We independently evaluate all of our recommendations. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. The 19 Best Loafers to Slip Into Summer, Tested & Reviewed From horsebit to penny loafers. By Emma Greene Emma Greene Emma specializes in fashion and beauty reviews. She began her career at InStyle in 2025 and has a wealth of styling experience for fashion magazines, retail stores, and beyond. She's passionate about both high-end and attainable fashion and is an expert minimalist. InStyle's editorial guidelines Updated on July 9, 2026 @ 03:14PM In This Article View All In This Article Top Picks Reviews Our Testing Process What to Keep in Mind Your Questions, Answered Why Shop With Us Credit: InStyle Editor Favorites: The Cole Haan Danby Travel Loafer is our top pick for its versatile, classic appearance and immediate comfort. If you love this look but prefer a patent finish with a bit of sheen, consider the Cole Haan Lana Lux Remastered. A Comfortable Classic: Birdies The Stirling Loafer is our favorite for long walking days. It’s still comfortable after 10,000 steps. Designer Favorite: If you’re looking to invest in a classic, the Gucci Jordaan GG Canvas Loafers, featuring the iconic horsebit detail, effortlessly complete outfits, from casual to formal. More polished than sneakers and more comfortable than heels, the best loafers for women are certifiably timeless shoes that span generations. Unlike other footwear, the classic loafer doesn’t cycle in and out of style. Instead, the slip-on silhouette morphs, evolves, and meshes with contemporary trends and influences. From chunky soles to sleek suede and leather options, the comfortable loafers of today offer both versatility and personality. “The ‘it’ styles to watch fall squarely within that timeless category, with designers increasingly embracing the traditional loafer structure as a nod to vintage menswear influences,” says Amelia Ansink, a senior strategist at Future Snoops. Luxury brands lead the charge for vintage-inspired loafers, with Miuccia Prada embracing the classic shoe time and time again at Miu Miu. We also saw ultra-simple iterations come down the runway during Louise Trotter’s debut Bottega Veneta show and in Spring Summer 26 collections from The Row, Dior, and Victoria Beckham, to name a few. With the seemingly infinite, possibly overwhelming range of loafer inspiration in mind, we interviewed experts and tested 21 popular pairs, curating a list of the best loafers available this season, from penny silhouettes to modern and novelty takes. Top Picks Best Overall Loafer: Cole Haan Danby Travel Loafer at Nordstrom Jump to Review Best Leather Loafer: SALE Cole Haan Women's Lana Lux Remastered Penny Loafers at Amazon $168 $136 Jump to Review Best Budget Loafer: Steve Madden Madison Loafer at Stevemadden.com Jump to Review Best Black Loafer: G.H. Bass Whitney Weejuns Loafer at Nordstrom $195 Jump to Review Best Heeled Loafer: Franco Sarto Bocca Loafer at Francosarto.com Jump to Review Best Penny Loafer: Vagabond Alex W Loafer at Nordstrom $180 Jump to Review Best Designer Loafer: Gucci Jordaan GG Canvas Loafers at Nordstrom Jump to Review Best Walking Loafer: Birdies The Starling at Amazon $130 Jump to Review Best Minimalist Loafer: Flattered Bon Bon Loafers at Flattered.com Jump to Review Best Chunky Loafer: Reformation Agathea Chunky Loafer at Reformation Jump to Review Best Overall Loafer Cole Haan Danby Travel Loafer Credit: Cole Haan View on Nordstrom View on Colehaan.com View on Zappos These comfortable pebble leather loafers offer a laid-back take on the traditional penny loafer. The braided detail adds a casual twist, making this pair perfect for wearing with your favorite work pants or throwing on with your workout set as you run out the door for yoga. Wear them on errands for a surprisingly comfortable, slightly dressed-up look. Worth Noting: This woven pair won’t necessarily cause blisters, but it can benefit from a heel cushion. Size: 5–11 | Material: Leather Genevieve Cepeda, writer: “These loafers have a super soft, lightweight leather upper that bends and moves with you, much like a ballet flat would. The sole reminds me of a flexible dance shoe. That makes each step much more comfortable, and I often even forget I’m wearing these.” Best Leather Loafer Cole Haan Women's Lana Lux Remastered Penny Loafers Credit: Cole Haan $168 $136 at Amazon View on Colehaan.com View on Zappos Available in a range of black and brown tones, these