# Slip-on shoe

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Type of low, lace-less shoe

"Loafer" redirects here. For other uses, see [Loafer (disambiguation)](/source/Loafer_(disambiguation)).

A teenage boy wearing a pair of black loafers in [New York City](/source/New_York_City), United States

**Slip-ons** are typically low, lace-less [shoes](/source/Dress_shoe).[1] The style which is most commonly seen, known as a **loafer**, **slippers**, or **penny loafers** in American culture, has a [moccasin](/source/Moccasin_(footwear)) construction. One of the first designs was introduced in London by [Wildsmith Shoes](/source/Wildsmith_Shoes), called the Wildsmith Loafer.[2] They began as casual shoes, but have increased in popularity to the point of being worn in America with [business suits](/source/Business_suit). Another design was introduced as the *Aurlandskoen* (lit. 'the [Aurland](/source/Aurland_Municipality) Shoe') in Norway (early 20th century).[3]

A less casual, earlier type of slip-on is made with side goring (sometimes called a *dress loafer*).[4] Made in the same shape as common lace-up [Oxfords](/source/Oxford_shoe), but lacking the laces, these shoes have elasticated inserts on the side which allow the shoe to be easily removed but remain snug when worn. This particular styles' popularity is most prolific in Britain.[5]

## Loafers

### History

The "Wildsmith Loafer" made by Raymond Lewis Wildsmith of [Wildsmith Shoes](/source/Wildsmith_Shoes) was designed for [King George VI](/source/King_George_VI) as a casual house shoe.[6] This was the first loafer. The shoe has subsequently been marketed and sold by other London shoe firms and dubbed "the Harrow".[7]

[Papal shoes](/source/Papal_shoes) worn by [Pope Benedict XVI](/source/Pope_Benedict_XVI)

Manufacturing of *Aurlandsko* in [Aurland](/source/Aurland_Municipality) around 1950

Shoemaker Nils Gregoriusson Tveranger (1874–1953) in [Aurland Municipality](/source/Aurland_Municipality), Norway, introduced his first design around 1908.[3][8] Tveranger obtained [protection](/source/Industrial_design_right) for the design.[9] N. Tveranger obtained a diploma at the Bergen exhibition in 1910 for his "Aurland shoe".[10] The first Aurland shoes were also made with laces and a decorative upper side similar to the [brogue shoe](/source/Brogue_shoe).[11] Colors were initially natural until approximately 1960 when they were also painted black.[12] At age 13 Tveranger went to North America where he learned the craft of shoemaking and returned to Norway at age 20. Around 1930, Tveranger introduced a new design called the "Aurland moccasin", later renamed the "Aurland shoe". This design resembles the [moccasins](/source/Moccasin) used by the [Iroquois](/source/Iroquois) as well as the design of moccasin-like shoes traditionally worn by locals in Aurland.[8] These traditional shoes resembled slippers and were useful outdoors in fine weather.[9] In 1936 the local shoe handcraft in Aurland was described as a "very old industry" and shoes were sold in large numbers to foreign visitors.[13] A 1953 catalog listed about 10 shoe factories in the small village of Aurland.[14] When exported to the USA the Aurland shoes were called "Norwegian Moccasins".[15] The Norwegians began exporting them to the rest of Europe, where they were taken up by visiting Americans,[16] and championed by the American [*Esquire*](/source/Esquire_Magazine) magazine. Some photographs included with the *Esquire* feature were of Norwegian farmers in a cattle loafing area.[17] The Spaulding family in [New Hampshire](/source/New_Hampshire) started making shoes based on this design in the early 1930s,[*[citation needed](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Citation_needed)*] naming them *loafers*, a general term for slip-on shoes which is still in use in America. In 1934, [G.H. Bass](/source/G.H._Bass_%26_Co.) shoemaker of [Wilton, Maine](/source/Wilton%2C_Maine) started making loafers under the name *Weejuns* (sounding like Nor*wegians*).[18] These loafers had distinctive addition was a strip of leather across the saddle with a diamond cut-out. Initially only worn in the summer at home, the shoe grew in popularity in America to become a significant part of men's casual shoe wardrobe; in Europe, the style has never reached the same degree of ubiquity.

