What To Consider
Style
There are tons of different types of loafers out there, but this list includes four main types: penny, tassel, lug-sole, and horsebit. Keep reading to learn more about each one:
- Penny loafer: The most traditional loafer of the group, penny loafers have a low heel and a low-profile look. They have a slotted leather strip across the upper, which gives the shoe its distinctive old-timey but chic look.
- Tassel: Similar to the penny, tassel loafers have that low-profile fit, just with the addition of a decorative tassel hanging from the front of the shoe. We think the tassel offers a bit of a vintage flare to any outfit.
- Lug-sole: Footwear and accessory designer Aleksandra Miletic says lugged loafers are very on-trend and add a modern twist to the classic penny style. Their lugged sole offers a chunkier look, which adds an edgy twist and some extra height, too.
- Horsebit: A horsebit loafer has a distinctive metal detailing across the upper of the shoe. This loafer is a bit more upscale, and we like wearing them to the office or to evening events.
Materials
According to Miletic, material choice is key for both breathability and comfort. “A leather upper is fantastic for durability and molds to the foot over time,” she says. However, for those looking for a vegan-friendly option, soft polyurethane is a good alternative. Most of the winners on this list are made of real leather, as we appreciate how it molds to our feet over time.
If you want added breathability, look for loafers with perforated uppers, which offer air circulation for a softer, cooler feel in addition to an ultra-chic design, says Miletic.
Width
“Wearing shoes that are wide enough to respect the shape of our feet allows the toes to sit in proper alignment and promotes healthy function of our feet,” says Jen Perez, co-founder of Gait Happens, a global education company with a focus on natural foot health. But note this: In order to ensure your loafers are the right fit, Meltic recommends picking a pair that still feels slightly snug, as it typically can’t be tightened in the way that sneakers and sandals can be and it tends to stretch over time.
How We Chose
As a style writer who’s been putting shoes through the paces for years, I’ve tested tons of loafers: My all-time favorite options made it onto this list. I also consulted two footwear experts on what to consider when shopping for new loafers. They emphasized that the style, materials, width, and cushion are things to look out for when shopping. WH assistant fashion editor Rose Lauture also weighed in on her favorite loafers.
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Pros
- Easy to break in
- Comfortable enough for long walks
- Looks great with a variety of fits
Cons
- Absolutely nothing
Out of all the loafers we’ve tried, the G.H. Bass Whitney Super Lug Weejuns are our all-time faves, and that’s because they’re super easy to break in, they’re great for walking, they have great traction, and they go with anything. This style from the brand has been around in many forms since 1936, so you can say it’s a timeless staple that we agree everyone can rock.
Whenever we ask our fashion editor friends what their favorite loafers are, they are quick to say this G.H. Bass pair. So, our stylist, WH assistant fashion editor Rose Lauture, was super excited to finally try them out. After a month of wearing them, she can confidently say the Weejuns do not disappoint. “Honestly, I have been living in these loafers now.”
Lauture says that they were super comfortable right out of the box. Like all leather loafers, they felt a big snug around the toes and sides of the feet at first, but after a couple wears she said they felt like she had owned them for years. “On the second day of wearing them, I walked two miles after work and my feet were both pain- and blister-free,” she tells us. If this isn’t saying something about their immediate comfort, I don’t know what is.
Lauture also loves how this shoe is “just right” in terms of chunkiness. We’ve tried pairs that have felt too heavy or clunky, but these have that trendy-looking lugged sole without the extra heaviness that other pairs have. According to Lauture, the lugged sole makes the shoe feel more cushy, and, unlike flatter, smoother loafers, gives them solid traction, helping her feel secure on her strolls.
If you’re looking for an everyday loafer that pairs with just about everything, this is the option for you. And take it from the stylist: “They look great paired with a pair of socks as well as with jeans, trousers, a skirt, or anything,” says Lauture.
Read more: Most Comfortable Dress Shoes For Women
| Sizes | 5-11 |
|---|---|
| Material | Leather |
| Style | Lugged |
| Width | Regular |
| Comfort Features | Lugged sole, flexible leather upper, perforations in the upper, stitching positioned on the top of the shoe |
Pros
- Can be dressed up, or down
- Super resistant to wrinkles and scratches
Cons
- Has a long break-in period
I’m a proud Vagabond fan—I own three pairs of their loafers and boots, and slipping on the Alex W Loafer only deepened my obsession. This shoe nails the balance between a polished, classic look (hello, penny strap!) and a chunky, trendy vibe. It’s the ideal everyday loafer: upscale enough to dress up, but still pairs effortlessly with casual pieces like jeans, thanks to its slightly rugged chunky style that adds an edgy touch.
