The best women's loafers for comfort and style

How we tested the most comfortable loafers

Over the years, our editors have personally tested over two dozen loafers. From podiatrist-led brands to French luxury labels, our goal was to find pairs that strike the sweet spot between tailored style and all-day wearability.

We wore each pair commuting to our office in Manhattan and on neighborhood strolls, logging at least a mile of walking at a time. Any shoe that felt unsupportive before hitting that mark didn't make the cut. The most comfortable styles featured built-in arch support and enough give through the vamp to prevent pressure across the instep after hours on our feet.

A lot of our favorite loafers are made from structured calfskin leather — which can be stiff at the heel, no matter how well-made they are — so we paid close attention to break-in time. Any leather loafers that made the cut took less than five or six wears to break in.

Learn more about how the Reviews team tests shoes at BI.

Best overall: Everlane Leather Day Driver Loafer

If you're a longtime Everlane fan like I am, you probably remember the brand's original Modern Loafer — one of the early hits that define the brand's minimalist aesthetic. The Day Driver Loafer builds on that foundation with a less boxy shape that feels noticeably more lightweight than its other models.

The toe box is slightly round, giving your toes more room to splay naturally, and the leather feels soft and extremely pliable right out of the box. Unlike its Made In Italy Loafers (which cost $130 more), these are more relaxed and were easier to wear barefoot. They're also the more versatile option since the unlined heel is collapsible, giving you a mule and loafer in one shoe.

The only potential drawback is that their light rubber sole could eventually wear thin. I've walked in mine for miles over multiple days and had no such issue, but if you're someone with a heavy gait you might find different. In any case, loafers with thick lug-soles are heavier and can cause fatigue on long walks, so in my opinion, the thin sole is a worth the trade-off.

The Day Drivers' single remarkable detail is the ruched uppers, but otherwise they're a simple, classic driver that's easy to wear on a daily basis. I've worn them barefoot with jeans on the weekend, but they dress up nicely with a Pointelle crew sock when I'm at the office.

The loafers come in whole and half sizes and run pretty true to size. I wear an 8 and got the 7.5, which just fit me. They may feel snug on wider feet, so if you plan to wear them with socks, opt for a half size up.

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 classic: M.Gemi Sacca Donna

The soft, unstructured M.Gemi Sacca Donna loafers are some of my favorites for its balance of comfort and elevated, masculine style. Its leather footbed feels softly cushioned underfoot with a subtle 0.4-inch stacked heel. Mine are a snazzy leopard print, but you can also find them in classic leather and suede colorways.

I wore them straight out of the box to our office in the Financial District, and they felt flexible and comfortable right away. The interior has a smooth, suede-like texture, and the thinner leather along the sides and heel allows the shoe to move naturally with your foot, thus reducing your risk for blisters. Underfoot, the flat outsole offers reliable grip, so I felt steady even on slick subway stairwells.

While the Sacca Donnas sit at a higher price point, the quality is evident. They're the kind of classic loafers that go with everything. From the premium materials to thoughtful Italian-made construction, this is a reliable loafer that delivers on comfort, fit, and timeless style.

Read more in our full M.Gemi review.

Best platform: Camper Milah Loafer

These super shiny leather loafers have a 2-inch platform heel and lightweight EVA soles — less clunky, more chunky. I won't lie, breaking these in gave me some blisters around my heels (something to be expected with new leather). To amend this, I wear mine with no-show socks.

The Milah loafers are becoming more flexible around the vamp with each wear. And despite their height, I don't feel like I'm on stilts in these — I feel grounded walking in them thanks to the Ortholite insoles. These give them some light cushioning in the heel and arch areas.

As for their design, they're a slightly more rugged version of a classic penny loafer. The platform gives me just enough lift that I can wear them with extra long flared pants for a retro-inspired look.

Best cushioned: Frankie4 Franklin Loafer

Frankie4's shoes appear in several of our footwear guides, including the most comfortable heels and best flats. These supple tan leather loafers are just as impressive.