A traditional cordovan *penny loafer*

The term *penny loafer* has uncertain beginnings. One explanation is when American [prep school](/source/University-preparatory_school) students in the 1950s, wishing to make a fashion statement, took to inserting a [penny](/source/Penny#In_popular_culture) into the diamond-shaped slit on their Weejuns. Either way, the name *penny loafer* came to be applied to this style of slip-on and has since stuck.

In the mid-1950s, further continental influences brought a more elegant image to light, lower-cut slip-ons, which moved from purely casual use to being paired with suits in the 1960s (but still only in America).[19] In 1966, Italian designer [Gucci](/source/Gucci) made the further step of adding a metal strap across the front in the shape of a horse's [snaffle bit](/source/Snaffle_bit). These *Gucci loafers* (now a general term referring to shoes of this style by any manufacturer) also spread over the Atlantic and were worn by 1970s businessmen, becoming almost a [Wall Street](/source/Wall_Street) uniform, reaching widespread use by the 1980s.

At the start of the twenty-first century, a revival of penny loafers, whose popularity had peaked during the mid- to late 1960s and again during the early 1980s to early 1990s,[7] occurred, with the shoe appearing in a more rugged version, closer to the original concept, as either [moccasins](/source/Moccasin), or [espadrilles](/source/Espadrilles), both of these styles being very low or flat without heels. This resurgence was most noticeable at college campuses across America.

Another variation on the basic style is the tassel loafer, which emerged in the 1950s. Again, though casual, their gradual acceptance among the American East Coast prep school culture as equivalent to [brogues](/source/Brogue_shoe) (wingtips),[19] has led to them being worn there with suits, where they gained an association with business and legal classes.

### Types of loafer

Style Year History Defining features Wildsmith[20] 1926 Raymond Lewis Wildsmith was asked to create a country house shoe. Initially called the 582, now widely known as the Wildsmith Loafer. Serrated seam and reinforced toe box. Vertical stitching on toe. Aurland[21] 1930 Shoemaker Nils Gregoriussen Tveranger combined the Native American moccasin with shoes worn by local fishermen, in the town of Aurland, Norway. The Aurland Moccasin was born. Raised seam on upper, similar to moccasin. Narrow cut out on saddle. Penny[22] 1936 G.H. Bass of Wilton, Maine, launched a loafer called the 'Weejun' (from 'Norwegian'). It became very popular in the U.S, especially among prep school students, who legend states kept pennies in the saddle slot for pay phone calls. Hence the name 'penny loafers'. Leather 'saddle' strap across upper, with cut out big enough to hold a penny. Kilted[23] 1950s Kilties have been fashioned upon brogues and Oxfords by Scottish ghillies, kings and golfers for over 100 years. The loafer got kilted in the 1950s when Kiltie golf shoes and penny loafers were at their fashion zenith. Also popular with Mods and skinheads. Kilt style over-the-vamp flap, secured by leather string or tassels. Horse Bit[24] 1953 Italian designer Aldo Gucci refined the lines, added a gold horse bit, and made them in black. This elevated the loafer to formal wear status. While this design was pioneered by Aldo Gucci the horse bit loafer is produced by a wide variety of shoe makers today. Horse bit style metal link. Belgian[24] 1954 Henri Bendel sold his family shoe store and bought two 300-year-old shoe factories in Belgium. His loafers became an instant hit, and the bow was easily recognizable. His work earned him two knighthoods. Small bow on top and sewn inside out to create a fine seam. Tasseled[24] 1957 Brooks Brothers and Alden Shoe Co collaborated to produce the popular tasseled loafer. Originally a bespoke commission by actor Paul Lukas who liked the tasseled shoelaces on a pair of Oxfords. Tassels held in place by a leather strand.

### Use

Loafers used in a [smart casual](/source/Smart_casual) [dress code](/source/Dress_code).

