The Most Comfortable Loafers For Women, According To A Podiatrist And Stylist

Sizes: 5 to 12, medium and wide widths | Colors: 9 total | Materials: Leather

• What’s notable: Lighter weight than other loafers.
• What could be better: Some say it runs wide for narrow feet.

Naturalizer is known for merging comfort with stylish footwear and the Adiline Loafer excels in this regard. With a soft leather upper and contoured footbed, this pair is easy to wear, no breaking in required. Part of the brand’s Lite Series collection, the Adiline is lighter weight than other loafer styles while still touting a flexible platform sole, making it wearable for hours.

Sizes: 5 to 11 | Colors: 4 total | Materials: Leather or canvas

• What’s notable: Made from responsibly-sourced leather.
• What could be better: Some say it runs large; consider going down a half size.

It doesn’t get any more classic than a penny loafer. This version from Cole Haan has a traditional silhouette with a comfortable design: Its triple-layered foam insole absorbs shock, reduces impact and provides arch support. We also like the synthetic outsole’s woven design for added traction, making slippery leather soles a thing of the past. “Try pairing this with a sock peeking out for fall to add some texture to a look,” says Uh. 

Sizes: 5 to 11 | Colors: 3 total | Materials: Leather

• What’s notable: This pair has the APMA Seal of Acceptance.
• What could be better: It doesn’t come in wide sizing.

If a chunky sole simply isn’t your style, consider the refined look of FitFlop’s Delicato Soft Leather Loafer. It has low profile “that works in all the ways a classic loafer does but has more of a feminine shape,” says Uh, and “the low vamp also allows it to be slipped on easier.” Despite its minimal silhouette, it’s packed with some hidden comfort features. Along with a buttery nappa leather upper that molds to your foot’s shape, a slight square toe box that doesn’t squeeze and an ergonomic insole, this pair also has hidden cushioning and foot-aligning arch support for all-day wear. 

Sizes: 5 to 12 | Colors: 15 total | Materials: Recycled plastic bottles

• What’s notable: Contrasting trim adds visual interest.
• What could be better: For wide feet, order a size up larger than your usual size. 

If you’re looking for a more fashion-forward loafer, consider going the pointed toe route. Vivaia’s version, available in either a minimal or lace-up bow option, is made of a recycled plastic knit that forms to your foot. There’s extra padding in the heel to prevent blisters, a cushioned insole for all-day wearability—including arch support—and a non-slip rubber sole. Another bonus: This pair is lightweight, flexible and machine washable. Just be sure to air dry to prevent any unwanted shrinkage.

Sizes: 5 to 12, regular and wide widths | Colors: 3 total | Materials: Leather or suede

• What’s notable: Memory foam footbed forms to your foot.
• What could be better: Not available in half sizes above size 10.

The Wells Loafer might look like a penny loafer, but thanks to its flexible rubber sole and memory foam cushioning, it likely feels more comfortable than other styles you’ve worn in the past. It’s made of a soft leather upper and lined with a cotton twill fabric for added comfort. The lug sole adds a bit of height and durability, while the outsole’s treads—including the iconic Sperry wave design that started it all back in 1935—provide extra traction. 

Sizes: 5 to 13 | Colors: 11 total | Materials: Recycled plastic bottles

• What’s notable: Available in solids and patterns. 
• What could be better: Some reviewers say this style runs narrow and caused rubbing on the top of the foot.

A driving loafer, originally created for Italian drivers who needed more grip than their formal shoes, is characterized by a gummy rubber sole that wraps around the back of the heel. This pair from Rothy’s, made from the brand’s recycled plastic knit, is easy to wear and better yet, it’s machine washable. The sole’s raised nubs and stripe detail at the back ankle nod to the style’s sporty heritage while the dual-density insoles add plushness and support. Since it has a “more casual shape and fabric, I love it paired with your favorite worn-in denim or a soft pant to complement it,” says Uh.

Sizes: 5 to 12 | Colors: 3 total | Materials: Leather

• What’s notable: Cushioned insole for extra comfort.
• What could be better: It runs a half-size large, so consider sizing down.

We’re in a ‘90s fashion resurgence and this lug sole loafer from Madewell is an easy and comfortable way to test out the trend. Its thick rubber sole—measuring almost two inches high—has treads for added durability and traction, while the smooth leather upper is certified by the Leather Working Group, meaning it’s sustainably produced. The keeper strap across the top of the loafer is slightly puffed, adding a fun design twist to the silhouette. A chunky rubber sole “can add some nice dimension to an outfit—whether that’s a classic tee and jeans, or something soft and light that you want to add substance to, like a slip dress or satin skirt,” says Uh.

Sizes: 5 to 13, medium and wide widths | Colors: 18 total | Materials: Leather or suede

• What’s notable: Packs flat for travel without losing its shape.
• What could be better: It can take time to get used to the feeling of the support. 

Another pick with the APMA Seal of Acceptance, Vionic’s Uptown Loafer is designed with your foot’s anatomy in mind. Its one-inch platform adds height while the molded arch support, deep heel cup and impact-absorbing cushion lets you move stably without discomfort. This pair has a sneaker-inspired rubber outsole that’s flexible and easy to dress up or down, making it a great pick for travel when your footwear has to work double-duty. One thing to note from the brand, though: Give yourself time to get accustomed to the orthotic support and start with a few hours of wear a day. 

Sizes: 5 to 10 | Colors: 2 total | Materials: Leather

• What’s notable: This pick’s ethically produced in a Business Social Compliance Initiative-certified factory. 
• What could be better: It’s not available in half sizes. 

A top-quality leather loafer can certainly get a little pricey, but this pair from Quince—one of our favorite wallet-friendly brands—combines support, comfort and style, all at a fair price. It has a one-inch lugged outsole for durability and the smooth nappa leather upper is lined with cow leather for extra softness. Also great: This loafer also has an Ortholite insole that adds cushioned support for long days on your feet. 

Sizes: 5 to 11 | Colors: 4 total | Materials: Leather

• What’s notable: Two orthotic footbed options available
• What could be better: It might fit loose on narrow feet

If you suffer from plantar fasciitis, you likely know how important arch support is in managing your pain. The ABEO Boulevard Loafer is designed to stylishly address such foot ailments. It’s available in two footbed options—one with medium arch support and one with additional metatarsal support—and has a deep heel cup that absorbs impact as you walk. The leather upper is durable while the sheep leather lining is soft and breathable, allowing the shoe to mold to your foot’s unique shape with wear. With a 1.38-inch heel, you also get a height boost in addition to the foot-aligning, comfort benefits.