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They go with ev-er-y-thing.
By Jake Henry Smith
Courtesy of brands
The best loafers for women are year-round investments; no matter the season. Deceptively versatile and effortlessly cool, these timeless wardrobe essentials (which are a key 2023 winter fashion trend) belong in every closet—as long as you pick the right ones, that is.
Depending on how you style them, loafers can be professional (they’re a great option to wear to work, especially if you’re not a fan of even the most comfortable heels), playful, edgy, or anywhere in between. They get an A+ with jeans and a blazer, but just as easily ground a slinky winter dress or white button-down. Classic details like straps (Reformation makes the cutest pair of Mary Jane–style loafers), tassels, and metal hardware adorn some of our favorite (and the trendiest) styles, while chunky lug soles (we love G.H. Bass’s light-as-air option) and cutouts bring more drama, and it’s what we’re seeing everywhere this season.
Can’t decide which loafers to add to your lineup? You’ve come to the right place. We’ve spent years filling our personal closets with the best loafers for women, and we have so many thoughts on exactly which ones you should invest in. These are our favorite pairs, from budget-friendly finds to designer brands, according to Glamour editors who have spent hours upon hours walking in them.
What we’re looking for
- Sizing: Most loafers come in normal sizes, but we’re giving especially high marks to brands that offer multiple widths for wide feet, and half sizes. (Just note that many loafers—especially leather ones—will likely feel tight out of the box so you’ll have to break them in.)
- Materials: So many of the best loafers for women are made of leather—suede, croc-embossed, patent, you name it. It’s a durable material that ages beautifully, especially when you protect it. Of course, there are also faux-leather options available for any vegans in the audience.
- Reviews: We took editor feedback and online reviews into account while pulling this edit together. Each pair has been personally endorsed by a member of the Glamour team, lauded by verified reviewers, or both.
Our top picks
- Best Overall: Madewell Bradley Lugsole Loafers, $158
- Most Comfortable: Vionic Willa Loafers, $130
- Best Classic: G.H. Bass Whitney Weejuns Loafers, $175
- Best Penny Loafers: J.Crew Winona Penny Loafers, $215
- Best Minimalist: Everlane The Modern Loafers, $116
- Best Platform: Steve Madden Lawrence Loafers, $70
- Best Designer: Gucci Brixton Horsebit Convertible Loafer, $920
- Best for Walking: G.H. Bass Lianna Bit Super Lug Loafers, $185
All products featured on Glamour are independently selected by our editors. However, when you buy something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission.
1/16
Best Overall: Madewell Bradley Lugsole Loafers
Leave it to Madewell to give us the perfect wear-everywhere shoe. The brand mashed up the classic loafer silhouette with a not-too-chunky lug sole, and the result is a chic pair that feels more timeless than trendy. “I love how they have the chunky vibe but still look sleek (and don’t weigh, like, 10 pounds),” says Glamour contributor Lindy Segal. “I’ve been wearing them solo with straight-leg jeans this fall, but I plan to layer them over knit tights and socks through winter so I can pair them with dresses and skirts.” We also love that there’s a puffy strap instead of a more traditional penny band.
Sizes: 5–12 / Colors: 3 options / Material: Leather
Pros: Grippy outsole; relatively lightweight; half sizes available
Cons: Sizing might run largeSave on the best loafers for women with these Madewell promo codes.
2/16
Most Comfortable Loafers: Vionic Willa Loafers
Seeking out slim, supportive loafers to be your summertime walking shoes? Your search ends here. This velvet pair contains Vionic’s podiatrist-approved insoles (which offer plenty of arch support, by the way) to cradle your feet as you walk. Wear them with a suit during the week, then a cashmere sweater and jeans on your weekend getaway.
Sizes: 5–11 / Colors: 3 options / Material: Leather or suede
Pros: Podiatrist-approved design; supportive insoles; half sizes and wide width available
Cons: Limited colorsSave on the best loafers for women with these Nordstrom promo codes.
3/16
Best Classic Loafers: G.H. Bass Whitney Weejuns Loafers
Name a more timeless penny loafer—we’ll wait. This time-honored preppy shoe looks just as cool with tailored suits as it does with cargo pants or running shorts, and we can’t resist styling them with white crew socks for extra geeky-cute points. “My pair was comfortable right out of the box—no blisters,” Glamour commerce writer Jake Smith says. “The sizing runs a touch large, so if you’re unsure, consider going down by a half size; the leather will stretch to accommodate your feet.”
