A Guide to Quality Footwear - Loafers
Today loafers are considered as a more sophisticated footwear style. You can wear them with a suit or completely casual, but it wasn’t always like that. Many believe loafers originated in the early 1900s when American travelers encountered Norwegian fishermen wearing tesers, while the British claim they created a similar style for King George VI in the 1920s. However, ancient Native American moccasins, or "Makasins," closely resemble early loafers and the oldest known pair of these shoes dates back to 3500 BC. People still debate who invented loafers, but they were first sold in the U.S. in the 1930s.
The first “Weejuns” were sold in the USA in the 1930s
Norwegian shoemaker Nils Gregoriusson Tveranger played a key role in bringing loafers to prominence in the 1930s. Tveranger combined his experience in North America, moccasin design and Norwegian tradition to create the “Aurland shoe.” It gained popularity across Europe, catching the attention of American travelers for its design inspired by Iroquois moccasins. Esquire magazine featured the shoe, making it more popular in the U.S. In the 1930s, Esquire partnered with New York store Rogers, Pete & Co to collaborate with G.H. Bass in creating the 'Weejun,' an Americanized version of the loafer. The Weejun debuted in 1936 and quickly became a fashion hit, appealing to well-dressed American men. Over the years, Esquire helped shape the shoe's narrative, solidifying its status as a cultural icon.
Penny Loafers
The Weejun loafer became popular among Ivy League students for its durability, affordability and preppy versatility. Youth culture embraced the style, often wearing loafers without socks and with jeans or sportswear, while older generations wore them more formally. They also became popular among high-profile Americans like hollywood actor Cary Grant and President John F. Kennedy. The term "penny loafer" emerged when students started inserting pennies into the shoe’s instep, in case they needed to make emergency calls.
Tassel Loafers
Its simplicity and elegance made penny loafers a hit, and other companies started creating their own designs. Tassel loafers were inspired by boat shoes, which had tassels on a braided leather strip at the top that let the wearer adjust the fit. First introduced by Alden Shoe Company in the 1940s, this style offered a more formal alternative to the penny loafer.
Loafers are today as popular as ever so almost every fashion brand has their own version. You can find them in the stores of mainstream fast fashion brands, all the way up to luxury brands. But in this article I will talk about the quality options you can get from the best makers today. Below is a list of brands ranked by price point.
Over 550€
British brand established in 1890. Edward Green started in the industry as a twelve-year-old apprentice and established his own workshop in Northampton in 1890. His name became associated with the finest English Goodyear Welted footwear, gracing style icons from Ernest Hemingway to Edward, the Duke of Windsor. Cut by hand from the world’s finest leathers, each pair of Edward Greens is made in their Northampton workshop according to the same principles that have guided them for over a century.
Edward Green - Duke
American brand founded in 1884. In 1970 a new factory was constructed in Middleborough, where production continues today. Alden is now the only remaining original New England shoe and bootmaker. Still a family owned business, still carrying forward a tradition of quality genuine-welted shoemaking that is exceptional in every way.
Alden 6243F - Unlined Leisure Hand Sewn in Snuff Suede
French traditional shoemaker for more than 130 years, established in 1891. The story begins in the heart of Limousin, in a region where tanning and leatherwork are a tradition. In 1946 their most iconic design was created - 180 Loafer. In 2012 they added the first leather goods line. All shoes are produced using traditional shoemaking techniques in their factory in Limoges and it takes two months to produce one pair of shoes.
J.M.Weston - Mocassin 180
Founded in 1879 in Northampton. They specialise in the manufacture of high quality Goodyear welted footwear. The business is owned and managed by the founding family, who emphasise quality and timeless style above all else. All their shoes are still made by them in their factory.
Founded in 1829, Tricker’s is proudly the oldest established shoemaker in Britain. Still owned by the founding family. Tricker’s footwear is made entirely from start to finish at their Northampton factory. They were awarded the Royal Warrant in 1989 for shoemaking services to HRH The Prince of Wales.
Trickers Elton Tassel Loafer - Coffee Suede
Joseph Cheaney is a British shoe brand known for making high-quality, handcrafted shoes. Founded in 1886, they use traditional methods in their Northamptonshire factory to create classic, durable shoes from premium materials.
Joseph Cheaney & Sons - Howard R Loafer in Mahogany Grain Leather
350 - 450€
Vass Shoes, founded by László Vass in 1978, create handcrafted shoes using traditional techniques in their Budapest workshop. They focus on quality, comfort and timeless design, making shoes from premium materials. They offer ready-to-wear, Made-to-Order (MTO) and Made-to-Measure (MTM).
Vass Shoes - Slipper II * P
TLB Mallorca was founded by Toni Llobera Barceló, a skilled artisan in handcrafted men’s footwear and accessories, continuing a family tradition of excellence. Taught by his father and grandfather, Toni’s philosophy ensures high standards and quality. The brand offers handcrafted products that blend classic elegance with contemporary style, all made on the island of Majorca.
