Forget what you've been told: The best loafers aren't just part of your school uniform. Over the last few seasons, the classic silhouette has morphed into an edgier shoe option that supermodels, fashion icons, and style editors like ourselves can’t get enough of.
While the current trends stay true to the shoe's elementary school roots, plenty of brands have been releasing new fashion and loafer arrivals that incorporate grunge details like chunky lug soles, bold colors, and T-bar straps to give the preppy shoe a punk-rock look.
Designer brands like Gucci, Prada, and Ferragamo have also been known to create some of the best loafers on the market, but plenty of other affordable fashion brands offer styles that are just as cute, like Zara, Tods, and Dr. Martens.
We’ve curated a list of the best loafers for women, taking inspiration from our favorite celebrities (and influencers on TikTok) who have been spotted rocking the socks and loafer trend. Plus, the outfit possibilities are endless. You can pair classic penny loafers with a stylish prom suit or go for a pair of mary jane loafers to complement a long leather coat.
No matter your shoe preference, there's sure to be an excellent pick for you. So check out our roundup of the best loafers to help you seamlessly transition into the new spring season.
Our top loafer picks:
- Best overall loafers for women: Vagabond Shoemakers Cosmo 2.0 Penny Loafer, $175
- Best loafers on Amazon: YETIER Platform Chunky Loafer, $50
- Best Zara loafers: Lug Sole Leather Loafers, $119
- Best Gucci loafers: Brixton Horsebit Convertible Loafer, $920
- Most comfortable loafers for walking: Franco Sarto Carolynn Loafer, $80
You don't need us to remind you that lug-sole loafers are a reliable staple: The sturdy, thick tread provides a welcome height boost for every day without compromising on walkability—and looks great with everything from jeans to denim skirts. This pick features 45mm chunky outsoles, a penny slot, and moc-toe details that frame the rounded toes.
Sizes: 6 - 11
Style: Penny slot loafer
Materials: Black leather
These Dr. Martens loafers offer both a contemporary and timeless feel. The shoe was given a modern touch-up based on the brand's 80s classic shoe style. It has a stacked one-inch sole, a double tassel, and a kiltie fringe detail on the upper.
Sizes: 5 - 10
Style: Platform loafer
Materials: Smooth leather
The shiny patent leather, gold-tone hardware, and chunky lug sole on this shoe will instantly upgrade any outfit. It also has a one-inch platform with a classic horsebit hardware detail on the upper.
Sizes: 5 - 12 with half sizes
Style: Platform loafer
Materials: Leather upper material, synthetic sole
Taking it back to elementary school days, look at how cute these Mary Jane loafers look. We love how the lug sole also gives it an edgier touch. It's crafted from super smooth leather, features a 90s-inspired chunky platform, and has a unique MWL Cloudlife lite padding built-in, making it feel very comfortable to walk around in.
Sizes: 8 - 10 with half sizes
Style: Mary Jane loafers
Materials: Leather upper, pigskin lining, man-made sole
The name penny loafer stemmed from the 1930s when people used to carry around coins to make phone calls in booths. Since the loafer design allowed just enough space for a penny in each shoe, people began using it as an alternative to a wallet. This pick will be a great go-to work shoe because it has a low-block heel, an effortless slip-on style, and a square-toe design that gives off a posh look.
Sizes: 4- 11
Style: Penny loafer
Materials: Lining sock: 50% other materials, 50% textile, upper: 100% real leather
With a 4.4-star rating and over 300 5-star reviews, Amazon customers love this loafer. It comes in nine colorways, has a metal chain detail on the upper, and has a chunky heel made with a non-slip outer sole. It also has built-in arch support and a breathable leather lining that will help prevent your feet from becoming sweaty.
Sizes: 5 - 11
Style: Chunky platform loafers
Materials: Rubber sole, PU leather upper
Loafers come in all sorts of designs, fabrics, and colorways, so if you're looking for a different and unique style, go for these chic Carrie loafers. The shoe has a tailored vibe, thanks to its pointed-toe shape and buckle detail hardware. It also comes in an array of colors, including pink, gold, and leopard print.
Sizes: 5- 11 with half sizes
Style: Slip-on loafer
Materials: 100% leather, synthetic sole and lining
There's just something about almond-shaped shoes that give off a timeless and sophisticated look. This loafer has a 1.5-inch lug sole, a slip-on fit, and a strap featuring a tassel detail across the vamp.
Sizes: 5 - 12 with half sizes
Style: Tassel loafer
Materials: Synthetic leather, synthetic patent, and microfiber partially made from recycled materials
You can count on Katy Perry to create a cute shoe with fun prints and bright colors, like this Geli loafer. The butterfly print will add a whimsical finish to any springtime outfit and the classic Penny loafer style still makes it suitable for workwear.
Sizes: 5 - 11 with half sizes
Style: Penny loafer
Materials: Synthetic upper, synthetic and textile lining, synthetic sole
What do you get when you remix the classic d'Orsay shoe silhouette with a penny loafer? This gorgeous shoe It has an apron toe, low stacked heel, and the classic penny slit design on the vamp. The black and white color combo is our favorite, but you should check out the truffle and dune suede colorways, too.
Sizes: 6 - 11
Style: d'Orsay Penny Loafer
Materials: Leather upper, textile lining, synthetic sole
Featuring the classic fisherman style as a foundation, this buckled loafer has various cutouts on the upper and a woven leather vamp strap that gives it a vintage feel. Still, the chunky rubber sole gives it a modern and versatile touch. Style yours with baggy trousers or layered dresses for a moody, laid-back vibe.
