These loafers don’t sacrifice style for comfort.

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Travel + Leisure

A quality pair of women’s loafers should be versatile enough to style multiple ways, but also feel comfortable and enjoyable to wear. After years of wearing loafers that have rubbed me raw, I’ve found options that are kind to me and my feet. I can confidently attest that many of the ones I see more action in than my sneakers. My most-worn pair has carried me across Europe’s cobblestone streets and across Japan’s sprawling cityscape, where I averaged close to 20,000 steps per day.

I, along with the Travel + Leisure team, have since put an additional 17 pairs through their paces by pounding pavement to work and on the weekends. After several weeks of walking in these loafers (approximately the equivalent of 200,000 steps by our calculations), we concluded that these were the 13 best loafers for women, all of which ticked our boxes for comfort, fit, quality, and value.

Top Picks

Best Overall: Vivaia Francesca Loafers at Vivaia.com Jump to Review Best Arch Support: SALE Vionic Uptown Loafer at Amazon $130 $80 Jump to Review Best Value: SALE Dr. Scholls Hello Loafer at Amazon $100 $55 Jump to Review Best for Walking: Bared Footwear Wedgebill Loafers at Baredfootwear.com Jump to Review Best Lightweight: Birdies The Starling at Nordstrom $130 Jump to Review Best Sustainable: Everlane The Modern Loafer at Everlane $168 Jump to Review Best Cushioning: Franco Sarto Minerva Tassel Loafer at Nordstrom $130 Jump to Review Best Penny Loafer: SALE Veronica Beard Penny Loafers at Nordstrom $350 $245 Jump to Review Best Color Selection: Sam Edelman Loraine Loafer at Amazon $111 Jump to Review Best Perforated: M. Gemi The Sacca Donna Lattice at Mgemi.com Jump to Review

Best Overall

Vivaia Francesca Loafers

Credit: Vivaia View on Vivaia.com Why We Love It

• These loafers offer the best mix of comfort, versatility, and quality.

What to Consider

• You might experience a break-in period.

If comfort is your priority, the Vivia loafers are an excellent choice that has earned the approval of T+L writer Anne Taylor. The toe box is plenty roomy, and the knit uppers cradle the foot without constriction. Underfoot, the chunky lug outsoles create a barrier between your feet and the ground. Plus, they go some way to keep you upright on slick or uneven surfaces. Most notably, the loafers have memory foam-like insoles that, according to Taylor, lend them the comfort of sneakers. After wearing the pair for two hours—or sometimes as many as 10 hours—at a time, we experienced no unpleasant rubbing or blisters.

One thing to note, however, is that there is a break-in period, but thankfully, it is brief (socks can help sidestep initial discomfort). Once these loafers are broken in, they are comfortable and, so far, they’ve also proven durable. After six months of wear, they have no noticeable signs of wear and tear. As versatile as they are comfortable, the loafers are available in wearable neutrals and a few fun prints. Bonus: they come in two other style options, the Liana Classic Penny Loafers and Eloise Minimalist Penny Loafers. We found that they run true to size, and if you’re in between sizes, we recommend sizing down to account for some stretching.

The Details: Sizes 5-11 | Knit upper | 1.57-inch heel

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Best Arch Support

Vionic Uptown Loafer

Credit: Vionic $130 $80 at Amazon $145 at Nordstrom $145 at Zappos Why We Love It

• The contoured insoles promote ample arch support and all-day comfort.

What to Consider

• The contoured insoles may take some time getting used to.

The Vionic Uptown Loafers stand out among the rest for their removable microfiber-wrapped EVA insoles created with the brand’s Vio-motion technology. The contoured insoles promote arch support, and the deep heel cups help to cradle the foot and absorb shock while walking on hard surfaces. According to T+L editor Taylor Fox, the difference is noticeable in the pair’s overall comfort, with the caveat: “It does take some getting used to since your mid-foot is higher than the rest of your foot.”

All of this comes together to make them among the most comfortable loafers Fox has ever worn. The synthetic rubber outsoles also provide enough traction on pavement and asphalt, though you may want to be cautious when traversing wet or slick surfaces. One thing to note: the Uptown Loafers have a narrow profile that can pinch slightly at the toes, so if you have wide feet, consider opting for the wide width. Fox ordered half a size down from her usual size, which prevented the heel from sliding up and down while walking.

