Versatility, Comfort, Style, and Convenience… the Loafer Has It All
Cut below the ankle, with no laces and made using moccasin construction, loafers first came on the scene in the mid-1930s. The design of the first men’s casual loafers is attributed to Nils Tveranger, a Norwegian shoemaker, who is said to have combined native American moccasin with a local fisherman’s shoe. The design was a quick success and today they remain one of the most popular men’s slip on shoes styles. Penny loafer, tassel loafer, bit loafer, or kiltie, there are many men’s loafers styles to fit every personality and every occasion. One reason these slip on shoes have survived so long is the convenience of their no lace design and because they are one of the most versatile styles ever invented. Even today, most men’s loafers can be worn with everything in your closet.
LOAFERS
Loafers get their name from the fact that these shoes were originally designed to be worn for leisure activities, not for work. The truth is there is no better shoe for hanging around than loafers. At the same time, it’s hard to beat when worn as business attire. Ultra-comfortable and stylish, loafers make for a quality shoe choice.
MENS LOAFERS
The perfect way to upgrade your downtime, men’s loafers perfectly straddle the two worlds of dress and casual style. Because of this, other than with black tie, you can wear men’s loafers with pretty much anything. With socks and a suit, or without socks and shorts, from boardroom to beach, men’s loafers will spend little time in your closet.
PENNY LOAFER
Considered the most classic of loafer styles, the penny loafer has a leather strap across the top of the shoe with a diamond-shaped slot. Shoe legend has it that the slot on the penny loafer was made to hold coins to make an emergency phone call. This penny loafer story has a few holes, however, especially considering the fact that a phone call never cost less than a nickel and phone booths never accepted pennies. But nonetheless, a penny loafer is a truly classic style that has stood the test of time.
MENS CASUAL LOAFERS
Loafers, by definition are men’s casual loafers. It’s in the name. Having said that, some loafers are more casual than others. Men’s casual loafers are often defined by the material of the upper, stitching, and the sole. Suede loafers and full grain loafers are more casual loafers than a cordovan loafer. Men’s casual loafers will often have heavy contrast stitching and chunky rubber sole, while dressier loafers have a leather sole.
SLIP ON SHOES
All loafers are slip on shoes, but not all slip on shoes are loafers. Clogs, huaraches, espadrilles, even opera pumps fit into the slip on shoes category. The only real prerequisites needed for slip on shoes to be considered a loafer is that that they do not have laces and they are made with moccasin construction. If you are looking for comfort, convenience, and style, it’s hard to beat a pair of modern men’s slip on shoes. From tuxedo slippers to sandals, men’s slip on shoes can be worn with everything from black tie to shorts. And men’s slip on shoes can also be worn in more casual occasions making them ultra-versatile.