Just 28 Stylish Loafers That’ll Elevate Literally Any Outfit

Loafers are a staple that should be in everyone's shoe collection, but there's lot to sort through if you're looking for the perfect pair. There are multiple iterations on the style, too: penny loafers, derbys, mules, platforms, and heeled versions, to name just some of the loafer varieties out there. But first, let's talk about what a loafer actually is: Lauren Bucquet, designer of shoe brand Labucq, says they're loosely defined as "a slip-on shoe without any laces with stitching around the front." Another factor that can make your decision even harder is the comfort factor. Some styles are quite stiff at first and and require a longer breaking-in period, while other pairs can be clunky or too narrow in the toe box.

According to Paule Tenaillon and Marine Braquet, designers of the shoe brand Nomasei, key features to pay attention to when you're shopping for loafers include a flexible sole, a vamp that isn't overly tight, and a slight lift so that it's not too flat. Tenaillon and Braquet also suggest this genius trick to avoid blisters when you do buy a stiffer pair: "It’s a good idea to wear them around the house with wet socks to help the leather soften first." Bucquet is also a fan of this breaking-in strategy: She recommends wearing socks with them for the first couple wears outside the house until they become softer, and notes that high quality leather will better mold to your foot over time. So, even if those buttery ones you've been eyeing might be more $$$, they'll be well worth the investment once they're shaped perfectly to your feet.

While loafers tend to be associated with a preppy vibe (you're prob picturing pleated skirts, button-ups, and knee-high socks), you can truly wear them with anything! Bucquet says she wears hers with jeans and a white T-shirt to slightly elevate an overall casual outfit; Tenaillon and Braquet suggest going for a '70s vibe by wearing them with lace pants, throwing 'em on with a mini skirt for more of a mod look, or adding a pair of bright socks to make more of an eye-catching statement.

Our top picks for the best loafers of 2022:

Now that you've got the loafer lowdown, here are 28 of the best pairs out there, with some designer-vetted faves from Tenaillon, Braquet, and Bucquet in the mix, too. There's a range of comfortable, designer, trendy, and simply timeless styles, so you'll know you found your perfect pair right when you see 'em.

Driver Club USA

amazon.com

$69.95

Very into the shape of these old-school looking drivers with a backless silhouette. The tassel adds some movement, and they also have a gel insert and padded footbed to make it ultra easy on your feet.

Glowing Review: "Excellent slippers! They are the best I have found and I have bought quite a few pairs. They are comfortable enough to wear all day without making your feet sore!"

DREAM PAIRS

amazon.com

$36.99

Half loafers, half slippers! This pair will come in handy in cooler months thanks to the warm and cozy faux-fur lining. They have a 4.4-star rating out of 5 and come in three other shades.

Glowing Review: "Love these slide on loafers. They are comfortable and reasonably priced. Very happy with my purchase."

Franco Sarto

nordstrom.com

$130.00

Can't afford those statement Miu Miu slingbacks? This patent leather pair is a pretty close comparison without the 'spensive price tag.

Glowing Review: "Love the heel height and two tone color. I have been wearing them non stop. I will say they run slightly large!"

Coach

$165.00

If you're into logos, might I suggest these Coach penny loafers? They have a lug sole for traction, but the gold hardware on the heel adds a hint of shine.

Glowing Review: "Absolutely obsessed and in love. Didn’t have a chance to break them in and wore them a full day at work and no blisters at all totally comfortable. Best loafers for fall!!"

Off-White

farfetch.com

$880.00

If you're thinking the sole on this designer pair kind of looks like a sponge, you'd be correct. The heel was inspired by the basic household item, which gives them a kind of whimsical flair that balances out the luxe finish of the leather.

Madewell

madewell.com

$158.00

Madewell's "Corinne" style is one of its best-sellers, and it comes in this gorgeous, rich brown shade as well as black. It's also made from leather that uses less water and energy than a standard tanning process.

Glowing Review: "I've always loved loafers, but now that chunky loafers are in, I finally found ones that look good on me. These loafers are ... *chef's kiss* perfection. Walking-on-cloud comfortable, stylish, and fun."

RAID

$56.00

If your feet aren't narrow, try on these cute chunky ones that have a wide-fit. The contrast stitching makes them stand out a bit more, and the price on these ain't bad either!

M.Gemi

mgemi.com

$198.00

M. Gemi's driver are one of its most popular styles for a reason. They have a 4.8-star rating out of 5 with almost 1,000 reviews thanks to the soft lining and the glove-like fit that molds to your feet. It's a sophisticated shoe that's still casual enough to pair with jeans on the weekend.

Glowing Review: "Very comfy and beautiful. Love them! I highly recommend them."

Sam Edelman

nordstrom.com

$109.96

This Sam Edelman style has 1k+ reviews and an impressive 4.6-star rating out of 5. It also comes in a bunch of other colors and has a horsebit detail to add some polish to an already elegant, soft leather loafer.

Glowing Review: "Bought these on my sister's recommendation (she swears by them), and they are by far one of the most comfortable shoes I’ve ever worn."

