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Last Updated on June 23, 2022
Once upon a time, chunky loafers were the epitome of fashion, with their platforms, block heels, and lug soles. They were in every 90s girl rotation, even top models like Kate Moss, or celebrities like Winona Ryer and Drew Barrymore. Then, they mysteriously lost much of their appeal and slowly trickled out of the market. Thankfully, with the revival of Y2K clothing and 90s shoe trends, chunky loafers are back in style!
Loafers supposedly originated around the 1930s, inspired by slip-on shoes used by Norwegian fishermen. As the story goes, an American family (the Spauldings), started making shoes based on that Norwegian design and named them loafers, which is a general term for slip-on shoes. Who invented the chunky loafers? No one knows, but what is certain is that their popularity soared during the 90s!
Let’s return to the present. Every brand wants to be a part of this year’s hottest style. Prada, Versace, Steve Madden, Coach, Free People, ASOS, and even budget-friendly ready-to-wear retailers like H&M are already offering their take on chunky loafers. I guess the only question now is, will you lose this chance to reclaim this nostalgic shoe?
Do not sleep on it, and get a jump-start right now with this list of amazing chunky loafers available online on several major online retailers. There’s something for everyone: several colors and materials to choose from, fringes, chainlinks, minimal silhouettes, lug soles, heels, and even platforms. I am positive one of these will earn a spot in your heart and end up being the star garment of your clothing rotation!
The Classics
Amazon – Sam Edelman Women’s Dandrea Loafer
Let’s get started with a classic design. An all-black patent loafer with tassels on the vamp and an otherwise minimal silhouette with a super chunky sole.
Amazon – Sam Edelman Women’s Laurs Loafer
This sleek version is super polished. A combination of black and brown gives these shoes a super elegant air while the golden chainlink adds the perfect dash of glam. The sole is not so chunky that it feels unprofessional either, which makes this loafer perfect for office wear.
Nordstrom – Free People Lug Sole Loafer
Another classic take con the lug sole loafer, with a traditional vamp and all-black design.
Nordstrom – Steve Madden Trifecta Platform Loafer
If neither tassels nor chainlinks are your thing, you can go for these loafers with a silvery piece of hardware
Nordstrom – Franco Sarto Carolynn Tassel Loafer in Patent Black
Sometimes a little shine is in order! This particular design is as shiny as they come and the chunky sole is very moderate which subdues its roughness quite a bit.
Nordstrom – Alexander McQueen Wander Loafer
Ah, Alexander McQueen. I just love this brand so much… I had to include this super chunky all-black traditional design loafer. It’s so very 90s, but also a McQueen!
ASOS DESIGN Wide Fit Monster chunky loafers in black
If Nordstrom is a bit overpriced for you, ASOS has got you covered. Shiny super chunky loafers with golden hardware, at your service!
ASOS DESIGN Wide Fit Storm chunky mid-heeled loafers in black
Are you a fan of suede? Nothing like a classic penny loafer design in soft suede. The chunky sole also features a bit of a feel. I can totally picture them with a mini skirt!
ASOS DESIGN Wide Fit Melon chunky loafers in black
A pair of loafers with fringed vamp! And the sleekest chunky sole you can find. It’s chunky while also being polished, which is quite a feat!
My favorite:
ASOS Glamorous quilted chunky loafer in black
This particular pair of loafers features a quilted upper with silvery hardware on the vamp and super thick chunky soles. Of course, it was the quilted upper that did me in, it gives them a British countryside vibe.
The Colorful Ones
Amazon – Franco Sarto Women’s Balin Loafer in a flower print
A flower print might not be the first thing you imagine when you picture a chunky loafer but isn’t it beyond cute? The soft colors and hazy flowers are just lovely!
Amazon – Duberess Casual Leather Loafers in Red
They are not only red, it’s like a burgundy color with dark shading… And I am all up for it!
Nordstrom – Franco Sarto Jack Kiltie Fringe Platform Loafer in Burgundy
This design is more of a deep burgundy but sports a hammered texture.
Nordstrom – Classy Penny Loafer in Grey
Very classy and understated, this grey suede loafer is barely chunky and feels like a great everyday wear option.
Nordstrom – Open Edit Ellie Lug Sole Loafer in Pink
Pink upper, a thick chainlink on the vamp, and a thick black sole with deep grooves make this loafer kinda punk and awesome!
Amazon – Circus by Sam Edelman Women’s Deana Loafer
This loafer makes me think of candy! I mean, the combination of mint, pink, and butter yellow is super feminine and dainty, while the golden chainlink and thick sole give it character.
Nordstrom – Free People Winston Platform Loafer Mule
Yes, a mule. Because why not? This all-white loafer lost its heel and it comes in a bunch of other colors too!
ASOS DESIGN Wide Fit Movable padded chunky loafers in off-white drench
In case you are not into the mules, here is another all-white pair, minimal design with super chunky soles.
My Favorite:
Nordstrom – Coach Cora Block Heel Penny Loafer in Oak
I love how Coach managed to pull off chunky while also making these loafers seem ladylike. The thick heel with the brand logo in gold is a delightful detail, and the monogrammed upper is beyond tasteful.
The High Heeled
Amazon – Dirty Laundry Women’s Nirvana Chill Loafer with chain in white
This all-white super chunky loafer from Dirty Laundry combines a black thick sole with a heel below a white upper with matching stitching and a thick silver chainlink strapped on the vamp. It totally gives me rocker royalty vibes!
Amazon – Dirty Laundry Women’s Heeled Loafer in black
If you are looking for a bit less chunkiness, you will love these loafers. A high thick heel and black stitching with a delicate and think design give these a delicate look. Oh, and the white version also has black stitching, which looks extra cool!
Amazon – Madden Girl Women’s Hoxtonn Loafers in black
Keeping things simple? All-black, slight heel, and deep grooves make this loafer a classic.
Nordstrom – Me too Skye Block Heel Loafer
I absolutely love this design. I personally wear it with jeans all the time. The little extra heels give you the perfect added height without losing the comfort of a classic loafer.
Nordstrom – Versace Platform Loafer Pump in Pink
If you are not afraid of height though, this pink super high-heeled all-pink loafer by Versace is definitely for you. It also haves a nice platform and a little golden coat of arms.
My Favorite:
Topshop Fox square toe heeled loafer in black
These thick heels won me over! A minimal design in patent all-black feels like your usual loafer but the heel makes it trendy and awesome!