A bridegroom from Bjerkeland near [Bergen](/source/Bergen) wearing folk costume and slip-on shoes, photo before 1870.
*Credit: Marcus Selmer*

In the United States and some European countries, such as Italy, the loafer enjoys general use as a casual and informal shoe worn for work and leisure, though lace-ups are still preferred for more formal situations.[5] The general popularity of brown over black extends to loafers, sometimes using exotic leathers such as [suede](/source/Suede) and cordovan. Since the early 1980s, socks have been optional while wearing loafers.[25]

Though originally men's shoes,[26] some styles of loafers, such as casual tassel and penny loafers, are also worn by women. Women's loafers tend to have shorter toes and are worn with a variety of outfits from shorts, jeans, slacks, and capris to dresses and skirts.[*[citation needed](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Citation_needed)*]

## Gored shoes

In an evolution entirely different from the loafer, [Chelsea boots](/source/Chelsea_boot) were invented by J. Sparkes Hall for [Queen Victoria](/source/Queen_Victoria) in 1836. The stretchable rubber produces a comfortable shoe combining the convenience of laceless shoes with the profile of lace-ups. Its feminine image was soon lost and was dubbed *Congress gaiter* and *Boston boot* in America. Rare even in Britain, its country of origin, it is still the only style of slip-on worn with a suit in some of the highly conservative working environments in the [City of London](/source/City_of_London).[27] With such a background, their use mimics that of Oxfords, so they are worn in brown with broguing as a country shoe, or in plainer, black styles with suits.

## In popular culture

[Michael Jackson](/source/Michael_Jackson) wore penny loafers during his performances, and it became one of his distinctive footwear styles while performing.[28] [His moonwalk](/source/Moonwalk_(dance)), [toe stand](/source/Toe_stand), and other moves were mostly performed in penny loafers.[29]

## See also

- [Slipper](/source/Slipper)

- [Venetian-style shoe](/source/Venetian-style_shoe)

- [List of shoe styles](/source/List_of_shoe_styles)

## References

1. **[^](#cite_ref-1)** Moisa, Dan D. (2023-07-18). [*MEN'S UNIQUE STYLE*](https://books.google.com/books?id=TN3LEAAAQBAJ&dq=Slip-ons+are+typically+low,+lace-less+shoes&pg=PA204). Dumitru Danut Moisa. p. 204.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-2)** ["Q&A, Chay Cooper, Wildsmith Shoes"](http://theholbornmag.com/2013/08/30/qa-chay-cooper-wildsmith-shoes/). *theholbornmag.com*. 30 August 2013. Retrieved 6 April 2018.

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-September_7,_2012_3-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-September_7,_2012_3-1) Dagens Næringsliv D2 magazine, September 7, 2012.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-4)** Flusser, Alan J. (1985). [*Clothes and the Man: The Principles of Fine Men's Dress*](https://books.google.com/books?id=JZIQAQAAMAAJ&q=%22Slip-on+shoe%22+%22dress+loafer%22). Villard Books. p. 102. [ISBN](/source/ISBN_(identifier)) [978-0-394-54623-0](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/978-0-394-54623-0).

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-Anton_5-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-Anton_5-1) Antogiavanni, Nicholas (2006). *The Suit: A Machiavellian approach to men's style*. New York: HarperCollins Publishers. p. 92. [ISBN](/source/ISBN_(identifier)) [0-06-089186-6](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/0-06-089186-6).

1. **[^](#cite_ref-6)** [Wildsmith: The History of our Footwear](http://www.wildsmith.com/history) [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20131019195708/http://www.wildsmith.com/history) 2013-10-19 at the [Wayback Machine](/source/Wayback_Machine) Wildsmith: The History of our Footwear

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-:2_7-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-:2_7-1) Lewis, Neil (November 3, 1993). ["The Politicization of Tasseled Loafers"](https://www.nytimes.com/1993/11/03/garden/the-politicization-of-tasseled-loafers.html). *[The New York Times](/source/The_New_York_Times)*.

