Ever struggled with getting the right fit for your loafers? You’re not alone!
Without stating the obvious, loafers can be quite tricky to nail down perfectly because the lack of a lacing system or buckles means there’s really nothing securing your foot outside of the leather and the way the loafer is shaped.
So, the need for a snug but comfortable fit in the heel, instep, and vamp means there’s little to no margin for error when finding the correct fit for your foot.
Without further delay, let’s jump right in and talk about the ins and outs of how loafers should fit…
How Should Loafers Fit
A loafer, at its first stage, should feel like a snug glove and it needs to basically hug your foot. You should feel the leather around all of your foot grabbing you, especially in the world of Goodyear welted shoes.
Once the leather breaks in and softens up, you’re going to gain millimeters of volume. Now, those millimeters of volume make a huge difference and will finally allow your foot to feel comfortable inside your loafers.
So, start snug to get that perfect fit. If you’re too comfortable in the beginning and it stretches, you’re then going to get a sloppy fit, and sloppy fit is not good for your feet because you’ll start to overwork your arch in the loafer.
Remember, if you’re not comfortable initially, chances are you won’t enjoy wearing your loafers in the long run.
The goal is you want your loafers to be comfortable in a week from now or a month from now.
Overall, when it comes to loafers, it’s more of a what-you-see-is-what-you-get type of situation. That’s why it’s important to make sure they fit snug and cozy right out of the box.
Let’s now take an even closer look at the finer details…
Width
When it comes to width, you want the widest part of your foot, which is the ball of your foot, to coincide with the widest part of your loafers. Not only that, you want to make sure that your toes have enough room and are not tight or constricted but comfortably snug.
Remember, snug loafers will naturally stretch slightly over time and conform to your foot shape, and that is a good thing.
However, if your loafers feel overly tight and restrictive, you may want to try a half size up for a better fit.
Overall, the width of the forefoot requires a snug but comfortable fit in the forefoot where your foot doesn’t have too much room to actually slide forward, but it also can’t be too snug where it’s pinching your toes.
It’s a delicate balance because unlike lace-up shoes or boots, loafers lack a lacing system to hold your foot in place.
Related: Got a pair of Hey Dudes? Chek out their size charts and sizing tips.
Length
Length-wise, there should be a little bit of space between the end of your toe and the shoe’s end—not too much, but enough for comfort.
While some shoes are designed to have half an inch to an inch of space, not all loafers follow this design. Certain brands prioritize a more natural size, ensuring the shoe contours align with your foot so you shouldn’t be swimming at the end of your toes.
Again, your loafers should snugly hug your foot and provide a glove-like fit that becomes even more comfortable over time.
Related: If you’re thinking of getting some Balenciaga shoes or sneakers, here’s everything we know about how they fit in 2024.
Heel Fit
The heel needs to have a strong support in a three-dimensional application, meaning it can’t just be snug up against the back of the heel, but the shape of the heel and the curvature from top to bottom or from bottom to top needs to cradle and support your foot.
It’s fine if there’s a little extra space and there’s a little wiggle room, but you shouldn’t feel like your foot is slipping out of your loafers; that’s not good. Maybe you want to go down a half size if that’s the case.
The height of the heel from the base of the foot up to the top line of the shoe is also extremely important. It needs to be tall enough to actually hold your heel in but not too tall where it would dig into your ankle.
Instep & Arch Fit
The instep and arch are common pain points for most people. If you have a tall instep, it’s going to be problematic.
The instep of the loafer is determined based on the style such as a high vamp or a low vamp loafer or something that’s more evenly balanced. If the instep is too generous in fit, your foot won’t be secure and you won’t have the necessary or desired support through the arch of the shoe.
If the instep is too low or snug, your foot will be very uncomfortable as it could cut off the circulation to your foot, and this is something people often experience with ready-to-wear loafers.
All in all, it would be unreasonable to expect to get the pinpoint accuracy and fit from a ready-to-wear factory-made loafer. That level of precision is typically reserved for bespoke shoes.
Not only that, everyone’s definition of comfort and fit varies. Some people prefer a looser feel, while others prefer a snug fit. Just make sure your loafers fit in a way that matches your comfort standards and aligns with how you like your other shoes to feel.
Now that we’ve covered some of the best practices for trying your loafers on and identifying a good fit with your shoes, I hope you feel more confident in assessing the fit of your loafers.
We talked to Justin Fitzpatrick, owner of J.Fitzpatrick Footwear in SoHo New York City, and here’s everything we could gather from a shoe specialist who fits people day in and day out.
