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The best loafers for women are true wardrobe essentials. But where to start? The latest shoe trends show loafers slimming down this season: Hailey Bieber and Kendall Jenner just stepped out in pairs with barely-there soles, while Ferragamo and Miu Miu showed relaxed, easy styles for spring. (Gucci, Everlane, and Calvin Klein offer similar silhouettes.) Meanwhile, loafer-adjacent silhouettes like moccasins, boat shoes, and T-bar Mary Janes are also trending, bringing a relaxed, academic vibe that pairs nicely with many of the biggest clothing trends of the year. But classic loafers—my personal favorite silhouette—are still very much in the conversation, and the pairs from G.H. Bass and Steve Madden below (both of which I own and love) are completely trend-proof. Below are the best loafers to buy right now, from budget-friendly gems to designer finds, according to fellow Glamour editors who have spent countless hours walking in them.
The best loafers for women, at a glanceBest Overall: G.H. Bass Whitney Weejuns Loafers, $175Best Classic: Steve Madden Madison Loafers, $100Most Trendy: Sam Edelman Elaina Loafers, $130Best Designer: Gucci Brixton Horsebit Loafers, $990Best Chunky: Reformation Agathea Chunky Loafers, $268Best for Work: Everlane Modern Loafers, 1681/11
G.H. Bass Weejuns Whitney Loafers
Sizes: 5–11Colors: 6 optionsMaterial: LeatherWhen I polled my Glamour colleagues on the absolute best women’s loafers, one pair came up more than any other: G.H. Bass Whitney Weejuns, which I also own and love. This preppy, time-honored shoe looks just as cool with tailored suits as with denim skirts or running shorts, and I can’t resist styling them with white crew socks for extra geeky-cute points. They’re not the most comfortable or slip-resistant shoes I own, but that’s not the point; instead, they’re effortlessly cool and work well with literally everything in my closet. And honestly, they’re still pretty comfortable—they were my favorite shoes I wore while exploring Paris earlier this year. (I climbed countless steps up to the Basilique du Sacré-Cœur de Montmartre and didn’t end up regretting my choice of walking shoes. I wouldn’t call them the best loafers for travel, per se, but still—impressive!)
Glamour senior fashion editor Tchesmeni Leonard loves the black-and-white colorway, while Glamour deputy editor Anna Moeslein styles her brown Weejuns with straight-leg jeans. Meanwhile, I stick with my classic black loafers to keep things effortless in the morning. (Suede is also available if you’re going all in on the soft leather for fall and winter.) Sizing runs a touch large, so if you’re unsure of your size, consider going down by a half-size; the leather will stretch to accommodate your feet.
Pros
Durable leatherHugely popularHalf-sizes availableCons
Sizing runs large2/11
Steve Madden Madison Loafers
Sizes: 5–12Colors: 11 optionsMaterial: LeatherMy most wearable pair of loafers—the ones that keep my feet happy during long days at work—are from, of all places, Steve Madden. While my exact pair isn’t available in the women’s department, these penny loafers are the closest analog, and they come in way more exciting finishes, like cherry red suede loafers, trendy leopard print, and black-and-white leather. At $100, they’re reasonably priced for real leather, and they come ready to wear with supportive footbeds; I’ve never dealt with blisters in my pair, and I regularly log miles in them on city streets with zero pain or discomfort. If you’re looking for a nice-looking pair of shoes that’ll go the distance and won’t completely run through your budget, start here.
Pros
Trendy colors and patternsHalf-sizes availableRelatively affordableCons
Sizing runs large after shoes stretch3/11
Gucci Brixton Horsebit Loafers
Sizes: 4–12Colors: 2 optionsMaterial: LeatherThese iconic leather loafers need no introduction. There are many designer pairs to choose from, but we’re partial to Gucci’s laid-back, extra-comfy pair featuring the brand’s signature horsebit hardware and a foldable back. “I don’t tend to splurge on special-occasion shoes, but when it comes to my daily comfy kicks, I’m willing to shell out more—especially for something timeless,” says Dana Smith, the vice president, content lead for Condé Nast Health. “I have two pairs—in black and bordeaux—and I love that the soft, flexible back means there is literally no break-in period. They go with everything I own and quickly elevate and bring polish to any outfit. The best part: Gucci offers a great deal on repairs when you shop directly through them, as opposed to a department store. I had my shoes resoled and the leather touched up around the toes to keep them looking fresh season after season. I’m going on year six with my bordeaux pair, and they still look and feel great! I can’t recommend these shoes enough; despite the price going up every year, they really are worth it.”
Pros
Easy to repairModular designNo break-in requiredCons
Pricey4/11
Everlane Modern Loafers
Sizes: 5–11Colors: 3 optionsMaterial: LeatherA perennial favorite among Glamour readers, Everlane’s minimalist loafers punch up any professional outfit. But beyond the sleek shape that can easily be dressed up or down, the big draw is their out-of-the-box comfort. While reviewers are divided over whether they need to be broken in or not, the result is the same: “I get blisters very easily and these were so comfortable from the word ‘go,’” one reviewer says. While the sizing seems to run slightly small, this is probably to allow the leather some stretch—take your usual size if you prefer a tighter fit or go up by half if you like extra room.
