For many of us, sneakers have become the only footwear to own. This is partly thanks to the Global pandemic that pretty much shut the World down. However, as the universe begins to heal, more opportunities to socialise have arisen. Meaning, we can start to adapt back into an alternate way to dress.
Footwear has always been a way to express yourself, and right now is the perfect time to transition to a dress shoe. A loafer, to be exact. Loafers have never been more on-trend, so I take a look at the perfect loafers to see you through every Christmas party, delayed wedding or any social event in-between. So, why not take a read below.
G. H. BASS & CO. WEEJUN 90S PENNY LOAFERS – £140 / US$215
G. H. Bass & Co. are indeed masters at what they do. They have conquered the art of creating an everyday loafer with this recent exclusive drop with Mr Porter guaranteed to get you noticed at your next shindig. The iconic Weejun silhouette received an update with a chunky rubber sole, giving the loafer a seriously 90s vibe. The croc-effect toebox compliments the mix of premium black leather used throughout, making this loafer perfect for every situation.
Dress up with a black tuxedo, or dress down with a pair of stonewash jeans. There really is no limit to this shoe’s range.
BLACKSTOCK AND WEBER MASON HORSEBIT LOAFERS – £300 / US$315
Blackstock and Weber is a New York based footwear specialist, creating the self-professed best loafers in the World. Hailing out of Brooklyn, Chris Echevarria draws inspiration from everywhere. Music, food, travel are all listed as inspirations from the footwear prodigy, crafting loafers that perfectly combine tradition and modern times.
The Mason Horsebit loafer, named after Echevarria’s nephew, features an embossed croc design across the entire shoe with a gold horsebit-detailing across the front of the shoe. If you are looking for a loafer to swap in for your daily sneaker, Blackstock and Weber have you covered.
Button this cardigan over a tee and wear it under a wool coat to emphasise the striking design, guaranteed to keep you warm through the coldest of months.
PRADA CHOCOLATE BRUSHED LEATHER LOAFERS – £770 / US$1055
OK, so these probably aren’t going to be a loafer to wear every day at that price. But you’ve just spent 18 months in lockdown, so why not treat yourself. The Prada chocolate brushed leather loafers are inspired by vintage shoes, which is evident from the first time you set eyes on them. With the retro aesthetics combined with the craftsmanship that comes from all Prada products, this shoe is one of a kind. The legendary enamelled triangle logo features across the front of the shoe, ensuring there is no debate about who designed these.
A statement shoe like no other, you are all but guaranteed to be the most stylish person at the Christmas party in the Prada leather loafer.
DIOR EXPLORER LOAFER – £710 / US$960
If you are looking for something a little spicier than the usual black or brown leather loafer, you can always lean on Dior to provide something a little different. The Dior Explorer Loafer features the iconic Dior Oblique jacquard across the front of the shoe. This monogrammatic print is contrasted by calfskin leather and features a lug sole unit for additional retro vibes. Dior branding can also be found embossed on the heel of the shoe.
The Made in Italy loafer combines formal and casual perfectly, making this the ideal crossover loafer for your rotation.
GUCCI 1953 HORSEBIT LEATHER LOAFER – £575 / US$830
Perhaps the most classic of all the loafers available today, the Gucci 1953 horsebit loafer is as traditional as it comes. As the name suggests, the shoe was introduced in the 50s and has remained unchanged thanks to its timeless design. Entirely crafted from leather, comfort and style are paramount with the Gucci horsebit loafer. The instantly recognisable Gucci horsebit detailing is a trademark of the Italian luxury fashion powerhouse and can only be found on their loafers.
If tradition is how you want to begin your loafer journey, you really cannot do any better than this version of Gucci’s shoes. A timeless silhouette that you can wear for years to come.
VINNY’S OXBLOOD POLISHED LEATHER LE CLUB LOAFERS – £255 / US$290
VINNY’s is relatively new to the loafer game, with Copenhagen born founder Virgil Nicholas founding the company in 2019. Also known as VINNY’s The Vibe, the shoes add a modern twist to a classic silhouette for the everyday loafer wearer. Like Blackstock and Weber, VINNY’s loafers are designed to replace your go-to sneaker, with the shoes earning the tagline of dusk ’til dawn loafers. Vibram soles mean the shoes are ready for all-weather, whilst the gold snaffle adds a touch of class to the silhouette.
If you are looking for a cost-effective loafer to run into the ground for the next year, head over to VINNY’s, you won’t be disappointed.
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