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Come summer, it’s all too easy to abandon other shoes in favor of sneakers and sandals, preferred for their ease and casualness. But there’s another shoe that’s equally easy to wear and suitable for a range of occasions — the loafer.
Very much summer-appropriate, the historic style comes in a variety of materials, cuts and colors, customizable to virtually any wardrobe. And with tons of heritage shoemakers and exciting new designers alike embracing the post-sneaker reality we live in, there’s never been a better time to pick a pair up for yourself.
While you might harbor some reservations about how to incorporate the shoe into your summer wardrobe, we’ve already demonstrated one way of doing it — the underrated pairing with athletic shorts — but beyond that it’s as simple as keeping the same outfits you’ve wearing and swapping out those slides and sneakers for a pair of penny loafers or a supple suede pair.
Below we’ve rounded up 12 loafers for elevating your already established summer looks, from the classic Weejuns to the famed Gucci Horsebit. Try out a pair and bask in your correct choice.
G.H. Bass Logan Flat Strap Weejuns
There’s a reason the Weejuns remain the go-to loafer for many — they’re as classic as classic gets. If you have yet to experience the joy that is owning a pair of Weejuns, we recommend snagging a pair for the few months of summer we have left and wearing them with anything and everything.
Astorflex Patnoflex
These Patnoflex loafers from Astorflex offer a less dressy vibe than most loafers you’re likely to encounter on the market, largely thanks to the European aged leather that lends it a well-worn look. Consider them your go-to pair of weekend loafers.
Todd Snyder x Rubinacci Exclusive Marphy Loafer
For those in search of something that resembles and extremely expensive slipper, look no further than the Marphy Loafer from Todd Snyder’s exclusive partnership with Rubinacci. Crafted using a suede outer and malleable leather sole, the shoes are able to provide both durability and elegance in the form of a sleek, slipper-esque loafer.
Quoddy Rover Penny Loafers
Whether you find yourself on a boat or not this summer, these penny loafers from Maine-based shoe brand Quoddy provide a reprieve from the ubiquitous boat shoes that tend to dominate the season all while remaining highly functional thanks to the Vibram sole and premium leather.
UO Leather Loafer
Sure, you might know a thing or two about penny loafers, but a two-toned loafer? This suede pair from Urban Outfitters seamlessly melds casual and classy into one handsome shoe, offering both contrast and wearability with the addition of the grey suede. And for a cool $69, you really can’t beat ’em.
Doc Martens Adrian Smooth Leather Tassel Loafer
If you like something a little different the Adrian Tassel Loafer is just as much punk as it is prep school. Designed with Doc’s signature chunky sole, it’s ready to trample the competition, and make for a kiss-ass summer shoe.
Allen Edmonds Wilder Suede Venetian Slip-On Loafer
As classic as the penny loafer is, it’s not everyone’s cup of tea, so for a less preppy take on the loafer, look no further than Allen Edmonds’ venetian slip-ons. The almond-toed shoes are still casual enough to throw on with a pair of shorts, the suede uppers working to elevate whatever clothes you see fit to pair with them. Plus, we’re big fans of the stark white soles to make them just a touch more modern.
Blackstock & Weber The Ellis Penny Loafer
Blackstock & Weber have been making a name for themselves with prestige collaborations and an exceptional end product. Don’t believe us? Feast your eyes on the Ellis Penny Loafer, the brand’s stalwart style and an incredible loafer in its own right. Handmade in Portugal with all the benchmarks of a premium shoe (Goodyear Welt and a double-leather sole), the pony hair “Leopard” colorway is exactly the bold style to try this summer. Make a splash, eh?
Florsheim Berkeley Flex Moc Toe Penny Loafer
Between an intriguing brown-black palette and an easy-wear, all day comfort fit, heritage shoemaker Florsheim’s Berkeley Penny Loafer is a can’t-miss style.
Scarosso William Brown Loafer
The rich leather of these loafers from Scarosso deserves to be highlighted, so we envision them with a pair of ivory linen pants so they’ll really stand out and be sure to draw everyone’s attention (and envy).
Fred Perry x George Cox Tassel Loafer
What, these? These are my dancing loafers.
Gucci 1953 Horsebit Leather Loafer
Numerous iterations of the Gucci loafer exist today, from mules to heeled versions, but we’ll always have a fondness for the ones that started it all — the 1953 Horsebit. Regardless of trends, these Gucci loafers will always remain an icon and wardrobe staple, the ideal finishing touch to a pair of shorts and a tee. While they may be pricey, the amount of wear you’ll get out of them (beyond summer, too) makes them well worth the price.
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