What’s the Best Tassel Loafer for Your Budget?
The Tassel Loafer is never anyone’s first pair of shoes. Or second. Or probably third. Instead, it’s a shoe that you buy for a purpose. It’s a shoe that can make an outfit. At some point almost everyone eventually feels like they need to pick up a pair. Side note: it can also kill an outfit, be sure to check out the 100wears guide.
However, now that you’ve decided on picking up a pair, you have to ask: what’s the best tassel loafer for your budget? We’re going to take a look at which brands offer the most at each price point, so you know which to pick up.
I should add, this list will be looking at the traditionally styled tassel loafer. There are some great moc-toe designs like this one from Oak Street Bootmakers, but they won’t be included on the list below.
If you want something a bit more traditional, be sure to check out our Best Penny Loafer for Your Budget guide as well.
What’s the Best Tassel Loafer Under $200
Winner: Beckett Simonon Bernard Tassel Loafers – $209
Meermin Tassel Loafer – $195
OK, the Bernard Tassel Loafers by Beckett Simonon isn’t technically under $200. That being said, Beckett Simonon is always running an ongoing sale. In practice, you’ll be paying around $150-$175 for this pair.
What are you giving up to get into this price point? Well, the biggest is going to be the goodyear welt construction found on every other pair on this list – including the runner up in this category. You’re also giving up a bit on time. Each Beckett Simonon pair is made to order. It could be a month or two before you see your pair.
Why this pair? Other than being the most affordable, Beckett Simonon offers free shipping, and free returns with respectable materials. If you get the pair in hand and realize the style simply isn’t for you there is no real penalty. Other brands in this price range require a sacrifice – either in shipping and return fees, or poor-quality materials.
However, if you know you want a pair of tassels, and you know your Meermin sizing already, the Meermin Tassel is another great option here. The only potential draw back with this brand is their poor return policy, but if you don’t need to return that shouldn’t be an issue.
What’s the Best Tassel Loafer Under $300?
Winner: Grant Stone Tassel Loafer – $288
Morjas The Tassel Loafer – $295
For most people, I think the Grant Stone Tassel Loafer offers the best value of any option on this list. The combination of quality and style is perfect for most people. Even if your budget allows for more, I would seriously consider picking up a pair of the Grant Stones. If nothing else, the last used is unique on this list in that it is both comfortable and goes will with things other than tailored clothing. If you’re looking for a more in-depth take, you can find the full review here.
While the Grant Stone Tassel Loafer might just be my favorite on this list, it does lean a bit into the casual side. If you’re looking for something that is a bit more formal in this price range, you should consider taking a look at the Morjas The Tassel Loafer.
Much like the Meermin’s above, sizing and returns can be a bit of an issue, so tread with caution if you don’t already know your information.
What’s the Best Tassel Loafer Under $600?
Winner: Alden Tassel Loafer – $584
Carmina Tassel Loafers – $495
Joseph Cheaney Harry – $428
Who else could have been selected in this section as the winner but the Alden Tassel Loafer? The brand who created this design, when someone says they are getting the classic tassel loafer, this is the one they mean. Unfortunately, they also created it on the Aberdeen last, which can only be described as being for people with no toes. Clearly there are men who fit this last as they keep building shoes on it, but I’ve never met anyone who didn’t think the Alden tassel wouldn’t be better if it was on something else.
If you do pick up a pair, be sure to try them on in person, or buy a pair from a retailer who accepts returns like the Nordstrom pair in the link.
If, like me, the Aberdeen last simply doesn’t work in any size, both the Carmina and Cheaney [review here] options are great alternatives. Both built in Europe from high quality materials, it really just depends if you want a bit of Spanish flair or British sensibility.
What’s the Best Tassel Loafer for Any Price?
Winner: Edward Green Belgravia – $1,285
Alden Tassel Loafer (Shell Cordovan) – $796
Where Alden created the Tassel Loafer, Edward Green perfected it. If you have a budget that isn’t concerned with simple things like “cost,” the Edward Green Belgravia will have impeccable quality, distinct design, and the cache to impress even the most decerning shopper. The Belgravia is the end-game boss of the tassel loafer world.
For a slightly more modest amount, the Alden Tassel Loafer in Shell Cordovan is definitely worth considering. While still suffering from the sizing issues of it’s bovine-leathered brothers, the cordovan upper of this shoe means it will stand the test of time. There are pairs of shell Aldens that are 5 or 6 decades old that are still used today. You can (maybe) even justify the price knowing how long these will last.
Wrap Up
There you have it. Great options for everything from $150 up to nearly $1,500. Are there any brands I missed? If so, please share your thoughts below.