Lauture also tested these out and notes that while they were among the tougher loafers to break in, they became super comfortable after a couple of wears. “The leather is super sturdy and heavy, which explains the longer break-in time, but it also makes the loafer feel and look more expensive than it is, so it’s worth the effort,” she says. In my experience, thicker leather also contributes to durability, helping to resist wrinkles and scratches, while offering more stability, shape retention, and arch support. After months of testing and wearing these, we find that they still look good as new.
I found these loafers to run a bit large, due to the elongated pointed toe, so I would recommend sizing a half-size down for a bit more of a snug fit.
Key Specs
| Sizes | 5-12 |
|---|---|
| Material | Leather |
| Style | Penny |
| Width | Regular |
| Comfort Features | Rubber outsole, leather upper |
Best Tassel Loafer
Franco Sarto Franco Carolynn Low Loafer
Pros
- Requires no break-in time
- Sleek style makes it perfect for the office
Cons
- Not as supportive as other thicker-soled loafers we tested
This funky pair of loafers from Franco Sarto caught my eye in all the best ways—it has a fun tassel, a low-profile fit, and it comes in a bunch of other colors to suit any preference.
Lauture opted for a metallic shade when testing this shoe, and said it added that perfect pop to her outfits she had been craving for fall. And, on the comfort side of things, she says that the shoes required zero break-in time, which she says was a “game changer” in the world of loafers where most pairs need a few days of wear before you can rock them out and about. “They are the perfect office shoe, and you can even sport one of the metallic colors for your next holiday party,” says Lauture.
Unlike the chunkier G.H. Bass pair, this option leans toward a lower profile, giving it that classic, sleek loafer look we all know and love. However, during testing, we found that it doesn’t feel as supportive as the thicker-soled options on this list.
| Sizes | 5-11 |
|---|---|
| Material | Tassel |
| Style | Penny |
| Width | Regular |
| Comfort Features | Round toe, leather upper, slip on design |
Best Dupe
J.Crew Maison Ruched Loafers in Leather
Now 30% Off
Pros
- Ruching at the toe is chic and unique
- Leather is soft and flexes with your foot
Cons
- Runs a bit small—go up half a size
Let’s face it: Not everyone can afford *that* pair of loafers from The Row, so in classic ~me~ fashion, I set out to find the absolute best dupe I could, leading me to this pair from J Crew.
I love the ruching at the toe, which offers a chic touch that not many other pairs have. Plus, that detail gives them more of that square-toed look, which makes the loafers even more unique. I’ve paired them with just about everything from jeans and trousers to skirts and dresses.
What surprised me most about these shoes was the leather quality—it’s incredibly soft and flexes with your foot, so you don’t feel restricted, even on the first wear. As someone with wider feet, finding this kind of comfort is rare, so I was thrilled when these fit like a glove. I’d recommend going up half a size (which I did!) to avoid any tightness—I chose a 10 instead of my usual 9.5 after reading online reviews, and I’m glad I did because they have just the right amount of wiggle room.
I also love that the heel on the shoes is super low and that they have a rubber outsole, so there’s actually nice traction on wood floors or other slippery surfaces. You never know what you’re going to get when finding a dupe, and this one gets a full five stars on my end.
| Sizes | 5-12 |
|---|---|
| Material | Leather |
| Style | Penny |
| Width | Regular |
| Comfort Features | Soft leather, low heel, rubber outsole |
Pros
- Leather feels incredibly premium
- Silky cowhide hair is soft from the start
Cons
- Runs a bit large
This pair of loafers is very similar to our favorite G.H. Bass option on this list, though it’s slightly pricier. What makes it worth the extra investment? Some colors are crafted from premium box calf—a full-grain leather sourced from calf hides. It starts off firm, but with wear, it softens into that cozy, broken-in feel. Other pairs feature silky cowhide hair, giving them a distinct, more wintery look and feel, and in our experience, this material is softer from the start.
Though these are chunky and lugged, they don’t feel heavy at all—I never get that dragging feeling when I walk. However, I did notice my heel slips out a bit, even in my usual 9.5. I’d recommend going a half size down to avoid that, but I found a quick fix by wearing thicker socks with them.
| Sizes | 5-11 |
|---|---|
| Material | Leather |
| Style | Lugged sole |
| Width | Regular |
| Comfort Features | Lightweight, chunky platform sole |
Pros
- Comfortable enough to stand all day in
- Can be dressed with casual or office looks
Cons
- Tends to crease easily
These penny loafers are the most classic pair on this list—they’re low-profile without any lugging or tassels.
