15 best women’s loafers to buy this season
Shoppers are divided over the controversial trend with some calling it a “little-lad like” while others say it’s “rich-looking” and “chic”.
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Timeless, elegant and chic - if there's one wardrobe MVP that comes to mind, it's a good ol' pair of loafers.
No longer confined to your grandpa's wardrobe and school attire, the sturdy shoe has had a massive resurgence in recent times - ranging from chunky lug soles and metal hardware-clad to slim and sleek.
Their rise in popularity is partly thanks to it-girls Kendall Jenner and Hailey Bieber who have been spotted sporting the shoe in their everyday style more times than we count.
A new loafer trend that has emerged is the controversial "ruched loafer", also known as the "scrunched loafer" or "gathered loafer". As the name suggests, they're loafers detailed with gathered stitching to create a ruched effect along the toe box. The new trend has been embraced by Gen Z as well as a variety of retailers in different styles and materials, and has unsurprisingly caused a divide between shoppers hailing it "hideous" and "little-lad like" to "rich-looking" and "chic".
So, if you're looking to jump on the latest loafer trend or simply upgrade your wardrobe with a fresh pair of loafers, we've rounded up all the best styles - including Tony Bianco's viral Gatsby Loafers that has been dubbed "dupe" for the The Row's Eel Crinkled Glossed-Leather Loafers that retail for a whopping $2372.
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OUR TOP PICKS
BEST LOAFERS: EDITOR’S PICKS
Tony Bianco Gatsby Loafer, $219.95 at THE ICONIC
Why we love it: On trend; classy design; versatile; ruched detail; soft leather.
What to consider: Expensive;
Material: Leather | Size: UK 3 to 13 | Colour: Black, Brown Anguille and Espresso Suede
What You Need To Know
These slim loafers are the hottest shoe trend right now and it's not hard to see why. Not only are they incredibly chic and classy but the ruched detailing along gives them an elevated feel. Crafted from leather, they have the signature loafer saddle, a 2.5cm heel and a round toe.
Plus, they've been dubbed a "dupe" for the popular The Row Eel Crinkled Glossed-Leather Loafers that retail for a whopping $2372.
"WORTH. EVERY. PENNY. The way these are instantly comfortable on my feet as if I've lived in them for years... love at first wear. Looks just like the $1k versions out there, but LOTS more comfortable. You truly can't go wrong," one five-star reviewer wrote.
"So comfortable and looks great. I found them true to size. They took no breaking in and wore them three days straight after they arrived!" another wrote.
Dr Martens Adrian Tassel Loafers, $237.99 (down from $339.99) at THE ICONIC
Why we love it: Classic design; great quality; popular; wide size range.
What to consider: Expensive; some reviewers say they're hard to break in.
Material: Leather | Size: UK 3 to 13 | Colour: Black
What You Need To Know
You can't go wrong with these too cool for school Dr Martens that went viral on TikTok after YouTuber (and undisputed Gen Z queen) Emma Chamberlain posted several photos on Instagram of her wearing the pair. Made with Dr Martens’ signature anti-shock Airwair soles they have topstitching and fringe detailing that make them perfect for work, play and everything in between.
BEST SLIM LOAFERS
Atmos&Here Alexandra Leather Flats, $76.99 (down from $109.99) at THE ICONIC
Why we love it: Slim and classic design; gold hardware detail; pointed toe.
What to consider: Expensive; some reviewers say they're very hard to break in; may cause blisters.
Material: Leather | Size: AU 5 to 11 | Colour: Black Leather, Off White Leather and Camel Suede
What You Need To Know
Another THE ICONIC brand exclusive, Atmos&Here never gets it wrong when it comes to style classics. Featuring a leather upper and inner, these loafers have a gold-toned horsebit detailing and slight 1.5 centimetre heel.
Dahlia Loafer, $179 at Country Road
Why we love it: Chic; woven finish; limited sizing.
What to consider: Expensive; some reviewers say they're very hard to break in; may cause blisters.
Material: Leather | Size: EU 35 to 39 | Colour: Black Leather and Tan
What You Need To Know
Featuring an on-trend square toe these Country Road loafers are made from a gorgeous woven leather that’s sourced from a Leather Working Group certified tannery. They have a padded insole for comfort as well as a one centimetre heel.
MOST COMFORTABLE LOAFER
Classic Penny Loafers (Liana), $285 at Vivaia
Why we love it: Knitted make; slim design; anti-slip sole; half-sizes available; free shipping.
What to consider: Expensive; some reviewers say the shoes slip off if your have narrow heels; some say they run big.
