The Loafers Every Man Needs

Saturday, February 28, 2026

Esquire creative director Nick Sullivan recently reported on the generational shift happening with loafers. Younger guys, reared on sneakers, are swapping their limited-edition kicks for proper shoes—and they're overwhelmingly opting for classic slip-ons. We figured, if there's a whole new generation trying to decide between pennies or tassels, Venetians or Belgians, then we better get ahead of things and pull together a list of the key types that every guy should know. You can learn a little history, get styling tips, and shop some of our favorites. And the good news? You don't have to be a young gun or an ex-sneakerhead to benefit from the burgeoning slip-on-aissance. The loafer is for everyone. It's just that now, the cool kids know it. Read more below.

—Jonathan Evans, style director

Plus:

The 5 Types of Loafers Every Man Needs

Welcome to the slip-on-aissance.

Have you heard the good news? Around the world, something is shifting beneath our very feet. Well, beneath ... and around, and ... well, maybe on is the best way to say it. Droves of young men raised on sneakers are changing things up. They're opting out of the hype cycle and the schedule of endless drops and opting into the world of proper shoes. More specifically, they're ditching the Dunks and slipping into loafers.

It makes sense. Of all the hardbottoms out there, loafers are the most easygoing—the perfect transitional style for someone making a move from truly casual footwear. Loafers also offer a range of different vibes. You can go classic with penny loafers, add a tassel or a bit for extra flair, go minimal with a Venetian ... the choice is yours.

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