Men’s suede Venetian loafers have surged in popularity in recent years—and for good reason. This versatile footwear choice effortlessly bridges the gap between casual and formal wear. Whether paired with a blazer and trousers for a polished look or styled with shorts for a relaxed daytime outfit, loafers provide both style and comfort. Their lightweight and compact design makes them ideal for travel, easy to pack, and comfortable enough for long flights (and way better looking than sneakers!).
Thanks to their typically unlined construction, they can be worn with or without socks, making them a go-to option for a range of occasions.
In this article, we explore some of the best alternatives to the original Loro Piana Summer Walk, all featuring the signature stitched apron toe and off-white rubber sole option.
Men’s Suede Venetian Loafers
1. The Pioneer of the Men’s Suede Venetian Loafer: Loro Piana’s Summer Walk
- Price: $980 USD
- Color Options: 16
If budget isn’t a concern, the Loro Piana Summer Walk is the ultimate choice. The hallmark of this luxury loafer is its unparalleled suede quality—exceptionally soft with a rich, luxurious nap that none of the alternatives below quite match.
In recent years, Loro Piana has made this model even more exclusive and harder to find. Their online store and boutiques frequently sell out, further driving up demand.
Find these here: www.us.loropiana.com
2. Aurelien Yacht Loafer
- Price: $410 USD
- Color Options: 26
Aurelien’s Yacht Loafer remains faithful to the original design but incorporates a stylish twist—a 360-degree lacing detail around the top, subtly nodding to the classic boat shoe aesthetic.
Find these here: www.aurelien-online.com
3. Velasca Ferèe
- Price: $370 USD
- Color Options: 8
Velasca’s version of the men’s suede Venetian loafer stands out with its Blake construction, offering a sleek yet durable build. It also features a slightly thicker sole than other options, providing extra comfort and longevity.
Find these here: www.velasca.com
4. Suit Supply Slip-On Loafer
- Price: $329 USD
- Color Options: 3
While the color selection is limited, this loafer comes with a key advantage—free US returns and the convenience of physical stores in major cities, making it a hassle-free purchase.
Find these here: www.suitsupply.com
5. TLB Mallorca Style 2009
- Price: 244 euros (approx. $265 USD)
- Color Options: 10
Crafted in Mallorca by esteemed shoemaker TLB Mallorca, their men’s suede Venetian loafer features a slightly more rounded toe, giving it a relaxed and casual aesthetic while maintaining an elegant silhouette.
Find these here: www.tlbmallorca.com
6. Berwick 1707 Palma Flex
- Price: $200 USD
- Color Options: 27
For those seeking outstanding value, the Berwick 1707 Palma Flex is a fantastic choice. Available on The Shoe Snob Marketplace, this option stands out not only for its affordability but also for offering half sizes—one of the only brands aside from Loro Piana to do so. Crafted in Spain with Blake construction, its suede is sourced from either the Opera Tannery in Italy or Charles Stead in England. Sizing tip: This model runs slightly large, so consider going down half a size.
Find them here: www.theshoesnobmarketplace.com
Conclusion
I predict that men’s suede Venetian Loafers will continue to dominate the industry, while more brands continue to create their version of the original ‘Summer Walk’ style. It is already occurring in brands you would have never thought would create this style of shoe. As dress codes further plunge into more and more casual, we can expect to see casual suede shoes start to lead the way in the shoe industry. Whether that is good or bad is neither here nor there, but I dare say I would prefer to see a society wearing these than terrible-looking sneakers!
—Justin FitzPatrick, The Shoe Snob
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