The 15 best loafers for women in 2024

adminJuly 24, 2024

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Just like the perfect pair of flats, the best loafers for women are rare in their sheer versatility and practicality. Once you’ve locked in on a comfortable pair, you’ll find that they go with just about any ensemble, from workwear outfits to a casual-chic pairing of wide-leg jeans and a crisp white T-shirt.

We tested leather loafers with good arch support, because besides their stylish appeal, loafers are meant to be a sensible footwear option. Another favorite of ours includes lightweight travel loafers that easily collapse and pack into a carry-on.

Our top picks of the best loafers for women

Best overall: Everlane The Modern Loafer – See at Everlane
Everlane’s classic loafer offers a simple and chic shape with flexible leather that has never given us blisters.

Best for walking: Vionic Uptown Loafer – See at Vionic
The arch support and super flexible soles on these collapsible loafers were the most comfortable to walk in over long distances.

Best lug sole: Madewell Bradley Lugsole Loafer – See at Madewell
Get the lift of a platform and the comfort of a cloud thanks to the cushy insoles of these lugsole loafers from Madewell.

Best packable: Rothy’s The Loafer – See at Rothy’s
We like to switch into these after wearing heels because the soft, breathable mesh molds to your feet and folds neatly into a tote bag.

Best for avoiding blisters: Sam Edelman Loraine Bit Loafers – See at Amazon
This pliable pair takes no time to break in, and the leather conforms to your foot the more you wear them.

Best luxury: Gucci Brixton Horsebit Convertible Loafers – See at Nordstrom
Our favorite Gucci loafers are made with supple Italian leather and have fold-down feels so they can double as mules.

Best platform: M.Gemi The Tamara – See at M.Gemi
Add some dimension to your look with these patent leather high platform loafers, which are surprisingly lightweight despite their chunky sole.

Best classic penny: G.H. Bass & Co. Whitney Weejuns – See at Free People
If you agree that the classic penny loafer will never go out of style, then G.H. Bass & Co. makes some of the best loafers for women we’ve found.

Best driving loafer: M.Gemi The Felize – See at M.Gemi
M.Gemi’s The Felize loafer is the perfect travel shoe because of its typical driving rubber sole that offers extra cushion and support with each step.

Best suede: Margaux Penny Loafer – See at Margaux
Margaux is one of our team’s favorite brands for fine leather footwear, and these suede penny loafers get extra points for their wide range of sizes.

Best velvet: Birdies The Starling Flat – See at Birdies
These cushioned velvet loafers come in a wide range of colors and patterns, with an exterior inspired by classic smoking slippers.

Best budget: Naturalizer Cabaret Loafers – See at Amazon
If you’re looking for loafers under $100, the Naturalizer Cabaret Loafers are an elegant and comfortable choice.

Best Mary Jane: Charles & Keith Circle Charm Mary Janes – See at Charles & Keith
These coquettish loafers have cute metallic charms you can match with your jewelry — plus, they’re adjustable thanks to the buckled straps.

Best Gucci dupe: Steve Madden Lando Loafer – See at Amazon
The Lando bears an uncanny resemblance to Gucci loafers, with practically identical gold horsebit hardware.

Best heeled: Frye Jean Loafers – See at Neiman Marcus
These block-heeled loafers are easy to walk in and offer a distinct vintage look when you pair them with high-waisted flared trousers.

Best overall: Everlane The Modern Loafer

Everlane Modern Loafer in camel on a peach background.

If you’re as big a fan of an Everlane as we are, you might remember its original loafer, which was one of the styles that first put the brand on the map. Years later, they reintroduced our top pick for the best loafers for women with an updated look and fit, and the new version is definitely even better than the old.

The toe is slightly more rounded so your toes have more room to wiggle, and the leather is a bit more flexible. They’ve never given me a blister, which is more than I can say for the old pair. A stacked wood heel gives them a casual vibe, and the rubberized sole prevents slipping and sliding on slick floors.

The new loafers are supple, round-toed, and flexible, but not so bendy that they feel like flats or smoking slippers. They have good arch support, and the rubber soles have way more traction than the old version of the shoe.

For sizing, these come in whole and half sizes and they fit true-to-size. I wouldn’t recommend them if you have particularly wide feet, but if you’re usually in between sizes, go a half size up for the best fit.

Best for walking: Vionic Uptown Loafer

Halfway between a sneaker and a loafer, the Vionic Uptown Loafer is an important style to know about if you’re prioritizing comfort. Their performance is backed by Heeluxe’s rigorous assessment that tests for fit, stability, cushioning, and flexibility.

When I first put these on, I was impressed by the sturdiness around my ankles from the deep heel cups. The leather was very stiff to begin with, but it started to soften after about five or six wears. These are also great if you have high arches like mine, because the padding reaches all the way up the inner wall of the shoe.

You can wear the Uptown Loafers just as you would walking sneakers — the lightweight, flexible soles can fold in half, and they have enough traction for stepping on uneven or slippery terrain. They’re also perfect for travel, since they collapse into a slim profile.

Best lug sole: Madewell Bradley Lugsole Loafer

A brown Madewell loafer on a peach background.

Lug sole loafers are a great way to add some height without uncomfortable heels. This pair has an almost 2-inch platform, which makes it a great choice for wearing with pants that are just a little too long. They’re also is padded with Madewell’s signature CloudLift padding, which provides a cushioned insole so you can’t walk in them.

Best packable: Rothy’s The Loafer

You’ll never appreciate a pair of shoes more than once you’ve reached your limit of standing in heels and you can just pull some loafers right out of your purse. Rothy’s flexible knit material is made from recycled water bottles, and their loafers retain their shape even after being folded in half.

It took no time at all for me to break this pair in, and although they’re too thin and breathable to wear in cold weather, the Ecru colorway matches everything in my wardobe. They have a slender silhouette that’s similar to Friulian slippers, and despite having a narrow toe box that may not suit wider feet, they still stretch comfortably. I recommend sizing up if you’re between sizes.

Best for avoiding blisters: Sam Edelman Loraine Bit Loafers

Sam Edelman loraine bit loafer in Jade Green on a peach background.

The Sam Edelman Loraine Bit Loafers come in more than 20 colors, from classic neutrals to bold choices like bright lemony yellow, jade green, or pink croc-effect. Each season, you’ll find new colors and textures introduced.

The leather loafers for women are just structured enough to hold their shape, but not so stiff that they’ll blister you out of the box. I was able to wear mine for the first time for a whole day (including commuting from the suburbs to Manhattan and back) with no discomfort. They have a small amount of cushioning — like enough that I would definitely bring these on a walking-heavy vacation.

As for sizing, they come in whole and half sizes with a few colors offering a wide width. I am often in between a 7.5 and 8, and I opted for the 8 this time, but I easily could have fit in the 7.5. The leather will stretch and conform to your feet as you wear them, so I’d recommend going a half size down if you are already in between sizes. Otherwise, I’d opt for your usual size.