winning loafers could have easily gotten a blue ribbon in our best brown or best black categories. Cole Haan’s reliable quality ensures these shoes last long enough in your wardrobe so you can appreciate the timeless, sleek silhouette and reasonable price point. If you’re only looking to have one loafer in your shoe collection, this is a strong contender. Worth Noting: While these penny loafers definitely get more comfortable over time, InStyle editor Tessa Petak suffered a few blisters the first time she wore them. Size: 5–11 medium and wide | Material: Leather Credit: InStyle Credit: InStyle Tessa Petak, editor: “These classic slip-ons are so sleek and come in gorgeous colorways (I particularly love the dark chocolate). The craftsmanship and quality are unmatched, so you’ll look stylish and sophisticated whether you’re pairing them with jeans or a dress.” Best Budget Loafer Steve Madden Madison Loafer Credit: Steve Madden View on Stevemadden.com Steve Madden probably isn’t the first brand you think of when it comes to loafers, but this pair is super comfortable, and we’re obsessed with the cute cow print colorway. However, they also come in several neutral and colorful variations. For around $100 (with a faux fur option that’s around $30), this leather loafer is a worthwhile try if you’re looking for your first pair or a reasonably priced addition to your ever-growing collection. Worth Noting: The Madison Loafer runs a bit big. Former Senior Editor Erika Reals wishes she had gone a half-size down. Size: 5–12 | Material: Leather Erika Reals, former senior editor: “I just love the look of these calf hair loafers—they seem much more expensive than you’d expect from first glance and while wearing them! I usually rack up 10K steps; I didn’t have any issues with blisters or uncomfortable rubbing. I also love how they look with some baby blue crew socks!” Best Black Loafer G.H. Bass Whitney Weejuns Loafer Credit: Bloomingdale's $195 at Nordstrom View on Freepeople.com A classic leather loafer such as this one is an obvious choice to pair with blue jeans, but it can easily moonlight as something dressier when styled with a miniskirt, a slip dress, or a tailored suit. Adaptable, subtly detailed, and sleek, an understated loafer has never—and will never—go out of style. If you’re a minimalist at heart or love having versatile items in your closet, this loafer was made for you. Worth Noting: Be sure to purchase your pair a half-size down, as recommended by the brand. Size: 5–11 | Material: Leather InStyle Elena, tester: “These were really ready to go out of the box and super comfortable. I have a lot of loafers...I can say these are by far the most comfortable I’ve worn. Amazing, considering the pretty reasonable price tag. Everything about these shoes seems good quality.” Best Heeled Loafer Franco Sarto Bocca Loafer Credit: Franco Sarto View on Nordstrom View on Francosarto.com Streamlined and with a bit of a height boost, these loafers will add variety to your rotation without drawing too much attention. The wide toe box and soft leather make these shoes ideal for extended wear and walking, even for those who don’t love a heel, like Reals. If you’re a clog lover or just don’t love a penny loafer or horsebit detail, this simple loafer is the one for you. Worth Noting: Those with high arches will find that an insole makes this style more comfortable for long wear. Size: 5–13 medium; 6–11 wide | Material: Leather Erika Reals, former senior editor: “When I first slid my feet into these loafers, I really wasn’t expecting them to be comfortable to wear and walk in for long periods of time. But I was wrong! They quickly molded to my feet, and sometimes I even slip them on in lieu of sneakers if I want to elevate my look, even if I’m just going to the grocery store or pharmacy.” Best Penny Loafer Vagabond Alex W Loafer Credit: Vagabond $180 at Nordstrom View on Vagabond.com View on Freepeople.com “The penny loafer caters to most wardrobes and is the ideal first pair,” personal stylist Lauren Sharkey says. “Their quintessential look and feel are what most women seek when shopping for a loafer.” This pair from Vagabond brings a thick sole, a roomy footbed, and thick leather for durability, making it an ideal shoe for everyday wear and those who want a supportive loafer without sacrificing style. Worth Noting: If you wear a half-size in footwear or have an extra-wide foot, consider sizing up in this shoe for optimal width