The 20 Best Loafers For Everyday Elegance

Ballet flats may be having a moment this year, but there’s one sleeper shoe style that has managed to remain in heavy rotation when it comes to comfortable yet fancy footwear. The loafer, generally a round-toed slip-on shoe made of leather, is the comfortable everyday alternative to sneakers that’s managed to have major staying power season after season. Even though we all lived through the explosion of popularity that was the Gucci loafer back in 2015, it has remained a favorite.

You can look to the wide range of celebrity fans as proof of loafers’ timeless quality: Hailey Bieber and Bella Hadid wear them, but so do The Rock, Harry Style, and Amal Clooney — how’s that for range? We’ve sorted through the plethora of loafer styles out there on the internet to find the 20 very best additions to your current shoe line-up.

Best Overall

G.H. Bass Whitney Weejuns Loafer

What We Love: It’s a timeless style.

What We Don't Love: They need to be broken in.

It’s hard to compete with the classics. G.H. Bass is an American loafer manufacturer that’s been around since the 1870s and remains the standard in loafers. The slip-on shoes are handsewn in El Salvador and feature stitched moc toes with small heels and stiff leather uppers. While you can expect a little bit of a break-in period to get these to peak comfort level, it will be well worth it. These shoes are ones you can easily dress up or down and hold onto for years to come, too.

Size: 5–11 | Colors: 5 | Material: Leather

Best Budget

Free People Liv Penny Loafer

What We Love: The range of colors means you can go bold or classic.

What We Don't Love: Reviewers say the shoe is a little stiff.

Free People plays up the penny loafer motif by adding a metallic button in the place where a penny might usually sit. We love that this loafer style comes in a range of colors from classic neutrals to playful pops of color. A slightly chunky sole adds a little bit of a fashion-forward touch without straying too far from the traditional silhouette. We chose this loafer as our best budget pick at $128 because it's a great value for a loafer that is still made of leather. If you’re interested in growing a whole collection of loafers, we suggest picking up a pair in black and then adding in something unexpected like green or pink.

Size: 6–11 | Colors: 7 | Material: Leather

Most Comfortable

Charles & Keith Gabine Leather Loafers

What We Love: The square toe is great for those with wider feet.

What We Don't Love: The leather doesn’t look as luxe as other styles.

New York City-based podiatrist Dr. Miguel Cunha suggests these loafers from Charles & Keith as a favorite. “These classic silhouette loafers are made of high-quality genuine calf leather with interlocking U-shaped buckles,” he explains, calling them durable, timeless, and versatile. The square toe box allows your feet to fit in comfortably while the 3cm heel adds a slight lift without causing any discomfort. If your style is more classic, we say stick with the black shoe, but if you’re looking for something bold, the brand also offers a loafer in a black and white jacquard fabric that’s bound to stand out. 

Size: 5–11 | Colors: 3 | Material: Leather

Best Classic

Tory Burch Classic Loafer

What We Love: The simple silhouette can be dressed up or down.

What We Don't Love: It runs small and narrow.

Tory Burch’s most famous shoe may be the brand’s signature ballet flats, but the preppy-leaning label’s loafers are a favorite if you’re looking for a simple, classic silhouette. The Classic Loafer is offered in both classic black and a soft brown color, year-round neutrals that you can easily dress up or down no matter the month. Scalloped details add a subtle surprise to the otherwise clean lines of the shoe, which is finished with the brand’s double-T logo. The shoe comes in a wider range of sizes than other brands, but it does tend to run both small and narrow, so it may be worth sizing up when you shop. 

Size: 4–13 | Colors: 2 | Material: Leather

Best Splurge

Gucci 1953 Horsebit Loafer

What We Love: The iconic Horsebit loafer is a timeless style.

What We Don't Love: Since the style is so recognizable, it’s not for those who want under-the-radar footwear.

First released in 1953, Gucci’s Horsebit loafers continue to be a favorite footwear pick among stylish women and men looking for a pair of classic leather shoes. The silhouette is that of a traditional loafer, with a leather upper and a rounded moc toe, but the addition of a metal horsebit across the front of the shoe makes it unmistakably Gucci. A cushioned sole means that you can spend all day on your feet without the aches that come with thinner shoes. If you’re looking for a timeless style you’ll not only wear for years to come but pass on to the next generation, this is it.

