The quintessential loafer gets an up-do this spring with several different takes on the classic silhouette that’s taking the season by storm. With designers promising this trend will take off, many are modernizing the 1930’s style for today’s shopper—to be worn with or without the classic crew socks. Some reimaginings of the classic shoe play on entirely new cuts, new textures, ornate elements, and more. Find loafers that evoke a surfer vibe, others that mimic a slip-on mule, or opt for vintage penny loafer—but with a trendy stacked leather heel.

These “loafers with a twist” will certainly persuade you to hop on the bandwagon, and we found pairs for as low as $26. Shop our favorite loafer styles from Free People, Madewell, Toms, Seavees, and more to create an endless array of chic and cool spring outfits. 

Best Loafers for Spring

• Free People After Riding Mules, $138; freepeople.com
• Anne Klein Kalypso Penny Loafer, $50 (was $80); dsw.com
• Toms Cara Mule Loafer, $84 (was $110); toms.com
• Seavees Hayward Platform, $140; seavees.com
• Steve Madden Lando Cognac Suede, $56 with code FRIEND ($80); stevemadden.com
• Madewell The Corinne Lugsole Loafer, $158; madewell.com
• Sorel Ona Ave Loafer, $77 ($130); zappos.com
• Rewjug Orthoture Orthopedic Platform Loafers, $26; amazon.com
• Anthropologie Kelsi Dagger Brooklyn Lens Loafers, $130; anthropologie.com
• Geoz Spherica Platform Penny Loafer, $63 (was $170); nordstromrack.com
• Cariuma Withered Rose Suede, $129; cariuma.com
• JCrew Sueded Bow Loafers, $30 with code SAVE70 (was $138); factory.jcrew.com

Free People After Riding Mules

Part shoe, part slipper, we see Free People’s After Riding Loafers pairing well with barrel jeans and a cropped tee. This laid-back suede favorite features a hand-stitched moccasin-style upper, complete with a chunky buckle, and a wafer-thin lugged rubber outsole. These shoes are artisan crafted, using fine leather and premium materials to create a vintage aesthetic signature of the Free People brand. They come in five colors, including a leopard-printed suede. One shopper said they’re “obsessed” and wear these loafers constantly. They also mentioned the mules stretch after use but can be tightened down with the leather buckle. 

Anne Klein Kalypso Penny Loafer

This wallet-friendly option from Anne Klein takes a traditional loafer style and adds a sporty sole for a casual spin. It’s made with a synthetic leather upper, which helps keep the price down, and features a tab at the heel for slip-on ease. This shoe doesn’t skimp on comfort, however, as it boasts Anne Klein’s patented iFlex sculpted footbed that molds to your foot with wear, guaranteeing endless support. This loafer comes in three colors (black, silver, and gold metallic faux suede), all with a white sole. Customers say they run slightly large, so size accordingly.

Toms Cara Mule Loafer

Tom’s mule-style loafer lends a dressier twist on a classic, one that’s perfect for a spring workday. This contemporary silhouette features a suede or metallic upper with a thermoplastic rubber outsole for ultimate traction—good for those in-between seasons. Choose from two styles of insoles: a nonremovable patented CloudBound foam insole or a faux shearling lining for added warmth. This shoe pairs well with anything from a structured denim to a flowy silk and comes in six colors and styles. Plus, as a member of the Leather Working Group, Toms supports responsible manufacturing, and proceeds from every pair go to children’s education, health, and well-being.

Seavees Hayward Platform

These surfer-inspired loafers are designed by Seavees, a brand known for bringing vintage finds back to life—and they might just be our favorite style in the lineup. This timeless design merges a moccasin with a platform sneaker and is meant to segue the seasons. Plus, the shoe is made with materials from Leather Working Group-certified tanneries. With the 100 percent suede, rawhide laces, recycled cotton, and a recycled natural rubber sole, you can feel good about your purchase while receiving tons of compliments as you go about your everyday business. We like the sandstone and tan colors for spring, and the tobacco and chocolate colors for fall.

Shop our other newly-refreshed loafer styles for a put-together office look or an easy-peasy casual weekend vibe perfect for spring. 

Steve Madden Lando Cognac Suede

Madewell The Corinne Lugsole Loafer

Sorel Ona Ave Loafer

Rewjug Orthoture Orthopedic Platform Loafers

Anthropologie Kelsi Dagger Brooklyn Lens Loafers

Geox Spherica Platform Penny Loafer 

Cariuma Withered Rose Suede

J.Crew Factory Sueded Bow Loafers