The best loafers for women, tested by people who walk a lot

If you're as big a fan of an Everlane as we are, you might remember its original loafer, which was one of the styles that first put the brand on the map. Years later, they reintroduced our top pick for the best loafers for women with an updated look and fit, and the new version is definitely even better than the old.

The toe is slightly more rounded so your toes have more room to wiggle, and the leather is a bit more flexible. They've never given me a blister, which is more than I can say for the old pair. A stacked wood heel gives them a casual vibe, and the rubberized sole prevents slipping and sliding on slick floors. 

The new loafers are supple, round-toed, and flexible, but not so bendy that they feel like flats or smoking slippers. They have good arch support, and the rubber soles have way more traction than the old version of the shoe.

For sizing, these come in whole and half sizes and they fit true-to-size. I wouldn't recommend them if you have particularly wide feet, but if you're usually in between sizes, go a half size up for the best fit.

Read our full Everlane Modern Loafer review.

Halfway between a sneaker and a loafer, the Vionic Uptown Loafer is an important style to know about if you're prioritizing comfort. Their performance is backed by Heeluxe's rigorous assessment that tests for fit, stability, cushioning, and flexibility.

When I first put these on, I was impressed by the sturdiness around my ankles from the deep heel cups. The leather was very stiff to begin with, but it started to soften after about five or six wears. These are also great if you have high arches like mine, because the padding reaches all the way up the inner wall of the shoe.

You can wear the Uptown Loafers just as you would walking sneakers — the lightweight, flexible soles can fold in half, and they have enough traction for stepping on uneven or slippery terrain. They're also perfect for travel, since they collapse into a slim profile.

Lug sole loafers are a great way to add some height without uncomfortable heels. This pair has an almost 2-inch platform, which makes it a great choice for wearing with pants that are just a little too long. They're also is padded with Madewell's signature CloudLift padding, which provides a cushioned insole so you can't walk in them.

There are several versions of G.H. Bass' Whitney Weejuns (a super chunky lug-sole pair, a '90s-inspired platform pair, a croc-effect pair, the list goes on), but nothing can beat the classic version of these best loafers for women. Though they take a bit of time to break in, especially at the heel, you'll be pleasantly surprised at how comfy and supportive the insole is. Plus, the traditional penny loafer look will never go out of style. 

In terms of sizing, these come in whole and half sizes, and I recommend going true to your usual size. If you're in between, you'll want to size up, especially if you plan on wearing them with socks.

Vivaia's Samantha Walker loafers have an extra roomy toe box to fit wide feet. They then taper off in the heel so your feet won't slip out while you walk. The flexible knit upper is soft, stretchy, and even water-repellent (I tested this by running them under the sink, and the beads of water brushed right off). They also have more squishy cushioning for light arch support and a slightly thicker padded heel, so you can walk on concrete for miles (as I did) without getting tired feet.

Read more in our full Vivaia shoes review.

If you know you have a strict limit of time you can stand in heels, it's good to have a backup pair loafers that can fit right in your work bag. Rothy's flexible knit material is made from recycled water bottles, and their loafers retain their shape even after being folded in half.

 The Lounge Loafers are similar to the original Rothy's Loafers, which I've worn for years, but I like the Lounge Loafers better because they have a comfier insole with more padding. Their outside is pretty similar, except the vamp is now a bit shorter.

These are too thin to wear in cold weather, but the mesh is nice and breathable, so they're ideal if your feet sweat a lot. I got mine in a beige colorway that matches practically everything in my wardrobe. They have a slender silhouette that's similar to Friulian slippers, and despite having a narrow toe box that may not suit wider feet, they still stretch comfortably. I recommend sizing up if you're between sizes. 

Read more in our full Rothy's flats review.

These super shiny leather loafers have a 2-inch platform heel and lightweight EVA soles — less clunky, more chunky. I won't lie, breaking these in gave me some blisters around my heels (something to be expected with new leather). To amend this, I wear mine with no-show socks.

The Milah loafers are becoming more flexible around the vamp with each wear. And despite their height, I don't feel like I'm on stilts in these — I feel grounded walking in them thanks to the Ortholite insoles. These give them some light cushioning in the heel and arch areas. 

