From Chanel to Gucci, These Are the Designer Loafers Our Editors Rate

January 20, 2022 at 06:06AM

The appeal of loafers is that they’re stylish and comfortable, but never before have they been quite so covetable as they are now. This is due to the fact that designers are paying just as much attention to this shoe style as they do the rest of their footwear collections, with fashion people lapping up the results. With their classic design and elevated appeal, loafers hit the flat-shoe sweet spot that ballet flats and trainers simply miss. Timeless and versatile, it’s little wonder that they’re fast becoming one of the soundest sartorial investments any of us can make.

Like so many others, I can track my obsession with designer loafers back to 2014, when Gucci’s now-iconic Jordaan and Brixton loafers amassed what can only be described as a dedicated cult following. From Fashion Week to work to even wedding days, style devotees wore Gucci loafers anywhere and everywhere, and they remained high on the It buy agenda for years. Now, as many of us have shifted our sartorial sensibilities towards comfort, other designers have been keen to cut themselves a slice of the loafer action.

We’ve seen loafers become increasingly prevalent on the runway, with everyone from Chanel to Prada, and Chloé to Bottega Veneta, showcasing modern iterations of the classic shoe. From bold styles with gold metal hardware shaped into their respective logos and monogrammed leather to more traditional takes, such as mock croc or patent finishes and tassel adornments, there are multiples of designer loafers to suit every mood and aesthetic. Which makes choosing the right pair for you a lengthier process—where do you start when contemplating such an important purchase? Well, right here.

Below, I, and my fellow Who What Wear editors, have charted the best designer loafers, including the styles currently trending amongst those in the know. Scroll on to discover the shoes you’ll legitimately wear for the rest of your life.

Next Up: Here’s How French Women Are Styling Their Loafers Right Now

Author Maxine Eggenberger | Whowhatwear
Selected by CWC