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Byrdie / Lecia Landis
Opinion: The loafer, a preppy staple that’s ebbed and flowed in trendiness through the years, is actually an undervalued wardrobe hero. Traditionally men’s shoes, they’re an easy style for women to wear because they toe the line between masculine and feminine, subversive and sensible. And whether you’re inspired by Audrey Hepburn in "Funny Face" or coveting Gwenyth Paltrow’s brown leather ones in "The Royal Tenenbaums," wearing a pair of these shoes today exudes palpable sophistication.
From penny loafers to drivers in leather, suede, and velvet, there are plenty of loafer options to consider, which is why we took a deep dive into reviews and tested some of fashion’s most popular styles. We also spoke to designer and shoemaker George Esquivel of Esquivel Shoes, who says the best loafers are comfortable and easy to dress up or down.
Meet the Expert
George Esquivel is a Southern California-based designer who specializes in handmade shoes and accessories under his namesake brand, Esquivel Shoes. He is a 2009 CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund finalist.
Read on for our list of the best loafers.
Best Overall
G.H. Bass & Co. Whitney Weejuns
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Bloomingdale's
G.H. Bass & Co.’s classic Whitney Weejuns are timeless, versatile, well-priced, and comfortable, reviewers say. What more could you ask for in a pair of loafers? They’re made from leather with traditional moccasin stitching, and they look good with everything from cropped denim to relaxed suiting.
Price at time of publish: $155
Colors: Black, Cordovan | Size Range: 5-11
What Our Editors Say
"My Weejuns accompany me just about everywhere. I wear them to work with dress socks, pair them with tube socks, jeans, and a sweatshirt for weekend errands, and have even worn them to the airport. They're not only comfortable but they make any outfit seem a bit more polished." —Erika Reals, Associate Fashion Editor
Best Budget
Everlane The Modern Loafer
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Everlane
The price of loafers can climb quite high, but this pair by Everlane is the best you’ll find for under $120. It’s a fresh take on the brand’s coveted original loafer style—made from supple leather and distinctive stitchwork. It sits on a slightly thicker heel than its predecessor, and the brand has added more padding for extra comfort.
Colors: Black, Camel | Size Range: 5-11
Best Heritage
Gucci 1953 Horsebit Loafer
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Gucci
Gucci’s classic approach to loafer design makes for no-fault shopping. This particular Horsebit style was introduced in the 1950s and offers just a touch of preppiness that’s reminiscent of the time, yet it's current enough to team with your favorite pair of jeans or trousers.
Price at time of publish: $920
Colors: Black | Size Range: IT34-42
Best Value
Gucci Brixton Horsebit Convertible Loafer
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Nordstrom
For a well-crafted pair of loafers with maximum wearability, there’s Gucci’s convertible leather Horsebit loafer. It’s designed to be worn two ways—with the heel folded down as a backless slipper or up as a classic loafer. It also features a slimmer shape than the number above, like the brand’s Jordaan style, and half an inch in heel height.
Price at time of publish: $920
Colors: Black, White, Red, +more | Size Range: IT34-42
Best Embellished
Louise et Cie Edoli Loafer
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DSW
An upgrade from your standard penny loafers, this pair by Louise et Cie is bedecked with pearl-like studs and silver metal accents. The almond-shaped toe balances out the '90s chunky sole, allowing it to be the perfect work-to-weekend loafer. Plus, the shoe comes in three different colors to cover just about any outfit occasion.
Colors: Black, Tuscan Taupe, Azalea | Size Range: 5-11
Best Penny
Margaux The Penny
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Margaux
Margaux makes a modern penny loafer that we can’t help but love. Made in suede or calf hair with an unlined construction and plush padding, these loafers look and feel super sumptuous. Reviewers say they crease quickly, though this is to be expected from suede. Nailing down your perfect size and width could involve some trial and error if you can’t visit the brand’s Bleeker Street location, but they’re well worth the small fuss.
Price at time of publish: $295
Colors: Emerald Suede, Leopard Haircalf, Chocolate Suede, Caramel Suede, +more | Size Range: 3-14 in Narrow, Medium, and Wide
Best Driver
Scarosso Ludovica Loafers
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Scarosso
Scarosso is a modern Italian brand with high-quality footwear. It’s so in-tune with what people want to wear, thus its lightweight loafer in a driver style is one you won’t want to take off all spring/summer. It features clean lines and a flexible rubber sole for the best form and most functionality you could expect in a pair of drivers.
Price at time of publish: $300
Colors: Light Grey, Light Blue, Beige, Blue, Pink | Size Range: 35-42
Best Vegan
Hunter Gloss Penny Loafers
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Hunter
A well-made pair of vegan loafers is admittedly hard to find, but the reviews for this pair by Hunter convinced us to halt our search. The slimline loafers are crafted from natural rubber in a glossy finish with a molded footbed that’s been lined in canvas for comfort and support. Since they’re naturally weatherproof, these shoes are perfect under almost any condition.
Colors: Navy, Black | Size Range: 5-11
Best Insulated
André Assous Phili Faux Fur Weather Resistant Loafer
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Nordstrom
André Assous' faux fur-lined leather loafers are as comfortable and warm as they are eye-catching. Made in Spain, the black leather upper and man-made rubber sole are supplemented with a chunky gold chain and cozy shearling for a look the brand says is "a luxe blend of rugged and chic."