They come with extra triple-layer footbeds designed by podiatrists (so don't accidentally throw them out with the packaging!). This "Sole Saver Pack" lets you adjust the fit according to your preference. I'd say these loafers run slightly small and narrow, but my normal size 8 fit me.

If your foot skews narrow and you prefer a more snug toe box, you can add the full length footbed and forefoot cushions. Or, you can choose the half-length footbeds so you have more wiggle room up front. It saves you a ton of hassle in terms of returning shoes that are only slightly off.

The foam cushions feel really soft on bare skin, yet they're firm enough to cradle my arches. I could walk in them right out of the box and sustained absolutely no blisters, thanks to the little padded cushions around the upper edge of the heel counter.

Best classic penny: G.H. Bass Whitney Weejuns

There are several versions of G.H. Bass' Whitney Weejuns (a super chunky lug-sole pair, a '90s-inspired platform pair, a croc-effect pair, the list goes on), but nothing can beat the classic version of these best loafers for women. Though they take a bit of time to break in, especially at the heel, you'll be pleasantly surprised at how comfy and supportive the insole is. Plus, the traditional penny loafer look will never go out of style.

In terms of sizing, these come in whole and half sizes, and I recommend going true to your usual size. If you're in between, you'll want to size up, especially if you plan on wearing them with socks.

Best for wide feet: Ally City Loafer

These dressy loafers come in impressive range of four different widths, meaning those with narrow or extra wide feet can achieve a near-custom fit. They're a more business-formal option than other loafers on this list, made with supple leather, a sleek almond toe, and polished buckles.

The City Loafers are considerably expensive and take a while to ship because they're made to order. I chose the chocolate brown leather pair in a size 38.5 B according to Ally's Fit Finder Quiz, and sure enough, they were a perfect fit. When I looked inside, the cushioned insoles illustrated how much attention to detail went into their design. So yes, while they're definitely steep, it's a good price compared to actual custom-made shoes.

I was surprised to find that, despite the lambskin lining, I don't sweat as much in these. That's because the perforated footbeds allow for more air flow than solid leather ones. These footbeds are also great for cradling high arches, and they come with a metatarsal dome that takes the pressure off the ball of my foot as I walk.

Ally also makes our favorite pumps for work, which you can read about in our guide to the most comfortable heels.

Best trendy: Tuckernuck Vivian Suede Loafers

When Tuckernuck opened the doors of its first NYC flagship store earlier this season, we learned that this pair of loafers were one of the first items to sell out. They're a solid dupe for the Yves Saint Laurent Le Loafer, which stands out for its hand-stitched moc toes.

Tuckernuck's lookalikes have the same subtle detail, available in either a pale cocoa or espresso brown. These are both great low-contrast shades that fit in perfectly with the brown-is-the-new-black trend. They reportedly run a touch large, and because they're suede, expect them to loosen a little as you break them in.

Best stretch: Vivaia Samantha Walker Loafer

Vivaia's Samantha Walker loafers have an extra roomy toe box to fit wide feet. They then taper off in the heel so your feet won't slip out while you walk. The flexible knit upper is soft, stretchy, and even water-repellent (I tested this by running them under the sink, and the beads of water brushed right off). They also have more squishy cushioning for light arch support and a slightly thicker padded heel, so you can walk on concrete for miles (as I did) without getting tired feet.

Read more in our full Vivaia shoes review.

Best T-strap: Bared Footwear Emutail Loafer

Here's yet another footwear brand from the Land Down Under. Bared Footwear is an Australian company that, similar to Frankie4, includes a pack of interchangeable insoles to allow you a more customized fit.

These loafers run pretty true to size. I wear a size 8 and have medium-to-narrow width feet, so I used the extra forefoot pads from the "Fit Kit" to make them feel a little more snug around my ankles. The toe box is tapered so it's not ideal for extra wide feet.

I love the feeling of buckling the T-straps of the Emutail loafers because they feel more secure atop my foot. This way my feet aren't sliding around inside whenever they get sweaty.

