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The Best Chunky Loafers

Last updated on November 28, 2023

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Do you think you know your shoe size? Chances are, at least some of the shoes in your closet don’t properly fit your feet. In fact, one study found that 63 to 72 percent of participants wore shoes that weren’t the right fit for either the length or width. Having each foot measured by a professional can help, but only if you use that information to buy a pair of shoes that fits you.

Some types of shoes do offer a little more wiggle room than others. Loafers have long been a popular way to achieve comfort without looking too casual. Classic loafers pair well with jeans or khakis, but there are dressier loafers you can wear with your favorite pair of dress pants.

MORE: Loafers are back, and here’s how experts say to style them

There are some things to consider when you’re shopping for chunky loafers. As with any shoe, you’ll want to make sure you’re getting a comfortable fit. When you first try the shoes on, make sure there’s enough wiggle room for your toes and that the heels don’t rub. Try on both shoes and walk around a little, paying close attention to how they feel on your feet.

Our Picks For The Top Chunky Loafers

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Product Overview
Our Take
  The Best Overall

ISOMEI Round Toe Patent Leather Chunky Loafers

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ISOMEI

Round Toe Patent Leather Chunky Loafers

Available in five colors and sizes from 6 to 12, you can find an option that fits your sizing and style needs. It has a rubber sole with a heel measuring 1.6 inches and a buckle trim. They weigh 1.9 pounds and feature a nonslip sole to provide stability as you’re moving around.

Overall Take

Dressy but ComfortableA retro British design gives this pair of loafers a look that stands out.

 Best Seller

Franco Sarto Balin Almond Toe Faux Leather Chunky Loafers

Franco Sarto

Balin Almond Toe Faux Leather Chunky Loafers

A faux leather sole and chunky bottom with plenty of ridging gives this chunky loafer a classic look. The heel measures about 1.5 inches and it features a slip-on design and almond toe. You can choose from six different color options and sizes from 5 to 11.

Overall Take

Classic OptionIf you’re looking for the classic patent leather design, this pair of chunky loafers is worth considering.

 Best for Comfort

Vionic Cheryl Orthotic Arch Lightweight Chunky Loafers

Vionic

Cheryl Orthotic Arch Lightweight Chunky Loafers

If you prefer a suede-like look, this pair of chunky loafers may be right for you. You can choose from a variety of colors, from light pastels to dark browns, and sizes are available from 5 to 11. The shoes feature a lightweight build that will keep you comfortable while you’re moving around.

Overall Take

Lightweight but DurableChunky loafers can weigh you down, but these are built to be lightweight without sacrificing durability.

  The Best Value

Circus by Sam Edelman Deana 100% Synthetic Chunky Loafers

Circus by Sam Edelman

Deana 100% Synthetic Chunky Loafers

Synthetic material gives this platform shoe the look of leather without reducing durability. The round toe helps keep your feet comfortable, and sizes are available from 5 to 13. You can choose from a wide range of colors and designs, including pairs with fur lining.

Overall Take

Versatile OptionPair this chunky loafer with casual or dressy attire to create a unique look for every occasion.

What to Look For

  • With chunky loafers in particular, it’s important to look at weight. Any chunky shoe can tend to be heavy, and this will wear on you, making walking around a chore. If possible, look at the weight before buying and pay close attention to how heavy they feel as you’re trying them on.
  • It’s also important to keep in mind that feet can tend to swell over the course of a day. Water retention can also impact foot size. When trying on shoes, it’s best to choose a time later in the day, and keep in mind you’ll have a slightly looser fit when you first put your shoes on in the morning.
  • The sole on chunky loafers can differ in height from one shoe to the next. Don’t go solely by appearances when buying loafers online. Pay attention to the height measurements of the sole on each and choose a pair that fits the look you’re going for.
  • A non-slip bottom can help keep you stable as you’re walking around, especially when the ground is slick.
  • Loafers have a variety of looks. Patent leather can be slightly dressier, but you can also find canvas, faux leather and other materials.
  • Different materials have different care instructions. Leather can be tricky to clean, but with the right products, you can keep leather loafers looking great.
  • Traditional loafers feature a slip-on design that eliminates fasteners and shoestrings. Some will come with a buckle that’s decorative rather than functional. Check the quality of the buckle to make sure it will hold up over time.
  • If you’ll be wearing your shoes in wet weather conditions, look for waterproofing. This is especially important in the sole area, since it will come into contact with the ground.
  • There’s a common misconception that shoes need to be broken in before you can wear them regularly. In fact, a good pair of shoes is comfortable from the start. It shouldn’t be necessary to go through discomfort for weeks at a time before you can finally enjoy your shoes.
  • Some loafers are designed to be more versatile in nature. If you’re looking for a pair of chunky loafers that will go with a wide range of items in your wardrobe, you might find yourself steering toward a pair that’s more neutral in design. Bolder loafers in chunkier designs can really make a statement, though, especially if you pair them with the right outfit.

More to Explore

Loafers have been around for almost a century, dating all the way back to Norway in the early 1930s. Norwegian fisherman were the first to wear them, looking for a slip-on shoe that would keep things simple. The original design was inspired by the moccasins worn by Native Americans.

The shoe design first took off in the U.S. soon after the Norwegian version. North American designers included a strap across the top with a diamond cutout. But they were popularized in the 1950s when American students began inserting a penny in that cutout, leading to the name “penny loafers.” Even though pennies are not typically seen in that cutout anymore, the penny loafer look still tends to dominate.

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