We independently evaluate all of our recommendations. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Travel Products The Best Men’s Loafers for Every Type of Trip These are the best slip-on shoes for every man's travel wardrobe. By Chadner Navarro Chadner Navarro Chadner Navarro is a writer and editor who specializes in travel, food, design, and culture. He was born in Manila, grew up in New Jersey, and travels often. Travel + Leisure Editorial Guidelines Updated on June 4, 2024 Comments In This Article View All In This Article Our Top Picks Reviews Tips for Buying Frequently Asked Questions Why Trust T+L Photo: Travel + Leisure / Kristin Kempa I own about two dozen pairs of loafers. To me, they are the best type of shoes to travel with because once you find a pair that works for you, you’ll realize they can be worn with just about anything, minimizing your need to pack multiple pairs of shoes for a trip. As a travel writer, I don’t go anywhere without a pair of loafers. Since loafers are slip-on shoes, they’re perfect for airport security. But that easy-on/easy-off function is helpful during trips, too. If I want to run down for a quick hotel breakfast, I don’t want to have to fuss with laces, but I’m not going to wear flip-flops to an indoor dining room, either. Enter: my loafers. But it’s really the stylish versatility of these shoes that I love best — I wear a pair of leather penny loafers with practically everything. The slip-on silhouette looks great with a casual outfit (like a pair of knee-length chino shorts) but works with dressier attire, too. And when you have limited packing space, a loafer should be your go-to, multi-purpose shoe. Read on to find the 12 best men’s loafers that every traveler should have in their closet. Our Top Picks Best Overall: Greats The Essex Penny Loafers at Greats.com Jump to Review Most Packable : Swims Braided Lace Lux Loafer Driver at Amazon Jump to Review Most Versatile : Taylor Stitch The Loafer at Taylorstitch.com Jump to Review Best for Arch Support: Geox Sapienza at Amazon $153 Jump to Review Most Comfortable : Jack Erwin Decker at Jackerwin.com Jump to Review Best for Business Trips: G.H. Bass Larson Lug Weejuns Loafer at Nordstrom $185 Jump to Review Best Casual : Astorflex Patnoflex Crepe Sole Loafer at Huckberry Jump to Review Best Budget : Cole Haan Pinch Slip On at Amazon $91 Jump to Review Best Splurge : Gucci 1953 Horsebit Loafer at Nordstrom $990 Jump to Review Best for Special Occasions: Suitsupply Tuxedo Slip-on at Suitsupply.com Jump to Review Best Overall Greats The Essex Penny Loafers PHOTO: Greats View on Greats.com Why We Love It The combination of comfort, style, and value can’t be beat. What to Consider The color blocking may not be for everyone. Straight out of the box, I rocked these loafers for a 15,000-step day around Manhattan, and I didn’t feel discomfort until the end of the night was near. For leather shoes that I wore for the very first time, that’s a minor miracle. In the two years since, I reach for this pair pretty regularly because they're so easy to wear. The penny loafer silhouette is a classic style that will complement any outfit — I wear these with jeans, shorts, and even more dressed-up outfits like linen suits. Plus, the fun color blocking is eye-catching and adds visual value to your look. Because they aren’t too precious, I’ve traveled with them more than any other pair of loafers I own — and they’re still in great shape. I own the olive-and-brown combo, but I’m eyeing the light gray version as my next pair, which will be perfect for summer. The Details: Sizes 7 to 13 | Leather upper, leather insoles, leather and rubber outsoles Most Packable Swims Braided Lace Lux Loafer Driver PHOTO: Amazon View on Amazon View on Swims.com Why We Love It These durable loafers can be packed down tight to maximize space. What to Consider They're very casual. Lightweight and quick-drying, Swims’ driving loafers are ideal vacation shoes. These summer-ready slip-ons are outfitted with the brand’s trademark ventilation and drainage system, making them a fuss-free choice for when you know you’re likely to get wet. But classic driving loafer details, such as the chic braided laces, give these shoes a versatile appeal. Wear them with your trunks and a T-shirt for a day at the beach, then with an all-linen outfit for dinner later in the evening. The Details: Sizes 7 to 15 | Synthetic and textile upper, rubber outsoles Most Versatile Taylor Stitch The Loafer PHOTO: Taylor Stitch