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-Aurlandskoen_»_Historikk_8-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-Aurlandskoen_»_Historikk_8-1) ["Aurlandskoen » Historikk"](https://web.archive.org/web/20110129060330/http://www.aurlandskoen.no/historikk/). Aurlandskoen.no. Archived from [the original](http://www.aurlandskoen.no/historikk/) on 2011-01-29. Retrieved 2013-06-15.

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-:1_9-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-:1_9-1) *Aurland.* Aurland: Sogelaget. 1997. [ISBN](/source/ISBN_(identifier)) [8299226120](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/8299226120).

1. **[^](#cite_ref-10)** *Beretning om Bergensutstillingen 1910.* Bergen, 1917.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-11)** ["Guide For Man"](https://shoesdrill.com/). Retrieved 29 August 2018.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-12)** *Kulturhistorisk vegbok, Sogn og Fjordane.* Naustdal: Sogn og Fjordane forl. 1991. [ISBN](/source/ISBN_(identifier)) [8291082006](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/8291082006).

1. **[^](#cite_ref-13)** *Sogn i tekst og billeder.* Oslo: Kjenn ditt land. 1936.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-14)** *Det Norske næringsliv*. Bergen: Det norske næringslivs forl. 1953.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-15)** *Norsk husflid: i går, i dag, i morgen.* Skien: Norges husflid- og husindustrilag. 1950.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-16)** [Flusser, Alan](/source/Alan_Flusser) (2002). *Dressing the Man*. New York: HarperCollins Publishers. p. 202. [ISBN](/source/ISBN_(identifier)) [0-06-019144-9](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/0-06-019144-9).

1. **[^](#cite_ref-17)** Patrick, Bethanne (2009). [*An Uncommon History of Common Things*](https://archive.org/details/uncommonhistoryo0000patr). National Geographic. p. [174](https://archive.org/details/uncommonhistoryo0000patr/page/174). [ISBN](/source/ISBN_(identifier)) [978-1-4262-0420-3](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/978-1-4262-0420-3).

1. **[^](#cite_ref-18)** Flusser (2002). p. 203

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-Flusser196_19-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-Flusser196_19-1) Flusser (2002). p. 196

1. **[^](#cite_ref-20)** ["Wildsmith: The Wildsmith Loafer | Mens Loafers | Leather Loafer Shoes"](https://web.archive.org/web/20130820021025/http://www.wildsmith.com/the-wildsmith-loafer). *www.wildsmith.com*. Archived from [the original](http://www.wildsmith.com/the-wildsmith-loafer) on 2013-08-20. Retrieved 2016-09-29.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-21)** ["The story"](https://www.visitflam.com/en/aurlandskoen/historien/). *Visit Flåm*. Retrieved 2016-09-29.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-22)** ["They're Called What? The History of Penny Loafers"](http://blog.schuh.co.uk/the-history-of-penny-loafers/). *blog.schuh.co.uk*. 26 February 2014. Retrieved 2016-09-29.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-23)** Colman, David (2012-05-02). ["Men's Colorful Kilties Return, Off the Fairway"](https://www.nytimes.com/2012/05/03/fashion/mens-colorful-kilties-return-off-the-fairway.html). *The New York Times*. [ISSN](/source/ISSN_(identifier)) [0362-4331](https://search.worldcat.org/issn/0362-4331). Retrieved 2016-09-29.

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-:0_24-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-:0_24-1) [***c***](#cite_ref-:0_24-2) ["Loafer Shoes Guide For Men - Penny Loafers, Tassels & Gucci — Gentleman's Gazette"](https://www.gentlemansgazette.com/loafer-guide-penny-gucci-tassels-weejuns/). *www.gentlemansgazette.com*. Retrieved 2016-09-29.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-25)** Gninyomo, Luc (2022-09-21). ["An In-Dept Look into Types of Loafers and Its Use as Men's Best Fashion Shoes"](https://www.sheenmagazine.com/an-in-dept-look-into-types-of-loafers-and-its-use-as-mens-best-fashion-shoes/). *Sheen Magazine*. Retrieved 2024-04-11.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-26)** Roetzel, Bernhard (2022-09-06). [*Bespoke Men's Shoes*](https://books.google.com/books?id=WEmHEAAAQBAJ&dq=Slip-on+shoe+men's+shoes&pg=PA134) (in German). Ullmann Medien. p. 134. [ISBN](/source/ISBN_(identifier)) [978-3-7415-2686-2](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/978-3-7415-2686-2).

