Goodbye to My Perfect Black Loafers

My black loafers have died.

I purchased my beloved pair from Steve Madden in 2022, ready to embark on my first New York City internship. As someone with short legs, I opted for a more platform lug sole, sans any sort of tassel or horsebit or extra details. They were minimal. They were comfy (after I broke them in by wearing fuzzy socks around the house.) They served me well not only in New York, but through my senior year of college and the life I’ve led up until now, on nights out or shopping days or anything I put them through. They held up. In a few words, they were my comfort shoes.

I brought them back to the city with me and it was like a relationship that’s served you well for a time… until you admit it’s not the same as it used to be. They’d become so worn down that the inside was detaching, the logo was barely visible and the exterior was more scuffed than not. I faced the facts – begrudgingly and far later than I should’ve – and kissed them goodbye (not literally, because God knows what I’m walking in every day on these sidewalks.)

Now, I’m reeling from their absence and deep in my search for another pair that can even attempt to come close to the support they gave me. It’s been difficult for me to carry this journey on my own, so I thought we’d embark on it together! My first attempt was an unfortunate failure when I took a gamble on this pair from Rocket Dog, but the reviews matched my own experience of my heel sliding out with every step, no matter what size. The list below is where I’m heading to next – if you resonate with my story or are just looking for your own perfect black loafer this fall, this one’s for you.

The Bradley Lug Sole Loafer in Leather from Madewell – There’s something about a Madewell shoe (I referenced their perfect brown boot in my last article), and this specific loafer is the most like my previous pair. They’re simple on the outside and have “MWL Cloudlift Lite” padding on the inside, so you can wear them everywhere just like I did! They have the lifted lug sole as well, but aren’t necessarily full platforms.

Leona Black Leather Loafer from Steve Madden – Another pick from Steve Madden but with a twist! I’ve always loved a Mary Jane style, so this loafer is definitely piquing my interest. They’re also a bit more affordable than the Madewell option. Reviews are solid, too, which I’m learning to be better about reading.

Cube Loafer from Marc Fisher – I have to preface by saying that these have a cheetah colorway that I’m very into, but I also really like the black/brown pair. Black goes with everything, but a black/brown combo really goes with everything, especially for fall. I wear my loafers year round, though – as should you, if you so desire.

Coppola Slingback Penny Loafer from Franco Sarto – Along with a Mary Jane, I also love a slingback. I have a pair of full open back loafers but I feel like I’m clinging to keep them on my feet, so the slingback is the perfect mix of an open back type shoe that’s not going anywhere. I don’t own a pair of Franco Sarto shoes, but I’ve only heard good things.

When I tell you there are hundreds and hundreds of black loafers out there, I mean it – I only picked four or else you might’ve lost me down the rabbit hole.

You don’t realize how good you have it until it’s gone. I’ll miss my old loafers every day, but onto new pairs!