Whether you’re looking for the best horsebit loafers available or an affordable Gucci alternative, there’s something for everyone on this list.

There’s an art to whittling your shoe collection to the bare minimum, but who said art was any fun?

Sometimes you want to break out and add a little flair to your outfit with the perfect pair of shoes.

That’s where the horsebit loafer comes in. It’s a classic style with what the Italians call gusto—a little extra personality.

In this article, we’re going to break down what horsebit loafers are, how to wear them like a champion and our favorite versions of the style.

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In fact, the horsebit loafer is so closely associated with the Gucci brand, oftentimes people refer to them as Gucci loafers, even when they’re made by another company.

Everything comes full circle, as now you can see dozens of horsebit loafers on display anytime you go to a bar near the Manhattan financial district.

It started in New York, went to Florence for a while, and has landed back in NYC.

3 Things to Consider When Buying Horsebit Loafers

You don’t have to be an investment banker to pull off a pair of horsebit loafers.

These shoes bridge the gap between formal and casual, so you have a variety of options when wearing them. Here are the three main things to consider when you’re looking for a pair of new horsebits.

1. Setting – Where do you work and play?

So maybe you are an investment banker. Hours of yelling ‘buy, buy, sell’ must make you exhausted. But if you’ve got a stunner pair of shoes, no one will be the wiser.

Think about where you’ll be wearing your loafers. Do you plan on having them as your main pair of shoes for work? Do you want them for the rare night out at a fancy restaurant?

Knowing when you intend on wearing your new shoes will determine how much you should spend and what kind of quality you’re looking for.