1. **[^](#cite_ref-27)** Flusser (2002). p. 197

1. **[^](#cite_ref-28)** Goldstein, Joelle (2018-04-20). ["Michael Jackson Moonwalk Loafers to Be Auctioned"](https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/lifestyle/style/michael-jackson-moonwalk-loafers-be-auctioned-1104546/). *The Hollywood Reporter*. Retrieved 2024-04-11.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-29)** Gray, Melissa (2018-04-21). ["Michael Jackson's famous moonwalk shoes are going up for auction"](https://www.cnn.com/2018/04/21/entertainment/michael-jackson-moonwalk-shoes-auction-trnd/index.html). *CNN*. Retrieved 2024-04-11.

v t e Footwear List of shoe styles List of boots Shoe Shoemaking Shoe size Dress shoes Blucher Brogues Brothel creepers Derby Monks Oxfords Saddle shoes Spectator shoes (Co-respondent shoes) Wholecuts Winklepickers Slip-on shoes Court shoes Loafers Prince Albert slippers Venetian-style shoes Women's Ballet flats High-heeled footwear Mary Janes Mojari Mules Peep-toe shoes Slingbacks T-bar sandals Other shoes Driving moccasins Flip-flops Galoshes Jazz shoes Platform shoes Sandals Self-tying shoes Slides Slippers (Uwabaki) Tiger-head shoes Veldskoens Zōri Wooden footwear Bakya British clogs Cantabrian albarcas Clogs Geta Klompen Namaksin Okobo Padukas Pattens Sabot Träskor Boots Military Ammunition Bunny Combat Jack Jump Jungle Patauga Tanker Trench Work Australian work Cowboy Engineer Hip Jika-tabi Rigger Steel-toe Waders Fashion boots Chelsea (Beatle) Chukka Go-go Knee-high Over-the-knee Platform Thigh-high Ugg Other Ballet Balmoral Bean Derby Jodhpur Safari Wellington Sport-related footwear Ballet shoes Boat shoes Climbing shoes Cross country running shoes Cycling shoes Football boots Ghillies Hiking boots Ice skates Inline skates Kung fu shoes Minimalist shoes Motorcycle boots Mountaineering boots Plimsolls Pointe shoes Racing flats Racing shoes Riding boots Roller shoes Roller skates Sabatons Skate shoes Ski boots Sneakers Swimfins Water shoes Wrestling shoes Folk footwear Abacas Abarkas Alpargatas Avarcas Balghas Bast shoes Ciocie Clogs Espadrilles Furlane Galesh Geta Giveh Haferlschuh Hnyat-phanats Huarache Hwa Jipsin Jorabs Kamiks Kolhapuri chappals Moccasins Mojaris Mukluks Nalins Okobo Opanci Peshawari chappals Snowshoes Tsarouchi Takunya Upanah Valenkis Waraji Zōri Historical footwear Areni-1 shoes Buskins Calcei Caligae Carbatina Cavalier boots Chinese styles Chopines Duckbill shoes Flowerpot shoes Hessians Lotus shoes Pampooties Pigaches Poulaines Socci Turnshoes Shoe construction Bespoke shoes Blake construction Goodyear welt Shoe buckle Shoelaces Toe box High heels Clear heels Kitten heels Spool heels Stiletto heels Wedges Leather Leather Calfskin Shell cordovan Patent leather Nubuck Suede Goatskin Exotic leather Hosiery Anklets Bobby socks Dress socks Footwraps Knee highs Pantyhose Sock Stocking Tights Toe socks Tabi Related Abandoned footwear Spats

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Adapted from the Wikipedia article [Slip-on shoe](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Slip-on_shoe) by Wikipedia contributors ([contributor history](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Slip-on_shoe?action=history)). Available under [Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/). Changes may have been made.