Loafers!

A look at the loafers I’ve worn into the ground—because some shoes just get better with time.

I’ve lived in New York for almost a decade, and if you’ve ever visited—or live here—you know that New Yorkers walk. A lot. We breeze through 20,000 steps a day without thinking twice. I personally average 40 blocks daily (especially with the current fiasco that is the subway). I bring this up because it makes me highly qualified to recommend comfortable shoes.

Up until last year, my default shoes were trainers. I wore them everywhere—because the thought of limping around in painful shoes, quietly collecting blisters, was my worst nightmare. But in doing so, I realised something: my outfits always looked… off. Less polished, less put together. So, I made a rule—trainers only for walking my very high-energy puppy. The rest of the time, I’d make more considered swaps: comfortable flats, sleek boots, and, most importantly, loafers.

You don’t need a wardrobe full of shoes—just a few solid pairs that work for different occasions. For flats, I swear by my decade-old Chanel ballet flats and the Aeyde Mary Janes. For boots, it has always been (and will always be) the Aeyde Linn boots and more recently the Staud Wally boots. But when it comes to the easiest, most versatile shoes? Loafers win every time.

Chanel Loafers IT 37

The problem is, if you’ve ever broken in a pair, you know loafers can be as punishing as heels. But after testing and researching nearly every pair out there, I’ve finally cracked the code—what’s worth buying, what to avoid, and how to find the perfect balance of style and comfort.

Vintage Always

It is my entirely unbiased opinion that nothing beats vintage loafers. The leather quality is unmatched, and they come already broken in. When it comes to loafers, vintage Gucci has some incredible variations—black suede with silver hardware or deep brown with gold. And of course, I love all vintage Chanel loafers indiscriminately.

Let’s Talk About Chanel Some More

Every pair of Chanel shoes I’ve bought has stood the test of time—some for nearly a decade—and I wear them constantly. The craftsmanship is meticulous, and they’re incredibly comfortable. While I’m not a fan of their chunkier black loafers, I love the more streamlined, sleek versions like these.

The All-Rounder

These G.H. Bass loafers do it all. I’ve had mine for almost 5 years (though, admittedly, they are on their last leg now). They’re comfortable with no breaking in required, the leather quality is impeccable, and the silhouette is as classic as it gets. This is a pair you simply can’t go wrong with.

Classic but Elevated

Since I wear a lot of black, I like to add different textures to break up my monochrome looks. That’s why I went for the patent version of these YSL loafers. I love the minimal branding and the refined finish. They did need some breaking in (which is unavoidable with patent leather), but after wearing them around the house for 20 minutes a day for three days, they were ready for short errands. Within two weeks, I was walking 10,000 steps in them without a second thought. They’ve aged beautifully, and the patent adds a great touch to all my outfits.

The Underrated Gem

I rarely see anyone talk about the Margiela Camden loafers, and I don’t understand why. They’re incredibly comfortable, effortlessly chic, and the subtle heel gives me just the right amount of height.

Aeyde, Again

It wouldn’t be my list if I didn’t talk about Aeyde. Their take on boat shoes is perfection, and I have yet to try a pair from them that isn’t comfortable.

I know most of the shoes on this list aren't exactly "affordable," but a well-made pair of loafers will last you for years. Cheap alternatives often wear out quickly, so I always say: invest in quality, buy less but better, and wear them for a lifetime.