Despite going through different trendy iterations throughout the years, loafers will always be a classic flat-shoe style. They’re also a fan-favorite, thanks to their minimalist versatility and ability to add a polished touch to any outfit, regardless of the occasion. They used to be the shoe people wore solely for work, but they’ve now become the go-to shoe for casual outfits, too. (Everyone loves jeans, white socks, and a loafer combo.) If you choose wisely, the pair of loafers you buy can be worn for years to come, with any style preference you’ll have from here on out. They’ll age gracefully with you.
While we have multiple great shopping lists on this site, I’ve curated a small but mighty list of 11 loafers that are considered the best on the market right now. Top favorites include Gucci’s Horsebit Loafer and chunky sole versions from Prada, but I’ve also included more affordable versions that have just as much stellar reviews. Keep scrolling to find the classic pick to have in your corner for years to come.
“If you’ve been looking for a classic, old-school traditional penny loafer- one that doesn’t compromise style for comfort, then look no further. These loafers are chic, well-made, and far from dowdy! They look terrific with cropped jeans and a blazer and have a spot-on preppy appeal to them that I happen to like. Super sophisticated and just all-around crisp! Highly recommend them.” —J.Crew reviewer
“I love these shoes! The leather is nice and soft, I have very sensitive skin on my feet and I struggle to find leather shoes that don’t hurt my feet and these are so comfortable I haven’t had any problems with them. I wanted a stylish loafer and first considered the Gucci ones but couldn’t bring myself to pay that much so I got these instead. They look very similar to them, they’re awesome! I’m usually a 7-7.5 and I got the 7.5 and they fit perfectly. I also love the gold hardware on the front. It comes up higher on the foot which I also like. I’m definitely considering getting these in another color because I love them so much. If you want an affordable stylish loafer I definitely suggest these!”—Nordstrom reviewer
“These shoes are the most comfortable pair of flats I’ve ever purchased. Zero break-in period is needed, and they are amazing straight out of the box. I’m able to wear them without socks and they are still comfortable. No rubbing on my heels or pinching toes. The size is true to size. My feet are slightly narrow and the shoes still fit well. Definitely worth the price!”—Nordstrom reviewer
“I’m in love with these shoes! I have the GH bass loafers and these compare in many ways to the quality. I think they are mostly true to size (maybe a run touch small) and I haven’t had issues with them rubbing or breaking in. My only gripe is I got the pink color and the black bottoms scuff the sides of the shoe leaving black marks. You can mostly wipe off the marks, but for the price, it’s a bit of a design flaw. Also, keep in mind that lighter colors in these start to show signs of wear quickly with how the material creases. With a shoe like this, it’s best presented clean and well-kept. The pink color isn’t as forgiving as other colors might be in this context. So overall I recommend, but pick your shoe shade wisely!”—Nordstrom reviewer
“After reading every review in print about these shoes, I finally pulled the trigger and couldn’t be happier with them. I typically wear a 7.5 and that’s what I ordered. These shoes fit like they were made for me right out of the box! The leather is so soft and supple. I love the classic look of these loafers. Timeless. I’m a SAHM so I’ll be wearing these mostly with jeans but they can definitely be dressed up with nice pants, dresses, and skirts. While these are supposed to be the “convertible” loafer there’s no way I’d wear them as mules. It just doesn’t look or feel right to me. So obviously now I need the mules. In. Every. Color. I’m also planning on taking them to the cobbler to have some kind of sole protector put on them as other reviewers have recommended. If you’re on the fence about these, get them! Worth every penny.”—Nordstrom reviewer
“I would say I typically run at like a 7-7.5 and did size up after reading the reviews to an 8. They are a little large but can definitely be fixed by putting an insole and then they fit perfectly! Super comfortable. I did get the glossy one and they’re not super shiny but definitely reflect light. Love them.”—Free People reviewer
“I feel loafers are generally a classic even though they are ‘on trend’. I am a size 38 in European shoe size (39 in boots), and wearing this in my usual 38 without issue. No break-in period and they’re comfortable. I love Prada shoes so much that I bought a ‘Mary Jane ‘ style and a derby pair. They’re all perfect for my work setting. I receive compliments from co-workers. Note: I used to wear uncomfortable Christian Louboutin heels and torture my poor feet before the pandemic but now my feet are spoiled from comfortable flat shoes 🙂 Now my feet love Prada, so thank you, Prada. There is a little ‘slippage’ as others have alluded to but I feel it is normal to have a little slippage due to the nature of loafer shoes, as long as your feet are not literally slipping out of the shoe when you walk. Try out a pair in-person! Prada shoes are classic and worth every penny.”—Nordstrom reviewer
“I hadn’t thought about Weejuns for many years. When I was searching online for loafers, I knew exactly what I wanted. After hours of searching, I rediscovered G. H. Bass. Finally, I found exactly what I was searching for! I love the workmanship and quality of this shoe. I appreciate the leather soles which are nearly impossible to find in a woman. Everything I wanted in a shoe. I originally ordered size 8.5 but they were way too big, so I reordered 7.5 and they fit me perfectly. I am extremely pleased with my purchase.”—G.H. Bass reviewer
“I love this loafer. They’re very comfortable and stylish. I sized up 1/2 size to make sure the toe area was wide enough, and it fits perfectly! Good support too.”— Nordstrom reviewer