and maximum comfort. Size: 5–12 | Material: Leather, rubber InStyle Sarah, tester: “Generally speaking, these feel really expensive and nicely constructed, and mostly comfortable. With leather loafers, I do expect a break-in period, so I wasn’t surprised by that component, and I feel like it definitely was on the more comfortable side of loafers I’ve worn, even with that in mind.” Best Designer Loafer Gucci Jordaan GG Canvas Loafers Credit: Nordstrom View on Nordstrom The horsebit loafer got its start at Gucci, so it’s only fitting that a pair finds its place on this list. These splurge-worthy loafers are surprisingly comfortable, and of course, very well-made. The neutral canvas colors are easy to pair with denim and casual dresses for quick grocery runs and low-key brunches, but they pair just as well with slacks for a day in the office or a Michelin-star dinner. Worth Noting: These loafers are surprisingly comfortable and don’t take long to break in. Size: 5–12 | Material: Canvas, leather Credit: InStyle Credit: InStyle Credit: InStyle Erika Reals, former senior editor: “This is another example of a loafer that I was not anticipating being super comfortable at all...but they are actually one of the most comfortable pairs of shoes I own. The barely there heel adds to the comfort for me, but there’s still a satisfying click-clack when wearing them. The materials, of course, are very high-quality, and I expect to hold onto these for a good portion of the rest of my life.” Best Walking Loafer Birdies The Starling Credit: Birdies $130 at Amazon $160 at Nordstrom $130 at Zappos Once you break your Birdies loafers in, they’ll become your go-to walking shoe. Editorial Director Shannon Bauer consistently walks more than 10,000 steps in them and, even after years of wear, can confirm that once they’re broken in, they are some of the most comfortable shoes she owns. The trendy leopard and minimalist suede variations make these shoes an easy “yes” for anyone who needs a new work shoe or something to wear on their next walking-heavy vacation. Worth Noting: To ease the break-in period, Shannon found that wearing these loafers for five hours or less minimized the discomfort new loafers often cause. Size: 5–12 | Material: Leather, rubber Shannon Bauer, editorial director: “I own three pairs of these loafers, and that alone should convince you of their greatness. They are so comfortable, with padded insoles and non-slip bottoms. The shape is classic, and the material looks and feels luxe.” Best Minimalist Loafer Flattered Bon Bon Loafers Credit: Flattered View on Flattered.com View on Revolve These simple Spanish-made casual loafers are the ultimate go-with-everything and go-anywhere shoe. “Sleek, unembellished leather loafers in neutral tones are endlessly versatile and work for any occasion,” says Jamie Grimstad Huth, a stylist and founder of Curated by Jamie. They are easy to style, and our tester wore these flat loafers for hours, confirming that they’re comfortable enough for those with long commutes and make excellent travel shoes. Worth Noting: These shoes are only made in whole sizes. Size: 5–12 | Material: Leather InStyle Kiana, tester: “I loved how soft the leather was, and the structure of the shoe was classic yet modern. I live in NYC, so a comfortable shoe is essential to my wardrobe…The ability to take on hours of walking around and dillydallying confirmed my suspicions that these shoes would feel just as comfortable as my slippers.” Best Chunky Loafer Reformation Agathea Chunky Loafer Credit: Reformation View on Reformation $268 at Shopbop.com “Chunky soles are still around, adding a cool edge to a traditionally preppy style,” says Grimstad Huth. If you’re a trend lover or want the height boost of a chunky platform sole (a Hailey Bieber favorite), consider adding these well-constructed Reformation beauties to your collection. They look and feel well worth the price and offer excellent support throughout the day, despite their mostly flat footbed, even if you plan to walk or stand for extended periods. Worth Noting: Per our tester’s findings, we recommend purchasing these loafers a full size down from your standard size. Size: 5–11 | Material: Leather InStyle Sarah, tester: “These shoes feel expensive. They’re heavy without being too heavy (and they definitely have a balanced weight, so they don’t disrupt my stride), and thick without being stiff. The construction feels really high quality and like it will