“These Steve Madden loafers are so comfortable to wear,” says WH lifestyle editor Jasmine Gomez, who’s been testing them for weeks. “The sole feels almost plush-like, so I don’t mind wearing or standing in them for hours on end,” she says. Whenever she doesn’t want to wear heels, she throws these on because they’re *just* classy enough to add that perfect oomph to any outfit. But, we also find them to be paired down for casual wear, too.
Gomez notes that these loafers tend to crease easily, so keep that in mind before buying. They also run very small—I originally ordered my usual size, but ended up passing them to Gomez because they were a full size too tight. If I were to order again, I’d go up a full size.
| Sizes | 5-12 |
|---|---|
| Material | Leather |
| Style | Penny |
| Width | Regular |
| Comfort Features | Plush-like sole, leather sock |
Best Affordable
Johnston & Murphy Hayes Tassel Loafer
Now 26% Off
Pros
- Leather is incredibly soft
- As comfortable as other low-profile loafers we tested
Cons
- Runs on the larger side
Another classic leather option with a tassel, these loafers from Johnson & Murphy are our favorite affordable pair on this list, but they still have the same quality as some of the pricier options. Constructed with soft leather, a cushioned footbed, and a low heel, we deem them just as worthy as the other low-profile options we’ve curated.
Another pro? We found that the sole of these shoes isn’t super slippery, which can be hard to find in non-lugged loafers. We also appreciate that they come in wide sizes to accommodate those with wider feet and bunions. However, we do find that these run on the larger side, so be sure to opt for a full size smaller than your norm.
| Sizes | 7-14 |
|---|---|
| Material | Leather |
| Style | Penny |
| Width | Regular |
| Comfort Features | Wide sizing, cushioned footbed, soft leather, low heel |
Pros
- Requires no break-in period
- Footbed is incredibly cushioned for a work shoe
Cons
- DSW only sells one color, but you can find more styles at Sam Edelman’s website
Lauture says these classic loafers from Sam Edelamn, known as horsebit loafers, are the most comfortable pair she’s tested, as they include a cushioned footbed for super soft landings and they require no break-in time due to the soft leather. “Also, my feet are on the wider side, so it’s nice that these loafers also come in a wide option, which not many of the other options do,” she says.
These shoes also have a metallic accent at the top, which makes them a bit more upscale. Lauture and I agree that this detailing mixed with the shoe’s low profile makes these perfect for more business casual looks where you’re wanting a nice loafer with a touch of fun detailing.
These shoes come in so many different colors and materials, so we’re positive you’ll find a shade that suits your personal style. Lauture got her pair from DSW, which only sells one color, but the Sam Edelman website has many other colors available.
| Sizes | 7-11 |
|---|---|
| Material | Leather |
| Style | Horsebit |
| Width | Regular, wide |
| Comfort Features | Cushioned foot bed, leather upper |
Pros
- Metallic finish adds a pop to outfits
- Cracked leather dealing gives a worn-in feeling
Cons
- Runs a bit narrow
I’m not usually one to go for a metallic loafer—I’m more of a brown or black shoe girl. But this option from Free People changed my perspective. All four of the metallic shades are *just* understated enough to pair with casual fits, but the metallic adds that nice pop when you’re heading out on the town, too.
Similar to the Franco Sarto and J Crew pair, these shoes are a bit flatter and more low-profile with a roomie round toe. But, what makes them stand out is the cracked leather detailing, which gives them a worn-in, vintage feel.
In our experience, they run a bit narrow but are true to size, so go with your usual shoe size for the best fit here.
| Sizes | 6-11 |
|---|---|
| Material | Leather |
| Style | Penny |
| Width | Regular |
| Comfort Features | Soft leather, low heel, rubber outsole |
Lily Wohlner is the Associate E-Commerce Editor of Women’s Health. An expert in recommending the best products to add-to-cart, she knows what it takes for a product to receive a solid five stars (especially when it comes to beauty!). Starting her career as a freelance makeup artist, Lily has since moved to the editorial world, where she has generated content for brands including Oribe, NewBeauty, Dermstore, SkinStore, and LOOKFANTASTIC. When she’s not zenning out with a pore-clearing mask, the Lower East Side dweller is cheffing up a new recipe with her roommate or thrifting for the perfect pair of blue jeans. Follow her on Instagram.
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