In our post Sneaker World™, the rise of the classic leather loafer has been well documented. This style has filled the void in the men’s footwear market tired of endless drops, collaborations, raffles, and lots of ugly sneakers. But as I see it, shiny leather loafers have now reached a similar point of saturation. They’re everywhere, in every imaginable variation, with an alarming number of cheaply made pairs covered in unnecessary details (two-tone, scorpion embroidery).
It seems like the streetwear mentality comes to everything. But I am here to tell you that there is a simple, easy and extremely beneficial way. All you need to do is replace that shiny leather with some lovely, wearable suede.
For the naysayers: I also found suede loafers too expensive. But it took me a while to realize that they’re actually quite the opposite, pairing instantly with jeans, chinos and tailored trousers. Everything seemed more spontaneous, more open, more non-interfering. Suede keeps the same shape, but softens everything around it, as several of the excellent pairs below will show you. Finally, if you’re afraid of rain, know that its effects on suede have been greatly exaggerated: To borrow an old Seinfeld joke about suede: “Aren’t cows outside most of the time?”
Best Men’s Suede Loafers
Best Overall: Morjas the Ivy
Morjas
ivy suede loafers
Pros
- The classic ivy-inspired shape that works with everything from jeans to tailoring.
- Goodyear welded, so they will last for years and can be reconditioned.
- Excellent value compared to similarly made loafers.
- Available with rubber or leather soles and lined or unlined.
Shortcoming
- Buying online means it can be difficult to get the right size (fortunately, Morjas’s size guide is excellent).
Morjas’ suede loafer hews much closer to the Platonic ideal of the form, delivering a great look with a more approachable price point. Founded in Sweden but handmade in Spain, the brand has built a reputation for producing products considered classic without the often eye-watering price tags of traditional manufacturers.
‘The Ivy’ is inspired by the loafers worn on American campuses in the 30s and 40s, even down to the penny-shaped slit at the vamp – where, according to legend, students used to keep a coin for emergency phone calls. Morjas has updated the formula with a shorter vamp, comfortably rounded shape and Goodyear-welted construction, with your choice of leather or rubber soles depending on how much pavement you plan on doing. For year-round use, stick with this style, but know that for hotter summers, the brand makes it softer, lighter, and even more flexible unlined version It’s perfect for sockless July nights.
Best Budget: Sebago Classic Dan
sebago
Classic Dan Suede Loafer
Pros
- An authentic classic with decades of history behind it.
- Soft suede that’s comfortable from the first wear.
- Excellent value for quality.
- Looks perfect with everything from denim to chinos and shorts.
Shortcoming
- The materials and finishing aren’t on the same level as pricier pairs.
- Leather soles are initially slippery and require a little breaking in.
Bass Jeans have captured the majority of the market when it comes to classic entry-level loafers, and we’ve praised them before. I lasted six years and a few tries before finally retiring my last pair. But their longtime rival, Sebago Dan, may be an even better buy – especially in suede.
The differences are subtle. Both are made using moccasin construction with a suede upper and leather sole, but the Sebago has a slightly smaller, wider shape making it more suited to wider feet. The construction also feels more solid, with a thicker sole and molded rubber heel, which justifies their slightly higher price. Inexpensive loafers exist, but few can strike the balance of classic style, quality construction, and everyday versatility. Whether it’s your first or fifth loafer pair, the Sebago Dan is hard to beat.
Best Upgrade: Crockett & Jones Harvard 2
Crockett and Jones
Harvard 2
Pros
- Beautiful suede that gets better the more you wear it.
- Unlined, so they’re surprisingly comfortable even on hot days.
- Wears nice clothes but has no aversion to wearing jeans.
- The Goodyear welt means they’ll last a very long time.
Shortcoming
- The price may give you pause.
Ask almost any menswear lover to name the best penny loafer on the market, and there’s a good chance they’ll point you to Crockett & Jones. Established in Northampton in 1879, the family-run shoemaker is one of England’s finest cobblers, and in the late 1940s it introduced the American penny loafer to the UK with the original Harvard design. The company also holds a Royal Warrant, making it one of King Charles III’s favorite shoe manufacturers. Not bad company to keep.
