t break down the back of the shoe.
- Wood shoe trees not only help loafers hold their shape, but also help absorb perspiration.
- Avoid wearing the same pair of loafers every day; rotate to give them a rest so they can dry out and recover.
Should You Wear Socks?
It depends on the occasion, really – although note that, generally, in business and professional environments you’re not really supposed to show your bare ankles (very Victorian, we know). In these instances, you can wear dress socks or, if the loafer allows for more wiggle room, a thicker sock.
