Tag / best loafers for men

by Beau H.

The Friday Find: Quoddy’s USA-Made Rover Penny Loafers Are As Expertly Crafted as It Gets

Last week on this Brooklyn style blog — your favorite menswear blog on the market, right??– we started a new series, a quick-hit guide of sorts to one must-buy product to get your weekend rolling in fine fashion.

I’m often scouring the market for the coolest finds around — from footwear to shirting, watches, everyday carry gear and more — and some selections are simply too good to pass up. Think of these selections as a prime exercise in buying less, but buying better — or rather, in getting down to the point and getting you out into the world this weekend, especially when a retailer like Huckberry offers up a newly restocked, fresh pair of footwear ideal for summer and early fall weekends aplenty.

So, in quick-hit form, let’s look at some of the coolest and most finely crafted men’s loafers on the market, shall we? That’d be the Quoddy Rover USA-Made Penny Loafers, the pinnacle of old-school craftsmanship from the family-owned Northeast footwear purveyor.

The brand has been doing things the right way, the hard way and in a very intensely involved manner, for decades, using the finest leathers, hand-crafted finishes — as with these hand-stitched moccasin-style loafers — and exacting attention to detail. Bolstered by a Vibram mini lug outsole, these loafers are sturdy and made to be broken in, particularly with classic cotton chinos or rolled light wash jeans.

Shop stylish men’s footwear now at Huckberry

If you’re considering just one purchase this weekend to carry you through August, that’d be these handsome leather loafers — they even pair perfectly with last week’s Friday Find, this meticulously hand-printed Huckberry shirt. Here’s to another stylish weekend, my friends — cheers!

by Beau H.

See Now, Buy Now: These Quoddy Camp Shoes are a Laidback Summer Footwear Classic

It’s like we’ve so often talked about here on this Brooklyn style blog: A guy’s footwear rotation, especially during the breezy and hot summer months, needs options, and that runs the gamut from refined leather dress shoes to crisp canvas sneakers and of course, something a bit in between. Naturally, this is where our friends at Huckberry can prove most helpful, as you’re about to find out.

Shop summer style classics at Huckberry

In my neck of the woods, a classic twist on the boat shoe or the leather moccasin might perfectly fit the bill for an in-between sort of shoe: Able to be dressed up slightly with tan chinos and an Oxford shirt, able to be dressed down with a pocket tee and chino shorts, and able to exude leisurely, casually cool style from BBQs to bonfires and lakeside getaways.

And if that pair is made with heritage quality and classic craftsmanship in mind, that’s all the better: My friends, let’s dive into the latest at Huckberry with the Quoddy Canoe Shoes, a twist on the moccasin and the loafer that manages to check all the right boxes this season.

Somewhere between a boat shoe and a leather loafer, the Quoddy Canoe Shoes boast a camp-style wedge outsole, part of a series of features Huckberry calls the “paragon of durability and design,” with New England heritage to match (Quoddy has been making favorites like the handsome Quoddy Canoe Shoes for decades now, after all).

Best boat shoes for men.

Rich pull-up leather meets contrast moccasin stitching atop that wedge Vibram outsole for rebound and comfort — unlike some more thinly constructed pairs of boat shoes, the ruggedly elegant Quoddy Canoe Shoes should prove plenty easy to wear all day long.

Rawhide laces give them a dash of heritage appeal, while even the lacquered eyelets on the Quoddy Canoe Shoes are built to resist rust. Every stitch is crafted with long-running heritage and history behind it, making for an utterly classic pair of versatile men’s leather boat shoes for the season at hand — trust in the best of the best with the wildly easy-to-wear appeal of your new favorite leather boat shoes.

by Beau H.

The Sunday Sale: These Stylish Astorflex Loafers are 40 Percent Off Now at Huckberry

Best leather loafers for men.

I don’t know about you, but just when it seems like I’ve sorted out my summer footwear rotation, I find another pair of stylish men’s shoes worth adding to my rotation. In that case, that’d be leather loafers from the good folks at Huckberry — a pair made by family-owned factory Astorflex no less.

Perhaps you know Astorflex from the craft they’ve perfected, making some of the best chukka boots, but consider these sleek Astorflex leather loafers a worthwhile addition to your wardrobe as summer rolls on.

Astorflex leather loafers review.

And yes, in my book, there’s still more than enough time to step into (and properly style) these Astorflex Travel Loafers, which boast handmade construction, a durable rubber heel for added grip, and a low profile you can dress up or dress down.

Learn more now at Huckberry

In my experience, I’ve found these unlined leather loafers wear incredibly easily right out of the box, they pack up nicely in my favorite weekender bag, and they only get better and more supple with age. And yes, as an added bonus, your new favorite pair of leather loafers are now 40 percent off at Huckberry. Go forth with style in mind the rest of summer, my friends.

by Beau H.

The Thursday Buy: These Sebago Leather Loafers are A Timeless Style Classic

Best leather loafers for men.

