The best thing about black shoes is that they just plain work. The worst thing: everybody knows they work, so everyone wears them. Whenever you wear black footwear, you always run the risk of being a bit predictable. That is unless you invest in the best black loafers for men.
Loafers are the ultimate trump card of footwear, since they look great on just about any kind of fit. Add to that an alluring color like black and some fine suede or leather, and you’ll be turning heads wherever you go. If you’ve never worn these kinds of shoes before, trust me, they won’t ever let you down.
There’s no shortage of amazing options out there when it comes to black loafers for men. Still, we put in the work and found what we believe are the top picks. Between these seven options, there’s no occasion you won’t be ready for.
Now, let’s have a look at the best black loafers for men.
Key Takeaways
It’s a good thing I love shoes because I spent hours out there reading product reviews and chatting with other aficionados to make this list. At the end of the day, Oliver Cabell Penny Loafers are the best black loafers for men. The sheer quality of the leather is unparalleled, the design is an eternal classic, and the foot support is second to none.
For a cheaper black loafers for men alternative, Bruno Marc has you covered with a budget pair of shoes that’s every bit as stylish. The lining is incredible for the price point, and the look of the shoe is a great complement to a casual fit.
Our Top Picks
Why they’re great: As far as black loafers for men go, Oliver Cabell comes out on top for me. The timeless penny design and the silky-smooth calfskin leather look and feel premium, although the shoe itself is very reasonably priced. I also love how the color of the sole matches the upper – it really doesn’t get much sleeker.
Who are these for? Whether you’re in for elevated casual or just something that’s easy to style, expect to find it here. Not to mention, the comfort that these provide is second to none. The orthopedic support is some of the best I’ve seen, making it perfect for men who do a lot of standing or walking.
Flaws but not deal-breakers: You can’t get these black loafers for men in half-sizes, so if that’s what you need, then you should go a full size up. Still, thanks to the ingenious craftsmanship, you can expect a snug, comfortable fit.
Material: 100% leather | Sole Material: 100% rubber | Sizes Available: 6–14 | Style: Penny
Why they’re great: I’d wager that all of my picks for black loafers for men are luxury in one way or another. That said, this is a real premium product through and through, combining a time-tested design with incredible durability. Vegetable tanning is incredible for giving shoes elasticity without compromising on their sturdiness factor, and it’s on full display here.
Who are these for? The cushy foot sole and legendary “Goodyear Construction” ensure a long lifespan and premium comfort. If you invest in a pair of these, then you won’t have to buy new loafers for a very long time, if ever. Bonus points for the wide array of sizes, too, especially for smaller-foot guys.
Flaws but not deal-breakers: The only thing to really worry about here is the price. Then again, it’s more than justified when you consider just how much you’re getting out of the deal.
Material: 100% leather | Sole Material: 100% leather | Sizes Available: 5–14 | Style: Penny
Why they’re great: Once again, the Goodyear formula is in full swing here. You get some of the most durable shoes on the market, and getting them resoled is that much easier, too. Then there’s the suede upper-leather sole combination, hitting the golden looks-quality ratio.
Who are these for? Chic, DIY fits work incredibly well with these shoes. I like to do a lot of thrifting, and this is the kind of shoe that really ties that kind of outfit together. Bonus points if you combine it with an all-black fit.
Flaws but not deal-breakers: No complaints about the shoes themselves, but it is worth noting that tassels aren’t for everyone. It takes a bit of swagger to pull them off, although the elegant color and design of these black loafers for men make it that much easier in this case.
Material: 100% suede | Sole Material: 100% leather or half-rubber | Sizes Available: 7–13 | Style: Tassel
Why they’re great: What can I even say about Bruno Marc? These black loafers for mebn look at least a couple hundred bucks above their actual price tag. To start with, the fabric lining feels heavenly, and the PU leather is extremely durable for day-to-day wear. Also, I’m a huge fan of the design of D-rings, and I think that most stylish guys would agree.
Who are these for? These are definitely a tiny bit more on the casual side than the Oliver Cabells, and they really shine with a good pair of chinos or skinny jeans. There’s just something about the shape of the toe cap that screams swagger.
Flaws but not deal-breakers: This is a personal preference thing, but it’s worth noting that PU leather can peel after prolonged wear. For me, it actually adds to the appeal, but it’s worth taking note of either way.
Material: 100% PU leather | Sole Material: 100% PVC | Sizes Available: 6.5–13 | Style: D-ring
Why they’re great: It can be hard to find dependable footwear on Amazon, but these Rockports genuinely stand out from the crowd. This is some of the smoothest-feeling leather I’ve ever come across at this price range, and the penny slot is the ultimate cherry on top.