Size: IT35–IT42 | Colors: 3 | Material: Leather

Best Colored

Sebago Dan Loafer

What We Love: This simple silhouette is a classic.

What We Don't Love: The purple color may not be for everyone.

This classic low-cut loafer silhouette by Sebago is hand-sewn and made of smoothed leather. The brand, which was founded in Maine in the 1940s has a long history of making classic loafer silhouettes, but this bold purple colorway puts a twist on a simple shoe. We also love that the style has a leather base with a rubber heel for slip-proof durability. “I love how this purple color pops when I wear my favorite denim-on-denim looks,” stylist Ryan Gale says. Also, consider styling your loafer with a black slip dress to let the shoes really pop. 

Size: 5–11 | Colors: 1 | Material: Leather

Best Black

Everlane The Modern Loafer

What We Love: It’s a sleek, minimalist silhouette that goes with everything.

What We Don't Love: The shoe can feel a bit stiff.

For the minimalists who want a loafer that keeps things simple, there's Everlane’s Modern loafer — a sleek style that lacks the ornamentation of other styles in this guide. The toe has a slightly pointier shape, which adds a dressy touch to the overall look, while the low, stacked heel leans into the vibe, too. If you’re planning to log some serious miles in your shoes, these are also designed with foam cushioning in the insole and wearers report that there’s no break-in period before they’re comfortable enough to wear all day. 

Size: 5–11 | Colors: 2 | Material: Leather

Best Heeled

Marc Fish Machi Leather Block-Heel Loafers

What We Love: It's a great loafer for dressy occasions.

What We Don't Love: It's not as easy to walk in as a lower style.

Ready to swap your usual heels for a little something unexpected? These heeled loafers are well suited to the office or dressy settings when you want some lift. The stacked heel and platform add about 3.35 inches of height at their highest point. The shoe still features the signature details of a loafer, like the hardware on top, moc stitching, and squared toe but is more of a hybrid between a traditional loafer style and a stiletto or platform pump. If you’ll be doing much walking, it's not what we’d recommend, but for days when you can sit, relax, and look fancy, these shoes will fit the bill.

Size: 5–11 | Colors: 1 | Material: Leather

Best Platform

Coach Leah Loafer

What We Love: The style comes in multiple widths for men and women.

What We Don't Love: Some wearers report creasing.

New heights are achieved in these platform loafers from Coach, which have a 1-inch lift, perfect for an everyday shoe when you want to sneakily (and comfortably) look taller than you already are. One thing we love about these shoes is that though they are denoted as for women, they also come in a men’s width meaning that you and a friend, partner, or sibling could choose to match if you so desire. With four neutral color options, choose the hue that best suits your personal style and needs. Black is great for work or dressy occasions while brown or white are both great for adding a little something special to summer ensembles. 

Size: 5–11 | Colors: 4 | Material: Leather

Best Statement

Mango Metallic Loafers

What We Love: They are minimalist but still bold. 

What We Don't Love: Glued-on soles may degrade more easily.

With the holiday season around the corner, dare to let your shoes shine with a pair of Mango’s bold gold loafers. We love that even at the affordable price of $100, they are still made of leather, which remains sturdy and durable through multiple wears. It has a simple round-toe silhouette punctuated by understated hardware and a flat heel. We envision using these shoes to punch up a pair of black jeans or paired with a bold velvet dress for your company’s end-of-year soiree. Either way, these shoes will stand out from the crowd. 

Size: 5–10 | Colors: 2 | Material: Leather

Best Lug-Sole

Madewell The Bradley Lug-Sole Loafer

What We Love: The lifted sole adds height without the pain of a heel. 

What We Don't Love: The shoes may be too heavy due to the chunky soles, and reviewers report tricky sizing.

Add some height to your look with a pair of chunky lug-sole loafers that offer more traction and lift than other styles in this list. While loafers may not be the ideal shoe style for inclement weather, these are the best of the group for it. While the lug sole has plenty of positives, it is worth noting that it can be a bit clunky, so if you tend to trip easily, just keep that in mind. We love the sleek metal bar detail across the front as a unique take on loafer hardware, think of it as jewelry for your feet. 