According to him, “Even in Winter, they sell more loafers than boots these days,” adding that “loafers are having a huge resurgence.”
“Lace-less loafers have different builds, different lasts, and different shapes,” he explained. “We’re often just totally scrambling to figure out how we’re supposed to size loafers.”
Loafer Fit vs. Sneaker Fit
Justin Fitzpatrick highlights the contrast, saying, “If you’re used to the tailored fit and support of sneakers—thanks to the mesh, tongue, laces, and snug heel cup—slipping into a pair of loafers might feel like stepping into a different world. Trust me, I’ve been there. Your foot might just slip right out.”
He adds insightfully, “A lot of guys naturally have to size down from what they think they really are because the loafer tells you the truth immediately. So, if we go with the mentality of what we are in our Nikes when we wear thicker athletic socks, that doesn’t translate to a dress shoe worn with super thin dress socks and/or maybe no socks, especially in the case of loafers in summer.”
Use the Brannock Device
Justin Fitzpatrick emphasizes the importance of using the Brannock Device, stating, “Above all, the first thing you really need to do is get sized on a Brannock Device because a lot of people have never done that before.”
Expanding on the topic, he adds, “Fit is very subjective, so a Brannock could tell you that you measure at size 12, but if your foot is super narrow and shallow, you can’t wear 12; you’ll go down to 10.5 to get a snug fit that doesn’t fall off your feet.
Furthermore, if your sneakers have been size 12 your whole life, there’s a good chance your Brannock is 11.5, and there’s a good chance your loafer size would probably be like an 11.
So, it really just depends, but chances are you’ll be a smaller size than your sneakers, especially when transitioning from athletic socks to dress socks and potentially no socks.”
Do Loafers stretch With Wear
Justin Fitzpatrick explains, “When you get into nicer footwear, especially if it’s a resoleable shoe like a Goodyear welted shoe, it stretches.
One of the reasons people appreciate leather footwear and well-made leather loafers is because leather does stretch with the heat and friction of wearing and walking in them. Eventually, your loafer conforms to the shape of your foot, and the fit improves with time.
So, the least comfortable a shoe will be is the first day you get it, and then it gets better.”
Now, the question is how you tell if your loafers are too tight and what’s the difference between nice and snug and too tight…
How to Tell if Loafers Are Too Tight
Justin Fitzpatrick outlines several indicators, stating, “One, a loafer is too tight when you really can’t wiggle your toes at all. If your toe is hitting the front, that’s not good because length doesn’t stretch.
Two, if it’s painfully uncomfortable to take a step, that’s probably not good, and your loafer is probably too tight. If you’re kind of pressing against the sides but not in a painfully uncomfortable way, that should be okay because that’s going to give.
Three, if literally you can’t slip your heel out, it’s too tight. Now, there’s a huge misconception where guys can forcefully pull their ankle out of their loafer and then say they’re too big because you can do that even in the perfect size and even in a bespoke loafer.
Again, fit is super subjective. In French culture, they wear their shoes so tight where there’s like no molecules of space inside, and they find that comfortable, but I don’t find that comfortable.”
Can You Stretch a Loafer That’s Too Tight?
Justin Fitzpatrick explains, “You can actually stretch the instep height and width but not the length.
Cobbler: You can either take your loafer to a cobbler who has those heavy-duty stretchers, or you can buy shoe stretchers on Amazon and you’re good to go.
Personally, I have a bone from playing soccer and sometimes models hit me really bad on the top of my foot, and I have to stretch them. They’re the perfect size, but they’re just tight right there, and I have to stretch them before I’m able to wear them.
Some other methods include:
Frozen bag: I’ve heard of people putting a frozen bag of water in their shoes and then freezing it; the ice expands and stretches the shoe.
Baseball cap / water: Some people fit baseball caps, and others basically soak the entire shoe with the foot in it, manually aiding the breaking-in process.
Of course, you don’t want to do this with suede loafers, but darker leathers, lighter leathers can get soaked and then mold to the shape of your feet. I’ve seen bespoke shoemakers go go through this process to shrink shoes.
Broom: Another method is to stretch the sides of your loafers using the edge of an old-school broom handle that’s round. You basically stick the handle inside wherever you need it to be stretched and rub really hard. It’s not going to break the shoe, but it will manually stretch out the widths.”
We asked him the last question: can you make your loafers smaller?
Can You Make Loafers Smaller?
Justin Fitzpatrick responds, “Well, there aren’t really any good ways to make a loafer smaller. It’s easier to make your loafers bigger than to make them smaller. However, you can make your loafers smaller to an extent, but it’s a bit more challenging compared to stretching them.