Who are these for? Besides the cushioning, the EVA footbed is entirely removable and easy to replace. If you have flat feet or just prefer a different kind of padding for your shoes, these are as customizable as they get.
Flaws but not deal-breakers: If I had to pick, I’d say these look better in brown because of how the outer stitching looks. This is just a personal preference, though, and the sky-high sales are evidence of that.
Material: 100% leather | Sole Material: 100% PU | Sizes Available: 6.5–16 | Style: Penny
Why they’re great: I would describe these as the perfect entry-level loafers. No frills, no unnecessary details – just a slick, polished black upper and some good elasticity for the price. Super easy to style, too, which is always a plus!
Who are these for? Again, you’re dealing with a very high-quality, shock-absorbing ortholite footbed, and it’s quite easy to remove if you need to. You can also go for a wide option if you have larger feet, which is always a welcome addition.
Flaws but not deal-breakers: If you wear these a lot, you’ll eventually start to notice scuffs and breakage in the upper. I tend to like that look in a pair of loafers, but it’s something to consider either way.
Material: 100% leather | Sole Material: 100% rubber | Sizes Available: 6.5–15 | Style: Venetian
Why they’re great: Wingtip loafers are a pretty underrated fashion statement, and I’m personally a huge fan. This is the kind of shoe that everyone has seen but not many people have the guts to rock, so why not be at the forefront of the movement? I’m confident that monk straps are on the up and up, so now’s the time to get ahead.
Who are these for? Straddling the line between sexy cowboy and elevated casual bar-goer, this is the shoe that’ll get people turning heads and asking questions in the best possible way. There’s an undeniable throwback quality to these, so do consider them if that’s what you’re after.
Flaws but not deal-breakers: I’d say that these black loafers for men could benefit from a wider range of sizes. No reason why our small or large-foot kings shouldn’t get a piece of the fun. Either way, if you can get a pair that fits, you’ll look like a million bucks.
Material: 100% leather | Sole Material: 100% rubber | Sizes Available: 8.5–13 | Style: Wingtip
Buying Considerations for the Best Black Loafers for Men
Style
Penny loafers are the golden standard since they go well with everything, from khakis and color shirts to jeans and plain tees. Alternatively, for a vintage outfit, you may want to consider a quirky pair of tassel loafers. Then there’s Venetians, which do away with the bells and whistles in favor of a sleek, minimalist look.
Material
More often than not, loafers are made of leather, whether natural or synthetic. This gives them an air of formality that elevates a casual outfit without being off-the-charts pompous and fancy.
Size
For the most part, you want your loafer size to match your usual shoe size. There’s some flexibility with this rule, depending on the brand and whether you plan on wearing them with socks. After all, one of the main draws of loafers is the extra wiggle room they give to your feet.
How We Chose
Advertising your product is one of the hardest things in the world to do. Still, even harder is sitting down as a buyer and sifting through thousands of options yourself. That’s where we come in.
Oftentimes, loafers will look like a million bucks in pictures, but they hardly look as advertised when you see them in person. To put together this list of the best black loafers for men, we consulted company websites, video reviews, forum discussions, and our own personal experiences. This way, we feel confident that we’ve touched base on everything our buyers need to know before buying.
Company reputation: Is the company known for releasing plenty of successful products? The better the brand’s resume, the more likely we are to recommend it.
Design: Comfort is an extremely important consideration when it comes to footwear, but there’s more to it. I included black loafers for men that were demonstrably easy to take on or off, and I gravitated toward picks that offered some form of orthopedic support.
Price: Each product was evaluated based on cost-effectiveness, ensuring that the materials and the manufacturing process line up with the price tag. I made sure to avoid products where the exact quality and makeup of the materials was ambiguous.
Why Trust Us?
Andrej Paskalov has been in the fashion game for a while now, and he knows a thing or two about footwear. Whether you want a pair of shoes to get you through the summer or some closed–toe sandals for your next beach adventure, he’s the guy to turn to. Putting these lists together is hard work, but boy, does he love it.
For this article, Andrej combined his passion for footwear with thorough research. He evaluated each loafer on comfort, durability, and style, ensuring that they met the high standards expected by our readers. His dedication to quality and attention to detail make his insights invaluable, helping you make informed decisions for your wardrobe.
Final Verdict
And that’s it for the best black loafers for men. Oliver Cabell Black Penny Loafer is our top pick, owing to its unmistakable calfskin lining, durable outsole, and the perfect blend of casual and dressy.
FAQ
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Black loafers for men are among the easiest types of footwear to style. Since you’re working with such an adaptable color, you can match it with anything from denim to khaki for your pants, as well as a variety of tees and shirts. In fact, you could even treat black loafers as a quasi-dress shoe to match your more formal attire.
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