Sperry

amazon.com

$111.62

Sure, you might associate Sperry with boat shoes, but the brand has great loafers, too. Case in point: These penny loafers that have more than 2,500 reviews and a 4.4-star rating out of 5.

Glowing Review: "These loafers didn't require any breaking in; they felt perfect the first time I tried them on. They offer more support and cushion than most loafers, and I keep describing them as 'walking on pillows.'"

Prada

$1150.00

High chance you've seen this Prada pair grace your Instagram newsfeed at least once. Fashion influencers are allll about them at the moment; Tenaillon and Braquet also recommend these for their '90s vibe that's very on trend at the moment.

Rothy's

$189.00

Rothy's knit shoes are some of the comfiest out there, and the same rings true for its loafers. These drivers come in three other shades. Plus, as a bonus: they're machine washable!

Nomasei

nomasei.com

$480.00

The crisp contrast stitching paired with handmade brass embellishments on the vamp makes these feel special. The heel height is 2.5 inches to give a little extra lift, and the insole has memory-foam lining so they're still easy on your feet.

Chelsea Paris

https://www.neimanmarcus.com

$350.00

A dramatic square-toe design will get you so many compliments. Handmade in Portugal, these tassel loafers are a showstopper that also come in black and red.

Labucq

labucq.com

$460.00

A cross between a moccasin and a slip-on loafer, this Labucq design has a perfect 5-star rating and they're surprisingly lightweight.

Glowing Review: "They are beautiful, well-constructed white loafers, slide-on like mule with a low heel. Very comfy and durable too. I feel posh when I wear them."

G.H. Bass

ghbass.com

$155.00

Bucquet is a fan of Weejuns, especially the black-and-white style, for their classic look. Many fashion industry folks also gravitate toward this specific pair because of the day-to-night versatility factor.

Nisolo

nordstrom.com

$160.00

A d'Orsay style gives you more airflow in warmer temperatures thanks to the cutouts. These Nisolo ones come in three other neutral shades and have a 4.5-star rating out of 5.

Glowing Review: "These shoes are adorable, and I get compliments on them everything I where them. True to size and super comfortable. They were a bit stiff out of the box, but I just wore them around the house for a few hours with a pair of athletic socks and then they were perfect."

Dr. Martens

drmartens.com

$130.00

This dark burgundy hue is so pretty, and if you want loafers that have a little more movement when you walk, the tassles on these are just what you're looking for. These have a 4.4-star rating out of 5 with more than 40 reviews.

Glowing Review: "These are the best loafers I’ve ever worn. I love how they look and they last forever. I would recommend sizing down since they do run big."

Vagabond Shoemakers

$175.00

Celebs like Kendall Jenner and Gigi Hadid have been spotted wearing this specific style on multiple occasions. Made from recycled polyester, you'll get some height wearing these platform-like loafers.

Tod's

tods.com

$595.00

You can't talk about loafers without including Tod's in the convo. The Italian brand's "Gommino" drivers probably come to mind when you hear the name. Tenaillon and Braquet recommend the iconic style because they truly feel like slippers.

Coach

coachoutlet.com

$119.00

Slide these babies on when you're running late and need to throw something on before leaving your place. The gold hardware gives them some sparkle, and they'd look good with wide-leg pants or shorts for the summer.

Glowing Review: "I love them!!! Very stylish and sleek. Leather is very good quality, nice and soft."

Margaux

margauxny.com

$298.00

Margaux's penny loafers are handmade in Spain and are flexible so they move with you. With almost 100 reviews and a 4.8-star out of 5 stars, these make a great investment.

Glowing Review: "Fit, comfort, good workmanship, AND style! All at a reasonable price for this gorgeous shoe!

Zou Xou

$280.00

How stunning are these tan patent leather shoes? The "chain" detail is made of the same material, and the thick sole will feel sturdy if you're walking around in these all day.

Tory Burch

nordstrom.com

$328.00

The pebbled leather on this style is so soft and comfortable, and the dragon head gold hardware will make them hands down the most luxe shoes in your closet. It also has a 4.8-star rating out of 5 with over 70 reviews.

Glowing Review: "I love it!! It is so comfortable, and I love the gold hardware. Such a statement piece."

Brother Vellies

brothervellies.com

$425.00

The logo on these suede ones is subtle yet gives them a pretty touch. They're a designer piece that you can wear over and over again since this chocolate hue will go with so many outfits.

Gucci

gucci.com

$920.00

Tenaillon and Braquet recommend these Gucci ones for their timeless chicness, excellent quality, and comfort. Yes, they're expensive, but they're a kind of staple shoe that'll be in your closet for a lifetime.

Chelsea Paris

revolve.com

$248.00

For a bright white heeled loafer, this Chelsea Paris design will be up your alley. There's a small pull tab on the heel so it's easy to take on and off and, of course, the gold chain detail on the vamp adds some flare.

Ganni

$495.00

We love a good classic loafer with a cushiony platform; plus, that crystal button adds just the right amount of whimsy.