The Details: Sizes 5-13 (medium and wide) | Leather upper, microfiber-lined EVA insole, synthetic rubber outsole | 1.12-inch heel

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Best Value

Dr. Scholls Hello Loafer

Credit: Amazon $100 $55 at Amazon $100 $55 at Zappos View on Drschollsshoes.com Why We Love It

• The comfort and durability of these loafers rival more expensive pairs.

What to Consider

• The faux leather construction lacks the substantiveness of real leather loafers.

The Dr. Scholl’s Hello Loafer is the most affordable of our picks, but it has many similar qualities to its pricier counterparts—namely,  cushy insoles, padded heel collars, and rubber outsoles with a tread for traction. I own these loafers and can attest to their comfort. I’ve worn them on a 10,000-step walk around New York City and across gravel and grass on a trip upstate with no missteps. Best of all? There was no break-in period required. Plus, they were also more, much more lightweight compared to the loafers in my closet.

With that said, this pair is made with faux leather that lacks the substantiveness of actual leather. The material isn’t likely to be mistaken for the real thing either. What these loafers lack in substance, however, they more than make up for in the quality of their construction. After hours of walking on hard, unyielding surfaces, they have remained largely unchanged. Looks-wise, these loafers keep things simple.

The Details: Sizes 6-11 | Faux leather upper, Bloom foam footbed, TPR outsole

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Best for Walking

Bared Footwear Wedgebill Loafers

Credit: Bared Footwear View on Baredfootwear.com Why We Love It

• Contoured insoles make these loafers comfortable for long walks, while the rubber lug outsoles offer traction on wet and slippery surfaces.

What to Consider

• These loafers are a little on the heavy side, and their chunky profile makes them less packable than other pairs.

If there is one loafer that can go the distance (and literally), it’s the Bared Foot Wedgebill Loafers. Featuring contoured insoles and padded heel collars, these loafers transitioned seamlessly from their box to the streets—something to which T+L senior editor Jackie Cucco can attest after wearing the loafers around Long Island and New York City; she clocked three miles with no rubbing or blisters. What’s more, the leather uppers are “nice and structured without being too stiff,” Cucco says, while the thick rubber outsoles provide traction on wet and slippery surfaces, as she learned when she got caught in the pouring rain.

The only downside is that these loafers are a little heavy, but they are otherwise comfortable for long hours on our feet. Another nice touch that comes with every pair: the “fit kit,” which includes two removable insoles and two metatarsal pads that allow for more or less wiggle room for narrow or wide feet.

The Details: Sizes 4-12 | LWG-certified leather upper, LWG-certified leather upper, B.plantfoam footbed, rubber outsole | 1.57-inch heel

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Best Lightweight

Birdies The Starling

Credit: Birdies $130 at Nordstrom $130 at Zappos View on Birdies.com Why We Love It

• Both lightweight and well-cushioned, these loafers provide comfort without the bulk.

What to Consider

• The insoles are cushy, but they may not offer enough arch support for extended outings.

Featuring a slim and streamlined profile, The Starling from Birdies won’t weigh you and your feet down. And yet, it packs seven layers of cushioning, which is indicative of its comfort. According to T+L associate editor Anna Popp, who has worn them all around New York City, the quilted satin-lined insoles padded her every step. If you want an option that you can wear for both casual and special occasions alike, there is a wide range of options to choose from, including options crafted out of calf hair, suede, and leather.

The woven uppers are airy to stave off moisture and unwanted odor, even in temperatures reaching 32 degrees Fahrenheit. And thanks to the flexible material, they can also pack well for travel. According to Popp, the woven uppers also offer roominess on the sides of the shoe, which may come as welcome space for those with wide feet. As lightweight and pliable as these loafers are, they are strong; they’ve shown no signs of fraying or wear after having put them to pavement.

The Details: Sizes 5-11 | Raffia upper, memory foam insole, fabric-lined synthetic outsole | 0.31-inch heel

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Best Sustainable

Everlane The Modern Loafer

Credit: Everlane $168 at Everlane Why We Love It

• Leather Working Group gold-certified leather lends these loafers high marks for sustainability, and they earned bonus points from us for their versatile design.

What to Consider

• If you have wider feet, these loafers might be too narrow for you.

