“Loafers are my version of a structured ballerina flat, and give a bit more coverage during the cooler months—a stellar shoe choice for both form and function,” explains Nordstrom’s Associate Fashion Director Linda Cui Zhang. Most common in a leather finish, they’ll develop a worn-in look with every use; an effect that’s more charming than shabby. “It’s a style that adds polish to any outfit,” she adds.
Whether you’re in search of a simple, classic pair to wear with your go-to jeans and t-shirt, or prefer something chunkier for a ’90s revival look, these are the expert- and editor-approved comfortable loafers that made the cut.
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There are loafers, and then there are Gucci’s horsebit-accented loafers, which are in a class of their own. The epitome of a”buy now and wear forever” pair, these have been ubiquitous since the brand introduced the style in 1953. The sleek, Italian-made shoe is lined with leather and is infinitely versatile.
Best Designer Loafers
Prada Triangle Logo Loafer
These Italian-made loafers are a stand-out for Zhang: “A sumptuous suede loafer in the chocolate brown color of the season offers both comfort and polish,” she says. The slight heel gives you a bit of lift, and we like the embossed enamel metal logo for a subtle glint of hardware.
Incidentally, T&C‘s Fashion & Accessories Director Dania Lucero Ortiz is obsessed with the leather version of this shoe: “From school halls to the streets of New York City, Prada’s take on the classic design has allowed me to revisit my youth, and there’s duality of then and now reflected in the loafers design,” she previously wrote. “What was once sharp and slim has taken on a fuller figure with a more plush and modern appearance.” Whichever finish you choose, it’s guaranteed to be a worthy investment.
The Louisa Loafer
Not to sound like a broken record, but I love every shoe Margaux makes—including this modernized on their editor-loved penny loafer. The chunky sole lends the classic penny shape a cool girl feel that’s sophisticated, not kitchsy.
Style aside, the pair’s plush footbed is insanely comfortable and akin to walking on clouds. Never have I experienced blisters or achey soles, and nor will you thanks to Margaux’s array of sizes and width selections.
Best Driving Loafers
Tod’s Gommini Driver Penny Loafers
Driving loafers are not only stylish, but they’re also functional thanks to their signature nubby soles that offer extra grip. That traction makes them a great pick for a walking shoe, too, and Tod’s makes the OG style that’s stood the test of time. Princess Diana was a devotee!
MARMI BOAT SHOE
These slip loafers might just be the most feminine take on boat shoes you ever did see.
“I love that because these boaters are a nod to the style, but not so literal, and it doesn’t confine you to wearing them one way. There’s lots of room for juxtaposition and play,” says Adamiyatt, who adds, “No matter how hot or sticky, I don’t worry about blistering even if I’m set to do lots of walking, and better still; no break in time!”
G.H.BASS Whitney Weejuns Penny Loafer
If it’s a timeless penny loafer you want, it’s a timeless penny loafer you get with G.H. Bass. After all, its founder is the one who created style in the first place. Just imagine how good they’ll look with jeans and classic Ts.
Best Patent Leather Loafers
Madewell The Vernon Loafer
You get it all with the Vernon: a polished penny silhouette, mini heel for a smidge of height, and Madewell’s signature Cloudlift Lite padding for extra comfort. If you like a bit of shine, this will be your go-to for wearing with jeans and ponte pants alike. It’s basically the perfect workwear shoe.
Best Performance Loafers
Koio Brera
Koio’s take on the loafer, featuring a classic penny slot across the vamp and stacked heel, is more than just a looker. It has a tech-foam insole that provides an ultra-plush feel whether you’re commuting to the office or just running errands—plus, it’s tightly stitched to offer some water-resistance. This shoe is built to last you for years to come.
Hybrid Loafer
Sam Edelman Elaina T-Strap Flat
Split the difference between a loafer and a mary jane with this buckle strapped version—unique enough to garner attention, but not so of-the-moment that they’ll look dated as the seasons pass.
Best Croc-Embossed Loafers
Emme Parsons Danielle Loafers
“I love how the croc-embossed leather adds a pop of uniqueness to these staple loafers,” says Caroline Maguire, senior fashion director at Shopbop. If you love the timeless look of a black loafer but want to spice it up a little, opting for a textured pick does the trick. These Italian-made ones also have a lightly cushioned footbed for easier wear.