last a long time.” Best Brown Loafer Kate Spade Deco Bow Loafer Credit: Kate Spade View on Katespade.com View on Zappos These warm brown loafers provide a fun, girlie touch to the traditional penny loafer silhouette, replacing the penny slot with a leather bow. The slim silhouette makes these an easy pair for shoppers who love a ballet flat but may not have worked a loafer into their rotation just yet, or anyone who loves a flirty detail and cozy brown suede. Worth Noting: If you’re planning to make these suede shoes your new go-to, be sure to treat the suede to withstand the elements. Size: 5–11 | Material: Suede, leather Allison, tester: “The heel is low, and the fit is snug, both of which make these very comfortable. They are versatile to wear with multiple outfits while giving them a touch of visual interest that doesn’t detract from the rest of your look.” Best Suede Loafer M. Gemi The Felize Suede Moccasin Credit: M.Gemi View on Mgemi.com If you can’t stand a break-in period, this is the loafer for you. The traditional, soft suede driving moccasin is ready for all-day wear right out of the box, so you can channel your inner Hollywood starlet (think Grace Kelly or Audrey Hepburn) or Ivy League academic the day they arrive at your doorstep. The simple shoes will instantly polish any outfit, whether casual or dressy, and the minimal rubber sole and supportive footbed help them feel comfortable and stable on the foot. Plus, they’re a great loafer for high arches. Worth Noting: While these shoes run true to size, our tester found that they don’t have much room for a thick sock. If you’re planning to wear them in the winter, consider sizing up. Size: 34–43 | Material: Suede, leather, rubber InStyle Erika Reals, foremer senior editor: “They were ready to wear right out of the box and did not require any break-in time. They’re very comfortable, even for someone with high arches.” Most Comfortable Loafer Rothy's The Boat Shoe Credit: Rothy's View on Bloomingdales View on Anthropologie $119 at Bloomingdales Rothy’s cloth boat shoe is by far the most comfortable on this list. It’s stretchy and supportive, combining Rothy’s signature knit upper with a traditional boat shoe silhouette. Whether you plan to wander a beach town or simply need a comfortable daily driver for your commute to work, this pair will bring comfort from the first wear. Worth Noting: Our tester, who typically sizes up by a half-size, found this shoe to be a perfect fit for her wide feet. Size: 5–12 | Material: Recycled PET, hemp, rubber InStyle Kelsey, tester: “[The stretchy material] made the shoes extremely comfortable to wear and made them look both professional and casual to fit in with every outfit. I could wear them with socks or without the shoe stretched to fit my foot, no matter what.” Best Horsebit Loafer Sézane Amy Loafers Credit: Sezane View on Sezane.com While we have Aldo Gucci to thank for incorporating the signature hardware detail that defines a horsebit loafer in 1963, this Sézane pair is entirely its own. Sézane designed it for those who love a modern twist on a classic, featuring tassels and a thicker sole that adds grip, durability, and a bit of edge. “The metal detailing makes them feel slightly more elevated, and they pair perfectly with structured pieces like blazers or trousers,” Grimstad Huth says. Worth Noting: These beauties take a few wears to break in, but will become your go-to after a couple of wears. Size: 4–11 | Material: Leather, rubber InStyle Danielle, tester: “I foresee that I will get a lot of wear out of these loafers as long as I take good care of them. They can really be worn anytime of the year and can go with a lot of different seasonal styles, depending on how you dress them.” Best Driving Loafer Sperry Port Driving Moccasin Credit: Sperry $100 $75 at Amazon View on Nordstrom $110 at Macy's Easy to slide on and versatile, driving loafers tend to air on the casual side. “I’m calling it now: they’re making a comeback,” says Grimstad Huth, adding, “Dare I say that these will be their new ‘it’ shoe?” This Sperry style is durable and comfortable. The slipper-like design is perfect for comfort lovers and pairs just as well with wide-leg jeans or trousers as it does with your bathrobe for a late-night snack run. Worth Noting: Our tester found that these shoes run narrow, so if you have wider feet, this likely isn’t the driving loafer for you. Size: 5–12 | Material: Leather, rubber InStyle Anya, tester: “If