Chunky but not clunky, it’s easy to dress up or down with these 1.5-inch platform loafers, but you’ll want to break them in before a long wear.
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Written byCeara Perez-Murphy, staff writer, and product tester who's known to give great gifts.
Updated March 14, 2024
Classic and understated, loafers are a fantastic fashion staple to have in your closet at all times. Whether you’re looking to dress up or down, loafers pair well with any outfit, though finding the perfect pair can be tough. Some loafers are flat, while others come with a slight heel or a chunky lug sole, and each of these attributes lends to how they feel on your feet.
After looking through thousands of reviews, we narrowed it down to five pairs of the best loafers you can get on Amazon now.
Editor's Note:
The recommendations in this guide are based on thorough product and market research by our team of expert product reviewers. The picks are based on examining user reviews, product specifications, and, in some limited cases, our experience with the specific products named.
Franco Sarto Carolynn Lug Sole Loafer
With style options including metallic, suede, woven finishes and more, it's no wonder these loafers from Franco Sarto are a hit. Said by reviews to be true to size at first, these loafers require no breaking in in order to wear them but in order to get the best fit we'd suggest actually sizing down. Despite high reviews, people do mention that these loafers tend to stretch a bit over time and if you plan on wearing them with socks then you may see them stretching more than you'd like.
With a 1.5-inch platform, these loafers offer a bit of height without making you feel like you're walking around on stilts. For those looking to glam up an everyday look and add a feminine touch to menswear style these are a good choice.
The super cute lug sole Deana loafer from Circus by Sam Edelman has nine colorways to choose from, each with a metal ornament detail on the top. Chunky but not clunky, it’s easy to dress up or down with these 1.5-inch platform loafers, but you’ll want to break them in before a long wear. The Deana loafer runs true to size and has a nicely cushioned insole, but will stretch a little if need be.
We love the Sam Edelman brand because they’re known for making great quality shoes without the huge price tag. These might be a little flashy for some, but if you’re looking for a fun platform shoe, they could be perfect.
The Sam Edelman Loraine loafer is a more classic loafer that people often compare to the wildly expensive Gucci loafer. With plenty of color options, you’ll have no trouble finding the perfect pair for any occasion. The best part of the Loraine loafer is that they don’t require a whole lot of breaking in and they’re comfortable from the get-go. But they do run somewhat large, so you may want to size down, especially if you’re in between sizes.
These are a classic, comfortable work shoe for when you want to add a timeless look to your collection.
The Eastland Classic II penny loafer is 100% leather with a rubber sole and an OrthoLite comfort insole. So popular that people go back for seconds once their first pair wears out, these loafers are easy to clean with a quick wipe and don’t slip in wet situations, which is a huge plus.
Pick from seven colors to find your perfect pair, but be sure to break them in at home before hitting the town, as the Eastland loafer is said to fit tight across the top of your foot. Size down to prevent heel slippage, but be careful—these loafers might scuff easier than you’d like.
The Franco Sarto Balin loafer is said to be an extremely comfortable, patent lug-sole loafer that lives up to style expectations. While these are a hit with some, they wouldn’t be a good fit for those with wider feet; they’re said to run very narrow even when ordering the wide option. If you’re interested in the Balin loafer, we’d suggest sizing up a touch to avoid the problem that others have run into with the loafer running small.
Due to the thickness of the sole, there is a little less give, so they might not be a great longwear shoe. Fans of the Balin loafer rave that these are beautiful and comfortable, so if you’re able to find the right fit this could be a great shoe.
Prices were accurate at the time this article was published but may change over time.
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Ceara Perez-Murphy is a staff writer at Reviewed. In her free time she likes trying out new recipes in the kitchen, exploring new restaurants and spending time outdoors with her dogs.
Our team is here for one purpose: to help you buy the best stuff and love what you own. Our writers, editors, and lab technicians obsess over the products we cover to make sure you're confident and satisfied. Have a different opinion about something we recommend? Email us and we'll compare notes.