The most comfortable loafers for women, from soft slip-ons to luxury-grade leather

Frankie4 appears in several of our dress shoe guides, including the most comfortable heels and best ballet flats. These smooth, cushioned leather loafers are just as impressive.

The Franklin loafers look just boxy enough to be deemed menswear-inspired — it's the low vamp and sleek shape that tips them off as women's loafers. The fit is slightly small and narrow, but I ordered my normal size 8 and they work fine. I suggest sizing up by half if you plan to wear socks.

Each pair comes with a spare set of extra triple-layer footbeds (so don't accidentally throw them out with the shoebox!). This saved me a ton of hassle in terms of returning shoes that are only slightly off. This "Sole Saver Pack" lets you adjust the fit:

If your foot is narrow and you prefer a more snug toe box, you can add the full length footbed and forefoot cushions.
If you have a wide or high volume foot, you can sub in the half-length footbeds for more wiggle room up front.

The supportive cushions feel really soft on my bare skin, yet they're firm enough to cradle my arches. I could walk in them right out of the box and sustained zero blisters, thanks to the little padded cushions around the upper edge of the heel counter. I've since worn them on daylong walks around Brooklyn, and they keep up on busy travel days, too.

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 leather loafers, and the $84 Quince loafers function the same. 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. I also know from testing a lot of Quince items that the colors look darker and flatter in person.

Not all Quince shoes are good (for instance, its horsebit mules were a hard pass for me). That said, I'm still impressed at how much this suede pair looks and performs 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.

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.

I wore these lightweight Cole Haan loafers over a trip to Rhode Island, testing them on slick train station stairwells and throughout an errand-filled weekend. I loved the look of their slightly square, stitched moc-toes peeking out from under my bootcut jeans. They feel practically weightless on foot, and I'd recommend them to anyone who's averse to lug-soled styles, which in my experience are too heavy for true all-day wear.

This pair is not very cushioned in the heel, so avoid them if you have sensitivity in that area. However, they do fold neatly in half if you need them to fit in a crowded suitcase. Since they're made from pebbled leather, you won't have to worry about them creasing or scratching.

The Danbys were a close contender for our best overall pick, but the Frankie4 Franklins ultimately won — mostly because smooth leather loafers felt more versatile than ones with braided twist details.

The soft, unstructured M.Gemi Sacca Donna loafers are some of my favorites for its balance of comfort and elevated, masculine style. Its leather footbed feels softly cushioned underfoot with a subtle 0.4-inch stacked heel. Mine are a snazzy leopard print, but you can also find them in classic leather and suede colorways.

I wore them straight out of the box to our office in the Financial District, and they felt flexible and comfortable right away. The interior has a smooth, suede-like texture, and the thinner leather along the sides and heel allows the shoe to move naturally with your foot, thus reducing your risk for blisters. Underfoot, the flat outsole offers reliable grip, so I felt steady even on slick subway stairwells.

While the Sacca Donnas sit at a higher price point, the quality is evident. They're the kind of classic loafers that go with everything. From the premium materials to thoughtful Italian-made construction, this is a reliable loafer that delivers on comfort, fit, and timeless style. There's also a lattice Sacca Donna if you like a more breathable feel.

Read more in our full M.Gemi review.

I really admire the mission behind Calla's bunion-friendly dress shoes, which proves that just because your feet are in pain doesn't mean you have to hide them away in sneakers.

Its stylish designs are made for sensitive joints, but they don't read as orthotic. In each pair of Calla shoes we've tested, there's a a stretchy, wide toe box that can accommodate triangle-shaped feet. The Nadia loafers have excellent arch support and a subtle heel to lift your feet out of the flat position, which helps take pressure off your forefoot. If you want to go a step further, Calla also sells no-show socks with built-in toe separators that wear discreetly with these loafers.

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 — 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.

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 beats the most classic version of these women's loafers. 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.

These dressy loafers come in impressive range of four different widths, meaning those with narrow or extra wide feet can achieve a near-custom fit. They're a more business-formal option made with supple leather, a sleek almond toe, and an adjustable buckle strap with polished hardware.

The City Loafers are considerably expensive and take a while to ship because they're made to order. I chose the chocolate brown leather pair in a size 38.5 B according to Ally's Fit Finder Quiz, and sure enough, they were a perfect fit. When I looked inside, the cushioned insoles illustrated how much attention to detail went into their design. So yes, while they're definitely steep, it's a good price compared to actual custom-made shoes.

I was surprised to find that, despite the lambskin lining, I don't sweat as much in these. That's because the perforated footbeds allow for more air flow than solid leather ones. These footbeds are also great for cradling high arches, and they come with a metatarsal dome that takes the pressure off the ball of my foot as I walk.