The Modern Loafer is made with Everlane’s “clean luxury” ethos in mind. It’s made with leather from a Leather Working Group (LWG) gold-certified tannery that meets the highest standard for environmental and social responsibility, transparency, and accountability, earning it major points in our books. The loafers also have a simple silhouette that easily makes them a versatile choice. We love that there are three neutral shades to choose from—black, light brown, and medium brown—since they can easily coordinate with what you already own.

As is often the case with leather loafers, this pair requires a break-in process. On the first wear, they gave Taylor a blistered heel, though she admitted the loafers were half a size too big (underscoring the importance of choosing the right fit). With this in mind, we recommend ordering your usual size and using thin socks to cushion against any rubbing. They have a foam-cushioned insole with a firm yet flexible outsole, which you may or may not like depending on your preference. I personally like loafers with more underfoot support, as they tend to hold up well to wear.

The Details: Sizes 5-11 | Leather upper and foam footbed

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Best Cushioning

Franco Sarto Minerva Tassel Loafer

$130 at Nordstrom View on Francosarto.com Why We Love It

• Made with cushioning that exceeds expectations, these loafers offer impressive substance in a stylish package.

What to Consider

• Expect less traction on slick surfaces.

The Minvera Tassel Loafer offers underfoot comfort and support in a stylish package. Popp, who wore it out and about in New York City, can confirm as much. “The shoes are very flexible to walk in and offer a lot of cushioning, more than I expected to feel,” she said. And thanks to its lightweight profile, they won’t weigh you down. Despite its lighter-weight profile, we were impressed by how substantial the loafers were. We just recommend using a water-repellent spray to keep the suede material in good condition.

If anything, we were initially concerned that its snug fit would feel too tight, but the loafers quickly expanded to conform to our feet. Their polished profile can dress up a wide range of outfits, and they come in a variety of colors, including leopard print. Plus, the decorative tassel on the vamp lends them a luxe appeal. Although well-made, the outsoles aren’t as grippy as other picks. Which is to say: take caution on slick or slippery surfaces.

The Details: Sizes 5-11 | Suede leather upper | 0.6-inch heel

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Best Penny Loafer

Veronica Beard Penny Loafers

Credit: Shopbop $350 $245 at Nordstrom View on Veronicabeard.com View on Bergdorfgoodman.com Why We Love It

• The timeless design, in combination with the quality construction, makes these loafers an enduring classic.

What to Consider

• The shoe collar has excess material that may rub against the skin.

When you think of loafers, chances are, penny loafers come to mind. Veronica Beard’s own rendition stays true to the classic style—complete with an American penny inserted in the cutout of its instep. The loafers come in suede, which, according to T+L senior editor Jasmine Grant, made them comfortable straight out of the box. They are, however, more delicate than leather, so you may want to coat them in a waterproof spray if you want to protect them against accidental spills and stains. Their padded insoles also lend to their overall comfort, and though they aren’t outfitted with the tread of their counterparts, they won’t have you slipping and sliding on the floor.

Grant’s only complaint is that the shoe collar has excess material that can rub against the skin while walking—and if you’re prone to hot spots or blisters, you may want to consider wearing them with socks. “The quality of these loafers is stellar,” says Grant, adding that the attention to craftsmanship is evident in each and every component—particularly the suede upper, which is so deep and decadent, it reminded Grant of actual chocolate.

The Details: Sizes 5-13 | Suede upper, leather outsole

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Best Color Selection

Sam Edelman Loraine Loafer

Credit: Nordstrom $111 at Amazon $150 at Nordstrom $150 $90 at Zappos Why We Love It

• They come in over 50 colors and prints.

What to Consider

• We noticed some hanging threads on the interior of the shoe.

Available in over 50 colors and prints, these Sam Edelman Loraine Bit Loafer make it easy to find an option that matches what you already have in your wardrobe. And the metal bit also makes it reminiscent of Gucci’s iconic Horsebit Loafer—only this pair will cost you a fraction of the price.

Looks aside, the real draw is comfort. It was comfortable from the first wear with no break-in time, and it has only become more comfy. The leather insoles were amply cushioned for our longest workdays, which typically included several hours on our feet, and while the pair isn’t quite as lightweight as our other picks, it isn’t heavy either. As for the outsoles, they have enough traction to provide stability while walking on slick surfaces. If anything, we noticed loose threads on the inside of the shoe. Otherwise, we experienced no issues with the quality.

