The 12 Best Loafers for Women to Add to Your Shoe Collection in 2023
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We like the timeless style and comfortable fit of Bass's Weejuns.
Jhett Thompson
Next to a pair of clean white sneakers, there's no other shoe that's quite as versatile as loafers. And it's no wonder — they have a dressier appeal than sneakers, are roomier than ballet flats, and provide more coverage than a sandal. But perhaps the thing we love most about loafers is that they give us something we all want: Options. From casual penny loafers to fancier horsebit loafers, there exists a slew of styles that fall under the loafer umbrella.
But with so many options available, what should be a fun jaunt through the shoe aisle can prove to be a daunting task. That's where we come in. We searched high and low for the best loafers for women that stood out in terms of comfort, fit, function, and aesthetic. When it came down to choosing our favorite, the G.H. Bass Whitney Weejuns Loafer took the cake. The classic penny style loafer comes in several shades and gets major points for how comfortable they are.
Ready to meet your match? Here are our picks for the best loafers for women:
G.H. Bass & Co. Whitney Weejuns
Best Overall
What We Love: We love that these loafers elevate any outfit.
What We Don’t Love: Be mindful when wearing these shoes, as the white top may get dirty.
The best loafers are timeless — easily something you will gravitate towards regardless of what’s on trend. And the G.H. Bass Whitney Weejuns Loafers are just that. Crafted in El Salvador from luxurious leather, these simple loafers will not only feel comfortable right off the bat, but they also will last forever. Pair them with your favorite maxi dress or elevate your go-to jeans and sweater look. According to Chloe Anello, senior commerce editor for InStyle, the shoes barely need a break-in time. “With the right socks to start, my Weejuns never gave me a blister,” she says. “The quality is worth much more than what they cost.”
Price at time of publish: $155
Size: 5-11 | Colors: 1 | Material: Leather
Sam Edelman Lior Loafer
Best Budget
What We Love: These loafers feature several qualities we love, but the one thing that stands out is how comfortable they are.
What We Don’t Love: These run a bit wide, so keep that in mind if you have narrow feet.
The Lior Loafer from Sam Edelman caught our eye for its ultra-smooth leather that provides an impressively comfortable fit without a lengthy break-in period. While the penny style is typically associated with a more casual look, this pair is surprisingly easy to dress up. We picture these beauties styled with shorts and a blazer for a night out on the town or with a comfortable loungewear set if you're going for something more relaxed. Either way, this is a staple style that we're confident will become your most worn pair of shoes. Just be aware that they do run wide if you have narrow feet.
Price at time of publish: $77-149
Size: 5-11 | Colors: 4 | Material: Leather, Patent
Suzanne Rae Reseau Smoking Loafer
Best Splurge
What We Love: From the well-placed bow to the sheer paneling, we love the attention to detail this pair of loafers offer.
What We Don’t Love: Because of the see-through lace, your feet might be cold if worn on chilly nights.
This is one of the more expensive pairs of loafers on our list, but hear us out: this is what you bring out for a special occasion, an elaborate party, or when you just want to feel sophisticated but would rather not fuss with uncomfortable pumps and stilettos. We love the juxtaposition of the sheer body with the lattice pattern. (It's like elevated fishnets — on your feet.) Plus, the subtle bow detailing gives it a youthful touch without being over the top.
For a heeled shoe, this is surprisingly easy to slip on and off. It's also incredibly comfortable from the get-go and easy to walk in (that's all thanks to the block-style heel). We love the structured toe, which adds to its sophistication, as well as how lightweight they feel.
Even though we recommend these for parties, your feet might be cold when worn in cooler temperatures. However, it does come in velvet and tartan, in case you’d like to explore other options.
Price at time of publish: $585
Size: 35-44 | Colors: 3 | Material: 100% Italian leather
Related:The 18 Best White Sneakers To Wear Every Day in 2023
Cole Haan GrandPrø Rally Canvas Penny Loafer
Best Canvas
What We Love: We love the sporty design and plush support of this loafer.
