You can't go wrong with a timeless loafer from our expert-approved list.(Quince, Tod's, Sam Edelman, Vionic)
Life’s too short for uncomfortable shoes — and loafers might just be the unsung heroes of your wardrobe. The best women’s loafers strike that sweet spot between form and function. They’re polished enough to elevate a casual outfit, yet comfy enough for long days on your feet. As trend forecaster and stylist Jessica Richards puts it, loafers are the “ubiquitous, go-anywhere, do-anything shoe that can work for any lifestyle.”
That said, not all loafers are created equal. Some pairs certainly look sharper than slip-on sneakers but lack the arch support or cushioning you need. So we did the legwork for you: We consulted fashion experts, stylists and our in-the-know shopping editors to uncover the pairs that check every box — and the ones they personally reach for, again and again.
From classic penny loafers to chunky, of-the-moment lug soles, here are the best loafers for women that deliver on style, comfort and wear-all-day ease.
Update, July 13, 2025: We checked all product prices and availability. Our No. 1 pick for best loafers remains unchanged.
Colors: 23 | Sizes: 4 to 14 | Material: Leather
Two of our staff members say these Sam Edelman loafers are the best they've ever tried. "I have the Loraine loafers in three colors — that's how much I love them! I bought them after a near-identical pair (that's roughly six times more expensive) gave me the worst blisters of my life," says Deputy Commerce Editor Izabella Zaydenberg.
Commerce Editor Amanda Garrity raves that "I can wear them all day — and I live in New York City, which means I'm on my feet for most of the day. It helps that the leather is incredibly soft, so it molds to the foot." That said, if you need arch support, she notes that they aren't the most supportive shoes around.
Both said the loafers were comfortable straight out of the box with no break-in time, unlike many loafers that tend to be stiff. The padded leather insole adds comfort, and wide sizes are available. They're also built to last: "I've had my oldest pair for a few years now too, and they've stood the test of time, with barely a scuff on them," says Zaydenberg.
Colors: 2 | Sizes: 5 to 11 | Material: Leather
If you are looking for something a bit more trendy — and perhaps less spendy — check out these loafers from Quince. Jamie Lewin, fashion designer, stylist and creative director, prefers a chunkier loafers design because "they offer a modern take on the classic shoe," and these sleek loafers fit that and then some.
Made with 100% Italian leather, the loafers boast classic penny cutouts, tonal top-stitching and padded Ortholite insoles that make them easy to walk in. The chunky soles add 1 inch and give them a fashion-forward feel. The downside: They only come in two colors.
Colors: 4 | Sizes: 5 to 11 | Material: Leather
If you love celebrity-approved styles, look no further than this pair of loafers from Reformation. Both Katie Holmes and Gigi Hadid are fans of the classic design. The comfortable kicks boast a platform lug sole that's made from a mix of recycled rubber and foam derived from sugar cane, while the upper is made from ethically sourced Brazilian leather.
As is fitting with the brand's sustainable ethos, the shoes are 100% recyclable through Reformation's RefRecycling program. The chunky lug sole provides good traction and makes them comfortable to walk in, while the classic design makes them incredibly versatile — pair them with just about any kind of outfit imaginable.
Colors: 13 | Sizes: 5 to 13 | Materials: Leather
All Vionics have been specially designed by podiatrists to provide the support and comfort you need for a full day on your feet. These loafers have the American Podiatric Medical Association Seal of Acceptance thanks to their lightweight, flexible outsoles and shock-absorbing cushioning. They also boast a deep heel cup for stability and ample arch support. The soft leather uppers are sourced from the Leather Working Group, which promotes responsible leather manufacturing.
Shoppers say these are even comfortable enough for people with foot conditions, including plantar fasciitis and bunions. "This shoe has solved my issue of professional (business casual) looking shoes that I can comfortably wear with plantar fasciitis," raved one reviewer.
"I have had plantar fasciitis and must wear a good supportive shoe, and these fit the bill! Plus, these are very stylish," said another.
Colors: 6 | Sizes: 5 to 11 | Material: Leather
When you think of loafers, this pair from G.H.Bass may come to mind. Weejuns were first designed in 1936 and have become a preppy wardrobe staple ever since. I've had a pair in rotation for years and love the classic penny loafer design. They are a bit rigid at first and take a while to break in, but once that happens, they're incredibly comfortable. The design is timeless and the shoes are great quality for the price, making them a standout choice for an affordable leather option.