Material: Leather | Size: EU 35 to EU 43 | Colour: Multiple colours
What You Need To Know
These penny loafers from VIVAIA are the perfect combo of stylish and comfy. Made from a knit material, they feature a pressure-relief honeycomb cushioned insole, heel patch, anti-slip outsole, round toe and a 2cm heel. They offer dual arch support and anti-friction padding, and are have a stylish penny strap with a gold stud detail.
"I've been on the hunt for a comfortable walking loafer for work, and I think I’ve finally found the perfect pair! This morning, I walked over a mile to the train station, and my feet didn’t hurt at all—such a relief," one five-star reviewer wrote.
"The quality of the materials is top-notch, and the comfort and overall feel are truly amazing. The Liana Loafer fits just right with pantyhose, so if you plan on wearing thicker socks, I’d recommend going half a size up. But honestly, I couldn't be happier with this purchase—it was definitely worth every penny!"
BEST CHUNKY LOAFERS
Country Road Callie Loafer, $199 at THE ICONIC
Why we love it: Chunky sole; simple and chic look; versatile.
What to consider: Expensive; some reviewers say they're very hard to break in; may cause blisters.
Material: Leather | Size: EU 35 to 42 | Colour: Black and Oyster
What You Need To Know
The Callie loafer from Country Road might be the epitome a sleek, timeless and minimal chunky loafer. Made from 100 per cent smooth box leather, it features a chunky cleated sole, soft square shape toe and the classic loafer saddle with a cut-out.
Jo Mercer Brixton Loafers, $229.95 at THE ICONIC
Why we love it: Chunky cleated sole; gold hardware detail.
What to consider: Expensive; sizes sell out frequently.
Material: Leather | Size: EU 36 to 42 | Colour: Black
What You Need To Know
Jo Mercer is a Melbourne-based shoe brand known for its high quality footwear that’s always on trend. These chunky loafers are no different, made from leather with a 4.5 centimetre chunky heel. The shoes also have gold hardware reminiscent of Gucci’s famous horsebit as well as an almond toe shape.
Ravella Samuel Loafers, $69.96 (down from $99.95) at THE ICONIC
Why we love it: Patent finish; chunky lugged sole; gold hardware.
What to consider: Fit may be narrow.
Material: Synthetic | Size: EU 36 to 41 | Colour: Black Patent
What You Need To Know
A pair of patent shoes is a great way to instantly make any outfit you wear more dressy. These synthetic leather-look shoes have a chunky four centimetre heel, gold detailing and a rounded toe.
BEST LOAFER SLIDES
Sol Sana Tuesday Slides, $94.50 (down from $189) at THE ICONIC
Why we love it: Back heel is raised compared to other slip-on loafers; silver stud detail; chic yet edgy design.
What to consider: May have a narrow fit.
Material: Leather | Size: 36 to 42 | Colour: Black Western Silver and Black Western Gold
What You Need To Know
Worn by celebrities like Gigi Hadid and Sofia Richie, Sol Sana is an Australian-designed footwear company founded in 2010 that’s all about affordable luxury. Crafted with a leather upper and lining, their Tuesday slides are one of THE ICONIC’s most popular loafers with its unique silver-toned studs and raised back heel.
Billini Olivia Slide On Loafers, $48.96 (down from $69.95) at THE ICONIC
Why we love it: Easy slide on design; gold hardware detail; sleek.
What to consider: Not made from real leather; may have a narrow fit.
Material: Faux Leather | Size: AU 5 to 10 | Colour: Black
What You Need To Know
Billini is an 100 per cent Australian owned and run shoe brand since 2009. These slide-on loafers are great as they’re dressy enough for the office while also making a simple jeans and tee combo on the weekend look chic. Made from a faux grainy leather material they have a Gucci-inspired gold horsebit across the vamp.
Sandler Pivot Black Croc Print Flats Shoes, $118.97 (down from $169.95) at Myer
Why we love it: Patent croc finish; chunky chain detail; low heel.
What to consider: Gold chain might be a bit much; reviewer says it has a narrow fit.
Material: Leather | Size: 36 to 42 | Colour: Black Patent Croc
These Sandler slides are a slightly more dressy option thanks to their chunky gold chain detailing and patent crocodile look leather upper.
The loafers have a 2.5cm hell and almond rounded toe and would look great paired with a tailored trouser.
BEST HEELED LOAFERS
Sandler Sophia Leather Heeled Shoes, $139.97 (down from $199.95) at Myer
Why we love it: Sophisticated; comfy block heel; great style for work.
What to consider: Some say the lining stains your toes black.