They come in black, though I opted for the brown leather option. It's coated with a glossy sheen and the color has a warm, almost orange hue. These chunky lug-soled loafers are not your typical pair — the long, square toe box is adorned with a woven brogue detail on top, and the gold hardware buckle adds to their shine.

Best packable: Rothy's The Loafer

If you know you have a strict limit of time you can stand in heels, it's good to have a backup pair loafers that can fit right in your work bag. Rothy's flexible knit material is made from recycled water bottles, and their loafers retain their shape even after being folded in half.

The Lounge Loafers are similar to the original Rothy's Loafers, which I've worn for years, but I like the Lounge Loafers better because they have a comfier insole with more padding. Their outside is pretty similar, except the vamp is now a bit shorter.

These are too thin to wear in cold weather, but the mesh is nice and breathable, so they're ideal if your feet sweat a lot. I got mine in a beige colorway that matches practically everything in my wardrobe. 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.

Read more in our full Rothy's flats review.

Best suede: Quince Italian Suede Penny Loafer

Quince undercuts many brands featured in this guide. This pair has many of the same features as the Quince's Glove Flats, like a genuine Italian leather upper and Ortholite insoles.

I tested these against Margaux's Andie leather loafers ($345), and the Quince loafers proved to a better bang for your buck. The main drawback is that the black suede around the toes got a little faded the more I wore them, so I recommend choosing the Almond colorway to keep them looking newer for longer.

That being said, I'm still impressed at how much they look and perform like Margaux loafers. The stacked leather heel is actually sturdy, and inside the leather is soft and molded to my feet. I don't suggest these for wide feet or sensitive high arches, but they fit me (size US 8) comfortably and true to size.

Read more in our full Quince review.

Best lug sole: Madewell Bradley Lugsole Loafer

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 for avoiding blisters: Sam Edelman Loraine Bit Loafers

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.

Best mid-range luxury: Nomasei Nono Loafer

"A great pair of loafers should be just like a perfect pair of denim: deliciously comfortable, wearable with just about anything, and a dependable staple for year-round wear. Founded by a duo who met while working at Chloé in Paris, Nomasei's luxe Parisian-inspired Nono loafers fit the bill precisely, albeit for a pretty penny at just under $500. But even after comparing these to my platform pair from Gucci, I'd opt for this style almost every time (and the Gucci pair cost twice as much).

The leather feels sturdy and thick yet buttery and luxurious, and while they do fit a little stiff at first, they break in nicely with a few wears. The arch support is also substantial, making them comfy to walk in (at least once the leather on the back of the heel softens up a bit). I got the all-black pair, though the brand is known for its bold bicolor and tricolor designs. I think the black will keep these feeling timeless despite the very trendy gold hand medallions, but if I had an unlimited budget, I'd be nabbing them in every color combo possible. I would follow the brand's advice of going a half size down — I personally went true-to-size with my initial order, and they were too big, so I had to return them and reorder." — Sally Kaplan, executive editor

Best luxury: Gucci Brixton Horsebit Convertible Loafer

If you've thought long and hard, and you know that designer loafers for women are what your heart desires, get the Gucci Brixton Horsebit Convertible Loafers. They're pricey, sure, but these fantastic women's loafers will last you a lifetime. Our former senior style and beauty editor, Maria Del Russo, has had her pair of Brixtons for five years and says they're the most versatile shoe she owns. She credits this to the fold-down heel that lets you wear them like mules, so you're essentially getting two shoes in one. The workmanship is apparent the longer you wear them, too. Maria has gotten these loafers re-soled twice, but the leather and hardware have both stood the test of time.

The one drawback to the Brixtons is that after many years, the fold-down heels have turned a slightly more faded shade of black than the rest of the heel. You can take them to a cobbler or use a leather conditioner to fix that, though.

As for sizing, these come in whole and half sizes, but be careful to check the sizing chart since they're usually listed in Italian sizing, which is different from European sizing. We recommend going up if you're in between sizes.