We talk often here on this Brooklyn men’s style blog about the classics, about the best menswear essentials and standing the test of time. And from their relatively preppy roots to their place in the modern-day menswear pantheon, the best leather loafers for men simply deliver the perfect blend of effortless cool and versatility, one that knocks it out of the park in nearly every way possible.

Of course, the Sebago Dan Loafers fit the bill handsomely in that regard, and it’s even better news that you can score a pair for yourself now at Huckberry. How about that, my friends?

Learn more now at Huckberry

As the famed retailer (a personal favorite and a trusted brand for men) says, these loafers are “a direct descendant of the brand’s first model (and named after one of the brand’s founders),” and that sort of heritage and style simply works quite well, in my book.

The Sebago Dan Loafers are as crisp when paired with cuffed light wash denim as they are with some of the best chinos for men, and it doesn’t hurt that they come in a rich leather at a fairly affordable price ($250, for everyone keeping score at home).

For the rest of summer’s dog days, and then some, opt for an eternally cool pair of stylish leather loafers from a brand (and a retailer) you can assuredly trust. The classics remain the classics for a reason, and some of the best leather loafers for men certainly fit the bill.

by Beau H.

See Now, Buy Now: These Suede Loafers from Huckberry & Astorflex Are a Refined Summer Style Move

Best loafers for men to buy now.

Just when you think you’ve found the perfect pair of men’s shoes for a summer wedding (or any other tailored engagement this season and beyond), the good folks at Huckberry enter the fray once again with a new must-buy pair of stylish men’s footwear.

And not just any pair of summer sneakers or sandals — as essential as those are, a pair of the best men’s loafers can work wonders for casually cool-yet-elevated seasonal style. Luckily, the good folks at Astorflex have you covered once again.

Astorflex men's loafers review.

Best known for making some of the coolest men’s chukka boots on the market, Astorflex is a gem of an underrated find to this day. The brand works out of a family-run factory using sustainable production methods to come up with versatile, durable and effortlessly cool footwear (click through this link here for more Astorflex reviews covering my experience with the brand).

And the Astorflex Fastflex Suede Loafers fit the bill quite nicely on all fronts, with the silhouette of a timeless penny loafer and the proper materials for an eco-conscious, summer-friendly finish.

Best suede loafers for men.

Like other pairs of Astorflex men’s shoes from Huckberry, these loafers are handmade in northern Italy to exacting specifications, with a hard leather outsole complimented nicely by a soft, supple unlined interior for all-day comfort.

The roughout leather on your new favorite loafers is more textured and of course, rougher than suede, with a distinctive look that should rest nicely beneath a cuffed pair of the best light wash jeans, your favorite olive chinos or even a pair of natural-hued denim.

Shop men’s loafers, slip-ons and more at Huckberry

And for even more elevated wear, turn to the Astorflex Fastflex Suede Loafers underneath, say, a navy seersucker or cotton-blend suit for a bit of edgy-yet-polished style. While they may not feature the crepe rubber outsole of traditional Astorflex men’s boots, the streamlined Astorflex Fastflex Suede Loafers are all the better for it, offering up a new take on the classic leather penny loafer.

A fairly wide range of sizes are available, and the Astorflex Fastflex Suede Loafers are online at Huckberry now — just in time for your next summer shindig.

by Beau H.

See Now, Buy Now: Amberjack’s New Slip-Ons Are the Most Comfortable Shoes to Buy for Early Spring

Amberjack slip-ons review.

Just when you thought a pair of dress shoes — or rather, a company making some of the most comfortable dress shoes on the market — couldn’t possibly get any more comfortable, well, meet the latest and greatest from Amberjack.

Learn more now at Amberjack

The young upstart brand, which incorporates incredible comfort technology into pairs of the best lace-up boots and the best loafers on the market, just dropped the Amberjack Slip-Ons, a new and improved take on its low-profile loafers that hits the market in just time for early spring.

Best new leather loafers for men.

Perhaps this is the first Amberjack review you’re diving into, but I’ve had the pleasure of trying out the brand these past couple years — believe me when I say, you’ve never quite tried out a brand like this. And when it comes to the Amberjack Slip-Ons, the difference is both built right into these shoes, as well as instantly noticeable on the outside.

The use of A-grade, full-grain leather in rich colors like Honey, as seen above, is a major positive, but the dual-function athletic outsole works seamlessly with the heat-activated insole for an incredibly smooth, comfortable, springy ride underfoot.

The arch support is also activated by heat, giving you an extra jolt in terms of rebound, and the Amberjack Slip-Ons also feature helpful details like a back heel pull tab for an easy-on, easy-off experience. I think you’ll also find the profile of your new favorite slip-ons is sleek and dressy enough to work at the office, especially with tailored chinos.

Learn more now at Amberjack

That being said, your new favorite loafers can also work particularly well with light wash jeans — for some high-low spring style — or with classic dark blue jeans. And all the while you’ll find a standout blend of comfort and great looks from your new Amberjack Slip-Ons. Get right to it, my friends.

by Beau H.