Sizes: 5–11 / Colors: 5 options / Material: Leather
Pros: Classic silhouette; durable leather; half sizes available
Cons: Might run largeSave on the best loafers for women with these Nordstrom promo codes.
4/16
Best Penny Loafers: J.Crew Winona Penny Loafers
Pretty much the definition of the classic penny loafer, these J.Crew shoes are longtime bestsellers. To be frank, this is the one loafer style you really should have in your rotation. If brown and black patent leather are too plain, you can also pick up a two-tone linen style or a more intricate Italian woven leather. “What captured my heart is the beautiful woven leather and the striking contrast it offers,” says Glamour commerce producer Leilani McQuay. “Not only do they give a clean and chic look, but they also offer a snug fit that wraps your feet in pure comfort. I’ve been experimenting with different outfit combinations, from jeans and a classic button-down to pairing them with socks and a miniskirt.”
Sizes: 5–12 / Colors: 5 options / Material: Leather
Pros: Traditional silhouette; durable sole; half sizes available
Cons: Might run small; require breaking in
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5/16
Best Minimalist Loafers: Everlane The Modern Loafers
Bookmark these for when the “What loafers should I get?” texts from friends start rolling in. Everlane designed these minimalist beauties with all the classic features: supersoft leather, a delicately tapered toe, and a one-inch stacked heel, plus a cushioned insole that cuts down on break-in time.
Sizes: 5–11 / Colors: 2 options / Material: Leather
Pros: Simple design; comfortable feel; half sizes available
Cons: Might be too narrowSave on the best loafers for women with these Everlane promo codes.
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6/16
Best Statement Loafers: Nomasei Nono Loafers
These multicolor loafers are a hit among celebrities like Nicole Kidman and the Hadids Bella and Gigi. It’s no wonder; they’re padded with memory foam for extra comfort and feature a gold buckle in the shape of a hand for extra oomph. “The craftsmanship is impeccable. People will inevitably ask where you bought your pair—and if you’re nice, you’ll tell them,” says commerce writer Jake Smith.
Sizes: 35.5–42 EU / Colors: 1 option / Material: Leather
Pros: Unique design; slight heel; half sizes available
Cons: Pricey
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7/16
Best Preppy Loafers: G.H. Bass Lianna Bit Super Lug Loafers
Adding a lug sole and horsebit hardware to its more classic loafers, G.H. Bass created perhaps the preppiest shoes on the market. (Just imagine these with a tweed suit.) “These feel like you’re walking on a literal cloud” says Glamour commerce director Brie Schwartz. “I can wear these for hours and they’re as comfortable as my go-to sneakers, because they’re light as air. I also love how the extra height gives them a little bit of edge.”
Sizes: 5–11 EU / Colors: 2 options / Material: Leather
Pros: Lug sole; comfortable design; half sizes available
Cons: Break-in time requiredSave on the best loafers for women with these Macy’s promo codes.
8/16
Best Platform Loafers: Steve Madden Lawrence Loafers
Steve Madden took a classic black leather upper and remixed it with metal penny hardware and a chunky rubber sole. The block heel gives it a welcome (but still walkable) height boost that’s just as appropriate for the office as it is for a night out. “Measuring in at a whopping five feet, zero inches, I am always in search of a bit more height, so any shoe that has a chunky sole piques my interest,” says Glamour junior designer Channing Smith. “These Steve Madden loafers are extremely walkable and sophisticated without feeling aggressively preppy. Truly a staple in my wardrobe, they pair easily with a trouser for a chic work look or a miniskirt and silky socks on the weekends.”
Sizes: 5–11 / Colors: 4 options / Material: Leather
Pros: Comfortable design; height-boosting sole
Cons: Might be too narrowSave on the best loafers for women with these Amazon promo codes.
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9/16
Best Horsebit Loafers: Sam Edelman Laurs Loafers
These lug sole loafers score major points in the versatility department: Try them with thicker ankle socks and a slip dress to keep the grungy vibes going, or elevate a graphic tee and pair of high-waist jeans by styling them with sheer or patterned socks. “In the last few months, I’ve worn these at least once a week—to work and casual outings, because they are perfect for almost every occasion,” says Glamour editorial assistant Monique Wilson. “I love the platform detail and the brown and black color-blocking. I definitely want to get the same pair in other colors.”
Sizes: 5–11 / Colors: 5 options / Material: Faux leather
Pros: Lightweight design; height-boosting soles; half sizes available
Cons: Not real leatherSave on the best loafers for women with these Shopbop promo codes.
