Best Men’s Loafers in 2026 — Style, Comfort & What Shoes to Consider (Guide + Top Picks)
Introduction
Men’s loafers remain one of the most versatile styles of footwear — from business casual offices to weekend outings and travel. In this guide, we break down what makes a great loafer in 2026 (comfort, quality, fit, versatility) and highlight our top models including luxury, workwear, and everyday staples — with recommendations you can shop now.
1. What Every Man Should Know About Loafers
Loafers are slip-on shoes that range from penny and tassel styles to casual suede and rubber-soled options. The best pairs:
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fit you comfortably
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use high-grade materials
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typically tend to be handmade
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and can be worn with multiple outfits
Here is how to choose the right pair based on occasion and style...
2. Loafer Types Explained
Penny Loafers
Classic and office-ready — easy to wear with chinos, trousers, or denim.
Del Toro Centesimo Penny Loafers — handmade using Italian leathers and suedes with supple feel.
Classic Leather Loafers
Versatile for work and smart casual.
Del Toro Milano Loafers — modern take with durable rubber sole and hand-stitched detail.
Travel Loafers
Suede and leather versions offer comfort for travel and weekends - the rubber sole provides that extra bit of flexibility, traction, and comfort.
Formal Loafers (and Slippers)
Smoking slippers, or Tuxedo Slippers, are often made from velvet for a more sophisticated and elegant look. Perfect for weddings and black tie events, these slippers are typically worn as "occasionwear" but have since become popular with more informal and casual outfits.
3. How to Pick the Right Loafer
Occasion
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Travel / All-Day Comfort: Lightweight, flexible rubber-sole loafers
- Weddings / Black Tie Events: Velvet smoking / tuxedo slippers
Material
Fit
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Always check the brand size guide; Del Toro notes that “usual sneaker size” often applies.
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The important part is that the shoe fits you - however you like to wear them, whether it be snug or loose. Everyone has their own preference. We usually recommend being able to fit roughly the width of a finger in your heel.
4. Top Picks for 2026
| Style | Best For | Del Toro Model |
| Classic Loafer | Work & smart casual | Milano Loafer |
| Comfortable Everyday | Casual & office | Centesimo Penny Loafer |
| Weekend Casual | Weekend outings to restaurants, events, errands, etc. | Centesimo Lug Penny Loafer |
| Travel | Travel, walking, airports | Viaggio Travel Loafer |
| Formal Loafer | Weddings, formal events, black tie, tuxedo | Velvet Slipper |
5. Loafer Care & Longevity Tips
- Use a shoe horn when putting the loafer on to preserve the shoe's shape
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Use shoe trees to keep the interiors fresh and help preserve the shape of the loafer
- Use shoe bags to store your shoes, particularly when traveling
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Use leather conditioner on your leather loafers
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Use water repellant and suede protector on your suede loafers
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Use a soft suede brush for minor blemishes
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A soft brush on velvet slippers to remove scuffing
6. FAQs
Q: What is the most comfortable men’s loafer?
A: Look for soft Italian leathers and suedes, minimal break-in requirements, and a rubber or soft leather sole — Del Toro’s footwear line fits this profile because of its handmade quality and comfort-forward design.
Q: Are Italian loafers better than others?
A: Italian craftsmanship often emphasizes supple leather and handwork, giving a balance of comfort and style. Italian shoemakers tend to prioritize quality, comfort, and design more than other shoemakers (generally speaking) and are known as the "Ferrari option" when it comes to footwear. Generational experience, access to the highest quality materials, and a cultural dedication to the craft tend to make Italy arguably the best in the world when it comes to shoemaking. English loafers tend to be a bit more stiff due to their construction methods, while loafers made in Spain and Portugal can be too structured or rigid, and can experience quality inconsistencies, even within the same factories. Loafers made in Asia tend to be made in a very large batches by machines and often use materials of lower quality.
Conclusion
Choosing the right loafer comes down to occasion, material, fit, and personal preference. Whether you want a classic office pair or a casual weekend shoe, these picks and tips help you make a confident choice.
