Part house slipper, part preppy staple, the trusty loafer is the springtime silhouette to rule them all.
And if — like some of Highsnobiety’s editorial staff — you’re not the biggest fan of summer’s influx of slides, flip-flops, sandals, and whatever other casual, toe-revealing footwear people decide to throw on when it gets hot out, investing in a solid pair of loafers for that classy flex is a must.
With that in mind, we have collated some of our favorite pairs. From summer-ready pastel pieces from Casablanca to animal prints by Sebago and CamperLab, via the classics from Gucci and G.H. Bass, be sure to check them out below.
Scroll down to shop the best loafers of 2022.
Marni Jacquard Loafers
Jacquard Loafers
Marni
Marni usually finds a way to subvert a classic and these jacquard loafers are a prime example. With woven metal hardware across the camp and a dice motif woven throughout the upper, they're an eye-catching take on a traditional black loafer
Casablanca Masao San Memphis Loafers
Masao San Memphis Loafers
Casablanca
One of the things that make loafers such a convenient next step for those looking to move away from sneakers is that they are often more playful than most leather shoes. This pair from Casablanca proves that loafers can be super eye-catching as well as formal.
Our Legacy Penny Loafer
Penny Loafer
Our Legacy
It's only right we include a classic pair of all-black leather penny loafers. Crafted from Portuguese leather, a gimped tongue with fringes over the vamp adds an extra layer to these shoes.
Gucci 1953 Horsebit Loafers
1953 Horsebit Leather Loafers
Gucci
In the arena of black leather loafers, no pairs come above the classic 1952 Horsebit Loafers from Gucci. This pair has been around since (obviously) 1953 and is unchanged. Still the same high-end leather, still the same minimal detailing, still the same shape. Here's to another 50 years of the icon.
Burberry Fred TB Loafers
Fred TB Loafers
Burberry
This pair from Burberry might look like it's been around for years, but it's actually a fairly new addition to the brand's lineup. A sign of its relative newness comes in the form of the 2018 Peter Savile-designed monogram to the vamp.
Gucci Double G Matelassé Loafers
Double G Matelassé Loafers
Gucci
From a distance, you'd be forgiven for thinking that this was a pair of Gucci's classic loafers, but closer inspection reveals a handful of subtle details that distinguish it. The quilted leather build is the main variation, but another is the Double-G logo which replaces the Horsebit motif.
Sebago Dan Wild Loafers
Dan Wild Loafers
Sebago
In amongst all the classic black leather loafers, some pairs stand out as choices for those looking to stamp a touch more personality on their spring/summer fits. Take this pair from Sebago which features a full zebra-print calf-hair upper.
CAMPERLAB 1978 Crazy Cow Loafers
1978 Crazy Cow Loafers
CAMPERLAB
Continuing the animal-print theme, CAMPERLAB takes the award for craziest loafers of the season. The 1978 Crazy Cow Loafers supplement their bold, square-toed silhouette with a bright pink cow print.
Urban Outfitters Suede Loafers
Suede Loafers
Urban Outfitters
One of the downsides of moving to a loafer lifestyle is that traditional leather shoes often cost more than your classic sneakers. This pair from Urban Outfitters presents a nice option for those looking for affordable loafers. A two-tone suede upper keeps the pair fresh and understated.
G.H. Bass & Co. Weejuns Heritage Larson Moc Loafers
Weejuns Heritage Larson Moc Loafers
G.H. Bass & Co.
Another affordable option, G.H. Bass & Co. is credited with bringing the loafer to the American market after seeing them worn by Norwegian farmers, hence the name Weejuns. This pair of classic black Weejuns is a true legend of the loafers world and the ideal entry point for anyone beginning their loafers journey.
Celine Braided Triomphe Loafers
Braided Triomphe Loafer
Celine
Celine keeps things simple here but adds intrigue with a checkerboard-effect braided section running around the toe of the contrast panel. This is how to make a classic your own.
Vinny's x Soulland Palace Loafers
Soulland Palace Loafers
Vinny's
A chunky sole unit forms the basis of this pair from Vinny's in collaboration with Soulland. Full-grain blue leather is the real defining feature, though, with gold-tone hardware to add a bit of sparkle.
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