25 pairs of the best loafers to buy now and wear forever

The image of fashion editors strutting around in 100mm high stilettos stems from celluloid caricatures. But really, any of these best loafers are more realistic. I blame Patsy Stone, Miranda Priestly and Wilhelmina Slater for perpetuating the myth that the fashion pack relies on sunglasses and a supercilious attitude. While we love skyscraper heels if we’re going Out Out, and sandals are definitely warm weather favourite, the style set have absolutely fallen for flat shoes. Day-to-day, alongside a pair of designer trainers, you’ll find fashion directors relying on these best loafers.

Gucci’s loafers were a staple accessory during the brand’s 1970s heyday and are synonymous with the style. Rocked with no sock, they can be louche or preppy and their gender-free mood makes them a hit with men and women. While loafers might have dipped in and out of fashion for decades, they came back with a bang when Alessandro Michele took over as Gucci’s creative director in 2015. Since then there have been slip-on, backless and stack-heel versions in brocade, logo’d lurex, raffia and a rainbow of leather shades. The luxury Italian brand Tod’s is also famous for it’s slip-on driving shoes and lightweight loafers. The Gommino style is something you would wear for years and is a clever future fashion investment. 

Having a similar resurgence are thicker soled styles that were the ultimate in cool during the mid-Nineties and fit with fashion’s current retro obsession. Reformation have an awesome style called the Agathea, which we’ve found in black, and a fun leopard-print version. On the high street, H&M’s chunky loafers are an affordable wear-forever find. Dr Marten’s Adrian style of loafer is a modern icon and comes in black or white, with signature yellow stitching. Or you could take it up a notch with See By Chloe’s stack sole and heeled loafers in a 1970s-feel caramel and tan colourway.