Don’t resist the urge—check out a pair of the now-classic and stylish chunky loafers from any of these 8 brands and turn them into your best friend.

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Worn by our favorite blonde singer-songwriter, K-pop idols, and K-drama leads, chunky loafers are in style for their chic simplicity, ease of wear, and statement-making look. Classic loafers have been in style forever. They were initially designed for menswear, but in 2023, who really cares about who wears what kind of fashion? Exactly—no one should. Regardless, we’re all about the recent trend of chunky loafers on all kinds of people with all kinds of style. And while they seem like they’re clunky and heavy, chunky loafers could actually be very comfortable and versatile. You could just slip them on over your feet or over tall socks, and you’re instantly stylish.

You can find chunky loafers almost everywhere these days, but below are eight brands and stores that offer variations of the shoe that you can browse to find your perfect one. And let me tell you, when I found my perfect pair, I could not stop wearing them. So take the chance and get a new pair now—because we know you’ve been itching to.

CLN

The CLN Cerus Chunky Loafers are perfect for school, the office, or a night out. The smooth edges of the rubber sole is a subtle change that makes this shoe distinct from other loafers. If you’re not into this smooth look, CLN also sells the Caelyn and Colombine loafers for you to choose from.

H&M

Give off Taylor Swift in London vibes with these burgundy loafers with a gold chain detail. H&M’s chunky loafers offer that classic style in a deep, rich color that could make any outfit look a hundred times more expensive.

ZARA

I don’t know why, but I feel like wearing these Zara fringed loafers would make you want to imitate a British accent immediately. The studs give an edgy, rocker vibe to the classic loafer silhouette, and would pair well with a leather jacket or a sleek all-black outfit.

LONDON RAG

London Rag was able to seamlessly blend classic and modern in this heeled loafer design. The tassels, the white top detail, and the lug sole with a heel makes this shoe stand out while still giving a polished look. This shoe, along with plenty of other London Rag loafer options, is available on Zalora.

CHARLES & KEITH

Talk about a shoe for everyone! Charles & Keith offers their Metallic Accent Chunky Platform Penny Loafers in a variety of colors, and they also have a wide range of loafer options of all heel heights and uppers.

ALDO

Nothing looks more classic than Aldo’s Bigplan Loafers. Minimalist and solid, this leather shoe is designed like a typical penny loafer, perfect for someone who’s just starting their collection. Also, did you know penny loafers are called so because the slot in the strap across the upper was used to hold pennies for payphones way back when? You learn something new everyday.

UNIQLO

Even Uniqlo joined in the trend! Their own shiny lug-soled Comfeel Touch Loafer is simple and sleek, perfectly on-brand with the comfort and minimalism the Japanese brand is well-known for.

ANDANTÉ

Andanté is all about elegance, timeless pieces, and “classic leather footwear for a modern wardrobe.” Championing slow fashion, sustainability, quality, and fair trade, their shoes are handmade by artisans in Marikina. The Chunky Loafer in Cream is designed with long-lasting comfort and style in mind.

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The tiger rises once again with an 80s-inspired Japanese aesthetic

Imagine walking at the mall and spotting a cool kid wearing familiar white sneakers with red and blue stripes. Then, you see another, and then one more. You realize it’s also the same shoes you own—the classic Onitsuka Tiger Mexico 66, an auxillary to a jeans, joggers, and shorts fashion in this day and age. Even Prince William, Duke of Cambridge, has given this pair his royal seal of approval.

As new and as cool as this concept may seem, Onitsuka Tiger have told a long tale and have spoken of cultural prestige even before the sneakers became a popular, modern shoesthetic. This is a testament to the brand’s timelessness, transcending generations.

A concept beyond an arm’s length

Onitsuka Tiger has been known to create sports-inspired head-to-toe fashion in pursuit of ultimate comfort and innovative design, which lie where the eyes cannot see. Bet you didn’t know that the distinctive stripes serve a special function apart from being the sneakers’ iconic trademark. The shoelaces were integrated into the design, thereby improving the shoes’ overall stability and durability.

Talking about form, Onitsuka Tiger’s signature style depicts the brand’s respect to the Japanese heritage and their admiration for refined and contemporary creative designs. With a craftsmanship that heeds to quality and detail, the brand aims to satisfy the hunger of those looking for luxury and an entirely new value system in the new age. 

A trip down the memory lane

On February 25, 2022, Onitsuka Tiger turned up with its Autumn/Winter 2022 Collection at the Milan Fashion Week under the direction of Creative Director Andrea Pompilio. This was the brand’s first physical fashion appearance since the COVID-19 pandemic began.

While the Onitsuka Tiger AW21 Collection previously worked on neon colors, the AW22 Collection played on monochromes, silhouettes, and minute details. The collection is an ode to the Japanese eighties aesthetic of purity and austerity, which refers to the distinctive black clothes with unexpected volumes and layers portraying the underground culture of the time—think kimonos, ninjas, and black leather boots all in one fashion piece, but with a contemporary take. Typical of Japanese fashion style, AW22 expresses an original and genderless collection.

A vintage style on modern streets

Onitsuka Tiger’s latest collection features ultra-oversized T-shirts made of heavy cotton and graphically embroidered overdresses that have a particular flame-and-flower print at the hem. Velour dresses with a Gothic and slightly modern rock star style, and mini dresses with a drawstring waist were also introduced during the show. The apparels were layered with nylon jackets, maxi Bermuda pants, midi-length pleated skirts, and multi-pocketed waistcoats. 

For footwear, AW22 presents the PETAL™ model which is a classic court style shoe with an ankle-height upper, and the ACROMOUNT KNIT™ model that hinted at the black and white design of the collection. The shoes worn in the show were a pair of punkish flat-soled leather shoes and of balky platform-soled sneakers in thin quilted nylon. 

The AW22 Collection will be available in September. Catch the full line of products from head-to-toe at Onitsuka Tiger’s website. For updates, follow them on Facebook and Instagram.