Style Pick of the Week: Astorflex Patnoflex Loafers – The Best Loafers for the Rest of Summer

Best loafers for men.

There are certain times in a guy’s summer pursuits when he’s got to step things up just a notch beyond more casual men’s style essentials, like, say, wearing the best summer sneakers. Yes indeed, there are times you’re going to want to step out in fresh, refined style — possibly wearing one of the best summer blazers — and when you do so, you’re going to want to be wearing a pair of the best summer loafers for men.

Although it’s the end of July, you’ll still have ample time to wear the set in question today: The Astorflex Patnoflex Loafers, as sold by my good friends at Huckberry.

You very well likely know Astorflex for making some of the best men’s chukka boots or some of the most affordable sneakers for men, sure, but they’re so much more than that. The Astorflex Patnoflex Loafers are a particular step up for the brand, using all of the Italy-based, family-owned company’s penchant for fine detail and craftsmanship. It starts with the use of soft European leather and environmentally friendly construction, and the Astorflex Patnoflex Loafers only get better from there.

Best loafers for men.

The Astorflex Patnoflex Loafers are also built on a weather-resistant rubber outsole for surprising durability from a leather loafer, while the sleek profile is dressy, sharp and as versatile as it gets. The Astorflex Patnoflex Loafers feature a cleaner design than boat shoes, allowing you to style them with, say, your favorite summer suit or some of the best chinos for men in refined fashion.

And although they’re priced at a slightly higher clip than more casual boat shoes or loafers (the Astorflex Patnoflex Loafers will set you back $195), you’re getting both options — in terms of rich leather colorways and versatility. You could even team the Astorflex Patnoflex Loafers with stretch chino shorts and your favorite summer polo the right mix of refined and casual summer style. Don’t take my word for it, though: Make the most of the rest of the season by stepping into the Astorflex Patnoflex Loafers.

by Beau H.

Style Pick of the Week: Jack Erwin Archie Penny Loafers

Editor’s note: Expect these posts weekly detailing one standout item coveted by yours truly. Sometimes, these fit within budgetary restrictions and other times, they’re expensive splurges worth saving for. For more Wish List items from Beau, head here, and to see other Style Picks, head here.

Not your grandfather's penny loafer -- the sleek, stylish Archie Penny Loafer in Hazelnut from Jack Erwin.

Not your grandfather’s penny loafer — the sleek, stylish Archie Penny Loafer in Hazelnut from Jack Erwin.

While sharp wingtips always work well in situations ranging from business casual to formal, it sometimes feels refreshing (literally and figuratively) to reach for something a bit different. In the case of our spring style shopping needs here at The Style Guide, that pair of footwear happens to be loafers (like the ones you see above — more in a minute). Lest we get off on the wrong foot here (sorry, had to), know that like plenty of other valuable style upgrades, there are certain iterations that move the style away from its older, slightly stuffy roots by stepping into firmly modern territory. Are we still in step with each other? (Sorry, I’m done). If you’re still following along, Jack Erwin is one brand that’s doing an exceptional job at crafting uniquely modern and stylish takes on classic footwear — and among that group, the Archie Penny Loafer in Hazelnut is … well, exceptional. The brand crafts other takes on the loafer, from a sand suede driving loafer to the moccasin-style Charlie Loafer, but the Archie in Hazelnut is Jack Erwin’s newest loafer color. After checking out a complimentary pair from the brand, the verdict is out: If I was you, I’d set aside those preconceived notions. Why’s that? Allow me…

Details like the reinforced stacked heel make these seem very unloafer-like -- sturdy and durable.

Details like the reinforced stacked heel make these seem very unloafer-like — sturdy and durable.

It’s safe to say loafers don’t normally lay claim to construction that’s every bit as tough as a sturdy winter boot — that would be the Goodyear construction of the Archie. The full-grain calfskin upper is rich in color and leather quality, handcrafted in Spain. And the reinforced stacked heel adds another uniquely sturdy element to a style that can sometimes seem a bit too sleek. Crucially, these loafers don’t break the bank for what you’re getting. It’s a loafer that can match up with a slim chambray suit later this spring, and the sleek shape won’t feel out of place beneath rolled dark denim, either. It’s another way to do high-low style — as opposed to white sneakers with a dressier combo like chinos and a classic navy blazer, you’re taking a more traditional dress shoe and mashing it up with casual staples (like the aforementioned dark denim, plus a short-sleeve henley). It can be a bit tough to make the switch at first, but with the quality and versatility of this pair, plenty more outfit combinations abound. Oh, and with the change you’ll save compared to more expensive loafers, you’ll have enough to put toward a second pair — loafers all summer long, right?

Editor’s note: Stay tuned for a full Effortless Gent feature on how to style these loafers coming at the end of the month.

Are you on-board with penny loafers? How might you style this particular pair?