The Details: Sizes 4-14 (in medium and wide widths) | Leather upper, leather insole | 0.51-inch heel

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Best Perforated

M. Gemi The Sacca Donna Lattice

Credit: M. Gemi View on Mgemi.com Why We Love It

• Airy and comfortable to wear with minimal to no break-in time, these are the perfect pair of warm-weather loafers.

What to Consider

• They aren’t suitable for wet conditions and are slippery on slick surfaces.

With its perforated upper, this pair from M. Gemi allows for airflow, making it ideal for those who want the polish of a loafer without the stuffiness. Not only that, it requires minimal to no break-in time. T+L associate editorial director Morgan Ashley Parker walked miles in this pair and can confirm as much. The only slight downside is that their nubuck leather outsoles don’t offer enough of it on slick surfaces. However, non-slip pads quickly resolved the issue.

The perforated upper makes them ideal for warm weather, but they are also versatile enough to be worn in cooler temps with socks. Of course, you want to avoid wearing them when it’s wet out and, if you want extra protection against the elements, use a waterproofing spray. They come in sizes 5 to 12, and according to reviews, run large. If you are in between sizes, the brand recommends ordering half a size down from your usual size. In our experience, however, they ran true to size.

The Details: Sizes 35-42 | Italian suede leather upper, rubber footbed, nubuck leather outsole | 0.4-inch heel

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Best Traction

Margaux The Louisa Loafer

Credit: Margaux View on Margauxny.com Why We Love It

• The lug outsoles are grippy on all types of surfaces—and despite their heft, are surprisingly lightweight.

What to Consider

•  A chunky profile makes them harder to “lug” around on a trip.

The Louisa is outfitted with a chunky lug outsole that provides plenty of traction, and Parker felt supported and noticeably taller wearing them. The loafers not only offer height, but also five millimeters of foam padding to keep things cushy. Despite the chunky sole, they are surprisingly lightweight, which makes them comfortable to wear around the city. While it’s not a loafer I or Parker would immediately choose for an extended outing, she tells me that they raised no issue on a walk upwards of a mile.

Atop the lug outsoles are uppers made from abrasivato (aka, cowhide) leather with a sheen that is stylish without being loud. It lends the shoe polish, and the leather has just enough give to prevent it from feeling constrictive. We found these loafers to fit true to size and—bonus—they come in medium, narrow, and wide widths. They are admittedly pricey, but we think their quality makes it worth the price tag. We’ve worn them over 10 times, and the leather hasn’t yet scuffed, and the outsoles haven’t worn down.  

The Details: Sizes 3-14 (medium, narrow, and wide widths) | Leather upper, foam insole, rubber outsole

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Best Machine Washable

Rothy’s The Driver

Credit: Rothy’s $189 at Nordstrom View on Rothys.com View on Anthropologie Why We Love It

• The easy-care knit material offers convenience and, together with padded insoles, comfort.

What to Consider

• The knit uppers aren’t very breathable, so they may cause feet to overheat in warm weather.

There is no reason to be precious about wearing Rothy’s The Driver. If the pair gets stained or comes into contact with questionable matter, you can just toss them in the washing machine. These loafers aren’t just easy to keep clean; they also have other qualities that have won us over. The recycled knit uppers have flex (which also makes them easy to squeeze into a carry-on bag) and feel smooth against the skin. Plus, the doubly padded insoles create a soft yet supportive barrier between our feet and the ground, while the rubber knobs offer traction underfoot.

Our only qualm: the loafers run hot, causing our feet to sweat, and, in turn, slip in the shoe—an issue that occurred when it was warm out. In the weeks since we’ve had them, they have continuously impressed us with their quality, which is apparent in everything from the construction to the materials. The Driver is available in sizes 5 to 13, though sizes run a bit small according to reviewers. We heeded their advice and ordered half a size up from our usual size; it fit like a glove.

The Details: Sizes 5-13 | Recycled knit upper, recycled foam insoles, rubber-nubbed outsoles

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Most Durable

Tory Burch Classic Lug Loafer

Credit: Amazon $375 at Amazon $375 at Nordstrom $348 at Zappos Why We Love It

• The quality is evident in the materials and construction, ensuring long-lasting wear.

