Autumn/Winter shoe shopping is one of my favourite things, which makes sense, given that my love for sneakers is well-documented. That being said, I always struggled to find a closed-toe, winter shoe that was the perfect mix of casual and dressy.
This year, my struggles finally came to an end when I decided to invest in a pair of chunky, black loafers.
I was surprised I hadn’t succumbed to the trend sooner, especially given that they’re are staple in many celebrity wardrobes. Take Hailey Bieber’s enviable aesthetic — she’s the queen of understated chic and apparently, she’s the queen of chunky loafers, too.
Whether they’re being paired with a black minidress and white ankle socks or a pair of oversized pants and blazer, they boast a certain level of versatility that most shoes don’t. Whether you’re headed to work or a date night spot, they work for almost every occasion, hitting that sweet spot between helping you look put together without looking like you’re trying too hard.
With the likes of Camille Rowe and Bella Hadid buying into the trend, it was only a matter of time before major fashion houses (think Prada, Celine and Louis Vuitton) jumped on the chunky loafer bandwagon. Of course, the brands put their own signature spin on the style, ranging from miniature logos to chunky hardware, but at its core, the essence of the shoe has remained largely untouched.
And, if you’re worried about buying into a trend given how fleeting the cycles seem to feel these days, you can rest assured that the fashion world’s obsession with the chunky loafer isn’t going anywhere anytime soon. Kate Moss loved them in the 90s, Jennifer Aniston loved them in the early 2000s and pretty much everyone loves them now. So, it feels like a safe bet that if you invest in the right pair, they’ll cement themselves as a forever piece in your footwear lineup.
Below, our pick of the best chunky loafer styles to shop in 2023, no matter your style or budget.
The best chunky loafers to shop in 2023
Brushed Leather Monolith loafers, $1770 from Prada
Elated Loafer, $79.95 at Novo Shoes and THE ICONIC
Billini Vella Loafers, $89.95 from THE ICONIC
Risky Black High Shine Loafers, $99.95 from THE ICONIC
Alohas Sandal Track Loafer, $315 from THE ICONIC
Sawyer Loafer in Black Hi Shine, $89.95 from Sandler
Aere Leather Buckle Loafers, $150 from THE ICONIC
Olympia Black Leather Loafers, $299 from Radical Eyes
Naval Box Leather Loafer, $250 from G Star Raw