you’re someone who already defaults to wearing polo dresses and linen sets in the summer, these will fit right into your closet.” Most Unique Loafer Duke+Dexter Wilde Penny Loafer Credit: Duke+Dexter View on Dukeanddexter.com If one of your style descriptors is “funky,” you’ll love these attention-grabbing novelty sneakers from Duke + Dexter. You’re sure to be the only one in your office with one of these expertly crafted, out-of-the-ordinary loafers featuring limited-edition prints, from cherries to cowboys and even pin-up models. Each pair is designed in London and handcrafted in Europe with premium materials and with reduced waste in mind, so you can feel good about recommending them when your coworkers inevitably ask where they’re from. Worth Noting: This stiff leather loafer takes a bit of time to break in. Size: 5–10 | Material: Leather Credit: InStyle Credit: InStyle Tamim Alnuweiri, senior beauty writer: “I’ve worn them to fashion week shows, cocktail parties, errand days, and everything in between. I always wear my loafers with socks (tights in the winter), and I like that they are classic but can still jazz up an outfit. They also get me the most compliments.” Best Novelty Loafer Nomasei Nono Moccasins Credit: Nomasei View on Nomasei.com The fun colorways and metal detail on these loafers will spice up any outfit and have everyone from your best friends to strangers in the coffee shop line wondering where you got them. The red and silver colors are perfect for the holiday season, while neutral black and cognac will seamlessly add interest to your workwear. Pair them with your favorite slip dress to embrace their French origin and add a ruffled sock for extra warmth and personality as temperatures drop. Worth Noting: These shoes are on the expensive side, but the quality and versatility of this funky style make it well worth the price. Size: 35–42 | Material: Leather InStyle Tamim Alnuweiri, senior beauty writer: “They’re designed and made in France and you can tell—they’re so chic, they make even the most boring outfits pop, and they never fail to get me several compliments.” Best Mary Jane Loafer Reformation Angela Loafer Credit: Reformation $170 $83 at Nordstromrack.com If you’ve written loafers off as stuffy or one-dimensional—buckle up. Loafers tend to have a simple framework, sure, but it leaves copious room for play. This patent leather style adds a dressier element to the otherwise casual silhouette. Our tester wore these Mary Jane loafers to a wedding and found that they’re comfortable enough for dancing all night, yet still elegant enough to be a go-to formal shoe for those who avoid heels. Worth Noting: This style is ideal for those with narrow to average-width feet. Size: 5–11 | Material: Leather InStyle Summer, tester: “I love flats and loafers and have many, and these were among the easiest to wear out of the box. They didn’t cause any blisters and were comfortable for extended periods on my feet. I really liked pairing them with midiskirts or longer shorts for warm weather, and can see myself wearing these with tights, socks, and sweaters for the winter.” Best Boat Shoe Loafer Vince Marin Suede Boat Loafers Credit: Bergdorf Goodman View on Neiman Marcus View on Bergdorfgoodman.com View on Nordstromrack.com If the word “boat shoe” immediately conjures images of pastel three-quarter zips with dress shirt collars poking out, slow down. The preppy silhouette is versatile (especially in deeper colors, like olive green) and an easy throw-on loafer for work, seamlessly pairing with trench coats and light jackets as the weather warms up, and long into the summer with those typical Bermuda short outfits you were imagining. Worth Noting: Since suede is a bit more challenging to clean, this shoe is best suited for sunny days rather than all-weather wear. Size: 5–11 | Material: Suede InStyle Erika Reals, former senior editor: “These are officially my new favorite boat shoes, which says a lot because I own several pairs…They can definitely be worn for casual summer outfits as well as more business and dressier occasions; I will likely be wearing these to the office regularly.” Our Testing Process The InStyle testing team tried 21 pairs of top-rated loafers and wore them for over 1,000 hours to determine which pairs deserved a spot on this list. They tested for comfort, durability, quality, and support through long workdays and travel. They then provided detailed insights about each aspect, noting how