What We Don’t Love: They tend to run large.
There's no two ways about it: A penny loafer is one of the most classic loafer styles you can find, in part because of how well they adapt to different outfits as well as for the function they served in the 30s (which was to hold two pennies in case you needed to use the phone booth, which costed two cents). Over time, the look became a staple. "If you were an 80s kid wearing the penny loafer, you were definitely into the preppy look," says Michelle Washington, TV style expert. "It was such a big deal to make sure I had a shiny new penny to place in the opening of the instep strap for a bit of extra flair. These days, the penny loafer is still a great look — no penny needed."
These loafers from Cole Haan check all the boxes for us, and we love that the canvas material makes them feel a bit more casual, while the leather instep strap balances it out. We consider this the perfect warm weather shoe because of how breathable and lightweight they are — they also come in summer-friendly hues like muted baby blue, stark white, wearable pink, and marine blue. Because like we said, we like options.
Price at time of publish: $75
Size: 5-11 | Colors: 6 | Material: Canvas
Madewell The Bradley Lugsole Loafer
Best Lugsole
What We Love: The cloudlift padding on the insole will feel extra comfortable.
What We Don't Love: According to the reviews, they run a little large.
Lugsoles not only add an extra bit of height (without fully being a heel), but they also supply a touch more traction during iffy weather as well. These Madewell ones have a 1.75-inch heel, which is made of 50 percent recycled rubber. While the leather upper will remain sleek and sturdy through the years, it's the comfortable Cloudlift padding on the insole that makes these shoes comfortable enough to wear day after day — and keeps complaints about achy feet to a minimum. All around, the stylish and sturdy shoe will get you through slippery slopes while looking cute as a button. Some customers recommend sizing a half size down, however, as they look to run a little big. The leather will also stretch with time, so even if it then feels a little snug, it will likely end up molding into a perfect fit.
Price at time of publish: $158
Size: 5-12 | Colors: 3 | Material: Leather, pigskin lining, rubber, recycled rubber
Gucci Jordaan Horsebit Loafer
Best Horsebit
What We Love: These loafers come in a wide range of sizes — for this, we give it a big check mark in the plus column.
What We Don’t Love: While these fit true to size, they take time to break in and soften.
Expensive? Yes. Worth the investment? Hard yes. The brand offers it in several styles (think: with a heel, folded over, slip on, and lug sole), but the Jordaan style is the ultimate classic. "It's hard for me to think of a horsebit loafer without thinking of Gucci," says Washington. "It [offers] a dressy look that sets it apart from other styles, featuring a connecting metal gold piece meeting from end-to-end across the vamp."
Beyond its attractive aesthetic, the moccasin-style loafers are about as versatile as it gets. They can be worn with just about anything, from casual outfits that consist of jeans and a T-shirt to dressier looks involving a high-low skirt or peplum dress. In all cases, the leather is buttery soft and the loafers are designed to last, but we can't ignore the fact that these will take a hot minute to break into.
Price at time of publish: $920
Size: 34-42 | Colors: 2 | Material: Leather
Crown Vintage Sage Penny Loafer
Best Platform
What We Love: They're a great vegan and affordable alternative to leather.
What We Don't Love: The synthetic upper might not feel as comfortable as traditional loafers.
For a little more height without venturing into heels, try a platform loafer. This pair from Crown Vintage comes with a 2.5-inch rubber lug sole, which will not only give you a lift but ample amounts of traction as well (meaning no ankles will be broken). The entirety of the shoe is made of synthetic materials and rubber, which makes it more affordable than its leather counterpart. However, that can also mean it will take some additional love and patience to break in and find comfort in. Otherwise, enjoy the style inspiration from the many ways shoppers have styled this shoe towards the bottom of the product page.
Price at time of publish: $60
Size: 6-11 | Colors: 3 | Material: Synthetic materials
Franco Sarto Carolynn Loafer
Best Tassel
What We Love: We're fans of their width friendly options, and its attractive price tag.
