
Even lofty descriptors like "timeless" and "classic" feel too small of words to describe the best loafers. More than a seasonal trend or passing fad, the academia-inspired shoe comes with a lifestyle attached, one you can wholly lean into or subvert on your own terms (a penny loafer teamed with a punk, plaid mini skirt reads more grungey garage band than polished prepster, for instance.) This season's take on the hard-working shoe also revisits the traditionally fixed and slender silhouette, with Prada offering a padded, puffy version and Tory Burch creating a hybrid ballet flat-inspired iteration.
Ahead, Jamie Lee, a shoe buyer at luxury retailer Moda Operandi, and Marie Claire editors share the very best loafers for women on the market. Lee also offers shopping insight, including which colors and styles are trending and her favorite pairs you can snag for under $300. Fair warning: you might be taken aback at this season's warm weather-ready tweaks, from woven leathers and lightweight raffia, that put loafers in the running for the best summer shoes. Flip-flops, who?
What to Look for in Loafers
- Color
“I would definitely recommend black for your first pair,” says Lee, inviting you to stick to the neutral shade if you're a loafer rookie. However, if your heart desires, certainly don't shy away from bold hues. A sure bet is to use spring 2023's color trends to guide you.
- Silhouette
Lee notes that shoppers should also decide if they want to buy a pair of chunky—think hefty lug-soles and thick treads—or sleek loafers. “Both are equally timeless and easy to wear with just about any outfit,” she says, chalking up each silhouette to personal preference.
The Loafers Trending This Season
“Prada has been a leader in this category for Moda Operandi for several years, but there's certainly a bigger offering from other designers this season,” says Lee about the most popular loafer brands right now. While Prada's hefty loafers are an investment-worthy staple at this point, Lee says that other brands are “giving their loafers special design detail to differentiate them from other pieces on the market,” citing Chloe’s stitching, Bottega Veneta's chain-style loafers, and Miu Mui’s “classic penny loafer detail.”
Affordable Loafer Brands
“At the $300 and under price point, we offer some great options from Aeyde, Ganni, and St. Agni,” says Lee. “The Aeyde style has actually been so popular that it has sold out multiple times, and we are leaning into additional color options in the pair for the Spring/Summer 2023 season.”
Deals on Loafers
Franco Sarto Balin Lug Sole Loafers, $99 $60 at Macy's
"If you want to try the trend for yourself without breaking the bank, definitely head to H&M for this pair," says editorial fellow Brooke Knappenberger.
J. Crew Winona Penny Loafers, $198 $127 at J. Crew
Got your credit card ready? These originally $198 penny loafers from J. Crew are on super, super sale for only $127 loafers.
Nordstrom Trinity Lug Sole Loafer, $90 $53 at Nordstrom
From the slightly chunky and platform design to the contrasting brown sole that's complete with a slight tread detail, these loafers are unexpected in the best way.
The Best Loafers for Women
- Best Black Loafers: Vagabond Shoemakers Kenova Loafer
- Best Summer Loafer: J. Crew Winona Penny Loafers
- Best Brown Loafers: Sam Edelman Laurs Platform Lug Sole Loafer
- Best Affordable Loafers for Women: Franco Sarto Balin Lug Sole Loafers
- Best Splurge-Worthy Loafers for Women: Gucci Horsebit-Detailed Leather Loafers
- Best Classic Loafers: G.H Bass Women's Whitney Weejuns
Celebrities like Emily Ratajkowski have been wearing this pair of black loafers from Jamie Haller for months now. The low-key design is inspired by traditional men’s penny loafers, are made by hand in Italy and is meant to hug your foot in all the places for a glove-like fit. The buttery-soft leather is so comfortable to wear, you’ll think you’re wearing house slippers. They’re available in sizes 35 through 41 and come in several colors and fabrications, like brown suede.
"If you're looking for a loafer that is a bit more nighttime-appropriate, meet the Kenova Loafer from Vagabond Shoemakers. They have such a sturdy sole that makes my feet feel great even after eight hours of wear time. Plus, the patent-leather finish is so easy to keep clean, so they always look fresh despite the fact that I wear them multiple times a week." — Julia Marzovilla, E-Commerce Writer
What is there to say about the Gucci's Jordaan Leather Loafers that hasn’t already been said about the iconic pair? Yes, Gucci's horsebit loafers are expensive, but they’re also classic and trend-less. The sleek silhouette, the classic gold hardware, and the relaxed leather feel all contribute to this shoe from Gucci becoming one of the only shoes on my own personal shopping wish list. You can shop them in sizes 34 through 42.
"I recently realized that I have too many pairs of bold and, admittedly, unconventional shoes in my possession. So when I saw Gigi Hadid wearing Tory Burch's Ballet Loafers multiple times while running around New York City, looking as chic as can be, I took it as a sign that they were destined to be mine. The ballet flat-meets-loafer offers neutrality, meaning I can throw them into nearly any outfit combo, but they also have the perfect amount of fashion flair to satisfy my statement-loving heart." — Emma Childs, Style Editor
It doesn't get more classic than this pair of black Whitney Weejuns by G.H. Bass. Available in either this shade or a dark merlot, these iconic patent-leather loafers are the standard when it comes to penny loafers for women—and shoppers agree. One glowing five-star review said that the loafers "are the most comfortable and versatile shoes you can buy," so you just know that they'll be great for long days spent on your feet. Plus, you can shop them in sizes 5 through 11.
