The 20 Best Women's Loafers for All-Day Comfort
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Packing for a trip means being strategic about the items you’re bringing along, and whether it’s for business or pleasure, a good pair of wear-with-anything shoes—like loafers—should be a given. Despite its traditionally refined nature, the classic leather penny loafer has evolved over the years into more versatile iterations that can be worn everyday, regardless of what you’re wearing. The key for travelers is finding loafers that are stylish, sensible, and can withstand multiple wears. Some things to consider before fully committing to a pair are how it's made, the materials used, and what features are included to ensure maximum comfort. If you’re not sure where to start, we’ve put together a curated list of fan (and Traveler) favorites, including Margeaux’s and Rothy’s loafers. Continue ahead for the 20 best women's loafers for travel, no matter the destination.
This gallery has been updated with new information since its original publish date. Additional reporting by Kristi Kellogg.
FAQ:
What's the difference between a loafer and a mule?
Both loafers and mules are easy to slip on and come in flat or heeled options. The real difference lies in the back of the shoe—mules have an open back while loafers have a closed one that completely covers the heel.
Are loafers good for walking?
With the right pair, loafers can be a good option for long days on your feet. Not only are the shoes more stylish than a sneaker, they’re still functional for everyday wear. The best ones can withstand various weather conditions and are made to mold to your foot. And while loafers are primarily made with leather, we gathered options in a mix of materials that all keep comfort at the forefront without forgoing style.
Should you wear socks with loafers?
Wearing socks with loafers is not mandatory, but adding a pair of tall, visible socks is a great way to elevate the look, and can help curb blisters or irritation. If you plan on wearing loafers in colder weather, consider adding some long patterned tights or knee socks.
Vivaia Amelia 2.0 pointed-toe loafers
Frequent travelers looking for an easy-to-clean pair of everyday shoes that are as comfortable as they are chic will love these knitted Amelia loafers. Made from recycled water bottles that were transformed into an antimicrobial and breathable material, the loafer has a roomy, pointed toe and deodorizing insole. The best part is you can just throw them in the washing machine when they need a little refresh.
Sizes available: 5–12
Materials: Plastic water bottlesRothy's The Lug Loafer
This function-forward loafer from Rothy’s is made from recycled water bottles and a merino wool blend that’s machine washable. It has cushioned, supportive insoles for all-day comfort and a rugged lug sole that ensures longevity after multiple wears. The pull-tab at the back, making them easy to slip on and off, is an added bonus.
Sizes available: 5–13
Materials: Merino wool blend
Sam Edelman Loraine Regal Bit loafer
Made from quilted velvet in rich jewel-tone colors, the best-selling Loraine loafers got a luxe update for fall. They have a padded leather insole and gold-tone hardware that’s instantly elevated by crystal embellishments paired with leather trims. The key to successfully pulling them off is to pair them with your favorite sweater on-the-go.
Sizes available: 5–12
Materials: Velvet fabric, leatherDuke and Dexter Wilde Kiss penny loafer
As an updated take on a classic, Duke + Dexter’s signature loafers have all the key characteristics of more traditional pairs, such as a two-tone design and instantly-recognizable penny slot. Each pair has been handmade in England with a custom rubberized sole that allows them to be worn all year round. The pouty-pink kiss mark printed across the rubber vamp is just an added bonus.
Sizes available: 5–10
Materials: Leather
Labucq College loafer
The College loafers are skillfully made from embossed leather with a timeless round toe that works hard in any traveler's wardrobe. They have a walkable one-inch heel and a padded insole to keep feet cool in warmer climates. According to the fit notes, the loafers fit true to size, but those who fall somewhere in between should size up.
Sizes available: 4.5–13
Materials: Embossed leatherGucci Horsebit 1953 loafer
A signature piece since the Italian fashion house’s debut, these Gucci loafers are the epitome of quiet luxury. They’re made from luxurious leather to be equal-parts casual, smart, and sensual, featuring an equestrian-inspired horsebit detail at the front. Though they’re a bit of a splurge, the brand's commitment to craftsmanship ensures longevity.
Sizes available: 4.5–12
Materials: Leather
Margaux The Andie Loafer
One of the best parts about the Andie loafers is how well-suited they are for both narrow and wide feet. Available in six different colors, they’re made from smooth Nappa leather with plush foam insoles that have a cloud-like feel. The padded upper gives the otherwise masculine shoe a softer look.