What We Don’t Love: While these loafers are available in different width sizes to make finding the right fit easier, they do run a bit wide.
This tassel loafer from Franco Sarto makes one playful yet equally modern shoe. The styling options for this one are endless: A maxi dress, mini skirt, or just plain jean shorts would all fare well with this shoe staple. Beyond this, it features a chunky lug heel that's as comfortable and slip-resistant as sneakers. And we can't forget the fact that it comes with a modest price tag to boot.
We like that this pair of loafers come in half sizes, but they tend to run wide so keep this in mind when selecting your size. Thankfully, if you need to swap them for a different size, Nordstrom has a fantastic return/exchange policy and will work with you on a case-by-case basis.
Price at time of publish: $99
Size: 5-12 | Colors: 3 | Material: Faux patent leather
Tod's Kate Gommino Driving Shoes
Best Driver
What We Love: They come in an extensive range of style, materials, and colors.
What We Don’t Love: The pebbles on the back serve a purpose (they make it easier to switch pedals while driving), but they become worn out over time.
There's so much we love about driving loafers — how convenient they are to slip on and off, the functional grip they provide while driving, and the stylish designs they come in nowadays. One such pair we'd be remiss to exclude are the Tod's Kate Gommino Driving Shoes. A namesake style, this pair is a right of passage among collectors of driving shoes for their flexible sole, refined construction, and, most of all, their ultra-comfortable fit.
Upon testing these, we can attest to the fact that they feel extremely lightweight — seriously, they feel like you're walking on pillows. They also come in different styles (penny and moccasin), materials (suede, leather, and felt), and colors (red, canary yellow, and turquoise among them). We like that the buckle is the same color as the rest of the loafer (as opposed to the brand's other styles, which have a contrasting buckle) — this brings a more casual element to the shoe that we appreciate.
One thing to keep in mind: Like most driving shoes, the rubber soles at the heel can become worn out over time — consider the cost of repair on top of the already-high price tag these loafers come with.
Price at time of publish: $695
Size: 34-42 | Colors: 8 | Material: Leather
Tuckernuck Black Kiltie Loafer
Best Kiltie
What We Love: They're surprisingly comfortable enough to wear all day.
What We Don’t Love: The gold coloring of the belt might fade with time.
Here to add a little flare to the classic shoe is the Kiltie loafer. With a little fringe and a buckle on the front, you've got yourself a fun shoe that can be worn on dates with a skirt or to the office with some slacks. The block heel is less than an inch tall (0.59") and can be worn the whole day without getting tired. There's ample amounts of room in the square front as well, so your toes can wiggle freely and comfortably. And because the shoe is made of leather, it will easily mold around the shape of your foot with time and remain durable for years to come. However, the gold on the buckle might be less everlasting, as the color will fade with time.
Price at time of publish: $198
Size: 6-11 | Color: 1 | Material: Leather
Birdies The Heron
Best Slipper
What We Love: The suede fabric stands out among the other loafers in this round up.
What We Don’t Love: They require a bit of break in time.
You probably know Birdies thanks to Meghan Markle — the royal wears the shoes often (probably because of how comfortable yet stylish they are), and we’re thinking it’s about time everyone gets on board. Coming in seven color variations with ample sizing, these loafers have something for everyone. Shannon Bauer, senior commerce editor for InStyle, boasts about their versatility. “I wanted a slip-on shoe for work, but not a ballet flat, and these fit the bill.” The suede outer makes them look elegant and ideal for formal events, while the cushiony insole allows you to comfortably wear them the entire day. Bauer did note, however, that there's a bit of a break-in time with these shoes.
Price at time of publish: $130
Size: 5-12 | Colors: 7 | Material: Genuine suede
Tory Burch Jessa Pointy-Toe Pump
Best Heeled
What We Love: They’re not too tall and have a roomy toe box.
What We Don’t Love: While these heeled loafers are comfortable out of the box, they definitely run narrow.