Sizes: 4.5 - 10.5
Style: Fisherman loafer
Materials: Calfskin leather, rubber sole
Available in three colorways (black, dark green, and rust), this loafer mule is a must-have for every shoe collection. It has an open back for easy slip-on and off access, a cushioned insole for comfort, and a durable rubber outer sole.
Sizes: 6 - 11
Style: Platform loafer mule
Materials: Leather, rubber
You already know Zara is the place to turn to for cute and stylish office-approved clothing, but be sure not to sleep on the shoe collection. You'll find gems like these leather loafers made with thick lug soles, a high vamp, and a gold-tone metal embellishment on the upper.
Sizes: 5 - 11
Style: Horsebit loafer
Materials: 100% cow leather, 80% sheep leather, 20% polyester, 100% thermoplastic rubber
For a stunning yet affordable pair of loafers, opt for the Lotto by Steve Madden. It has a rounded moc toe shape, a one-and-a-half-inch block heel, and a grippy lug sole. Pair it with a cute miniskirt or cuffed-up chinos for a quick #ootd.
Sizes: 6 - 11 with half sizes
Style: Classic loafer
Materials: Synthetic upper, synthetic lug sole, synthetic footbed
Okay, we're obsessed with this hybrid loafer shoe. The square toe design, gold-tone chain detail, and block heel give it an elevated and feminine touch. The shiny patent leather is another fashion plus, so be prepared for all the “where did you get those shoes?” questions you'll have to answer.
Sizes: 4 - 12
Style: Square-toe heel loafer
Materials: Patent faux-leather upper, lining sock: 50% other materials, 50% textile
There's no denying how cute Mary Jane loafers look when paired with calf-high socks (bonus points if they have a fun print!). This G.H. Bass pick comes in four colorways and has a shiny leather fabrication, a slip-on style, a T-strap design, an adjustable buckle closure, a seamed round toe, and a lined footbed.
Sizes: 6 - 11 with half sizes
Style: Mary Jane loafer
Materials: 100% leather
These sleek and polished Winona penny loafers will take your outfit from chill to presentation-ready in seconds. The glossy, polished shiny leather gives off a stunning look, and the shoes were tested in-house at J.Crew to ensure they feel comfortable walking around in.
Sizes: 5 - 12 with half sizes
Style: Penny loafer
Materials: Leather upper and lining, synthetic sole
We've seen metallic chrome everywhere, from the runway to the streets, on handbags, boots, coats, sunglasses, and more! So it's only fitting that the classic loafer gets a turn in the silvery hue. This pick has a chunky leather sole, a penny loafer detail on the vamp, and moc stitch details around the upper. The best part? It also comes in various prints and colors like black and white, leopard print, and toasted coconut (a light brown shade).
Sizes: 5 - 11 with half sizes
Style: Chunky penny loafer
Materials: Sustainably sourced bovine leather, mirror metallic foiled leather
A modern classic, these Whitney loafers will be on rotation in your spring wardrobe. It's made from genuine leather with hand-sewn beef roll styling and moc stitching details. If you plan on wearing pants with them, cuff the hem so you can show off the entire shoe.
Sizes: 6 - 10 with half sizes
Style: Boat/Penny loafer
Materials: 100% leather
If you're looking for extra height, we've got you covered with this pick. It's got a chunky lug sole with a seven-centimeter heel, a breathable interior lining, and a square-toe shape. The cute shoe was also designed in a collaborative collection with ITZY (K-pop girl group) and can be worn dressed up or down.
Sizes: 5 - 11
Style: Super chunky platform penny loafer
Materials: Faux leather
Name a cuter pair of denim loafers…we'll wait! Charles & Keith released this shoe as a part of an exclusive online collection, and we couldn't be happier about it. The features include a rounded square toe shape, low block heel, cutout penny tabs, and frayed edges. You can wear them just as they are or style them with ribbed white socks for an ultra-feminine touch.
Sizes: 5 - 10
Style: Cutout penny loafers
Materials: Denim
Yes, the price is relatively high, but we can assure you the quality of the material and superior construction of this shoe will last you for years. The horsebit hardware embellishment is also originally designed by Aldo Gucci, so the design honors the brand's equestrian heritage. In addition, it also has a chunky lug sole and shiny, smooth leather fabrication for an overall sleek and polished look.
Sizes: 4.5 - 12 with half sizes
Style: Horsebit loafer
Materials: 100% Italian leather, rubber sole
If you can't afford to splurge on loafers, this is another well-made and more affordable pick. Featuring the classic gold-tone horsebit vamp detail, slip-on styling, and a 1.5-inch heel, this shoe is a great choice for those who want to try out a loafer for the first time.
Sizes: 6 - 10
Style: Platform loafer
Materials: Leather upper, rubber lug sole
The slip-on mule design makes this shoe essential for warm weather occasions. It has a one-and-a-half-inch heel, a penny slot detail on the vamp, and comes in three colorways.
Sizes: 5 - 11 with half sizes
Style: Lugsole loafer mule
Materials: Leather upper, man-made sole
Rounded loafers will always have a place in our wardrobe. The smooth toebox has that clean, minimal aesthetic that we love—and feels effortlessly cool when styled with an oversized white button-up and rigid denim, day or night.
Sizes: 5 - 12 with half sizes
Style: Penny loafers
Materials: Italian leather upper, leather lining, man-made sole
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