View on Taylorstitch.com Why We Love It The waterproof suede makes this shoe perfect for just about any adventure. What to Consider It only comes in one color. Menswear brand Taylor Stitch’s handmade loafers are outfitted with a few premium details that you’d be hard-pressed to find at this price point. The Vibram inset mini lug sole gives the shoe a bit of chunkiness; Goodyear welt construction means you can easily get them resoled; and the weatherproof suede will age beautifully over time. It’s a fantastic, versatile investment piece that you can wear just about anywhere — paired with a cotton suit for a destination wedding or business trip, or with your favorite jeans and T-shirt for casual city strolling. The Details: Sizes 7 to 13 | Suede upper, Vibram lug sole The 8 Best Men’s Travel Shoes of 2024, Tested and Reviewed Best for Arch Support Geox Sapienza PHOTO: Amazon $153 at Amazon $102 at Nordstrom View on Geox.com Why We Love It The removable cushioned insole provides great arch support to help minimize foot fatigue from all-day adventuring. What to Consider While it has a classic design, it’s not the most exciting-looking shoe. The Sapienza, in a handsome tumbled leather, has the look and feel of a classic pair of penny loafers, which means they’ll complement any outfit for any activity on any trip. But the proprietary technical construction you might not be able to see also makes them incredibly comfortable. The lightweight, perforated rubber sole is part of Geox’s Respira technology, which is all about breathability. And while some may find this loafer less exciting than other options on this list, the real selling point is its removable cushioned insole, which promotes better arch support. The Details: Sizes 6 to 12.5 | Leather upper, rubber outsoles Most Comfortable Jack Erwin Decker PHOTO: Jack Erwin View on Jackerwin.com Why We Love It This comfy loafer comes in a great range of colors in both suede and leather. What to Consider The driving loafer silhouette may not be for everyone. This penny and driving loafer hybrid is a casually elegant shoe that could work as a day to day option for a business trip, a long vacation, or even while you’re home. Thanks to the leather lining and the rubber-wedge sole with Arneflex microfoam, this pair is the comfortable, all-purpose wardrobe workhorse you’ve been looking for. If you’re not a fan of the driving loafer silhouette, consider that the softer make of the shoe will make it easier to pack. Plus, it comes in nine colorways (in both suede and leather), at a fair price. The Details: Sizes 7 to 14 | Suede or leather upper, rubber outsoles Best for Business Trips G.H. Bass Larson Lug Weejuns Loafer PHOTO: G.H. Bass $185 at Nordstrom $175 at Nordstrom View on Ghbass.com Why We Love It You can’t go wrong with these classic penny loafers on your next business trip. What to Consider Some may say they look old-fashioned. The Larson Weejuns are as classic as it gets when it comes to footwear, and when discussing loafers, this pair deserves a spot on anyone’s list of favorites. G.H. Bass has been around since the 1930s, and practically every stylish celebrity has been spotted with them on, from Paul Newman to Michael Jackson. Your business-trip wardrobe could use this type of enduring panache. And the Larson Weejuns have been remixed many times thanks to collaborations with various brands as well. While some may find the look old-fashioned, I prefer to think of them as timeless staples. A classic pair in black or brown will go with anything, even a business suit. The Details: Sizes 7 to 13, regular and wide | Leather upper, unlined, leather outsoles The 11 Most Comfortable Dress Shoes for Men of 2024, Tested and Reviewed Best Casual Astorflex Patnoflex Crepe Sole Loafer PHOTO: Huckberry View on Huckberry Why We Love It The rounded toe and crepe sole make for a comfortable, casual loafer. What to Consider The color options are limited. By doing away with traditional loafer design codes (the penny band, the narrower toe shape, and smooth leather sole), you get a much more casual style with this pair from Italian shoemaker Astorflex. The rounded toe plus the crepe sole, which is made from the juice of rubber trees, don’t just telegraph a laid-back vibe but they add more comfort, too. They’ll look great with your trustiest pairs of jeans or shorts as well as more elevated looks, like an outdoor wedding outfit. Though the colorways are limited to just two shades of brown, the leather lining should mold to