The loafer's origin is not documented, but it can be credited to an English King and a Norwegian shoemaker. According to historians, King George VI wanted a casual house shoe to wear daily. So, in 1847, he commissioned London's Matthew and Rebecca Wildsmith, who were well-established in making and repairing of shoes for the Kings Household Cavalry. This bespoke shoe, the Wildsmith Loafer, became essential footwear for the royal family and the British landed gentry.

The other story suggests that loafers originated in Aurland, Norway, around 1908 when shoemaker Nils Gregoriusson Tverange created a pair of winter moccasins called Aurland shoes. When 13 years old, Tveranger went to North America, where he learned the craft of shoemaking, and returned to Norway at 20, creating a shoe similar to what the Iroquois wore. 

His first Aurland shoes had laces and a decorative upper side, but in 1930, he introduced a new design similar to the brogue shoe without laces. Since then, loafers have been traditionally worn by locals in Aurland and exported worldwide.

In the 1930s, the modern loafer style became popular among wealthy individuals who wanted a stylish yet comfortable shoe to wear to sporting events. By the 1950s, celebrities were rocking penny loafers, and by the 1980s, Gucci loafers were a favourite among Wall Street traders. Today, loafers without laces, exposed ankles, separate soles, low heels, and moccasin-like uppers are trending. There are also different styles of loafers, such as the Wildsmith loafer, Aurland loafer, Penny loafer, Kilted loafer, Italian loafer, and Belgian loafer.
The history of loafers showcases their transformation from royal footwear to a staple of both casual and formal attire worldwide.

Handmade loafers are crafted by skilled artisans using traditional tools, while machine-made loafers are made using modern methods involving CAD and AI. Typically worn by men and women, they both follow a similar process. A mould or a feet-like structure is used as a base to measure the foot length and to shape leather. In the first step, a cardboard pattern is placed or traced over the leather following the design print, flipping it for the right and left foot.

Once the marked-out shape is cut in leather or any other upper material, it is glued to the lining. The artisan then makes holes on the top of the shoe for design and on the edge for weaving or sewing the top leather part to the lower body of the shoe together. Lastly, the sole is nailed to the shoe. Once the shoe is finished and embellishment added, it is ready for use. 

Loafers, spanning two centuries, have evolved significantly since their inception. In 1847, King George VI demanded a casual house shoe that came to be known as the Wildsmith Loafer. In the 1930s, the Aurland Shoe was born in Norway. By the 1980s and 1990s, loafers became a popular choice in the global workplace with the rise of business casual attire. In the 21st Century, the loafer evolved in terms of materials, colours, and styles. 

Patent leather and suede multi-coloured loafers with tassels, fringes, and metal accents were available for men and women. Also, eco-friendly, athleisure, ergonomic, and monogrammed loafers found their way into modern wardrobes. The loafer has evolved from a traditional British or Norwegian shoe into a versatile and stylish shoe, adapting to contemporary fashion, new technologies, and global audiences. The meaning of loafers refers to slip-on shoes with no laces, known for their comfort and casual or semi-formal appeal.