Size: 5–11 | Colors: 3 | Material: Leather

Best Driving

Rothy’s The Driver

What We Love: They're machine washable.

What We Don't Love: There’s no leather option, only fabric. 

A driving loafer is a slip-on shoe that unsurprisingly, is designed to protect you while you’re behind the wheel. Details like rubber grommets allow for grip, while a soft, flexible body promotes adroitness. Rothy’s shoes are made from recycled plastic bottles, which we appreciate, but would also be interested in a style offered in leather as well. One nice thing about the materials used though, is that they’re machine washable. How’s that for easy wearing? They’re not designed to have much stretch so make sure the fit is comfortable when you first purchase them. 

Size: 5–13 | Colors: 18 | Material: Knit fabric made from recycled bottles

Best Penny

Maguire Tuxedo Penny Loafer

What We Love: The black and white design has a dressy twist.

What We Don't Love: You may need to size up for wider feet.

A favorite of Gale, this tuxedo-inspired contrast loafer is made to break out for fancy occasions. Handmade in Italy, this loafer features a streamlined shape that’s minimal and elegant all at once. We love the idea of styling this two-tone black and white shoe with a pair of bold socks to add a little extra flair. Wear them with a suit to complete a dressy look sans heels, or use them as a way to add a little extra formality to jeans and a tee. Bottom line, you’ll find plenty of ways to wear these. 

Size: EU35–EU42 | Colors: 4 | Material: Leather

Best Horsebit

Carmina Women’s Horsebit Loafers

What We Love: It’s a high-quality design, handmade in Mallorca. 

What We Don't Love: Leather soles can be slippery and need proper care.

Can you point to Mallorca on a map? Whether it’s a yes or no, you’ll want to have this tiny island on your radar because it's the home of Carmina, a footwear brand first founded in 1866. The shoes are still manufactured there out of high-quality leather. While they may at first be a bit stiff, once you break them in, the soft shape will remain in good shape for years to come. This timeless horsebit silhouette feels detailed but not flashy. If you’re looking for a solid everyday option, this is one of our favorites.

Size: UK2.5–UK9.5 | Colors: 2 | Material: Leather

Best Patent

Reformation Ani Ruched Loafer

What We Love: The crinkle texture is unique.

What We Don't Love: The style tends to run large.

With a block heel and a round toe, Reformation’s Ani loafer is “a great example of a classic shape,” according to stylist Jordanna Sharp. “These would pair well with denim, straight-leg pants, mini dresses, or skirts and the patent effect adds an interesting element.” The shoe has a 25-millimeter heel for a slight lift and a crinkled patent leather upper that adds an unusual textured look to the shoe overall, great for a neutral style with a little pop. One thing worth noting: the shoe tends to run a little large, so try going down half a size.

Size: 5–11 | Color: 2 | Material: Crinkled patent leather

Best Suede

Margaux The Penny

What We Love: The suede is soft and supple to the touch.

What We Don't Love: Suede can require more care than leather.

The everyday penny loafer is reimagined thanks to Margaux, this time in a soft suede material. The shoe’s pointed toe is a bit more feminine than other options on the list, and the brand’s wide range of color options creates an opportunity to find something tailored to you. The brand also offers a very generous range of sizing from three up to a 14, as well as in narrow, medium, and wide, so for all the women who struggle to find shoes that fit, here’s an option that may be your Goldilocks find. 

Size: 3–14 | Colors: 9 | Material: Suede

Best Tassel

Zara Tassel Loafer

What We Love: The tassels won’t get in the way.

What We Don't Love: The shoes aren't made of leather.

Zara is a go-to locale for trend and affordable basics, and in the case of loafers, it's no different. These playful tassel loafers feature a metallic buckle and black tassels that fan out towards the toe. If you’re a trend-motivated shopper looking for a short-term purchase, these are great. But, since they’re made out of polyurethane instead of leather, ultimately they may not last as long as some of the other shoes on this list. That being said, at $50, it’s a great deal for a pair of shoes.

Size: 5–11 | Colors: 1 | Material: Polyurethane

Best Square-Toe

Vagabond Dorah Loafer

What We Love: The chunky silhouette is a fun statement style.

What We Don't Love: It’s not as timeless as a more classic silhouette.