What to Consider

• You want to wear these loafers with socks—they have a stiff heel counter that may cause chafing.

Tory Burch’s Classic Lug Loafer is built to last. After one year and many hours of wear on workdays, weekends, and walks around New York City, the pair is still in pristine condition (aside from one minor scuff). The loafers are constructed from Leather Working Group-certified uppers affixed to thick lug outsoles that cushion against the hard ground beneath you. Even with all that heft, the loafers can keep pace on outings heavy on walking due to their cushioned leather insoles. “Those soles make walking in them all day extremely comfortable,” says Fox. “I’ve had no problems with foot fatigue or pain.”

Fair warning: the loafers, while not entirely rigid, have a stiff heel counter that caused blisters on the first few wears. Fox also appreciates that the pair comes up higher on the foot, which, in combination with the material, makes it ideal for year-round wear even in cold weather. Plus, the cushioned leather insoles offer a layer of comfort, and though we found the shoe to fit true to size, they offer just enough room to accommodate thin socks. They come in a variety of colors, including metallic silver and leopard print, which lends to their versatility.

The Details: Sizes 4-13 | Leather Working Group certified leather upper, leather insole, EVA outsole | Heel height not specified

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Our Testing Process

We considered 18 pairs of women’s loafers, and to evaluate each pair:

Over the next six months, we’ll also continue long-term testing to help us determine whether our picks can truly go the distance.

Travel + Leisure

Other Loafers for Women We Liked

The following loafers also met some of our criteria for comfort, fit, quality, and value, but not all.

Dr. Martens Adrian Yellow Stitch Leather Tassel Loafers: These Dr. Martens loafers are a high-quality option, complete with a sturdy leather upper and welted construction. A caveat: they are heavy and stiff, with an especially rigid tongue that caused hot spots for our tester. It also required a long and painful break-in period.

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LifeStride London 2 Loafer: These loafers are comfortable enough, but not more so than our other picks. The tops of the shoe dug into our tester’s skin, and the underfoot support—which the tester described as “mushy”—was lacking.

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Thursday Boot Co. Penny: Thursday Boot Co.’s penny loafers have lug outsoles that offer excellent traction, but their chunky profile also comes with extra weight. They were not only heavy but also rigid; this, in combination with their narrow profile, made them tough for our tester to slip their feet into.

Travel + Leisure

Tips for Buying Loafers for Women

Look for comfortable materials

As you shop for loafers, you want to keep comfort top of mind. The materials from which a pair is made can influence how they feel. Look for loafers made with materials (like leather, suede, or knit textiles) that are pliant and mold to your feet over time, rather than staying rigid. Underfoot, you’ll typically want cushioned insoles made from foam or EVA materials that make every step that much more comfortable. To further cushion your feet against hard ground, you may also want to consider a pair with tread-like outsoles, especially if you plan on walking longer distances.

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Factor in a break-in period

Too many times, I’ve worn loafers straight out of the box only to suffer from blisters soon after. It’s why I always recommend breaking in your loafers before taking them out on the town. Trying on your loafers at home and limiting wear to an hour or two will allow you just enough time to identify any areas where there is rubbing or pulling. Wearing thin socks can also help with any initial discomfort. As the loafers gradually begin to soften, you can consider wearing them for longer periods.

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Find the right fit

Fit is one of, if not the most important, considerations when selecting loafers. Too small, and any attempt to break them in will be for naught. Too large, your feet will slide around in the shoe as you walk, which can cause unwanted friction—and subsequently, blisters. Ideally, they will fit snugly (not tightly) and have an ample toe box with enough room to splay out your toes. You can take your measurements at home and compare them to a brand’s sizing guide to ensure an ideal fit.

To measure: Measure the length of your foot from the heel to your longest toe and the width at the widest part. Make sure to measure both feet, and use the larger measurements as your reference.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Why Trust Travel + Leisure

Danielle Calma is an associate editor with Travel + Leisure, where she helps test a wide range of travel products. She reviewed the insights gathered for this article to identify which pair was worthy of a place in the article, in addition to writing it. She has walked over 10,000 miles in the Dr. Scholl’s Hello Loafer, and owns multiple pairs of loafers that she wears on the regular, both in New York City and as a tourist on her travels.

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