TLB Mallorca - 286 ARTISTA Unlined
Loake is a British shoemaker known for producing high-quality, handcrafted footwear since 1880. They still make shoes in their Northamptonshire factory using traditional methods, including Goodyear welted construction. They are recognized for their durable, classic designs and attention to detail, offering shoes made from premium materials.
Loake Hornbeam
Originally called Sander Bros., was founded in 1873 by brothers William and Thomas Sanders in Rushden, Northamptonshire. The factory thrived, especially during wartime, producing up to 6,000 pairs of army boots per week. In 1924, a fire destroyed the factory, but the Sanders brothers rebuilt it with modern equipment. After William Sanders retired, the business was taken over by his sons and remains a family-owned company. Today, Sanders & Sanders produces over 2,000 pairs of high-quality shoes and boots weekly and exports worldwide.
Sanders Finchley
Family business manufacturing all shoes on the island of Mallorca since 1866. Mallorca is located in the center of the Mediterranean Sea and is their source of inspiration for all their designs. The city of Inca is well known for the leather industry and has always been a reference in the quality footwear sector. Their artisans manufacture leather shoes that are then shipped throughout the world.
Carmina - Tassel Loafers 80289
Carlos Santos Shoes is Portuguese a family business. The brand emphasizes lasting quality and dedication to both customers and employees, viewing each new customer as part of its extended family.
Carlos Santos - Isaac 4210
250 - 350€
Morjas creates timeless, meticulously crafted pieces. Their collection is focused and classic, shaped by their Spanish-Swedish heritage. Inspired by their Mediterranean and Scandinavian roots, they blend quality, precision, and taste in their designs. All their footwear is made in Spain, Portugal and Italy.
Morjas - The Ivy Loafer
Italian brand established in 2013 and created to offer artisanal quality shoes and clothing at a fair price. To be worn for a lifetime. Their products are handmade in Italy with precision by their expert artisans who share their ethics and values.
Velasca Ost
Founded in 2009, French brand that makes high-quality, handcrafted shoes. They blend traditional craftsmanship with classic and stylish designs for both comfort and elegance. All their shoes are made in Spain.
Septieme Largeur Ivy
Myrqvist, founded in 2016, is dedicated to making high-quality, timeless footwear at affordable prices. The brand's designs come from Stockholm, but the shoes are handmade by skilled artisans in Portugal. Known for using top-quality materials from the best tanneries, the company gained recognition as Sweden's fastest-growing footwear brand in 2020.
Myrqvist - Mölle
Scarosso is a Italian footwear brand based in Milan, with shoes handcrafted in the heart of Italy, specifically in Montegranaro, Marche. Combining timeless designs with modern styles, they have over 40 years of expertise to create high-quality shoes and accessories for men and women. The brand focuses on excellent craftsmanship, using local materials and strict quality control, all while maintaining the "Made in Italy" standard for quality and sustainability.
Scarosso - Austin Cognac Suede
Under 250€
Berwick 1707, produced in Almansa, Spain, employs classic shoe-making techniques, including the Goodyear welting method. The collection features a broad selection of boots, shoes, and accessories, crafted from top-quality European and American leathers and offered with various leather and rubber soles.
Berwick 1707 - 4456-K1 Loafers
Established in 1876 in Maine, USA, G.H.BASS is a global lifestyle brand known for its classic and premium footwear, apparel, and accessories for all ages. Famous for creating the world’s first penny loafer, the Weejuns®, in 1936, they combine their rich heritage with modern innovation. The brand remains a symbol of American style and continues to blend classic designs with contemporary trends.
G.H.Bass - Men's Larson Weejus Loafer
The Astorflex shoe factory was founded in 1820 in Castel d’Ario, Italy, where it remains family-owned. Initially, the factory made handmade footwear and wooden soles. After World War I, the company, then known as "Fratelli Travenzoli," started using an “ideal” method (outer stitching along the sole) that is still used in most of their shoes. Fabio Travenzoli, the current CEO, began working there in 1984 and now leads the company as the 6th generation of his family. His son Giulio is also involved, continuing the 7-generation family legacy.
Astorflex - Sadelflex
Since 1881, NPS has combined traditional craftsmanship with modern technology to produce high-quality footwear. Founded by five men as the Northamptonshire Productive Society (NPS), the company initially made army boots. In 1959, they began producing boots with air-cushioned soles for Dr. Martens. NPS continued under its own brand, Solovair, from 1995. Their products are still handmade from start to finish in the UK.
NPS Essential - Brown Suede Penny Loafer
When it comes to finding the best loafers for you, the fit will be the most important thing, because there is no uption to tighten them you will really have to nail down the fit to really enjoy wearing them. Have you already found the perfect loafers? Let me know your thoughts about the brands that I have included and if you think that I missed some.
