13 Best Women’s Loafers, According to Editors

The Sperry brand is practically synonymous with boat shoes, so you’re in the right place if you’re after a classic pair. This version is part of a collaboration with Aritzia, the popular women’s fashion retailer (and a favorite with many of our GH staff), and each pair comes with two extra sets of colorful laces in case you want to switch up the look.

GH Commerce Editor Isabella Cavallo loves these for their coastal grandma aesthetic. "I wore these shoes while walking all over Portland, Maine, and they were incredibly comfy and looked so stylish," she said.

Like Vivaia, these loafers are made from a flexible, recycled plastic that makes them easy to care for—they’re even machine washable! The sporty driver aesthetic isn’t a fit for every occasion, but this is a great pick for casual outings when you want something dressier than a flip-flop.

In previous tests of Rothy’s shoes, our staff loved being able to throw these in the wash, but the fit reviews were mixed. While several people found them comfortable straight away, some said the knit material rubbed against their skin, so skip them if you have sensitive skin.

Chunky loafers may have peaked in the '90s, but we still love them for their instant height boost and fashionable twist on a classic style. Plus, the thick rubber platform is much easier on your feet than a skinny heel.

Commerce Director Brie Schwartz says these are her go-to's on days when she'll log extra steps. "I'd never really call a loafer a 'walking shoe,' but I've walked miles in these (in the rain, no less). They've held up well over the past year—I've trudged through snow—and they're no worse for wear. So many of the trendy chunky loafers I've tried have been stiff, but these almost feel like a sneaker."

When you’d really rather be wearing sneakers, you’ll be happy to have these loafers that are a hybrid of the two. The classic penny loafer style looks more pulled-together than a traditional sneaker, but a thick rubber sole is ideal for times when you’ll be on your feet all day.

“My main gripe with loafers is that I find them to be less comfortable than a pair of ballet flats or slip-on sneakers. This loafer, however, slips on easily and offers enough support that my feet don't hurt after wearing them to work or around the city," said one of our GH testers. Regarding the style of the loafers, she added, "I thought they would be a little too preppy for me, but honestly, they aren't too chunky and are versatile enough that I can pair them with a variety of outfits."

M.Gemi’s Sacca Donna loafers have been recommended to me several times, and I’m not surprised they’ve got such a following. I own a few shoes from the brand, and the quality and comfort are top-notch.

Suede loafers are a great choice if you prefer a more flexible material that softens over time and won’t rub the way stiff new leather can. But the material is also more delicate and prone to stains, so you’ll want to avoid reaching for this pair in rainy weather. Along with neutral colors, these come in a few standout options, such as red and leopard print, that'll punch up a plain outfit.

I own several pairs of Sarah Flint shoes, and in my experience, they offer some of the best quality for the price. These loafers are one of the brand's best-sellers, and they have an almond-shaped toe that feels more elevated than the typical square toe.

I like how these are formal enough to wear with dresses (though I usually wear them with jeans!), and there's even arch support. Fit note: Pay attention to the size chart since these come in Italian sizing. I went up half a size, and they fit perfectly, though the brand says they'll stretch with time.

While Birdies has several loafers in its lineup, the Starling is the brand’s best-selling shoe. The brand started with cute indoor slippers that were so popular, people started wearing them outdoors too. And since they have a rubber sole, you easily can. What makes these shoes so great is the signature diamond-stitched satin footbed that has seven (!) layers of padding for an extra-cushy fit.

Several of our GH staff have been wearing them for years and say they’re still holding up well. In our wear tests, our footwear pros in the Textiles Lab found they’re a good pick for those with narrow and wide feet. The brand’s shoes generally run true to size, but you may want to size up or down depending on your foot’s width. The Starling comes in tons of colors and materials, including raffia, suede, and velvet, so you can find a pair to wear in every season.

Not all luxury shoes are worth their hefty investment, but the iconic Gucci Horsebit Loafer is truly timeless—the first horsebit loafer was introduced in 1953, and it feels just as relevant today. The buttery Italian leather is soft enough that you can fold down the back of the heel and wear it as a slipper, which we think makes it a little easier to justify the price.

"I hate to say it because of the price, but these are amongst the most comfortable shoes I own, and I've put so much mileage on them over the years. (They've had a few tune-ups at the cobbler). If you're in the market for a designer splurge, consider this a high vouch. If it's simply the classic horse bit you're after, Quince makes a comfy option that's considerably more affordable," said Schwartz.

If your goal is to find the most classic loafers possible, it’s hard to top a pair of Weejuns. These shoes have been around for ages, so you don’t have to worry about them not feeling stylish in a few years. In fact, the brand claims to have created the world’s first penny loafer when it introduced the Weejuns (named after a Norwegian farm shoe) in 1936.

The leather is on the stiff side, though, so these won’t be the pair for you if you want to skip the break-in period. What they lack in comfort, they make up for in versatility since the penny loafer style goes well with everything from T-shirts to button-downs.

When you don’t have months to break in a pair of leather loafers, these shoes from Reformation give you a lived-in look and feel from day one. The Ani has an internet following for its polished style and comfortable fit. While classic, there's ruching around the toe that offers just a slightly different take on the traditional shoe.

In line with Reformation's brand ethos, the shoes claim to use sustainable practices that reduce their footprint. The brand also suggests ordering a half size down, and shopper reviews back this up.

We're fans of Boden (especially for its swimwear), but the brand has a royal seal of approval too. Kate Middleton is often spotted in Boden dresses and shoes, including this same pair of loafers in leather.

I think everyone needs at least one leopard-print shoe, but if it's not your thing, the loafers also come in brown and black. They're only available in whole sizes, so my fellow half-size friends will probably want to look elsewhere, though the site's fit quiz can help you decide.