Colors: Black, Dark Brown | Size Range: 6-11
Best Made-to-Order
Esquivel Liz Slip-On Loafers
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Esquivel Shoes
Loafers should be casual, fun, and easy to wear, Esquivel says, and he makes a luxe loafer that checks all of those boxes, called Liz. You can order it in black suede straight away via the company’s website, or you can request that it be made custom with your choice of material, a service that is Esquivel’s specialty. To get started, you can book an appointment with the designer here.
Colors: Black Suede +more through the brand’s made-to-order service | Size Range: 6-10
Best Velvet
Margaux The Loafer
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Margaux
Margaux makes a classic loafer style in velvet that is as rich as it is timeless. It offers a supportive fit within a tailored velvet and grosgrain upper. For comfort, there’s a leather lining and plush foam padding, which reviewers say make them well worth the investment.
If you love the shape but aren’t sold on a velvet finish, which can be difficult to maintain long-term, the style also comes in suede and calf hair to accommodate a multitude of preferences.
Price at time of publish: $238
Colors: Pink Velvet, Sienna Velvet, Navy Velvet, Cognac, +more | Size Range: 5-12.5 in Medium and Wide
Best Handmade
Jack Erwin Ruby Loafer
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Jack Erwin
Jack Erwin crafts a loafer with a very artisanal look and feel. Handmade in Portugal, the loafer, which comes in leather or suede, has visible hand-stitching and an elongated square toe. The cushy foam insole and soft leather outsole maximize comfort and make for a truly lush loafer.
Price at time of publish: $220
Colors: Terracotta, Sage, Ivory | Size Range: 5-11
Best Chunky
GANNI Leather Lug Sole Loafers
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Saks
Chunky loafers like this black leather pair by Ganni elevate a look, both literally and figuratively, because, in addition to offering a few extra inches in height, they make an outfit look super cool. They’re also great for walking because the chunky outsole made from rubber adds both comfort and stability.
Colors: Black | Size Range: 5-11
Best Heeled
Totême The Kitten Loafer
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Totême
There’s nothing like a kitten heel on a pair of loafers for the perfect balance of polish and panache. This pair by Totême offers exactly that; we love its streamlined silhouette with a pointed square toe and leather laces narrowly crossing the upper. We’d jump at the opportunity to wear them with trousers to a business affair or dinner with friends.
Colors: Black | Size Range: 35-42
Best Backless
Gucci Leather Princetown Loafer Mule
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Nordstrom
Yes, we’re big fans of Gucci, but do you blame us? Their products are best-in-class, with this mule style version of their classic Horsebit loafer (one of our go-to shoes) a favorite for everything from a trip to the grocery store to a swanky lunch with friends. It also comes in a lined version (view at Nordstrom), if you need a pair with insulation.
Price at time of publish: $850
Colors: Black, White, Red, +more | Size Range: 34-42
Best Color Options
Tod’s Gommino Driving Shoe
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Tod's
Tod’s makes a classic driving shoe in any color our hearts could fancy, from silver to orange and light blue. Beyond that, the style is famed for its exposed hand stitching, penny bar, and rubber pebble outsole.
Price at time of publish: $595
Colors: Violet, White, Black, Red, +more | Size Range: 4-12
Best Sustainable
Rothy’s The Loafer
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Rothy's
Rothy’s makes shoes and accessories that are good for the planet and extremely wearable. So, it’s no surprise that according to reviewers, its loafer style, which the brand describes as a modern take on a classic silhouette, is effortlessly chic and very comfortable. For this pair, you may choose from a large palette of colors and prints in the brand’s signature knit from plastic bottles.
Price at time of publish: $169
Colors: Navy, Olive Camo, Black Solid, Navy Double Stitch, +more | Size Range: 5-13
Best Weatherproof
Aquatalia Honora Loafer
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Zappos
Aquatalia makes fashionable footwear that’s also weatherproof. This pair, crafted from Italian suede, is impressive for its sleek silhouette, contrast-stitched welt, and serrated sole (which allows for great traction). It’s also lined in leather for an ultra-luxurious feel, and it offers a little lift—an inch and a half, to be more precise.
Price at time of publish: $395
Colors: Black | Size Range: 5-12
What To Look For When Buying Loafers
Style
Loafers come in many shapes and with various levels of detail. The best silhouette depends on your preferences. Chunky loafers have an avant-garde feel and thus make a statement, while ones with a low profile and minimalist design details, like penny loafers, tend to be more classic and versatile. You can style a range of outfits with loafers to fit many aesthetics.
Craftsmanship
In any worthy piece of clothing, shoe, or accessory, craftsmanship is key. Regardless of style, the best loafers are known for their refined design, workmanship, and attention to detail, which is very important for shoppers to consider. Esquivel recommends looking for loafers that can be resoled and that have a full leather construction, i.e., a leather upper and a leather lining. “Leather is breathable, so it doesn’t cause as much sweating as other materials,” which is important if you’re going sockless since moisture creates friction and, therefore, blisters, Esquivel says.
Beyond that, ask yourself if the stitching is tight and relatively even (anything handmade won’t be flawless), and if the outsoles appear sturdy (i.e., they’re stitched, rather than glued, using traditional shoe-making methods, such as Goodyear welting or a Blake construction). If the answers are both ‘yes,’ these are good indications that your shoes are well-made.
Why Trust Byrdie
This shopping guide was written by Byrdie contributor Hayley Prokos. A seasoned commerce writer and editor, she’s constantly on the hunt for timeless styles to make getting dressed easier. Her work has appeared in SELF Magazine, Newsweek, and the daily Greek newspaper Ekathimerini, and she holds a Master of Arts in Journalism from Northwestern University. For this roundup, she spent upwards of 10 hours investigating the best loafers on the market.
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