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Loafers have been around for decades; in fact, they were invented way back in 1926. There have been a few variants that have popped up over the last hundred years but not in such a statement as the chunky loafer. Chunky loafers are a solid choice, both literally and figuratively, when picking out what to wear for the day.
Combining durability and fashion, chunky loafers are great to wear every day for casual and semi-formal attire. They’re easy to put on and even easier to maintain, which makes them perfect for the ordinary Jane. They’re so popular that you can easily spot someone wearing a chunky loafer or some other loafer variant whenever you head out.
Chunky loafers can be a little difficult to pick from, though, especially with all the various options available. And that’s where we come in - we’ve handpicked some of the best chunky loafers to buy online, based not only on quality but also price, comfort, and more. Below are our favorite chunky loafers of 2024 that you’ll definitely want to check out.
Comparing the Top Chunky Loafers of 2024 in Detail
Marc Joseph Loafers — Best Overall
Key Features
- Various designs
- Rubber sole
- Padded footbed
- Gel on heel insert
One of the surprising features of loafers is how versatile they can be. Not only are there chunky loafers for a thick and solid design, but there are also lighter ones with all sorts of shapes and patterns. Of course, this article is made to focus specifically on chunky loafers, but it would be remiss of us to not mention other options, especially if they come from the same collection.
These loafers come in all shapes and sizes. Of course, there are the chunky loafers, but there are also lighter-looking loafers and even a design with holes in them. This sort of variety is perfect if you still haven’t nailed down exactly what type of loafer you want to buy. If the usual chunky loafer isn’t your style, you can always browse the other options on the store page to see if anything strikes your fancy.
Eastland Loafers — Runner-Up
Key Features
- Made out of 100% leather
- Hand-sewn
- Comfortable
- Classic design
As we mentioned earlier, loafers have been around since the 1920s, and this line of loafers harks back to older, more timeless looks. This puts the “chunky” in chunky loafers, most definitely, as the shoes are made with 100% leather. This feature gives them a very thick and solid look, and while they may look a little tight to wear, they’re actually fairly comfortable. Our general rule of thumb is that as long as you don’t wear them in warm conditions, you won’t feel stuffed at all.
The loafers are actually hand-sewn from a single piece of leather (making them super comfortable, F.Y.I.), adding a bit of a human touch to shoewear, a feature not as common as it once was. It’s also long-lasting leather, so you’ll be able to wear these shoes for years to come as long as you take care of them properly.
Clarks Loafers — Contender
Key Features
- Heeled design
- Heels measure 2.16 inches
- Rubber sole
- Soft fit
While some people may mistake this next pair of loafers for boots, these heeled loafers are indeed loafers, mainly due to the fact that you can easily slip them on and off at will. And though these shoes look nothing like the classic loafer, this actually can work to your advantage in certain situations. The heeled design gives you the opportunity to wear them in situations where a regular pair of loafers would feel out of place, such as during formal events.
The loafers are made with rubber soles and 100% leather. The heels are around two inches high, and while there aren’t any other heel size options available, 2” should be enough for most people. It also helps that the heels are soft on your feet, making wearing heels a little more bearable for those who aren’t really fans of wearing such footwear.
Naturalizer Loafers — Honorable Mention
Key Features
- Lightweight
- Leather and patent leather options
- Synthetic sole
- Easy to put on
Ever wondered why some leather looks glossier than others? That type of leather is known as patent leather, and it’s made to produce a shinier finish than regular leather. You can see this sort of leather on clothing and footwear, and loafers are no exception to this. While loafers are generally considered everyday footwear, they can also stand out thanks to this leather variant. Naturalizer offers a regular black and patent black option with their loafer shoes, giving you a bit of choice when deciding what to get.
The sole itself is also relatively thick and is curved to make it easier to walk around in. It’s also worth noting that the loafer isn’t bricked, so if you like a more solid look to your loafers, then we think you’ll enjoy these.
Franco Sarto — Also Consider
Key Features
- Synthetic leather
- Rubber sole
- Various colors
- Flexible
If you thought there was only one type of black leather, then think again. This line of flat loafers showcases how different types of leather can result in an entirely different look despite sharing the same color. Two of the four options are black, with one being far more textured and subdued in color than the other. These differences allow you to choose a black color that suits your wardrobe more.
