If you want to give your wardrobe the upgrade that it sorely deserves this season, then you need to invest in a solid pair of suede loafers for men. An essential for any gentleman, its roots date back to the 1930s when it was seen as a popular option for casual wear. With no annoying laces or fiddly buckles to deal with and a low, flat heel, it had a simple and no-nonsense design, automatically making it the go-to shoe for those who just wanted something to quickly slip on before heading out of the house.
During the ‘50s and ‘60s, suede loafers for men were adopted into the Ivy League aesthetic. Students who were used to rocking more formal silhouettes like Derbys and Oxfords were in search of something that was a little more relaxed, and these were the ultimate alternative. Not only did they work well with a plain T-shirt and a pair of jeans, it also looked great with a varsity jacket and track pants.
This devil-may-care attitude eventually made its way to Hollywood in the ‘70s and ‘80s, where it was rocked by the biggest names in the business. While they were originally worn by absolutely everyone, mens suede loafers now became a status symbol, making their way to the feet of the Los Angeles elite.
Of course, nowadays, anyone can buy a pair. And if for whatever reason you still don’t have some in your collection, then you’ve come to the right place. In this article, we’ll be going through some of the most stylish suede loafers for men out there. From independent footwear labels like Oliver Cabell to global fashion houses such as Gucci, stop what you’re doing and check them all out.
12 of the best suede loafers for men
Myrqvist
To kick things all off, we have the Mölle by Myrqvist. Designed in Sweden and handcrafted in Portugal, these loafers are made using nothing but the finest polo suede. A Goodyear welted construction ensures that these stand the test of time, and underfoot, the heel is filled with cork and finished off with a dash of leather. The Mölle also comes with the classic tassel across the front – a detail that was first introduced all the way back in the early 1900s.
Velasca
While Velasca is known more for its lace up models and boots, you definitely shouldn’t overlook its suede loafers for men. The Comodin, for instance, is one of the best pairs in the Italian label’s entire collection, and it’s pretty easy to see why. Lovingly made in Montegranaro, the design is reminiscent of the old school loafer, but it has been very subtly reworked for a more streamlined look and feel. As if they weren’t already luxurious enough, the interior is completely lined with calfskin leather, making them one of the most premium pairs that you can buy.
Aurelien
Based in the Netherlands, crafted in Italy, inspired by the Mediterranean, and designed for the world, Aurelien certainly knows a thing or two when it comes to high quality footwear, and the Yacht Loafers perfectly show off this expertise. Made using some of the best materials out there, these mens suede loafers boast an unlined construction for added breathability and flexibility. The tongue and nose feature subtle zig-zag stitching, and the midsoles are infused with rubber for unrivalled comfort and cushioning with every step. The Yacht Loafers also come in 25 other colourways, but this Steel Blue version is, by far, our favourite.
Oliver Cabell
Over the years, Oliver Cabell’s minimalist sneakers have garnered something of a cult following, and we can see the same happening to its suede loafers such as the Driver. Manufactured in the Marche region of Italy, the uppers are decked out in three ounce suede, and they’re complemented by a calfskin leather footbed that offers the perfect balance of comfort and opulence. While all of this sounds like it could be quite expensive on paper, Oliver Cabell has always been very transparent when it comes to its pricing. That’s why the Driver costs a lot less than it should.
Pini Parma
There’s no doubt in anyone’s mind that Pini Parma is known more for its jackets, suits, and shirts, but that doesn’t mean these penny loafers don’t deserve all of your attention as well. Made in Italy using some of the softest and supplest suede in the world, they’re perfect for both casual and formal outfits. The iconic penny strap wraps around the top of the silhouette (a design that’s borrowed from decades ago when guys used to slot actual coins in their shoes to use for payphones), and this sits on top of a flat leather-lined heel.
Mr P
Made exclusively for Mr Porter, these shoes are crafted using Evolo’s signature Regenerated Suede, which is essentially suede that can be worn over and over (and over) again without losing any of its colour, clarity, or quality. Resting on top of a pair of grippy rubber soles, these are ideal for those particularly wet and windy days. A pull tab has been added around the heel for extra convenience, while contrast white stitching across the upper offers a sartorially-influenced vibe. What’s there not to love?
Mulo
When these suede loafers for men by Mulo were designed, they were designed so that they could be worn in London, New York, as well as the sunny beaches of St Tropez. In order to create a silhouette that would be suitable for all-three locations, the upper was rebuilt from the ground up. Handmade using lightweight suede, it’s fitted with elasticated straps across the sidewalls so you can slip in and out of these with ease. The sole has also been reworked with grippy rubber, and the insoles are constructed from suede so you can wear them both with or without socks. The choice is yours.
Gucci
You’d be hard-pressed to find a pair of suede loafers as legendary as the Jordaan from Gucci. Not only does Francis Ford Coppola wear them while directing, Brad Pitt stepped onto the set of Fight Club in his, and A$AP Rocky donned a pair at Art Basel. So why do all of these famous guys love their pairs so much? Well, it’s probably because of how truly iconic their design is. Not only are they expertly made in Italy from velvety suede, they’re also fitted with burnished gold hardware, resulting in that signature Horsebit look that’s been a menswear staple for literally decades. They also come with a Gucci-branded dust bag too, which is always nice.
G.H. Bass & Co.
When it comes to men's footwear, G.H. Bass & Co. is a name that you can trust. Since the 1800s, the American company has been producing some of the finest shoes in history, and the Weejun 90s is definitely one of them. Combining the casual Italian style with a chunkier English design, it’s outfitted in beautiful black suede. Underfoot, you’ll find a newly-developed Xtralite EVA sole that will, no doubt, please the streetwear crowd.
Manolo Blahnik
And last but not least, we have the Truro from Spanish fashion house Manolo Blahnik. Made in Italy, these mens suede loafers are smart, simple, and seriously sophisticated. Trimmed with premium calfskin leather, they’re designed to stand the test of time. Available in a total of eight colour options, this navy pair is definitely our favourite of the whole collection.
If not suede loafers, then perhaps penny loafers will be your next purchase.
