Loafers that are “perfect from day one”
Plus: A suitcase we’ve loved for more than 10 years ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­ ­  
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The Recommendation

September 29, 2026

Today: The softest loafers we’ve ever encountered. Plus …

These loafers are comfortable straight out of the box

A close up image of a person wearing Jamie Haller The Penny Loafers.
Marki Williams/NYT Wirecutter

These classic, no-frills loafers will never go out of style, even when trends change. They’re handmade from Italian leather, and unlike other blister-inducing shoes, they feel as comfortable as your favorite bedroom slippers — just about a million times more fashionable.

Yes, they’re pricey, but editor Jennifer Hunter says they’re worth every penny: “My oxblood loafers are now three years old, and I think they look better today than on the day I opened the box.”

Loafers that are worth the investment→

Plus: A (much cheaper) shoe we love for fall

The Quince Italian Leather Handwoven Square Toe Ballet Flat
Marki Williams/NYT Wirecutter

When we began testing these under-$100 flats, we braced ourselves for some cut corners — but we were pleasantly surprised by their high-end look, superb stitching, and buttery-soft feel. We’re especially fond of the subtle square toe and beautifully handwoven design, which look good with just about anything.

Lovely ballet flats→

In the store: A very, very good knife

The Milk Street Nakiri knife.
Michael Hession/NYT Wirecutter

A welcome addition to any basic collection of kitchen knives. All-purpose chef’s knives can sometimes be a bit clunky for vegetable prep. But this shorter, squatter, lightweight Nakiri knife makes it easier to cut onions or to chiffonade napa cabbage — the thin, tapered blade effortlessly slices right through.

Get it here→

Your purchase supports independent journalism. We handpick each Wirecutter Store item after deep research and thorough testing — prioritizing quality, usefulness, and delight. Learn more ›

More investment-worthy pieces

You deserve to feel fancy while drinking your coffee

For one Wirecutter writer, this durable yet elegant mug has maintained its lovely luster through years of use→

A teal Le Creuset mug on a wooden surface outside in front of a lake.

An iconic, buy-it-for-life jacket

Our testers praised these waterproof, waxed-cotton jackets for their style and comfort→

A person wearing the men’s Barbour Beaufort Waxed Jacket.

We’ve loved this suitcase for more than a decade

It has smooth-rolling wheels, a comfortable handle, and all kinds of organizational features→

A Travelpro rolling suitcase, next to clothes and a purse.

An extremely sturdy kitchen workhorse

Affordable, high quality, and made to last→

A green Lodge dutch oven.

Your daily deal: A dish scrubber fit for a knight

Knapp Made Chainmail Dishcloth
Knapp Made

This chainmail dishcloth feels drapey in the hand, and it works wonders on gunk stuck to cast iron, glass, carbon steel, and other nonscratch surfaces. Plus, it rinses off spotless without any odors — but if crud happens to get stuck, it’s also dishwasher-safe.

It’s more than 15% off right now→

Independent reviews, expert advice and intensively researched deals from Wirecutter experts.

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