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Over the course of my life, I’ve made many, many, many attempts to become a loafer person. They’re just so chic! And timeless! And currently, right on trend with the resurgence of prep school style. But after a day’s worth of attempting to break in a shiny new pair (because any longer would result in painful blisters), I always relent to my more comfortable sneakers, boat shoes, or supportive sandals. That said, the desire to wear a polished loafer with a relaxed pair of jeans and a simple white T-shirt never left me—and so began my search for the most comfortable loafers.
What is it that makes loafers so tough to break in? According to shoe and clothing designer Jamie Haller (and the woman behind my favorite pair of loafers, which I happen to be wearing as I write this story), it’s all in the structure of the shoe. “I began making [my] shoes by removing all of the counters, which is the cardboard-like material that lives in between the two layers of leather in the shoe and usually provides form and structure but can also be hard and uncomfortable,” the designer shared. Based on first-hand experience, I can confidently say she did it right. “These structural changes really set us apart along with the old-world style of construction that offers a soft glove-like fit. We utilize soft, supple skin and Sacchetto construction (“Sacchetto” translates to little bag) that creates a contoured fit that molds to your foot,” she said.
Of course, she’s not the only one to make comfortable shoes; there are plenty of easy loafers to slip on in bliss—and I used my own experience and crowdsourced my colleagues to find the best. Shop them all, below.
Pros
- Ultra-soft leather
- No break-in period
Cons
- Might loosen over time
If you aren’t already a loafers lover, this shoe will make you one. Los Angeles-based designer Jamie Haller set out to create a shoe with the look of loafers and the feel of ballet flats—and that’s exactly what she did. I’m partial to this horse-bit style, which requires no break-in period straight out of the box and has a perfectly worn-in look that has everyone fooled into thinking they’re vintage. I’ve been wearing them religiously since I got them, and I have a feeling you will be, too.
Sizes: 36-41
Colors: Castagno, Cognac
Material: Vachetta leather
Pros
- No break-in period
- Structured
Cons
- Might run narrow for some
My next go-to option for loafers would have to be this style from KOIO—a.k.a. the loafers that transformed me into a loafer wearer. The leather isn’t too thick, which allows them to be sturdy but comfortable upon the first wear. I also love the elongated shape, which just feels so elegant, no matter what I’m styling with them. Plus, the pair in my collection have been through it all—rain, cobblestones, New York City, what have you—and they’re still in great shape.
Sizes: 5-11
Colors: 10 options
Material: Italian leather
Customer review: “These shoes make people smile! These are my third pair of Breras, and like the others, they are comfortable right out of the box. They go with everything, and they make you feel good just to look at them.”
Pros
- Comfortable knit material
- Machine washable
- Sustainable materials
Cons
- More casual than others
Fewer things will be more comfortable than a knit shoe, which is why the Lounge Loafer from Rothy’s earns a spot on this list. This top-rated style (which boasts a near-perfect rating based on over 270 reviews) features the brand’s Love Insole and sculpted outsoles for added comfort. Plus, it comes in a handful of colorways, so there’s bound to be one for you.
Sizes: 5-13
Colors: 11 options
Material: Rothy’s signature knit
Customer review: “I was on the fence with this style because I usually like the look of the points on me. The print tempted me so much that I took a chance, and I now love this silhouette so much more than I thought I would! I am always a size 8 (even in the point), and that size fits me perfectly here as well.”
Pros
- Soft leather
- Classic design
Cons
It wouldn’t be a roundup of the best loafers for women if it didn’t contain a pair from Gucci. Aldo Gucci, the son of the brand’s founder, created the now iconic silhouette in 1953. Made with soft, supple leather in a classic shade of brown, these will only get better with age.
Sizes: 34-41.5
Colors: 6 options
Material: Leather
Pros
- Customizable inserts included
- Arch support
Cons
- May run narrow for those with wider feet
Frankie4 is a brand favorite for associate fashion commerce Meg Donohue, who raves about the comfort of its podiatrist-backed designs. And these sleek leather loafers are just as comfortable.
