For The Love of Loafers
BY GAVIN MANLEY
There is a particular part of midtown Manhattan that sits just south of Central Park which is almost an enclave onto itself. This is a place where high-end boutiques, private clubs, and global auction houses line the streets — a place where you’ll hear half a dozen different European accents in as many minutes. It’s also the stomping ground of some of New York City’s most debonair men.
As someone who’s charged with keeping a casual eye on menswear trends, it’s been hard not to notice a discernible shift away from sneakers as the footwear of choice for style-conscious guys in recent months. The loafer — along with its more relaxed cousin, the driver — is very much back in style for fall. So to welcome their timely return, Ac Magazine looks at six key styles across the category to help you freshen up your wardrobe this season.
Allen Edmonds, Sebastian Bit Driving Loafer
Sleek, stylish, comfortable, and performance-driven — much like the finest sports cars — these drivers from Allen Edmonds boast a streamlined design, while placing a premium on easy wearability. Delivering more support than a typical driving shoe, the Sebastian Bit’s traditional, handsewn construction offers an effortlessly relaxed feel, but with sturdy rubber soles. Open cell foam in the arch and a latex foundation promise “cushioning for the full length of your foot” according to the brand’s website. This driver’s Italian suede upper — as shown here in a luxurious caper colorway — is finished with a classic metal bit, giving these shoes a look that’s not only sharp, but timeless to boot.
$295
Berluti, Lorenzo Scritto Kangaroo Leather Loafer
Reputed to be the strongest leather in the world for its weight, kangaroo leather is prized by luxury brands the world over for its pliability and much lauded sustainability claims. New for Winter 2023, Berluti’s Lorenzo Scritto loafer is a contemporary take on the iconic ‘Andy’ loafer from the 1960s, which was named after famous pop artist, Andy Warhol. Featuring Blake construction — a production process where the outer sole is stitched directly to the insole — this stylish shoe is extremely lightweight and made with a concealed layer of memory foam for optimal comfort.
That the color of these loafers is Aveiro blue — much like the coastal town in Portugal — only adds to the romance of what is simply a beautifully-crafted shoe.
Dr. Martens, Adrian Crazy Horse Leather Tassel Loafers
A mainstay of the brand’s best-known silhouettes, Crazy Horse leather is used in this updated iteration of Dr Martens’ Adrian loafer — a classic style that first launched almost 50 years ago. Robust, durable, and scratch-resistant, these sturdy shoes are proudly worn-in, with a nod to the brand’s Mod roots of 1960s London. A rugged air-cushioned sole, Dr. Martens’ distinctive yellow welt-stitch, and a tapered toe shape make these the perfect blend of on-trend style and unmistakable edge.
$180
Kenneth Cole Gentle Souls, Nyle Suede Driver
In an effort to leave “the smallest footprint possible at every stage of production”, Kenneth Cole’s ‘Gentle Souls’ range prioritizes quality to extend the lifespan of each pair of shoes. With its driver-style treaded soul — for a laid-back look with added grip — these slip-ons are made with layered memory foam and high-recovery PORON performance cushioning, for a softer step that helps minimize impact. What’s more, the footbed of the Nyle driver features built-in contoured arch supports within a lightweight construction for a truly natural step. An elegant navy suede upper completes the look for a style that works whether you’re at an upscale brunch — or presenting in the boardroom.
$270
Kurt Geiger, Stirling Loafer
For more than 50 years, London-based footwear and accessories brand Kurt Geiger has been offering statement styles that capture the vibrancy and innate creativity of its hometown.
This, along with its mission to foster “a kind, diverse and inclusive fashion community” have helped propel Kurt Geiger as a brand that’s loved for its philanthropic initiatives — as much as its distinctive fashion appeal.
Crafted from textured, black leather, the Stirling slip-on has a quilted insole — padded for comfort — and is finished with Geiger’s signature brass eagle head on the outer side of the shoe.
$175
Vince, Grant Suede Loafer
The Leather Working Group (LWG) is a group of brands, retailers, product manufacturers, and more that have come together to create an environmental stewardship protocol specifically for the leather manufacturing industry. Used to assess the environmental performance of leather manufacturers, the LWG awards gold, silver, and bronze ‘medals’ to products based on their adherence to environmental best practices. Made with LWG Gold-rated leather for sustainability, this Grant Loafer from Vince features a supple 100% suede upper, foam footbed for enhanced comfort, and a rubber outsole for superior grip. With a heel that measures one inch and with its sophisticated camel colorway, these loafers are as understated as they are timeless.
$350
Originally published in the Fall 2023 issue of
Ac Magazine (The Accessories Council).