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The best women’s loafers to buy this season
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According to , the third quarter of 2025 was a remarkable season for loafers. list index — The same silhouette across two different labels dominated the trend prediction platform’s most popular product list. Saint Laurent’s Le Loafer and The Row’s Eel Loafer took second and fourth place respectively in the roundup. Almost a year later, the style is back in pop culture references (think Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy’s ensemble on Hulu’s hit show Love Story), flaunted by celebrities on red carpets, and photographed on the feet of It girls around the world.
Originating in Norway as a practical means for fishermen and achieved national notoriety around the 1930s with the help of GH Bass’ Weejun, the loafer has remained a cult classic through the ages, embracing inventive reimaginings and now available in a variety of variations, including textured, printed, and heeled.
Provided by: Getty Images/Lawrence Schwarzwald
The most versatile items can easily elevate an outfit or make it more practical. While we’re at it, you can do what your favorite stars and influencers are doing and pair loafers with straight jeans and a T-shirt for your 10,000-step walk, an LBD for dinner on the town, or crew socks and nylon shorts for a high-low contrast.
When the summer heats up, your loafers of choice don’t have to go to the back of your closet along with your winter sneakers. After all, thong sandals are chic, but every style-savvy woman still needs a go-to closed shoe option for warm-weather work or formal occasions. Making that footwear a pair of adaptable loafers may be the best decision you make all year long.
Here, our team tests the best loafers for women from the most in-demand brands in 2026, including ruched, suede and penny fitments. Your first or next pair is just a few clicks away.
Editor’s picks
Alohas Aven suede loafers
Ruched loafers are hugely popular right now, as the textured and unisex style has caught on with celebrities, taking a coveted spot at high-profile events (see Hudson Williams’ debut at the Met Gala afterparty earlier this May). Designed in Barcelona, this Alohas pair brings an effortless touch to edgy style with soft coffee-toned suede, or more precisely, sustainable 100% cowhide suede. Paired with a goatskin insole, they broke in easily after a few wears, and I looked as polished as possible when reaching for the loafers, whether it was a weekday or a weekend.
Prices on the date of publication of this article: $195
best value
steve madden madison leather loafers
Steve Madden continues to grow its fan base by blending affordability with a high standard and attractive selection of shoes and accessories for women. If you’re just dipping your toe into the loafer realm, you’d be wise to purchase these very black penny loafers for the first time. Every part of the shoe except the outsole is made of genuine leather, and you can tell it’s sophisticated at first glance. The construction and quality of this material is hard to beat considering the sub-$100 price tag. I appreciated how preppy Madison made my late spring outfit look when I tried it on with this piece.
Prices on the date of publication of this article: $99.95
best hybrid
M.Gemi Vera loafers
With the boat shoe’s role on the Spring 2026 runways and Sperry’s numerous partnerships with brands like Monse and Aritzia, the resurgence of the boat shoe has never been more evident. Can’t decide between boat shoes or loafers? M.Gemi admits you don’t have to choose. The Hybrid proves its craftsmanship with a hand-stitched Italian calf suede upper and Italian leather footbed. The outsole, on the other hand, is made from a pebble-shaped natural rubber called Gonmini, creating an overall supportive composition that prevents the wearer from slipping on slippery surfaces.
Right out of the box, the Vela flaunts a soft and flexible feel, with interchangeable laces to add even more personality. Inspired by M.Gemi’s best-selling Felize driving model, this slip-on-and-go shoe is equally useful for running errands, coastal highway adventures, and date nights.
Prices on the date of publication of this article: $298
best lightweight
Cole Haan Grand Ambition Allette Buckle Loafers
Cole Haan’s Allette features a narrow profile with an attention-grabbing buckle design and zero-drop outsole. I immediately noticed and loved the fact that the label’s exclusive Grand Lux technology provides added cushioning and the entire shoe is feather-light. Indeed, it is of It’s the lightest loafer I’ve ever tested, making the Alette an ideal travel companion.
The only downside? Due to its low-to-the-ground construction and glossy finish, it’s prone to scratches. But all is forgiven when you experience the Ortholite footbed, as it guarantees a soft landing without moisture, hot spots, or sore feet at the end of the day. Crafted from mahogany, we found this featured women’s loafer on sale to be absolutely stunning.
Prices on the date of publication of this article: $99.95
best chunky
dolce vita tiggy loafers
For every penny loafer out there, there’s some chunkiness (at least, needs Because sometimes the only thing missing from your shoe rotation is a stack to increase your height. This fan favorite from the Dolce Vita benefits from a brushed genuine leather upper and subtle ribbed welt edges on the sole, each offering a comfortable feel from the get-go and a clearer visual narrative.
If you’re like me, when you go for a walk in the Tiggy, you’ll appreciate the roomy toe box that fits my wide feet neatly and provides support through every mile. This shoe has a 1-inch heel height, so consider it a good introduction to the subdued (and therefore timeless) world of chunky loafers.
Prices on the date of publication of this article: $150
The best softness
GHBass x Aritzia Milton Loafers
The recently released GHBass x Aritzia loafer capsule comes in two versions: Milton and Spence, with the former featuring a shorter tongue and a more squared-off toe box. I felt drawn to Milton’s palest shade, Chocolatier Brown, which has just the right amount of shine. Skipping the break-in period completely, this shoe gave me a very cushioned midsole that did an impressive job despite its streamlined nature.
On the outsole area, I noticed some scratches on the first day of use. Therefore, if you plan to enjoy the arrival of the collaboration in the long term, we recommend a potential reupholstery. What about Aritzia’s instantly recognizable ladybug detail on the accompanying coin? It was the sassiest little cherry.
Prices on the date of publication of this article: $146.25
Shop more women’s loafers now
gucci ladies jordan loafers
Prices on the date of publication of this article: $1,090
coach lucy loafers
Prices on the date of publication of this article: $149
Duke + Dexter Wild Cherry Red Penny Loafers
Prices on the date of publication of this article: $360
Casadei Versilia loafers
Prices on the date of publication of this article: $612.50
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meet the author
Alisa Rendall Commerce Manager at Penske Media Corporation. There, she oversees strategy, partnerships and operations for related groups. Render has contributed bylines to Rolling Stone, The Hollywood Reporter, Variety, and Billboard covering fashion, lifestyle, and music beats. She constantly uses her expertise in data and industry trends to compile the best deals and must-haves for smart shoppers. Prior to working at PMC, Mr. Rendall was at Hearst, where he worked with some of its largest commerce partners on lifestyle titles such as Good Housekeeping, Elle and Esquire Magazine.
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