The Very Best Loafers for Women—From Penny to Lug-Soled to Pointy Styles

11 Best Loafers for Women 2024—From Penny to LugSoles to Backless
Photo: Courtesy of Hunter Abrams

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Few shoes makes as much sense with almost any outfit as the best loafers for women do. While the timeless, ivy-inspired look never goes out of style, it evolves season after season. Most recently, Gucci’s Horsebit Loafer, now over 70 years old, made a runway return in both a platform and classic form; Proenza Schouler paired classic black loafers with a handful of their runway looks, and Tory Burch introduced a T-strap loafer in its latest runway collection. Also this season, we’re seeing chunky silhouettes and silver loafers remain in the mix. New arrivals include everything from modern classics like the Row’s tasseled loafer to nostalgic driving moccasins. Minimalist shapes crafted in luxurious leather also remain relevant in the footwear rotation. And finally, pointy-toed, cream-colored, and loafers with micro heels are also making cameos this season.

The Best Loafers for Women, According to Vogue

Investing in staples like Gucci’s iconic horse-bit loafers, Saint Laurent’s perfectly polished Penny loafers, or Tod’s sophisticated Italian-crafted flats ensures that these wardrobe essentials stand the test of time. But more modern iterations won’t feel like a hasty indulgence—no matter your chosen loafer, virtually every design in our edit is sure to last for years in your shoe closet. So, whether you’re seeking a bold statement or a more classic approach, Vogue’s edit of the best loafers for women, from contemporary designs to enduring classics, has you covered.

Classic Penny Loafers

Defined by the horizontal strap, or “saddle,” across the instep, Penny loafers are iconic in brown or black, leather or suede, heeled or flat. Options are truly endless, from Saint Laurent’s simple black silhouette to The Row’s sleek version or Church’s timeless iteration.

Saint Laurent

Le Loafer leather penny loafers

J.Crew

Winona penny loafers

Sebago

classic Dan leather penny loafers

G.H. Bass

Willa weejuns loafers

The Row

leather loafers

Church's

Pembrey W5 loafers

Chunky-Sole Loafers

From lug soles to platforms, weighty loafers are undoubtedly one of the season’s most coveted takes on the classic shoe, especially when styled with socks in chilly weather. Gucci’s Horsebits’ are cult-loved season after season, while Proenza Schouler’s is a current trending style.

Aeyde

Ruth leather loafers

Gucci

loafers with horsebit

Proenza Schouler

leather loafers

Everlane

Lug loafers

Vagabond Shoemakers

Cosmo 2.0 platform penny loafers

Cos

chunky leather penny loafers

Minimal Loafers

If you’re drawn to pared-back styles, or you’re newly venturing into the world of loafers, a minimalist design is a perfect option. Choose Khaite’s ultra-sleek smoking slipper style with a glossy finish, or take the look a step further with Emme Parsons’ black croc-embossed style. High-street heroes include those from Zara to Dolce Vita.

Emme Parsons

Danielle croc-effect loafers

Khaite

Alessio loafers

Dolce Vita

Beny loafers

Zara

buckled loafers

The Row

Mensy leather loafers

Toteme

canvas penny loafers

Heeled Loafers

Polished workwear and a heeled loafer are a natural fit, whether your preferred silhouette is a walkable one to two-inch block heel or a soaring four-inch design. Chloe and Miu Miu always take the cake for their classic yet preppy iterations, while Bottega and Toteme are creating modern versions of this retro style.

Chloé

Marcie loafers

Tod's

Gomma platform loafers

Miu Miu

heeled penny loafers

Bottega Veneta

Monsieur 70 block-heel leather loafers

Toteme

crocodile-effect 55 heeled loafers

Prada

leather loafer pumps

Driving Loafers

If you prefer a soft shoe, the driving loafer is for you. Hallmarked by the flexible moccasin-style silhouette and rubber pebbles along the soles, these are meant to fit snugly without pinching or creating pressure the way more structured leather might. Iterations by Tod’s, Tory Burch, and of course, Minnetonka, epitomize this comfortable classic.

Ferragamo

Odilia driver loafers

M.Gemi

Felize loafers

Tod's

City Gommino suede loafers

Aquatalia

Qaitlin driving loafers

Minnetonka

driving shoes

Tory Burch

logo leather ballet loafers

Two-Toned Loafers

For low-key polish, a two-toned loafer is a welcome hybrid between classic and trendy. Black and white pairs from Saint Laurent, Christian Louboutin, and Stuart Weitzman are tried and true, while chocolate brown styles from Miu Miu and Celine are great for transitional temps.

G.H. Bass

Whitney Weejuns loafers

Saint Laurent

Le Loafer two-tone loafers

Celine

Luco loafers

Stuart Weitzman

Palmer bold loafers

Miu Miu

leather penny loafers

Vinnys

Yardee penny loafers

Metallic Loafers

Of all the new trending styles, few shine brighter than the gleaming silvers and gold. Lean into the boldness of it, with high and low picks from Tory Burch and Prada to Coach and Reformation.

Coach

Leah loafers

Schutz

Christie metallic penny loafers

Reformation

Agathea chunky loafers

Tory Burch

classic loafers

Stuart Weitzman

Palmer metallic penny loafers

Prada

metallic leather loafers

Backless Loafers

It’s hard to beat the ease of a slip-on shoe. That’s where backless loafers come into play—they’re ultra-comfy, not to mention effortless looking with skirts, dresses, and cropped jeans. Go the timeless route with Gucci’s horse-bit moccasins or bolder with Bottega Veneta's glossy Monsieur slip-ons, or take a modern approach with Our Legacy’s iteration.

Gucci

leather horsebit loafers

Bottega Veneta

Monsieur 30 leather loafers

3.1 Phillip Lim

Alexa loafer mules

G.H. Bass

Wynn mules

Banana Republic

Bond leather mules

Our Legacy

Camion mules

T-Strap Loafers

Reach for the T-strap loafer when you want classic with a twist. Fashion’s continued appetite for nostalgic silhouettes has emerged in this refreshing hybrid form. Prada offers a timeless iteration with a rebellious undertone, while Hereu and G.H. Bass incorporate intricate woven detailing for a lighter, transitional take.

Hereu

Alber loafers

G.H. Bass

Mary Jane weejuns loafers

Prada

Mary Jane T-strap shoes

Aeyde

Roberta loafers

Reformation

Abalonia chunky Mary Jane loafers

Dolce Vita

Ebbie Mary Jane loafers

Pointy-Toed Loafers

For a more fashion-forward take on this timeless trend, go for a pointed look. Prada, Jil Sander, Bottega, and Khaite all have (couldn’t resist!) on-point options this season with their sleek takes, while Aeyde has a two-toned version that minimalists will love. For a micro-heel moment, Cos’ has a choice pick.

Prada

patent leather loafers

Aeyde

Martha loafers

Jil Sander

embellished leather loafers

Bottega Veneta

Spada pumps

Khaite

Marfa leather loafer mules

Cos

pointed kitten-heel loafers

White Loafers

Winter whites are always in, and the loafer is no exception. Le Monde Béryl and Flattered made contemporary versions of this classic style, while Tod’s and Gucci transformed their most classic loafers into fresh white pairs.

Flattered

Sara leather loafers

Tod's

Gommini leather loafers

Le Monde Béryl

leather penny loafers

The Row

leather flat loafers

Gucci

loafers

ATP Atelier

Airola nappa loafers