Aside from the usual black, there are also two other colors to choose from: Inky Navy and Burgundy. As the names suggest, these colors offer dark blue and brownish color alternatives if you’d rather not go for classic black. All of the shoes have an imported make with rubber soles and synthetic leather, so if you’re not a fan of using animals for shoewear, you can enjoy using faux leather instead.
Finding The Perfect Chunky Loafers: A Buyer's Guide
Chunky loafers are a staple in many women’s wardrobes. Add some to your own shoe collection with the help of this guide.
What Are Chunky Loafers?
Chunky loafers are loafer shoes that have a bulkier, thicker, and overall larger appearance compared to the more traditional loafer style. Loafers are a type of shoe that’s easy to wear and are usually slip-on in nature.
Why Should You Wear Chunky Loafers?
They’re easy to put on
One of the hallmarks of a chunky loafer’s design is the fact that you can easily put them on. There are no laces, zippers, none of that sort: you simply slip them on and you’re done. Now to some, this may seem like a bad idea, especially when you need to move around a lot. And truth be told, that’s a valid concern: compared to securing your footing with zippers or shoelaces, you’re more likely to have your foot slip out just as easily as it was to slip it in.
But here’s the thing: loafers are designed for casual wear, and casual wear only. You won’t use them for running marathons or shooting hoops. Instead, loafers are made to be worn when going to the office, meeting with friends, and the like. In these situations, you won’t need to worry about keeping your shoes extra tight, so having the convenience of easily putting them on and taking them off is a worthwhile trade-off.
They can be worn in many situations
Another great feature of chunky loafers is that they can be worn in all sorts of situations. Loafers have that look that makes them perfect for anything casual to semi-formal. And aside from extremely formal and luxurious parties or athletic activities, you can find a way to make chunky loafers work. There’s a reason why loafers are considered everyday shoes by many shoe owners!
With this much versatility, you not only get to use your loafers for more things, but you also get to preserve the quality of your other shoes. By getting a pair of chunky loafers, you can wear them in situations where you’d normally wear other shoes. This allows you to use your other shoes less often, keeping them in prime condition for longer than you’d expect.
Things to Consider When Buying Chunky Loafers
Keep these tips in mind when choosing chunky loafers for you to wear.
Size
As with all types of footwear, the number one element you should be thinking about from the get-go is size. For many people, size is something that’s often taken for granted. I mean, after all, you can simply just buy the same size as the shoes that you’re currently wearing, right? Well, it’s not that simple, and that’s because of two things: size chart differences and the nature of foot size in general.
Many avid shoe collectors are already familiar with size chart differences, but for those of you that aren’t, shoes don’t always follow the same size. Shoe sizes vary from country to country, and this can make it difficult to buy a shoe online since you’ll have to base the fit entirely on the listed shoe size. When buying shoes based on a size chart, be sure to check what measurement the product is using, as well as the measurement that you currently use. If the two differ, consider using a size conversion chart, which you can easily find online these days.
Aside from variations in measurement, there’s also the fact that your current shoe’s size doesn’t always reflect the ideal shoe size you should be getting. For one, your current shoes are already adjusted to your feet. If they were slightly smaller, then they likely stretched over time to give you a more comfortable fit. So, if you buy shoes of the same size, then you’ll have to deal with tight shoes again until they adjust accordingly.
Aside from this, there’s also the fact that your feet are larger in the afternoon and evening compared to during the morning. Why? Because over the course of the day, your feet begin to swell after walking and standing. This makes your feet slightly larger than they were when you woke up. So, you’ll probably want to measure the size of your feet at the end of the day, as that’s how large your feet can get.
Heel type
There are a few different types of heels when it comes to loafers. And while they may not be as varied as other shoe types, such as women's sandals, there are enough heel variations to make loafers distinct from one another.
There are block heels and platform heels, the two most popular types of heels for chunky loafers. There are other heel types out there, but they aren’t nearly as popular as the two we mentioned. When deciding between block heels and platform heels, consider the shape of the heels themselves, how well they would fit with your outfits, and how comfortable they’d be to wear.