Best Loafers on Amazon
Sam Edelman Loraine Bit Loafer
Sam Edelman’s Lorraine loafers have over 3,000 reviews on Amazon with a 4.4 star rating. But if that’s not enough to convince you, I can vouch for them too: They’re wearable right out of the box, the leather is soft and supple, they come in endless colors, and the shoes are built to last. I’ve had mine for seven years and they still look good as new.
Best Red Loafers
Tory Burch Classic Loafer
“I’ve only heard good things about these Tory Burch loafers, so they jumped right to the top of my wishl list when I saw this rich red color option,” says Fashion & Luxury Commerce Editor Sarah Maberry. “While the hue may be super trendy this season, the silhouette is timeless enough that they’ll stay in my closet for years and years to come.” Scalloped edges and crinkled leather uppers also elevate this classic pick—it’s super versatile.
Best Knit Loafers
Rothy’s The Loafer
Rothy’s sustainably knitted loafers are super flexible, unbelievably comfortable to wear (shoutout to the plush insoles!), and even machine-washable. It’s no wonder the internet is obsessed with the brand.
Best Velvet Loafers
Birdies The Sparrow
Looking for something more polished? This soft velvet embroidered pair has a flexible sole and quilted footbed that proves you don’t have to sacrifice comfort for style.
“I have a love-hate relationship with loafers thanks to the biting blisters and lack of arch support they often supply, but this Birdies style is giving me newfound hope that I don’t have to abandon the classic silhouette altogether,” says Sam Peters, senior fashion & luxury commerce editor. “This gorgeous pair is one I can easily see myself living in 24/7 (as I do with the label’s equally sumptuous mule styles, which have also made fans of stars like Meghan Markle).”
Best Square-Toe Loafers
Jacquemus Les Mocassins Carré Penny Loafer
If you love an unusual shape, this butter yellow pair from Jacquemus is for you. “The quirky style offers a playful touch to any outfit,” explains Zhang—use their angularity to balance out more feminine dresses, or lean into the sharper look with tailored trousers. Thanks to a collapsible heel, they’re also a 2-in-1 shoe: “The convertible sabot offers style versatility,” she adds.
What to keep in mind before buying a loafer
Materials. Both Zhang and Maguire recommend sticking with suede and leather materials if you want a comfortable loafer that’ll actually last. “Well-constructed loafers are made to last and mold to your feet comfortably,” says Maguire, who also suggests looking for strong stitching when picking out a pair.
Trending styles. “I appreciate the craftsmanship of a single-sole leather loafer to give a more streamlined look,” says Zhang. If the classic look is your thing, Maguire’s style tip is to zhuzh it up with an embossed treatment that’ll elevate the simple silhouette.
Looking to go more mod? “Platform loafers with lug soles are everywhere! The chunkier styles are so trendy,” continues Maguire.
Meet the experts
- Caroline Maguire is the senior fashion director at Shopbop
- Linda Cui Zhang is the associate fashion director at Nordstrom
Why trust Town & Country?
For more than 170 years, Town & Country has been the trusted source for influence, taste, elegant living, and the finest things in life. We cover everything from the latest and greatest in beauty to luxury travel to the buzziest fashion trends of the season. All of our stories are thoroughly researched, tested, and vetted by T&C editors and industry experts.
Sophie Dweck is the Shopping Editor for Town & Country, where she covers all things fashion, beauty and lifestyle, shares her expertise on the most worthwhile luxury products, tests and writes in-depth reviews on the very best essentials worth investing in, as well breaking news about the latest launches, and of course, reports on the biggest sales and deals to shop no matter the day. Some of her favorite items to date are Gwyneth Paltrow’s ski trial cardigan, the Hotel Chocolat Velvetiser, and ZIIP’s microcurrent device. When Sophie isn’t testing state-of-the art beauty tech or breaking down TikTok aesthetics, she loves indulging in BonBon sweets (Sorbisars, for the win!) and finding the next trend before it goes viral.
Elly Leavitt is a fashion and luxury commerce editor with over seven years of experience covering fashion and design. Her writing can be found in Harper’s BAZAAR, ELLE, Town & Country, Esquire, ELLE Decor, and more. Previously, she was an editor at Domino magazine. You can probably find her in line at Trader Joe’s. You will never find her at SoulCycle.
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