These are the best all-around loafers on the internet for a reason. Priced at $150, they have a chunky, comfortable platform and a wide, roomy shape. The buckle detailing is subtle on the top, which means that you'll be able to style them with different metals. If black isn’t for you, you can shop them in three other colorways and in sizes 5 through 13. “Love love love these loafers,” wrote one glowing reviewer. “Such high quality for the price.”
"I haven't fully decided my stance on the loafer trend yet. On one hand, I love how a chunky pair can go with everything in my closet. On the other, I sometimes get the feeling that I'm heading to school while wearing them. But nonetheless, I still wanted to hop on the trend without truly investing in a pair, so of course, I turned to Franco Sarto. I love how this pair adds a few inches to my height without being overly chunky. Plus, I was pleasantly surprised by the quality and comfort. If you want to try the trend for yourself without breaking the bank, definitely turn to Franco Sarto for this pair." — Brooke Knappenberger, Editorial Fellow
Got your credit card ready? These originally $198 loafers from J. Crew are on super, super sale for only $127 loafers. The linen textiles makes them feel casual and wearable as part of a summer business casual outfit, but the black leather piping adds a special touch. "I took these cute shoes out of the box and put them on and haven't looked back since," writes one J. Crew enthused shopper. Shop them now in women's shoe sizes 5 through 11 (including half sizes!).
It doesn't get more classic than this pair of black Whitney Weejuns by G.H. Bass. Available in either this shade or a dark merlot, these iconic patent-leather loafers are the standard when it comes to penny loafers for women—and shoppers agree. One glowing five-star review said that the loafers "are the most comfortable and versatile shoes you can buy," so you just know that they'll be great for long days spent on your feet. Plus, you can shop them in sizes 5 through 11.
Sleek and simple, these yellow lace-up leather loafers from cool-girl-approved Aeyde are perfect if you're looking for a pair that aren't fussy and easy to style. They exude a casually professional vibe, making them ideal shoes to add to your workwear rotation (consider them a good luck charm for when you have to run the next team meeting). They're one of Lee's favorite picks on Moda Operandi, as they're one of the retailer's best-sellers. They're available in this buttery shade or black and offered in European women's sizes 35 through 41.
These under-$200 loafers from Coach are great if you're after that '90s-inspired, grunge-inspired platform loafers. Made of a luxuriously leather, these shoes have a cushion-soft memory foam padded insole, ensuring you'll be comfy all day long. And reviewers on the brand's site can't say enough good things about this style. "I wanted an updated loafer style, and I got it. These Leah loafers are a great look for work but comfortable to wear around the city, too," writes one happy shopper.
When you think about investing in a new pair of loafers for the fall or winter, you probably don't think about a white shoe with an exaggerated leather chain strap across the front. But here we are with this pair from Nordstrom's eponymous line. From the slightly chunky and platform design to the contrasting brown sole that's complete with a slight tread detail, these loafers are unexpected in the best way. Plus, they're currently on sale for 40 percent off, which is a killer deal.
"Every time I invest in a new type of Rothy's shoe—they've designed their own sustainable, super-comfy versions of flats, Mary Janes, boots, sneakers, you name it—it's one and done; I don't need to buy any more of that type of shoe. Rothy's loafers are no exception. Coming in 12 colors, from plain black to bold leopard print with scarlet insoles, these loafers are the perfect smart-casual slip-on shoe that'll take you from work to a late-night dinner." — Jenny Hollander, Director of Content Strategy
My dad has worn a pair of Tod’s loafers for as long as I can remember. These Gommino loafers debuted in the ‘50s and have remained popular ever since. The rubber so-called “pebbles” at the bottom of the shoe provide grip for all-day wear (not just for driving, although this shoe is usually considered a “driving shoe”), and the smooth leather is supremely comfortable and wearable. They run true-to-size and are available to shop in Italian sizes 34 through 42.
Not all loafers need to come in black or white, and this pink leather pair from Steve Madden shows that perfectly. They come in an assortment of different colorways, including a metallic gold, for instance, as well as sky blue suede, brown plaid, and a graphic color-blocked version in black and white. Plus, they're totally affordable with only a $58 price tag. One Amazon reviewer writes, "These are my favorite shoes. I got them on sale, but would have gladly paid full price. Comfortable, feminine, trendy."
How to Style Loafers
When you need some styling inspiration, always look to the street style stars—especially when it comes to designer loafers, since the shoe is an off-duty go-to amongst the fashion crowd. Top model Gigi Hadid loves a two-tone penny loafers style, often pairing them with relaxed suiting, while her sister, Bella, wore her with a micro mini skirt and white ankle socks. Kendall Jenner and Katie Holmes are frequently spotted in pairs from Vagabond Shoemakers, also a favorite brand among Marie Claire's fashion team, and team them with everything from straight-leg jeans to '90s-era slip dresses.
Meet the Expert
Jamie Lee is a footwear buyer at Moda Operandi. Born and raised in Seoul, South Korea, she spent half of her life in Korea and the other half in the United States. She began her buying career at Dover Street Market New York. She now lives and works in NYC.
Emma Childs is the Style Editor at Marie Claire, where she researches up-and-coming trends, curates shopping guides, and gushes about the must-buy items she can't stop thinking about. She previously wrote for TZR, Editorialist, Elite Daily, and Mission Magazine and studied Fashion Studies and New Media at Fordham University. When she's not writing up fashion deep-dives or finding the season's best pieces, you'll find her fiddling around in Photoshop and perusing HBO Max for the next show to base her personality on (currently, it's "Succession").
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