As for their design, they're a slightly more rugged version of a classic penny loafer. The platform gives me just enough lift that I can wear them with extra long flared pants for a retro-inspired look.

The Sam Edelman Loraine Bit Loafers come in more than 20 colors, from classic neutrals to bold choices like bright lemony yellow, jade green, or pink croc-effect. Each season, you'll find new colors and textures introduced. 

The leather loafers for women are just structured enough to hold their shape, but not so stiff that they'll blister you out of the box. I was able to wear mine for the first time for a whole day (including commuting from the suburbs to Manhattan and back) with no discomfort. They have a small amount of cushioning — like enough that I would definitely bring these on a walking-heavy vacation. 

As for sizing, they come in whole and half sizes with a few colors offering a wide width. I am often in between a 7.5 and 8, and I opted for the 8 this time, but I easily could have fit in the 7.5. The leather will stretch and conform to your feet as you wear them, so I'd recommend going a half size down if you are already in between sizes. Otherwise, I'd opt for your usual size.

"A great pair of loafers should be just like a perfect pair of denim: deliciously comfortable, wearable with just about anything, and a dependable staple for year-round wear. Founded by a duo who met while working at Chloé in Paris, Nomasei's luxe Parisian-inspired Nono loafers fit the bill precisely, albeit for a pretty penny at just under $500. But even after comparing these to my platform pair from Gucci, I'd opt for this style almost every time (and the Gucci pair cost twice as much).

The leather feels sturdy and thick yet buttery and luxurious, and while they do fit a little stiff at first, they break in nicely with a few wears. The arch support is also substantial, making them comfy to walk in (at least once the leather on the back of the heel softens up a bit). I got the all-black pair, though the brand is known for its bold bicolor and tricolor designs. I think the black will keep these feeling timeless despite the very trendy gold hand medallions, but if I had an unlimited budget, I'd be nabbing them in every color combo possible. I would follow the brand's advice of going a half size down — I personally went true-to-size with my initial order, and they were too big, so I had to return them and reorder." — Sally Kaplan, executive editor

If you've thought long and hard, and you know that designer loafers for women are what your heart desires, get the Gucci Brixton Horsebit Convertible Loafers. They're pricey, sure, but these fantastic women's loafers will last you a lifetime. Our former senior style and beauty editor, Maria Del Russo, has had her pair of Brixtons for five years and says they're the most versatile shoe she owns. She credits this to the fold-down heel that lets you wear them like mules, so you're essentially getting two shoes in one. The workmanship is apparent the longer you wear them, too. Maria has gotten these loafers re-soled twice, but the leather and hardware have both stood the test of time.

The one drawback to the Brixtons is that after many years, the fold-down heels have turned a slightly more faded shade of black than the rest of the heel. You can take them to a cobbler or use a leather conditioner to fix that, though. 

As for sizing, these come in whole and half sizes, but be careful to check the sizing chart since they're usually listed in Italian sizing, which is different from European sizing. We recommend going up if you're in between sizes.

The M.Gemi Felize loafers are some of the most versatile and well-made shoes former Insider Reviews senior reporter, Mara Leighton, owns. After a year of testing them multiple times per week for our M.Gemi review, she says they've held up well (no wrinkles along the top, minimal wear along the underside of the toes and heel). However, she notes that sizing isn't perfect.

"I ordered my true size, and they've grown looser and more custom-fit as moccasins do over time. But, even so, the top is still snug; I couldn't layer anything thicker than a light sock with my pair." She says that if you're in between sizes, or you've ever had to size up in shoes, you should go up at least a half size in these.

Check out our full M.Gemi Felize Loafer review. 

Quince undercuts many brands featured in this guide. This pair has many of the same features as the Quince's Glove Flats, like a genuine Italian leather upper and Ortholite insoles.

I tested these against Margaux's Andie leather loafers ($345), and the Quince loafers proved to a better bang for your buck. The main drawback is that the black suede around the toes got a little faded the more I wore them, so I recommend choosing the Almond colorway to keep them looking newer for longer.