If you find your loafers slightly too large, you can try using a second insole, thicker socks, or heel grips to take up some extra space. These can help improve the fit and make the shoes feel snugger.
It’s important to note that there are limitations to how much the shoe can be made smaller without compromising its structure.”
Fit Tips to Consider
Try Lafers On Carpet
When trying on your loafers, stick to carpeted surfaces. Avoid hardwood floors, tile, pavement, or gravel as they can scratch the soles. Most brands won’t accept returns for shoes with damaged soles, so it’s best to be cautious.
Always Use a Shoe Horn
A shoe horn not only makes it easier for your foot to slide into the shoe, it also maintains the shape of your loafers, especially the heel, and counter, but it also
Don’t Get Attached to a Certain Size
If you’ve worn a size 10 for the past 20 years, you may fit slightly differently or have a different size now, so be open to try a 9.5 or 10.5 and see if it fits better.
Try Loafers With Socks
Make sure to try on your loafers with the socks you plan to wear regularly. If you prefer ski or athletic socks, try them with thick socks. If you want to wear them with thin dress socks, try them on with thin dress socks.
If you’re going sockless, use very thin socks or clean bare feet (although we recommend using very thin socks for hygiene). Avoid going completely sockless to protect your shoes; opt for no-show socks for the sockless look while keeping your feet comfortable.
Try Loafers In the Evening
Try on your shoes in the afternoon or evening. Throughout the day, factors like workouts, standing for long periods, or high salt intake can cause your feet to swell slightly. Fitting your shoes when your feet are at their largest, typically at day’s end, ensures a more accurate and comfortable fit.
Your Feet Are Not Asymmetrical
Although your feet are close, they are not perfectly symmetrical. What I recommend is fitting to the larger of the two feet.
For instance, if your right foot is size 11 and your left foot is size 10.5, you want to fit for the larger size. It’s better to have a slightly loose shoe than one that’s too tight as tight shoes can lead to discomfort, blisters, and potential long-term issues
Feet Can Change Shape & Size Over Time
If you’ve recently started weightlifting, taken up a new sport, or experienced significant weight changes, your foot size may have changed too. Be open to trying different sizes.
For instance, if you’ve worn a size 10 for years but started powerlifting and your foot widened slightly, consider going up a half size. Embrace these changes for better comfort; don’t feel confined to your old shoe size.
Materials Matter
Quality loafers often feature full-grain leather, alligator, ostrich, or suede for their uppers and linings. These materials are organic and can expand or contract based on factors like temperature and humidity.
What that leads me to say is when trying on shoes, don’t rush it. Wear them for five to ten minutes. Sit at your desk or on the couch, with your feet up and down, and walk around to gauge comfort and fit.
Over maybe 10 minutes as your foot warms up the shoe and warms up the leather, see how your loafers feel and how soft they may feel.
That’s going to better mimic how they’re going to feel throughout the day.
Leather Loafers Conform to Your Feet
Leather, being organic, naturally stretches and molds to your foot’s shape over time and even in the short term. Keep in mind that a lot of loafers will slightly expand in width but not in length.
If your shoes feel snug on the width, especially if you have wider feet, don’t worry. Your loafers will naturally expand a bit.
However, if they’re really tight, constricting, and uncomfortable in width or length, then you may have to go up a half size.
Or, if you’re just swimming in them, you may have to go down a half size.
Talking about about half size, Blundstone half sizes relate to width not length. Check out how your Blundstone boots should fit if you have a pair that doesn’t fit well.
Try Both Sizes
If you’re unsure about your size or fall between sizes, it’s best to order both sizes. Whether you typically wear a 10 in one brand and a 10.5 in another, having both sizes allows you to try them in the comfort of your home for a few minutes. Keep the pair that fits best and return or exchange the other one. Many companies offer free return shipping for this purpose.
UK Shoe Sizing Typically Runs One Size Smaller Than US Sizing
If you’re ordering shoes to the UK, remember that UK sizes are typically one size lower than US sizes. For instance, a US size 10 is equivalent to a UK size 9. I think the best thing is to refer to our size charts for accurate conversions between US, UK, and Euro sizes.
Related: Make sure you read our ultimate shoe sizing guide where we explain everything size, US, EU, Mondo, and a lot more info.
Final Thoughts
Now that I’ve gone over various tips on how your loafers should fit, you’re in a better position to ensure the ideal fit for your footwear. Remember, comfort is key, so pay attention to details like material stretch and potential foot size changes. Don’t hesitate to try different sizes or styles to find what works best for you.
I’ll see you in the next one!