Best driving loafer: M.Gemi The Felize

The M.Gemi Felize loafers are some of the most versatile and well-made shoes former Insider Reviews senior reporter, Mara Leighton, owns. After a year of testing them multiple times per week for our M.Gemi review, she says they've held up well (no wrinkles along the top, minimal wear along the underside of the toes and heel). However, she notes that sizing isn't perfect.

"I ordered my true size, and they've grown looser and more custom-fit as moccasins do over time. But, even so, the top is still snug; I couldn't layer anything thicker than a light sock with my pair." She says that if you're in between sizes, or you've ever had to size up in shoes, you should go up at least a half size in these.

Check out our full M.Gemi Felize Loafer review.

Best budget: Naturalizer Cabaret Loafers

For a dressy shoe option on a budget, Naturalizer's Cabaret style is a great deal among the best loafers for women. The leather is flexible and not too stiff, so they're comfy for long days. Plus, you can almost always find this pair on sale in various colors (but beware that sizes sell out quickly every time they get marked down).

After testing the classic black leather version of a similar pair, we found the size chart to be a little off — this loafer is available in half sizes with narrow, medium, and wide widths, but we recommend to go down a half size, as they tend to run a bit large. Overall, though, Naturalizer creates comfortable loafers with good traction that you'll get a lot of mileage from.

Best velvet: Birdies The Starling

Birdies makes loafer-flats that are as comfy as a pair of velvet smoking slippers. Executive editor Sally Kaplan compared two versions of its best-selling Starling flats in order to detect any key differences.

"I tested both the Starling classic loafers and the newly resculpted version that just launched from Birdies. They're basically the same shoe, but with some elegant design upgrades to the newer version. The resculpted pair has a slightly more elongated toe, a more premium velvet material (though the difference is negligible to me, both look great!), and a bit more traction on the bottom. The shoes look almost identical on foot and in terms of comfort, there's very little difference, but I do happen to prefer the more elongated look of the new version (pictured in the Brandy Velvet color at the top of this guide). I think it comes down to aesthetic preference for most people.

As for comfort and fit, these are unbelievably plush and cozy for a pair of loafers! They have a good amount of arch support without being stiff at all, and they're easy to wear with or without socks. All of its styles come in both regular and wide sizes, and though the site says they run true to size, I find them to run a bit large. I went down a half size in both pairs I tested, and I'd recommend you do the same. Birdies makes their signature Starling loafers in a ton of colors, and they're always launching new seasonal styles. In the fall and winter you'll see a lot of embellished velvet designs, and in the warmer months you'll find woven leather and fun textures like raffia."

Meet the expert behind this guide

Gabrielle Chase, senior associate style editor: Shoes are my passion, and I live in New York where they're put through a lot of hard wear. I personally own 15 pairs of loafers, though I've donated at least a dozen others to make room for more. I'm constantly testing new styles and have maintained this guide since I began my career at BI three years ago, witnessing the evolution of women's fashion trends bend toward comfort-first footwear. Here I've curated pairs that feel good to put on and complement a range of personal tastes.

FAQs on the best loafers for women

How should loafers fit?

Loafers should feel snug around the heel and midfoot without pinching at the toes. There should be a tiny bit of space between your longest toe and the end of the shoe. Be sure to mind the curve of your toes — whether they're more squared, rounded, or pointed — and choose a toe box that is roomy enough to let your toes splay naturally.

What materials should I look for?

Calfskin is durable and molds to your foot over time, though as I've learned several blisters later, can take a while to break in. I've also tried flexible knit loafers like those from Rothy's and Vivaia, and while they're definitely ideal for travel, they don't have quite the same classic look as leather pairs. It's ultimately a matter of personal preference. In any case, look for padded heel collars and rubber soles that add traction.

How do I break in new loafers?

Try wearing your loafers around the house first to help soften the leather. You can also break them in with a thick sock to help loosen them up. Most quality leather loafers should start feeling more comfortable after five or six wears. If they're still giving you blisters, I recommend wearing a neutral no-show sock just to give your heels some respite.