Material: Leather | Size: EU 36 to 42 | Colour: Black, Black Patent, Ivory Glove and Tan
What You Need To Know
Equal parts smart, chic and sophisticated, these heeled loafers are the perfect corporate shoe that's comfortable and matches any type of office outfit. It's made from leather and features a 5cm block heel, tapered square toe and a gold chain detail for an elevated finish.
Alethe, $299 at Bared Footwear
Why we love it: Sleek and chic design; great work staple; orthotic friendly.
What to consider: Expensive; some reviewers say they got blisters after wearing them.
Material: Leather | Size: EU 34 to 43 | Colour: Black
What You Need To Know
If you've got the budget, these heeled loafers from Bared Footwear are a must. Made from leather, this chic pair features a tapered square toe, 5.6cm heel and midfoot arch support. We all know loafers can be tricky in terms of hurting our feet and fitting narrowly, however, this pair is orthotic friendly and comes with a complimentary fit kit to make sure the shoes fit right.
"The perfect work shoe. I was after a closed in heeled shoe for work. The Alethe are simply perfect; comfortable and stylish. Can dress up with a suit or casually with jeans. I did need to change the footbed to the thinner footbed to fit top of foot comfortably in shoe but lucky Bared supplies different sized footbeds," one five-star reviewer wrote.
BEST COLOURED LOAFERS
Oxford Penny Loafer, $125.30 (down from $229) at THE ICONIC
Why we love it: Fun; trendy; great way to elevate outfits.
What to consider: Might not be as easy to style.
Material: Leather | Size: AU 35 to 40 | Colour: Metallic Silver
What You Need To Know
If you're after the perfect statement shoe to rock, look no further than this metallic silver pair from Oxford. This stunning pair is made from leather and features a mini 2cm heel, rounded toe and the classic penny slot detail.
Wittner Fletcher Vintage Ivory Leather Flat Loafer, $199 at Wittner
Why we love it: Timeless; sophisticated alternative to the classic black loafer; gold hardware detail.
What to consider: Some reviewers say the sizing runs big; may show stains or scratches easily.
Material: Leather | Size: EU 35 to 42 | Colour: Ivory
What You Need To Know
Wittner was founded in Melbourne over 100 years ago by HJ Wittner in 1912. Fast forward to today and Wittner are still known for their high quality leather shoes and these loafers are no exception. Made from an ivory leather with a block rubber heel, each shoe has a double layer of in-built padding for ultimate comfort.
WHAT TO CONSIDER WHEN BUYING LOAFERS
When it comes to buying loafers, there are a few factors to consider:
Style/Colour: If you're buying your first ever pair of loafers, you'll want to make sure the style is classic and timeless so that it's easy to style. A simple black or brown pair will do the trick because they're foolproof colours that you simple can't go wrong with. If you want a more elevated pair, consider loafers that have a defining feature like a chain detail, scrunched detail, texture, patent finish or a platform sole.
Material: Loafers tend to have a reputation of being uncomfortable, so make sure you look into loafers that are made from real leather as they will not only last long but soften with wear and be more comfortable for your feet.
Price: Quality loafers often come at a high price tag, so decide whether you're happy to splurge or not.
HOW WE CHOOSE PRODUCTS
To help you find the right pair of loafers, our team of experienced writers spent hours researching different loafer styles to include in this article. We discovered what factors make a good loafer by talking to experts, reviewing test results and analysing thousands of customer reviews.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
HOW SHOULD YOU STYLE LOAFERS?
“The loafer is the ultimate cool girl shoe of the moment. Pair with white socks, wide leg or slouchy pants and an oversized blazer for a very on trend look,” says Nicole Adolphe, Head of Style at THE ICONIC..
“Thanks to Miu Miu, we are also seeing the mini skirt worn with socks and loafers on and off the runway.”
Her biggest advice when wearing them is to keep the rest of your look simple.
“My advice when buying and styling loafers is to stick to a black pair and wear them with more minimalistic outfits,” Nicole said.
“Think classic black and neutral tailored looks worn with loafers, or dimply, an oversized shirt and jeans.
“Don’t bother styling them with more floaty or girly printed dresses, let the loafers be your statement piece.”
ARE YOU SUPPOSED TO WEAR SOCKS WITH LOAFERS?
There's really no hard and fast rule when it comes to wearing loafers with or without socks, it all depends on personal preference.
More Coverage
It may be more comfortable to wear socks with loafers especially during the cooler seasons, but if you don't like the look of socks with loafers, you can wear no-show socks to still have that comfort or just wear no socks at all.
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