Colors: 6 | Sizes: 4 to 12 | Materials: Suede and leather
First introduced in 1979, Tod’s Gommino loafers have been a staple in many women’s wardrobes (including Princess Diana's) for decades. While they originally were more of a driving shoe, the updated “City” version boasts a rubber sole that makes them more durable for walking. "They come in various colors and materials, but my top choice is the suede version for its softness and flexibility," says textile designer John Smith.
The made-in-Italy loafers have exposed stitching and the brand’s iconic rubber outsole with embossed pebbles to give you a good grip. While they are definitely expensive, they do come with a two-year warranty.
Colors: 6 | Sizes: 5 to 13 | Material: Recycled water bottles
If you’re looking for a more sustainable loafer, this pair from Rothy's should be on your radar. The cute kicks boast a flexible knit material made with recycled water bottles, and while that might not sound very comfortable, owners swear they are soft and mold to your feet.
The seamless construction prevents blisters, and the shoes are even machine-washable, so you can keep them squeaky clean. They also have a wide toe box that's ideal if you suffer from bunions. "Having bunions and hammer toes makes it hard to find comfortable shoes. These were great! Wore them all day," raved one five-star reviewer on Rothy's site.
Materials: Textile designer, John Smith recommends "choosing high-quality materials when shopping for any type of footwear" to ensure they are comfortable, supportive and durable. Think supple leather, smooth suede and ultra-soft synthetic materials that feel good on your feet.
Style: "There are many styles of loafers, from preppy to classic to modern, so find one that fits your personality and style," fashion designer, stylist, and creative director Jamie Lewin tells us.
Cushioning: Finding a loafer with ample cushioning is key to wearing for long periods of time. "Loafers should have good cushioning, especially around the heel and arch, to provide support and prevent discomfort during prolonged wear," fashion designer Jennifer Roy tells us.
Fit: Loafers should fit snugly, so they don’t move around while you’re walking, but not so tight that they will cause painful blisters.
To figure out which loafers for women actually deserve a spot in your wardrobe, we consulted a mix of fashion experts, stylists, designers and our own shopping editors. They weighed in on what to look for when picking the best loafers for women. We also polled them to find out which loafers are their favorites and researched dozens of top-rated customer-loved options — because there's nothing like a recommendation from someone who has bought and tried them.
Like any type of footwear, it depends on the specific style and materials of the shoe. If you opt for a stiff leather option, it will usually take more time to break in. To avoid blisters and foot pain, you might want to wear these stiffer shoes around the house with a thick pair of socks for the first few weeks to stretch them out a bit before you wear them out for a full day on your feet.
While loafers are versatile enough to wear with practically everything in your wardrobe, there are a few key outfit formulas that are easy to reach for. Stylist Jordanna Sharp tells us if you’re looking for a classic look, she would pair them with a straight-leg pair of denim, a button-down that’s fully tucked into the jeans and a belt. "It’s important with loafers to get the proportion of the pants right, otherwise they can feel a little unflattering. For best results, ensure that the denim stops just above the ankle so that your ankle is visible when wearing them," she added.
For a more trendy styling option, she suggests pairing them with a mini skirt, a simple tank top and a boxy blazer. You can also pair them with a cute flowy dress to balance out the feminine frock with the masculine shoe.
Wearing socks with loafers is all about personal preference and also what type of loafers you’re wearing. "There are soft suede driving shoe styles which are generally worn in warmer months without socks. And then there are stiffer leather loafers, which are usually worn all year round with socks," Lewin tells us.
"As a self-proclaimed ‘sock-fluencer,’ the loafer for me is always best styled back to a sock; try a chunky sole with a thick white scrunch sock, a slick slingback with a fishnet sock or a penny loafer with a silk dress sock," trend forecaster and stylist, Jessica Richards tells us. Sharp thinks loafers look more effortless without socks. But if your pair of loafers needs extra breaking-in time, she suggests picking a no-show sock, which will give you the added comfort without peaking out.
Jessica Richards, trend forecaster and stylist
Jordanna Sharp, fashion stylist
Jamie Lewin, fashion designer, stylist and creative director
Jennifer Roy, fashion designer at All Star Logo
John Smith, textile designer at Leather Skin Shop