Venetian loafers are a popular type of men’s shoe that lives mainly in the casual realm. Yet, they have a sleek, stylish design that is simple enough to where it can be made more casual or formal depending on their material, sole type, or other design detail.
There are many different brands manufacturing many different styles of Venetian loafers. In fact, even within a single brand, there can be many different lines of Venetian loafers available for purchase. Considering this, it can be difficult to know which ones are the best, especially if you’ve never purchased a pair of Venetian loafers in the past.
For this reason, on this page, we’ll be covering some background information on the Venetian loafer shoe style while also listing some of the best pairs we found available for purchase on Zappos.
Indeed, there are many different online retailers for men’s shoes; however, we’ve found Zappos to be one of the most convenient given their extensive inventory, regular markdowns & sales, and generous return policy (in case of fit issues).
What Is A Venetian Loafer?
A Venetian loafer is a style of men’s slip-on shoe that is defined by its simple vamp design. The vamp, or the top of the shoe, on this type of loafer is largely sterile. In general, this loafer style is largely marked by the stitches that hold together the top and bottom components of the shoe. There are no laces, no leather decorations (such as pinking), and no saddle (such as on a penny loafer.)
It is not well understood where the Venetian loafer originated. However, it is similar to moccasins which themselves are a very old style of shoes. It is also not clear where the “Venetian” part of the name stems from, but strangely enough, it’s believed to have gained prominence in Great Britain some time ago.
Nowadays, the Venetian loafer style has morphed into many different variations that we exhibit below. While the original Venetian loafers were made of leather, there are now Venetian loafers made of many other materials.
Can Venetian Loafers Have Tassels?
There’s no bible with regards to naming convenient for most types of shoes. This being said, we’re rather steadfast in the fact that Venetian loafers should not have tassels. If they did, they’d be tassel loafers. Or if they had a penny saddle, then those would be better referred to as penny loafers.
Tassel Loafers – Similar but not strictly Venetian Loafers
What Differentiates Venetian Loafers For Men?
There are many Venetian loafers available on the market, but not all Venetian loafers are created equal. In order to find the best Venetian loafers for you, it’s important to keep a few different factors in mind. These include:
- Materials: Venetian loafers can be made of different materials, each with its own unique look & feel. For example, leather Venetian loafers often have a sleek, professional look whereas suede varieties may have a more casual appearance.
- Design: Venetian loafers can be designed in different ways, which can impact both their look & feel as well as their durability. For instance, some may have a stitching detail along the vamp while others may not. Additionally, some Venetian loafers may have a cushioned insole for added comfort while others may not.
- Sole: Venetian loafers can have either a leather or rubber sole. Each has its own unique benefits – leather soles often look nicer, but they may not be as durable as rubber soles, for example.
- Price point: Venetian loafers can range widely in terms of price, from budget-friendly options to high-end designer pairs. It’s important to consider how much you’re willing to spend on a pair before making your purchase.
- Construction: Venetian loafers can be Goodyear welted, Blake stitched., or cemented Goodyear welted loafers are often of a higher quality as they are more durable & long-lasting. Blake stitched Venetian loafers, on the other hand, are typically less expensive, but they may not last as long. Cemented ones are generally the cheapest and often the least durable.
- Color: Various
- Material: Calf & Suede Leathers
- Pricing: $177.95 [Buy Now On Zappos]
Overview
A classic style and lightweight design combine to make the Lewis Venetian one of our favorite slip-on shoes. The light brown color of the Italian suede, slightly contrasting stitching and tone-matching rubber outsole work nicely to give these shoes a decidedly classic style that’s perfect for a semi-casual look.
- Color: Black
- Material: Sheepskin Leather
- Pricing: $159 [Buy Now On Zappos]
Overview
The Cresswell Venetian by Johnston & Murphy stands out for its simple yet elegant design. The sheepskin leather and tubular construction combine to result in a shoe that is as soft on the feet as it is stylish. We love these in black leather for a more formal look, but they’re also available in a nice cognac brown leather for a more casual summer look.
- Color: Sand
- Material: Linen Suede
- Pricing: $200 [On Sale On Zappos]
Overview
When it comes to Venetian loafers, the Sino in sand linen suede by Bruno Magli is one of those truly timeless designs. The rubber sole means excellent traction and comfort for unrivaled functionality while the genuine leather welt ensures the classic look is preserved.
The Sino loafers boast more stitching details than your classic Venetian, yet it’s tastefully done so it does not detract or distract from the sleek silhouette of the shoes. Finally, the leather upper, lining, and insole ensure the comfort factor is likewise present.
- Color: Varied
- Material: Premium Leather
- Pricing: $94.99 [On Sale On Zappos]
Overview
The Rockport Perth Bay is a boat-shoe-inspired Venetian loafer that provides both the casual essence of the boat shoe with a bit more refinement.
The shock-absorbent truTECH technology in the heel results in a highly forgiving shoe that feels more like a sneaker than a semi-formal dress shoe, while the waterproof construction ensures the seams, the joint where water is most likely to enter the dry interior of your shoe, effectively repels any moisture from the external environment.
We think the oat leather is a great choice, though lighter leather uppers are available if you’re looking to build a chic summer look. For all of the varieties, the tone of the rubber sole has been altered to match the upper in the best way.
- Color: High-Gloss Black
- Material: Patent Leather
- Pricing: $123.20 [On Sale At Zappos]
Overview
It’s easy to see how all of the previously featured Venetian loafers are mostly casual shoes. Perhaps some of them could be dressed up to business casual in very particular settings, but they remain casual nonetheless.
However, the Cole Haan Lenox Hill Venetians demonstrate how, with the right upper material and design, Venetian loafers may even make an appearance in black tie settings. Here, the slip-on nature of this loafer ensures they’ll be comfortable to wear throughout the entire function while the leather upper abides by the strict dress code.
Unfortunately, the patent leather imparts such a particular look that you may have a hard time wearing them on many occasions, but when you do, you’ll certainly find extended comfort.
Shoe Content
