12 Best Loafers for Women, Recommended by Fashion Editors

These iconic leather loafers need no introduction. There are many designer pairs to choose from, but we’re partial to Gucci’s laid-back, extra-comfy pair featuring the brand’s signature horsebit hardware and a foldable back. “I don’t tend to splurge on special-occasion shoes, but when it comes to my daily, comfy kicks, I’m willing to shell out more—especially for something timeless,” says Dana Smith, the vice president, content lead for Condé Nast Health. “I have two pairs—in black and bordeaux—and I love that the soft, flexible back means there is literally no break-in period. They go with everything I own and quickly elevate and bring polish to any outfit. The best part: Gucci offers a great deal on repairs when you shop directly through them (as opposed to a department store). I had my shoes resoled and the leather touched up around the toes to keep them looking fresh season after season. I’m going on year six with my bordeaux pair, and they still look and feel great! I can’t recommend these shoes enough; despite the price going up every year, they really are worth it.”

• Sizes: 4–12
• Colors: 2 options
• Material: Leather
• Pros: Half sizes available; easy to repair; no break-in required
• Cons: Pricey

As I mentioned above, Mary Jane (or T-bar) loafers are the unexpected shoe trend taking over runways and city streets this season. The style leans academic, but it won’t read too schoolgirl when you dress up your pair with colored tights or romantic fall dresses. (It’s also a great option for letting your trendy mesh ballet flats take a breather.) “I’m not typically preppy, but I’ve been looking for a pair of loafers and this style is sophisticated and feminine,” a Nordstrom reviewer writes. “The color is true to the photo and the leather is soft and comfortable. I ordered my normal size and they fit well. This will go with jeans and dresses and skirts and can be worn for work or play.”

• Sizes: 5–11
• Colors: 4 options
• Material: Leather
• Pros: Trendy design; true to size
• Cons: No half sizes

“If you’re looking for something you can wear on wet days that you don't have to be too precious about, the chunky rubber lug sole makes these perfect. They’ve withstood rainy afternoons in NYC and look no worse for the wear. They're also more comfortable than the popular Prada and Gucci options, but way less expensive,” says Glamour commerce director Brie Schwartz.

• Sizes: 5–11
• Colors: 2 options
• Material: Leather
• Pros: Height-boosting sole; trendy look
• Cons: Hardware can become twisted

Reformation’s signature take on the lug-sole loafer is an appropriately cool revamp that has become a go-to among celebrities. Taylor Swift and Gigi Hadid, specifically, ride hard for this pair (among many other Reformation pieces) which adds a downtown edge to the brand’s dresses and trousers. No matter what you wear—we suggest roomy jeans and some minimal jewelry—slip these babies on and you’ll look like a fashion editor.

• Sizes: 5–11
• Colors: 6 options
• Material: Leather
• Pros: Durable shoes; half sizes available
• Cons: Pricey

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—and brown and black patent leather are all you need to make a statement. “Not only do they give a clean and chic look, but they also offer a snug fit that wraps your feet in pure comfort,” says Glamour commerce producer Leilani McQuay. “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: 2 options
• Material: Leather
• Pros: Traditional silhouette; half sizes available
• Cons: Might run small

The love child of loafers and sneakers, these hybrid shoes are especially well-suited to all-day wear. They’re among the most flexible pairs of loafers we’ve ever encountered, and they’re ideal for walking, thanks to a grippy rubber outsole and insoles with strong arch support. Vionic also offers the loafers in two widths, meaning they’re great for people with wide feet. Better yet, they come recommended by Jacqueline Sutera, DPM, a podiatrist at City Podiatry in New York City and a Vionic medical adviser. Style these with a blazer and jeans at the office for a business-casual look that’s still sharp—and don’t be afraid to walk a little farther for lunch than usual.

• Sizes: 5–13 in medium and wide
• Colors: 17 options
• Material: Leather
• Pros: Tons of colors; two widths available
• Cons: Rubber sole isn’t classic

Featuring classic horsebit hardware and slightly raised soles, Madewell’s slip-on loafers exude ’90s-influenced charm. (Fittingly for Madewell, they look especially great with denim.) “I’ve owned several pairs of Madewell loafers, and these are my favorite,” one reviewer writes. “I love the hardware on top. They’re the perfect not-too-glossy sheen. They look awesome with jeans and really good with dresses or skirts. They also pair really well with trouser socks.” People will inevitably ask where you bought your pair—and if you’re nice, you’ll tell them.

• Sizes: 5–12
• Colors: 8 options
• Material: Leather
• Pros: Slightly chunky sole; half sizes available
• Cons: Width runs narrow

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. “I’ve been searching for the perfect penny loafers for a while now and I’m so happy I found these,” one reviewer writes. “Such a classic design that can be worn for years. Based on the reviews I knew this type of shoe/leather would take a while to break in, so I was prepared for it. But otherwise, love them!”

• Sizes: 6–11
• Colors: 8 options
• Material: Leather
• Pros: Eye-catching colors; half sizes available
• Cons: Can take a while to break in

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: high-quality leather, a delicately tapered toe, and a one-inch stacked heel, plus a cushioned insole that cuts down on break-in time. They stand out, though, with completely undetailed uppers that contrast busier styles and provide endless versatility. Start with an asymmetrical top and wide-leg jeans.

• Sizes: 5–11
• Colors: 3 options
• Material: Leather
• Pros: Simple design; half sizes available
• Cons: Might be too narrow

These multicolor loafers are a hit among celebrities like Nicole Kidman and the Hadids Bella and Gigi. It’s no wonder that Nomasei is also a hit in our offices, where Condé Nast senior director of creative development Mi-Anne Chan is frequently spotted in them. “I f**king love my Nomaseis. I have two pairs; the burgundy-and-cream colorway is by far my favorite,” Chan says. “These shoes require no breaking in, fit my feet like a glove, and are comfortable enough to withstand my regular 30-minute walks to Fort Greene for wine and small plates. In fact, they’re only marginally less comfortable than sneakers, which is huge for leather loafers! They’re comfy, yes, but the thing that makes me choose them over my other loafers is the fact that they bring a special sauce to an otherwise basic outfit, what with the fun metallic palm brooch on the upper and the cute colorways they offer. Ten out of ten, IMO.”

• Sizes: 35–42 EU
• Colors: 7 options
• Material: Leather
• Pros: Unique design; half sizes available
• Cons: Pricey