10/16
Best Chunky Loafers: Vagabond Shoemakers Kenova Loafers
Made from soft black leather and pulled straight from your ’90s fantasies, these chunky loafers are perfect do-everything shoes. “I’m always impressed by the soft leather and the serious soles,” commerce writer Smith shares. “After a short break-in period, these slip-ons are supremely comfy and seemingly indestructible. They’re a touch heavy and the sizing does run a little large, so go down if you’re between sizes.”
Sizes: 6–11 / Colors: 1 option / Material: Leather
Pros: Durable design; grippy outsole
Cons: Might run large; limited colorsSave on the best loafers for women with these Nordstrom promo codes.
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11/16
Best Designer Loafers: Gucci Brixton Horsebit Loafers
These iconic kicks need no introduction. There are many designer loafers to choose from—Bottega Veneta, Tod’s, Louboutin—but we’re partial to Gucci’s laidback, extra-comfy pair featuring the brand’s signature horsebit hardware and foldable back. There have been many iterations through the years, each just as stylish as the last. “Though the leather is buttery soft, these loafers have withstood long walks on gritty NYC streets,” commerce director Schwartz says. “The most comfortable shoes I’ve ever owned, they have no painful break-in time, nor do they cause blisters, and I love the iconic OG horsebit detail. Plus, they can also be worn as slides.”
Sizes: 4–12 / Colors: 2 options / Material: Leather
Pros: High-end materials; iconic design; versatile silhouette; half sizes available
Cons: PriceySave on the best loafers for women with these Nordstrom promo codes.
12/16
Best Colored Loafers: Free People Collection Liv Loafers
Can’t get enough color in your wardrobe? Keep Free People’s vibrant penny loafers on your radar. While all the neutrals are available, the standouts are the more unusual options, including apple green, blush pink, vibrant coral, and rich olive. Better yet, each pair features a sturdy lug sole and a metal “coin” in the penny slot, adding even more personality to your footwear.
Sizes: 6–11 / Colors: 8 options / Material: Leather
Pros: Eye-catching colors; metal detail; durable soles; half sizes available
Cons: Can take a while to break inSave on the best loafers for women with these Free People promo codes.
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13/16
Best Waterproof Loafers: Tory Burch Classic Rain Loafers
Leather loafers are a notoriously bad choice for rainy days—but Tory Burch’s slip-on shoes provide a delightful workaround. They reimagine the classic style in waterproof rubber in three distinct colors: yellow for the bold, black for the traditional, and ivory for the white sneaker enthusiasts. Reviewers rave that they’re comfy, too, thanks to a jersey footbed that provides plenty of cushioning. Plus, the branding is minimal, with a small logo at the vamp.
Sizes: 5–11 / Colors: 3 options / Material: Rubber
Pros: Lightweight design; height-boosting soles
Cons: Not real leatherSave on the best loafers for women with these Shopbop promo codes.
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14/16
Best Mary-Jane Loafers: Reformation Abalonia Chunky Mary Janes
Mary Jane shoes are everywhere right now, whether you’re a fan of the loafer or the ballet flat. Reformation’s take is an appropriately cool revamp of your girlhood shoes, now outfitted with chunky soles and an inclusive size range. No matter what you wear—we suggest wide-leg jeans and some minimal jewelry—opt for these slip-on loafers and you’ll look like a fashion editor.
Sizes: 5–11 / Colors: 1 option / Material: Leather
Pros: Trendy look; adjustable straps; half sizes available
Cons: Only available in blackSave on the best loafers for women with these Shopbop promo codes.
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15/16
Best Tassel Loafers: Cuccoo Tassel Loafers
Sometimes, buying a random pair of loafers off of Amazon works out. That’s exactly what Glamour commerce writer Andrea Navarro learned when she picked up this tasseled gem for a last-minute Gossip Girl costume. “I was shocked at how comfortable they are, and while I wasn’t planning on wearing them often, I’ve found myself slipping into them weekly,” she says. “I’m not mad about it since the price tag is on the more affordable side.”
Sizes: 5.5–9.5 / Colors: 1 option / Material: PVC
Pros: Affordable; comfortable insoles; half sizes available
Cons: Limited sizes available; not real leatherSave on the best loafers for women with these Shopbop promo codes.
16/16
Best Driving Loafers: Coach Marley Drivers
Coach’s ultra-preppy drivers feature soft, stretchy leather and outsoles that don’t slip, meaning they’re great for anyone who’s frequently on their feet. And since these driving moccasins are made of such a soft material, they require little break-in time—see you never, blisters.
Sizes: 5–11 / Colors: 8 options / Material: Leather
Pros: Comfortable design; grippy outsoles; half sizes available
Cons: Might run narrow
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