Velvet Loafers

There is a broad range of velvet loafers for sale on 1stDibs. If you’re looking for black velvet loafers and you’re unable to find the right fit, there are plenty of variations in brown, green and more. There have been many classic iterations of velvet loafers over the years, but those made by Jimmy Choo, NICHOLAS KIRKWOOD and René Caovilla are often thought to be among the most stylish. There aren’t many items for unisex if you’re seeking these accessories, as most of the options available are for men and women.

Prices for velvet loafers can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — on 1stDibs, these accessories begin at $73 and can go as high as $5,895, while these items, on average, fetch $300.

Whether they’re Hermès sandals, black Jimmy Choo boots, ivory-leather-and-pink-daisy heels by sublime shoemaker Manolo Blahnik or Christian Louboutin platform pumps, you can find your next pair of legendary luxury vintage and designer shoes today on 1stDibs.

Shoes offered by the likes of Versace, Chanel, Charles Jourdan or Prada are integral to completing your carefully orchestrated street-style or evening ensemble these days, but footwear wasn’t always the big deal it is for your average Adidas enthusiast.

The decorative floor-length gowns that upper-class women of the 18th century wore meant that their shoes, then likely featuring high curved heels finished with woven or embroidered silks — a sharp contrast to the heavy, rudimentary form of the era’s footwear for men — were partially or entirely obscured by the base of their ornate dresses. What good is fashion if it’s tucked away?

Our modern age’s legions of sneakerheads might have trouble tracking down a pair of black-and-gold vintage Jordans but can at least fill their dream closets with original Adidas Gazelles or 1980s New Balances if they put the time in, while 1990s-era Prada pumps or a good pair of mid-20th-century jewel-tone heels in satin or silk haven’t lost their allure with today’s nostalgic fashionistas.

A pair of shoes can commemorate an achievement, mark an important trip overseas and is sometimes a rich manifestation of a hard-won physical feat. On 1stDibs, find Chanel flats or two-tone heels, Christian Dior pumps, vintage Margiela Tabi boots and many more designer shoes today.