Loafers are the ultimate closet staple for Women’s Health’s fashion editors because they are versatile, timeless, and stylish, says WH assistant fashion editor Rose Lauture. After testing a ton of popular brands—some we loved, some we’d skip—we decided it’s time to put together a list of the very best pairs to suit all style preferences.

We’ve spent months refining our favorites, cutting out any pairs that lead to blisters, pinching, or sore feet (our biggest deal-breaker) and including those that feel great from the start, keeping us comfortable all day while adding just the right touch to our outfits. Most of our top picks are classic penny loafers, with accents ranging from lugged soles (thick rubber soles with deep indentations to provide solid footing) to metallic finishes. There’s even a horsebit pair, a type of loafer that has a metal buckle across the front, which one of our testers swears is the comfiest pair she owns.

If you’re looking for other types of cute shoes for the fall and winter, we also have editor-curated lists of the most comfortable boots, the best hiking shoes, and the best winter boots for *all* of your shopping needs.

Best Loafers

What To Consider

Style

There are tons of different types of loafers out there, but this list includes four main types: penny, tassel, lug-sole, and horsebit. Keep reading to learn more about each one:

• Penny loafer: The most traditional loafer of the group, penny loafers have a low heel and a low-profile look. They have a slotted leather strip across the upper, which gives the shoe its distinctive old-timey but chic look.
• Tassel: Similar to the penny, tassel loafers have that low-profile fit, just with the addition of a decorative tassel hanging from the front of the shoe. We think the tassel offers a bit of a vintage flare to any outfit.
• Lug-sole: Footwear and accessory designer Aleksandra Miletic says lugged loafers are very on-trend and add a modern twist to the classic penny style. Their lugged sole offers a chunkier look, which adds an edgy twist and some extra height, too.
• Horsebit: A horsebit loafer has a distinctive metal detailing across the upper of the shoe. This loafer is a bit more upscale, and we like wearing them to the office or to evening events.

Materials

According to Miletic, material choice is key for both breathability and comfort. “A leather upper is fantastic for durability and molds to the foot over time,” she says. However, for those looking for a vegan-friendly option, soft polyurethane is a good alternative. Most of the winners on this list are made of real leather, as we appreciate how it molds to our feet over time.

If you want added breathability, look for loafers with perforated uppers, which offer air circulation for a softer, cooler feel in addition to an ultra-chic design, says Miletic.

Width

“Wearing shoes that are wide enough to respect the shape of our feet allows the toes to sit in proper alignment and promotes healthy function of our feet,” says Jen Perez, co-founder of Gait Happens, a global education company with a focus on natural foot health. But note this: In order to ensure your loafers are the right fit, Meltic recommends picking a pair that still feels slightly snug, as it typically can’t be tightened in the way that sneakers and sandals can be and it tends to stretch over time.

How We Chose

As a style writer who’s been putting shoes through the paces for years, I’ve tested tons of loafers: My all-time favorite options made it onto this list. I also consulted two footwear experts on what to consider when shopping for new loafers. They emphasized that the style, materials, width, and cushion are things to look out for when shopping. WH assistant fashion editor Rose Lauture also weighed in on her favorite loafers.