That being said, I'm still impressed at how much they look and perform like Margaux loafers. The stacked leather heel is actually sturdy, and inside the leather is soft and molded to my feet. I don't suggest these for wide feet or sensitive high arches, but they fit me (size US 8) comfortably and true to size.

Read more in our full Quince review.

The leather on Frye's heeled loafers have a distressed effect that give you an expertly-styled vintage inspired look when paired with high-waisted flared pants. These have some height to them, but the wide base of their 2.6-inch wedge heels makes them easy to walk in.  The Jean loafers are crafted with genuine calfskin leather and have detailed stitching on the toe, saddle, and rear. Several reviewers claimed they ran large, and because leather does stretch with more wear, we recommend you size down for this style.

For a dressy shoe option on a budget, Naturalizer's Cabaret style is a great deal among the best loafers for women. The leather is flexible and not too stiff, so they're comfy for long days. Plus, you can almost always find this pair on sale in various colors (but beware that sizes sell out quickly every time they get marked down).

After testing the classic black leather version of a similar pair, we found the size chart to be a little off — this loafer is available in half sizes with narrow, medium, and wide widths, but we recommend to go down a half size, as they tend to run a bit large. Overall, though, Naturalizer creates comfortable loafers with good traction that you'll get a lot of mileage from. 

Birdies makes loafer-flats that are as comfy as a pair of velvet smoking slippers. Executive editor Sally Kaplan compared two versions of its best-selling Starling flats in order to detect any key differences.

"I tested both the Starling classic loafers and the newly resculpted version that just launched from Birdies. They're basically the same shoe, but with some elegant design upgrades to the newer version. The resculpted pair has a slightly more elongated toe, a more premium velvet material (though the difference is negligible to me, both look great!), and a bit more traction on the bottom. The shoes look almost identical on foot and in terms of comfort, there's very little difference, but I do happen to prefer the more elongated look of the new version (pictured in the Brandy Velvet color at the top of this guide). I think it comes down to aesthetic preference for most people.

As for comfort and fit, these are unbelievably plush and cozy for a pair of loafers! They have a good amount of arch support without being stiff at all, and they're easy to wear with or without socks. All of its styles come in both regular and wide sizes, and though the site says they run true to size, I find them to run a bit large. I went down a half size in both pairs I tested, and I'd recommend you do the same. Birdies makes their signature Starling loafers in a ton of colors, and they're always launching new seasonal styles. In the fall and winter you'll see a lot of embellished velvet designs, and in the warmer months you'll find woven leather and fun textures like raffia."

Over the years, our team has collectively tested approximately two dozen pairs from brands best known for their women's workwear, as well as those that specialize in walking shoes, to find styles of loafers that meet somewhere in the middle.

Any shoes that felt noticeably unsupportive after less than a mile of walking were ousted. The pairs that proved most comfortable had some sort of arch support in their insoles, and had enough flexibility in the vamp that we could wear them for an entire day without getting sore in our insteps.

Many of our favorite loafers are crafted from calfskin leather, which can be unforgiving on the heel area no matter how well-made they are. The leather loafers we tested that made the cut took less than five or six wears to break in.

We've mostly worn ours around New York City, where the terrain is concrete and can be uneven or wet. For this environment, we like pairs like the Camper Milahs or Vionic Uptowns, with traction on their soles and platforms that puts at least a half inch between us and the ground.

The slimmer styles, like the Vivaia Samantha Walkers or Rothy's Lounge Loafers, proved better for light travel days when the weather is mild, but still calls for a close-toed shoe.

You don't need to wear socks with all loafers — in fact, slipper-like pairs such as Birdie's Starling loafers are best worn barefoot. But if you're prone to sweaty feet or want an extra layer to wear in cold weather, investing in the right socks to wear with your loafers can make a world of difference.

If you want to add padding to protect from blisters but you don't necessarily want the contrast of a sock, we suggest some seamless no-show socks. Another popular trend with loafers is pairing them with socks that are an accessory unto themselves. Sheer socks — like these cute socks with hearts on them or ruffle socks from Bombas — are great for adding a feminine flair to your shoes.