Pros
Streamlined silhouetteHalf-sizes availableComfortable designCons
Sizing runs slightly small5/11
Coach Leah Loafers
Sizes: 5–11Colors: 4 optionsMaterial: LeatherCoach’s slightly heeled loafers “are the definition of perfect” work shoes, according to Glamour editorial assistant Monique Wilson. (Commerce director Brie Schwartz is also a big fan.) “It’s a true black leather with a classic and non-tacky ‘C’ monogram. Every time I wear them, I feel so chic and confident,” Wilson says. “One of the most pleasantly surprising features was the minimal break-in process; it only took me one wear to feel comfortable, and I’m happy to say I’ve never gotten blisters from them. It’s more comfortable to wear them with thin socks, but they’re not necessary. I’ve commuted with them everywhere—to work, to church, grabbing dinner with friends. I love them so much that I almost want to gatekeep them for myself. No complaints!”
Pros
Comfortable from first wearHeight-boosting solesCons
Chunky look isn’t the trendiest6/11
Sam Edelman Elaina Loafers
Sizes: 5–11Colors: 3 optionsMaterial: LeatherAfter a few years in the spotlight, Mary Janes are still as trendy as ever—and this belted pair of loafers plays nicely into the preppy, academic look that’s so popular for 2025. Available in three colors, including this chic ivory, they’ll pair perfectly with everything you’re already planning to wear in the season ahead. Try going with straight-leg jeans, a blazer, and a white button-down at brunch or a crewneck cardigan, a miniskirt, and fleece-lined tights for a cold-weather night on the town. While multiple reviewers note that the leather has a tendency to squeak before it breaks in, they’re impressed by the nice arch support, true-to-size design, and cool-girl look.
Pros
Trendy, classic lookAdjustable strapsFits true to sizeCons
Eye-catching hardware at heelSqueaky leather7/11
Reformation Agathea Chunky Loafers
Sizes: 5–11Colors: 4 optionsMaterial: LeatherReformation’s signature take on the lug-sole loafer is an appropriately cool revamp that’s become a go-to among celebrities. Taylor Swift and Gigi Hadid, specifically, ride hard for this pair (among many other Reformation pieces), which adds a downtown edge to flowy dresses and tailored trousers. “These loafers are a fall staple for me. They go with everything and the patent finish brings an elevated touch,” says Kelsey Hendershot, the global senior marketing manager at Vogue. “The only downside was that they took a few wears to break in, but now they’re great.” No matter what you wear—we suggest roomy jeans and some minimal jewelry—slip these babies on and you’ll look like a fashion editor.
Pros
Durable leatherTrendy lookCons
Can take a bit to break in8/11
Madewell Grayson Penny Loafers
Sizes: 5–11Colors: 4 optionsMaterial: LeatherThese classic slip-ons come highly recommended by Glamour contributing editor Emily Tannenbaum because they’re so easy to style—throw them on with anything and you’ll look cool. Plus, each pair comes with a coin in the penny strap, adding a touch of trendy hardware to the mix. Reviewers warn that they can take a while to break in (a hallmark of high-quality leather loafers), so if you’re especially sensitive to blisters, you’re better off with a softer pair like Steve Madden’s.
Pros
Half-sizes availableUnique coin detailCons
Can take a while to break in9/11
Kate Spade Leandra Loafers
Sizes: 5–11Colors: 5 optionsMaterial: LeatherIn keeping with the rest of Kate Spade’s cute, feminine accessories, these classic penny loafers have had their straps replaced with bows. When your work outfits need a little extra oomph, reach for this pair—it’s playful but still professional, which is a harder balance to achieve than you might think. Reviewers have heaped on near-universal praise, calling out the nice patent leather and lack of break-in period. (The consensus: They’re pretty much compliment magnets.) If you go with the white colorway, just note that the black soles might leave permanent marks on the leather.
Pros
Cute, professional designLittle break-in neededCons
White patent leather is prone to scuffs10/11
Sam Edelman Loraine Bit Loafers
Sizes: 5–12 in medium and wideColors: 31 optionsMaterial: Leather“I love my loafers from Sam Edelman! They elevate my office looks and are comfortable enough to wear during my commute and days in the city,” says Katie Leirey, Glamour UK’s senior SEO manager, who owns two different pairs. “They run true to size and do stretch a bit with wear, as they are leather. They also come in a ton of colors and patterns, which makes them a fun option whether you’re looking for something professional or a way to spice up an outfit.”
Pros
Tons of colors, patterns, and materialsTwo widths availableCons
Might run large after leather stretches11/11
Calvin Klein Nolla Loafers
Sizes: 6–10 in medium and wideColors: 3 optionsMaterial: LeatherLooking for pretty much the opposite of platform loafers right now? So is everyone else, meaning it’s a miracle that these pared-down beauties from Calvin Klein are in stock and on sale. While black and tan are also available, ivory looks best here; imagine this pair with bright, contrasting socks and some perfectly oversized trousers. I suspect these easygoing loafers might even take the place of your favorite pair of ballet flats should you prefer more substantial support and a less formal silhouette.
Pros
Half-sizes availableSuper-trendy lookCons
Relatively limited size range
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