Sizes: 6-13
Colors: Tan Reptile, Black Reptile
Material: Leather
Customer review: “These shoes are amazing! Stylish, very well made and comfortable. Well worth the price. I was so impressed that they come with inserts to customize the fit. Frankie4 is my new favorite shoe brand!”
Pros
- Broad size range with three width options
- Available in woven leather
- Foam padding
Cons
If you’re looking for a pair of sleek shoes that’ll withstand the test of time (in both wear and style), Margaux is the brand to know. These shoes were designed for any type of wearer, thanks to exclusive sizing, cushy foam padding, and the choice of narrow, medium, or wide widths. While I haven’t had the chance to wear these myself, I do own the brand’s Demi Jane ballet flats, and they are some of the most comfortable shoes I’ve worn.
Sizes: 33-45
Colors: 7 options
Material: Italian leather
Customer review: “I have been looking for years for a comfy, yet stylish, black loafer with a narrow fit. My search has ended! This loafer is very comfortable, and I wore them three days in a row with no issues. There was no break-in period or blisters. I am usually a size 8.5 or 9. Since this was a narrow fit, I went with the size 9, and it was perfect. I'll definitely be buying this shoe in other colors.”
Prada Chocolate Patent Leather Loafer
Pros
- Sturdy leather
- Rubber platform sole with traction
Cons
- Somewhat of a break-in period
- On the heavier side
ELLE.com senior content strategist Carine Lavache has had her eye on these Prada loafers for a good minute—and it’s easy to see why. These chunky leather loafers feel classic with an edge, especially with the patent finish. Not to mention, it features the craftsmanship (and the creative touch of Mrs. Prada) that we all know and love from the brand.
Sizes: 34-42
Colors: Black, White, Ivory
Material: Leather
Pros
- Lambskin lining
- Rubber sole with traction
Cons
Who would turn down a pair of loafers from Bottega Veneta? I know I sure wouldn’t. And in the color of the season, butter yellow, nonetheless. Take these out for a spin when you want to switch things up from your regular, black, brown, or burgundy options.
Sizes: 34-42
Colors: Butter, Abyss, Black, Cognac
Material: Calfskin
HEREU Roqueta Woven Leather Slingback Loafers
Pros
- Breathable design
Cons
- Best for warmer climates
What I love about HEREU’s loafers is that they are most definitely not your everyday pair. Case in point: This woven leather slingback option. It’s a perfect option to wear for the office, to the park, or just when you’re running errands and you want an added polish to your look.
Sizes: 36-41
Colors: Tan, Black
Material: Leather
Pros
- Rubber platform sole with traction
Cons
- Can be heavy for some
Another popular brand among ELLE editors, Vagabond offers an edgy take on the classic penny loafer. The chunky sole provides a little lift for those who love the platform shoe trend happening for summer, but the overall silhouette will take you right into fall.
Sizes: 5-12
Colors: Black, Black Polished
Material: Leather
Franco Sarto Giada Slingback Loafer Heel
Pros
- Work for wide feet
- Slingback style is great for warmer weather
- Vegan leather
Cons
- Not ideal for every season
The moment I spotted these shoes on digital beauty director Danielle James, I had to know what they were. She styled them with ankle socks, which is now making me consider the socks-and-loafers look for myself.
Sizes: 5-11
Colors: Vanilla White, Silver, Black, Black/White, Tobacco
Material: Synthetic leather partially made from recycled materials
Customer review: “This is the best pair of shoes I bought in years They are comfortable, and I can wear them all day long. I am 5’6” and wear a size 10. True fit. Light. Stylish.”
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Dale Arden Chong is the Senior Fashion Commerce Editor at ELLE.com. Previously, she was an editor at MensHealth.com and has written for Who What Wear, GLAMOUR, The Coveteur, and more. She loves fashion, food, and art, among other things—but her greatest love is K-pop idol V of BTS.
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