your foot overtime, making this a comfy choice for sightseeing. The Details: Sizes 7 to 14 | Leather upper, leather midsole, crepe outsole Best Budget Cole Haan Pinch Slip On PHOTO: Amazon $91 at Amazon $135 at Zappos Why We Love It You can’t beat the classic shape and the price. What to Consider There is not a lot of color variety available. This timeless penny loafer from Cole Haan ticks all the right boxes for what you want in a daily-wear loafer. (Not to mention, the price is right.) You’ve got the classic slim silhouette, the subtle stitching details, and the sturdy stacked heel. The perforated footbed, which helps with the shoe’s breathability, is a great added bonus. While there aren’t a lot of options when it comes to color, a classic penny loafer like this should serve you and your travels well for many years. The Details: Sizes 6 to 16 including half sizes | Leather upper, leather outsoles Best Splurge Gucci 1953 Horsebit Loafer PHOTO: Gucci $990 at Nordstrom View on Gucci.com View on Net-a-Porter Why We Love It It’s a classic Gucci moment that will never go out of style. What to Consider These designer loafers are not cheap. If you have the budget to splurge on loafers, and you don’t have a pair yet, I would go with Gucci. The brand’s iconic horsebit penny loafers are beautiful: they have the foolproof penny shape, but the little bit of hardware adds a touch of iconic glamor. These shoes easily elevate any outfit, like a travel suit. And if you go for a neutral color in leather, the loafers’ longevity (as long as you care for them) can make the price tag worth it. I bought a pair of these in beige suede as my first splurge when I started my career in magazines, and I have no intention of ever parting ways with them. The Details: Sizes 5 to 17.5 | Leather upper with metal hardware, leather insoles, leather soles Best for Special Occasions Suitsupply Tuxedo Slip-on PHOTO: Suitsupply View on Suitsupply.com Why We Love It As the name implies, these classic velvet Belgian loafers are perfect for tuxedo-wearing occasions. What to Consider You may not have many reasons to wear something this formal. If you find yourself preparing for a black-tie event (say, a formal destination wedding), you may want to spring for these velvet Belgian loafers — they’ll be perfect for such an occasion. What are Belgian loafers, you ask? They’re dainty slip-on shoes that feature a diamond-shape vamp (the top part of the shoe) on which typically sits a small bow. This velvet pair doesn’t have the bow, but that classic construction is still there, delivering a wonderfully dressy addition to your loafer collection. Because they’re more formal, some may think these slip-ons will just sit in the closet. But honestly, as we blur the line between what’s formal and what’s not, you can still rock these loafers with a much more casual getup than a tuxedo. It’s all about having the confidence to pull it off. The Details: Sizes 6 to 14 |Cotton velvet upper, leather soles Best Size Range Bruno Magli Raging Leather Slip-on PHOTO: Amazon $395 at Amazon $277 at Nordstrom $395 at Zappos Why We Love It The size range is impressive — from 6.5 to 15 in both regular and wide — thereby accommodating more travelers. What to Consider The narrow toe box may not be to everyone’s taste. This minimalist loafer may look like a standard leather shoe to you, but it comes with more comfort details than just the expansive size range. It’s fully lined in soft leather, which usually feels better than other materials. It also comes with double-gore construction (the small elastic insets on both sides of the shoe) to make them easier to get in and out of. And the sole is made of grippy rubber. Combined, they make for a loafer that you can wear for a full day of walking, sightseeing, and exploring. Just note that there is a more narrow toe box, so if your toes need more wiggle room, these may not be the shoes for you. The Details: Sizes 6.5 to 15 | Leather upper, rubber outsoles Best for Wide Feet Blackstock & Weber Ellis Penny Loafer PHOTO: Blackstock & Weber View on Blackstockandweber.com Why We Love It The wider width delivers maximum comfort while traveling. What to Consider These loafers tend to run big. Blackstock & Weber is making some of the trendiest menswear at the moment, and it all started with the brand’s modern loafers, which, at first glance, are wider than the average slip-on. That’s because the shoe’s shape was inspired by the Nike Air Force 1. This means, structurally, a Blackstock & Weber loafer is closer in shape to a sneaker. In addition to the roomier silhouette’s comfort quotient, the shoe’s slightly oversized vibe (it comes with double-leather soles for a bit of lift) aligns with most menswear trends these days. Note that these penny loafers do run big (and don’t forget that leather stretches over time), and it’s recommended that you order a full size down. Nothing’s worse than traversing cobblestone streets when your heel keeps slipping out of your loafer. The Details: Sizes 6 to 16 | Leather upper, leather outsoles Tips for Buying Men's Loafers for Travel Prioritize versatility Because I wear loafers so much, I now only buy new pairs if I can genuinely see myself wearing them every day and everywhere — whether I’m home or on the road for an assignment. They have to be incredibly versatile so that I can maximize not just their use, but also the space they take up in my suitcase. So I suggest the same for you: if you’re interested in buying a pair of loafers, pick a pair that you can see yourself wearing for different activities and occasions. It really doesn’t make a lot of sense (unless you don’t mind bringing multiple pairs of shoes on trips) to buy loafers that you’ll only wear with one outfit. But finding a versatile pair of loafers should be the easiest shopping quest you’ve ever undertaken. That’s kind of their thing: loafers are made to easily complement all sorts of outfits. Choose the right balance between comfort and style I think we all know that the more uncomfortable something is, the less likely we are to wear it. And this is especially true for shoes. So when you’re shopping for loafers, think about aesthetics (of course, we wear the things we love), but don’t ignore comfort. Sure, loafers are great because they’re versatile, but if you can’t wear them because they hurt or don’t fit properly then all that versatility goes out the window. And that’s going to be even more annoying to deal with when you’re traveling.To ensure you’re only packing shoes you’re comfortable in, don’t forget to break in a new pair of loafers before your trip. Every pair is different, which means some may need more wear than others to break in. If you’re like me and also love wearing loafers without socks, try to break them in without socks a few times before a trip, though some shoes may never be comfortable without socks. Frequently Asked Questions Is it better to size up or down in loafers? It depends. Leather will stretch. I almost never size up in loafers, but I also know how I like them to fit. A good starting point is to ask yourself if you’re the type to wear loafers with or without socks. In general, you want a comfortably snug fit; you don’t want your heel lifting, but you should be able to wiggle your toes ever so slightly. How do you care for men’s loafers? Caring for men’s loafers should be the same as caring for any other type of shoe. You want to care for them based on material. To get the most out of your belongings, you should be cleaning them regularly. For leather, the most common material that loafers come in, you want to clean them with a leather brush and then polish or condition them every couple of months. Shoe brands will also usually include care instructions on their websites. As an extra step, you can put a layer of protective spray over your favorite shoes to help with maintenance. Why Trust Travel + Leisure Chadner Navarro is an experienced travel writer who loves loafers. He’s been wearing them since he was a school boy in the Philippines. All these years later, he still wears and travels with loafers regularly. For this article, he researched the market’s best-looking and best-quality loafers by using his experience and reading customer reviews, narrowing down his list to the shoes he believes will best suit the needs of the modern traveler. The 11 Best Slip-on Shoes for Men of 2024, Tested and Reviewed Love a great deal? Sign up for our T+L Recommends newsletter and we’ll send you our favorite travel products each week. Edited by Sophie Mendel Sophie Mendel Sophie Mendel is a Commerce Editor at Travel + Leisure with Dotdash Meredith where she assigns, edits, and publishes the product reviews and recommendations that help guide travelers toward the best shoes, apparel, accessories, and hotels for their needs. Sophie has traveled to 53 countries and has lived in five, and is bilingual in English and Spanish. She has more than six years of experience as a writer, editor and copywriter. learn more