Ally also makes our favorite pumps for work, which you can read about in our guide to the most comfortable heels.

When Tuckernuck opened the doors of its first NYC flagship store earlier this season, this pair of loafers were one of the first items to sell out. They're a solid dupe for the Yves Saint Laurent Le Loafer, which stands out for its hand-stitched moc toes.

Tuckernuck's Vivian loafers have the same subtle detail, available in either a pale cocoa or espresso brown. These are both great low-contrast shades that fit in perfectly with the brown-is-the-new-black trend. They reportedly run a touch large, and because they're suede, expect them to loosen a little as you break them in.

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. Their knit design is another great pick if you have bunions or high-volume feet.

Read more in our full Vivaia shoes review.

Here's yet another footwear brand from the Land Down Under. Bared Footwear is an Australian company that, similar to Frankie4, includes a pack of interchangeable insoles to allow you a more customized fit.

These loafers run pretty true to size. I wear a size 8 and have medium-to-narrow width feet, so I used the extra forefoot pads from the "Fit Kit" to make them feel a little more snug around my ankles. The toe box is tapered so it's not ideal for extra wide feet.

I love the feeling of buckling the T-straps of the Emutail loafers because they feel more secure atop my foot. This way my feet aren't sliding around inside whenever they get sweaty.

They come in black and brown suede, though I opted for the brown leather option. It's coated with a glossy sheen and the color has a warm, almost orange hue. These chunky lug-soled loafers are not your typical pair — the long, square toe box is adorned with a woven brogue detail on top, and the gold hardware buckle adds to their shine.

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 Daily Loafers have a slender silhouette that's similar to Friulian slippers. They're 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 my Rothy's loafers in a shade of Ecru that matches practically everything in my wardrobe.

The narrow toe box may not suit wider feet, and despite being made of mesh, they don't stretch much. I recommend sizing up if you're between sizes. 

Read more in our full Rothy's flats review.

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 jeans: 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 high price of $650," says executive editor Sally Kaplan. "But even after comparing these to my platform pair from Gucci, I'd opt for this style almost every time (and the Gucci loafers 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," Sally continues. "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 went true-to-size with my initial order, and they were too big, so I had to return them and reorder."

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.

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."

The M.Gemi Felize loafers are some of the most softest yet sturdily built shoes owned by our former senior reporter, Mara Leighton. 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."

Especially if you have a high-volume or wide foot, you'll want to size up. Learn more in our full M.Gemi Felize Loafer review. 

Over the years, our editors have personally tested over two dozen loafers. From podiatrist-led brands to French luxury labels, our goal was to find pairs that strike the sweet spot between tailored style and all-day wearability.

We wore each pair commuting to our office in Manhattan and on neighborhood strolls, logging at least a mile of walking at a time. Any shoe that felt unsupportive before hitting that mark didn't make the cut. The most comfortable styles featured built-in arch support and enough give through the vamp to prevent pressure across the instep after hours on our feet.

A lot of our favorite loafers are made from structured calfskin leather — which can be stiff at the heel, no matter how well-made they are — so we paid close attention to break-in time. Any leather loafers that made the cut took less than five or six wears to break in.

Gabrielle Chase, style editor: Shoes are my passion, and I live in New York where they're put through a lot of hard wear. I personally own 23 pairs of loafers, though I've donated others to make room for more. I'm constantly testing new styles and have maintained this guide since I began my career at BI over three years ago. In that time, I've witnessed the evolution of women's fashion trends bend toward comfort-first footwear. Here I've curated pairs that feel good to put on and complement a range of personal tastes.

How should loafers fit?

Loafers should feel snug around the heel and midfoot without pinching at the toes. There should be a tiny bit of space between your longest toe and the end of the shoe. Be sure to mind the curve of your toes — whether they're more squared, rounded, or pointed — and choose a toe box that is roomy enough to let your toes splay naturally.

What materials should I look for?

Calfskin is durable and molds to your foot over time, though as I've learned several blisters later, can take a while to break in. I've also tried flexible knit loafers like those from Rothy's and Vivaia, and while they're definitely ideal for travel, they don't have quite the same classic look as leather pairs. It's ultimately a matter of personal preference. In any case, look for padded heel collars and rubber soles that add traction.

How do I break in new loafers?

Try wearing your loafers around the house first to help soften the leather. You can also break them in with a thick sock to help loosen them up. Most quality leather loafers should start feeling more comfortable after five or six wears. If they're still giving you blisters, I recommend wearing a neutral no-show sock, just to give your heels some respite. I also swear by these callus cushions for especially stiff leather.