the shoes performed on various-sized feet, widths, and arch heights. What to Keep in Mind Material: You can find loafers in a range of materials, and it’s the first thing you should check when you’re eyeing a pair. “I always pay attention to the leather. It should feel soft enough to break in easily but still maintain its shape over time,” says Grimstad Huth. Soft and high-quality leather molds to your feet over time and won’t feel restrictive, which is essential in a loafer. If you’re attending a dressy event, consider a suede or leather loafer. Sole: “Regardless of all other details—tone, toe, fit—pay mind to the sole of the loafer. A quality sole invites the opportunity for a pair to be a true investment, a pair that you can rotate within your looks for years,” says Sharkey, adding, “And who doesn’t love the sound of a hard sole in an office lobby? The click-clack instantly makes me feel badass.” Grimstad Huth concurs, noting that a loafer worthy of investing in has a “structured yet flexible sole” that provides support but still allows your foot to move. Toe Shape: If you’re buying your first pair of loafers, Sharkey suggests taking the traditional route and leaning into a rounded toe shape. “Once you’ve covered your bases there, a square-toe variation is unexpected and fresh,” she says. This detail primarily concerns your personal style and foot shape. For those with wide feet, lean into a roomy square-toe option. If you have narrow feet, try a rounded toe, which can be narrower at the tip of the shoe. Your Questions, Answered What are the loafer trends for 2026? Luckily, you can wear loafers year-round (of course, that slightly depends on the design and material). As for popular styles this year, “we’re seeing a resurgence of sleek, minimalist silhouettes with clean lines and subtle details—think polished leather and refined stitching,” says Grimstad Huth. The classic shoes are a surprising addition to any outfit, especially in neutral colors like black and beige. “The material might be a soft pebble leather, a high-shine patent, or perhaps a smooth suede,” Sharkey says. “Each material would tell a very different story and offer a unique finish to the same outfit.” Those intent on staying up-to-date with the latest fashion trends are making loafers the centerpiece of a funky outfit formula. As we see the sun more frequently, Sharkey is styling simple loafers with shorter hemlines. For instance, she wears Bermuda-length jean shorts with a crisp white T-shirt and a blazer, or a rugby shirt with a suede miniskirt and frilly socks. Swap the Bermudas for jeans and opt for a maxi-length skirt for a similar but office-friendly outfit. How do you style socks and loafers? The sock and loafer pairing is not revelatory by any means, but it is chic. “Feels French, no?” Sharkey says. According to the stylist, it adds “depth and interest” to the bottom of your outfit, in addition to being practical, as the socks’ extra cushioning can help break in a new pair of shoes. However, you must be selective with your socks to achieve this look. They should be thin, soft, and hit above your ankle. “To get the ultimate cool-girl look, I love pairing white or ribbed crew socks with a sleek leather loafer and relaxed denim,” says Grimstad Huth. “For a more polished look, opt for thin, neutral-colored socks—like a soft cashmere blend. Playing with textures is key to adding dimension and modernizing the look.” 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 Miguel Cunha, DPM, a podiatrist at Gotham Footcare. “To minimize any potential discomfort during this period, I recommend wearing the loafers for short periods, allowing your feet to get used to the fit and materials gradually.” He also suggests wearing thick socks for the first few times if the shoes are roomy enough. If the toe box is particularly uncomfortable, consider a toe stretch to create extra room. More than anything, 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. Why Shop With Us Emma Greene is a fashion and beauty writer at InStyle. She loves all things footwear and worked with the InStyle testing team to gather real-world insights on the pairs above. The following experts spoke to InStyle for this story: Lauren Sharkey is a Chicago-based personal stylist.Amelia Ansink is a senior strategist at Fashion Snoops.Jamie Grimstad Huth is a stylist and founder of Curated by Jamie.Dr. Miguel Cunha, DPM, is a New York-based podiatrist. Read more: Fashion Shoes