Gale is drawn to Vagabond for the brand’s classic colors and styles that “can be paired with lots of things.” These square-toed loafers are chunky, with a platform sole and block heel that nod back to the styles popular in the ’90s. We love the variation in the polished gray leather colorway, which looks black from far away, but up close gives the appearance of being slightly worn in, like you’ve loved them for years already. The upper is made from Italian leather while the outsole is made from thermoplastic rubber, a popular material used in the soles of shoes.

Size: EU35–EU42 | Colors: 2 | Material: Leather

Best White

Flattered Sara Leather Loafers

What We Love: The sleek white shoe goes with everything.

What We Don't Love: The narrower toe may not be suited to wider feet.

It’s a common misconception that white shoes show dirt easily. In fact, they can be a great versatile shoe that looks sleek and spot-free (and if they do get dirty just need a little dab with a wet cloth). “I love this white shade for this style of shoe,” says Sharp. “It will work across multiple seasons too. Pair with darker tones for winter and lighter tones for spring.” Made in Spain, Flattered loafers are made from soft vegetable-tanned leather, so you won’t have to worry about a break-in period when you’ve bought them brand new.

Size: IT35–IT41 | Colors: 1 | Material: Leather

Best for Summer

St. Agni Macrame Loafer

What We Love: The woven style is breathable and lightweight.

What We Don't Love: It can’t get wet.

If you’ve happened to experience the feeling of spending an entire day with hot, sweaty feet stuck in a pair of leather shoes, you know that it's not pleasant. St. Agni’s take on the loafer is an alternative that will allow your feet to catch a cross-breeze when you wear them. Though they’re still made of leather, they feature a macrame open weave that lets your feet breathe. The square toe shape and soft body also avoid any rubbing or discomfort that might come with swollen feet in the warmer months. If you have a vacation coming up, these shoes may be your new favorite accessory.

Size: IT35–IT42 | Colors: 1 | Material: Leather

What to Keep in Mind 

Material

“Leather is the best material for a long-standing loafer,” says Gale. Though loafers are available in a range of materials from suede to polyurethane, ultimately the most durable option will be leather, like Everlane’s Modern Loafer. If you’re looking for a loafer more suited towards special occasions, then a fabric or suede will be a great alternative, we like Charles & Keith’s Jacquard option.

Occasion

Before you buy a new pair of loafers, be sure to ask yourself how you plan on wearing them. If you’ll be doing a lot of walking, you’ll want a supportive sole, leather upper, and a comfortable fit like that offered in our top choice, the G.H. Bass Whitney Loafer to ensure there’s no rubbing. For fancy occasions, think about investing in a dressier loafer like Margaux’s The Penny which comes in lots of colorful suede options.

Toe Shape

To put your best foot forward, consider the toe shape that works best for you, based on both style and function. For those with wide feet, or just looking to lean into ’90s style, Vagabond’s Dorah Loafer is our suggestion. Tory Burch’s Classic Loafer features more of a traditional round toe, while Flattered’s Sara Loafer is a bit narrower at the toe, which adds a dressy touch.

Your Questions, Answered 

Is there a break-in period with loafers? 

“You should expect a break-in period with loafers like you would with any other shoe especially if they are made of durable and rigid materials,” says Dr. Cunha. “To minimize any potential discomfort during this period, I recommend wearing the loafers inside for short periods, allowing your feet to gradually get used to the fit and materials.” He also suggests that you can wear thick socks for the first few times out, or that if the toe box is particularly uncomfortable, you can consider a toe stretch to create some extra room. 

Most importantly, when the shoes are new, try not to wear them for too long of a period. Allow your feet time to break them in; otherwise, you may receive painful blisters from friction. “Make sure to pay attention to any prolonged soreness or discomfort, which may indicate that the loafers are not a proper fit,” Dr. Cunha says. 

Which white socks look best with penny loafers?

“If adding a sock, I would stick to something super simple and avoid frills, one that stops just above the ankle would work best,” Sharp says. A thin silk sock can be a sleek alternative to classic sporty cotton socks if you’re looking for something fresh to show off. 

Why Shop With Us

Aemilia Madden is a writer covering fashion for InStyle. For this article, she researched a wide range of loafers and consulted with three experts: podiatrist Dr. Miguel Cunha and stylists Ryan Gale and Jordanna Sharp.

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