Sizes available: 3–14
Materials: LeatherSchutz Arizona sling block pump
A luxe take on a tried-and-true classic, these square-toe loafers are made from croc-embossed leather with a polished finish. They’re designed with an adjustable slingback strap and comfortable one-inch heel for ease of walkability. The shoe can be styled with casual suiting and slightly dressier options, alike.
Sizes available: 5–11
Materials: Leather
Nomasei Nono moccasins
The luxury footwear brand’s signature loafers are designed in masculine proportions and are finished with a gold hand-detailed medallion. They’re designed from smooth leather and feature a cushioned, memory foam insole, making them comfortable enough for busy travel deals. These low-heeled loafers come in six iterations—classic black and Burgundy among them—to ensure there’s something for everyone.
Sizes available: 5–11
Materials: LeatherG.H. Bass Estelle Tassel Weejuns loafer
Fit for business trips that require packing light, these classic Weejun loafers look like they were plucked straight from the ’80s. They have perforated brogue detailing that includes hand-sewn moc stitching and a tasseled trim found on more traditional menswear shoes. If they get dirty, just use a damp cloth to wipe them down.
Sizes available: 5–11
Materials: Leather
Tory Burch ballet loafer
If a traditional loafer isn’t your style, consider embracing a ruched ballet flat hybrid, like this suede pair, instead. Punctuated with Tory Burch’s designer plaque, the slip-on shoes have an almond-shaped toe and grippy soles. It’s also worth noting that the tried-and-true loafer comes in 16 colorways and materials for you to choose from.
Sizes available: 4–13
Materials: SuedeSebago James fringe lug
This loafer and brogue hybrid is defined by its lug, gum sole that provides weather resistance, while simultaneously improving your stability and traction in inclement climates. Made with a lace-up front and cheeky fringe detail, the low-cut shoe is inspired by a classic moccasin and looks just as good with slacks as it does pared-back with denim.
Sizes available: 5–13
Materials: Leather
Camper Twins multi-colored leather loafers
Camper’s two-tone Twins loafers are made in purposefully mismatched colorways that date back to the 1980s. Bringing a playfulness to an otherwise polished shoe, shoe is made to be “opposite yet complementary” from soft leather with removable EVA footbed soles and a chunky block heel for ample comfort. It also comes in monochromatic colorways if the mismatched style isn’t your vibe.
Sizes available: 6–10
Materials: LeatherLemaire full-grain leather loafers
When you think of loafers, it’s likely that driving shoes or styles with a penny slot come to mind. However this full-coverage shoe made from grained leather just confirms that they come in many different designs. Set on a slight heel, the ultra-flat pair is the epitome of a wear-with-anything shoe.
Sizes available: 5–10
Materials: Leather
Frankie 4 Saint loafer
One of the best parts about Frankie 4’s loafers is that the shoe was created by a podiatrist to ensure it's as comfortable as possible. Between the multiple layers of footbed and heel support, the chain-detailed loafer is bound to make your feet happy. There are two color iterations on offer—black and beige—ensuring the shoes go well with everything, regardless of your own personal color wheel.
Sizes available: 6–12
Materials: LeatherTod's Kate chain flat loafers
Vionic Kensley loafer
If you're looking for a loafer that skews more casual, or your itinerary includes a lot of walking, opt for this Vionic pick. The ultra-cushioned footbed will make you feel like you're walking on air. The shoe, which is available in black and light pink, is made with leather, lined with fabric, and has a lug sole with a 1.5" heel.
Sizes available: 5–12; offers medium and wide width options
Materials: LeatherRothy's The Driver
The Driver is another one of our tried-and-true styles from Rothy's. Not only are these driving loafers chic, they're also comfortable, supportive, and eco-friendly. Like the rest of Rothy's lineup of sustainable footwear, these are made out of recycled water bottles and are machine washable. Choose from more than 10 colors, including navy sapphire, raspberry, deep chocolate, and sesame (pictured).
Sizes available: 5–13
Materials: Recycled plastic bottles
Eastland Patricia loafers
These leather penny loafers fit like a glove and feature a rubber traction sole that keeps you comfortable while walking around even the biggest city center. Seen here in cognac, the shoe is also available in black and dark brown.
Sizes available: 6–11; offers medium and wide width options
Materials: Leather