Want the comfort of a loafer but the elegance of a pump? With the Tory Burch Jessa Pointy-Toe Pumps, you don't have to choose. The compliments will come pouring in with this pair: It features a 2.2" heel (which is just enough to lengthen your legs without being uncomfortable to walk in) as well as chain-link hardware that'll give you that dressed-up horsebit look. On top of it all, the modern lines make it the perfect footwear to don with a business casual or cocktail hour look. These are incredibly well-made, boasting baby-soft leather, ample support, and a long tapered toe that makes for a more spacious toe box. The attention to detail is also not to be forgotten: the inside is lined with suede to keep your feet from slipping out. Genius.
You won't regret buying these heeled loafers, just be aware that they run narrow and those with wide feet may find they need more time to break them in.
Price at time of publish: $279
Size: 5-11 | Colors: 1 | Material: Leather
What to Keep In Mind
Style
With so many loafer styles to choose from, it can be difficult finding one that fits your style. The basic styles to keep an eye out for are penny, horsebit, kiltie, slipper, and driver. Looking for something with a laid-back essence? Go for a penny loafer, which Washington describes as having a modest boxy appeal with a strap across the instep. "When I'm aiming for a casual look to pair with jeans or slacks, I instantly grab my penny loafers — they just bring everything back to the basics, especially when paired with a T-shirt and jeans," she says.
A kiltie loafer, on the other hand, has a personality of its own, says Washington, noting that while some may think the look is too flamboyant with a slashed wide leather panel broadly covering the instep, the tassels add the final touch. As for driving loafers, Washington says you'll know you landed on a solid pair if it feels like second skin. "It's hard to say which feature is the best when it comes to a driving loafer — maybe it's the fact that they hug your foot like a glove of soft leather or the rubber sole with the circular nubs that grip the pedal when you drive," she says. Throw on a pair of driving loafers if you're looking for comfort. Finally, if the day calls for something dressier, Washington recommends going with a horsebit loafer and slacks.
Comfort Level
"Fashion and pain should not be in the same sentence, especially when it comes to your feet," says Washington, who stresses the importance of finding a pair of loafers that have ample support, especially if you plan on wearing them all day. Most styles of loafers require you to break them in, so be mindful of this if you plan on purchasing a pair right before a special event. Also good to know: Finding the right size of shoe will not only contribute to how comfortable they feel on your feet, but how well they break in, too.
Your Questions, Answered
Should I expect a break-in period with loafers?
Short answer: Yes. But there's a right way to do it. "The biggest mistake for breaking in loafers is wearing them all day straight out of the box," says Washington. "I usually wear my new loafers in intervals. I also wear them with dress socks (until they are broken in) to avoid any further discomfort." Unfortunately, for many styles of loafers (including those made of leather), breaking them in isn't a quick process and can take several weeks.
What's the best material for loafers?
While there's no one "best" material for a loafer (each one has its pros and cons), leather-made loafers tend to be the most popular, as they offer a sleek, more refined look even as they develop a patina. Despite leather being a go-to material for many, you'll often find that certain styles use other materials — like slipper loafers. "Without the box topstitch feature, slippers don't require as much material to make, so you may see them in more ornate materials such as velvet or patent leather, sometimes dawning embroidery," says Washington. Remember that while suede and velvet can offer a different look entirely from leather, they may not be as durable. Keep your suede loafers on deck for spring and summer months when you're less likely to deal with environmental elements like rain and snow.
Why Shop With Us
Michelle Rostamian is a freelance beauty, wellness, and lifestyle writer with nearly 10 years of experience in the beauty industry and bylines at PEOPLE, Byrdie, Real Simple, InStyle, and more. Bianca Kratky is a commerce writer at InStyle with over two years of experience covering fashion and beauty. For this story, they worked with InStyle writer Amanda Rosenthal as well as spoke with Michelle Washington, TV style expert, and InStyle senior editors Chloe Anello and Shannon Bauer to find out what their favorites are. Some shoes were even tested in-house to ensure they’re comfortable and worth the buy.
Related:The 8 Best Ballet Flats of 2023 That Are Chic, Comfortable, and Far From Basic
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