Chic & comfortable loafers to elevate your look

Loafers are one of the most versatile shoe styles in my wardrobe. They’re a comfortable way to elevate and add polish to a casual look. Here are a few of my women’s loafer picks for spring…

Susan B. wears Tory Burch Perrine low-heeled loafers in Caramel.
SQUARE TOE LOAFERS

I tried the heeled version of these square toe loafers (above) last year, but the heel was just a smidge too high for me. When I saw this Caramel color in the low-heel style, I jumped and am delighted with them! They run true-to-size, and the leather is so soft.

Long-time readers of this blog may have noticed that I have a Thing for loafers. A jeans and loafers combo looks perennially cool to me. And they add structure and polish without sacrificing comfort, (provided you find the best fit for your feet).

Loafers never really go out of style, but have been on-trend for several seasons now, and continue to be for 2023. There’s a good variety of styles being offered this season, so a little something for (almost) everyone…

Lug-sole and platform loafers

Munro Viv lug-sole loafers in black patent

Lug soles continue to be on trend, but here’s one that’s not too stompy. I love the patent leather finish, and they’re available in both Narrow and Wide widths too!

This one is really cute and has good arch support. It’s also available in light blue and Cream.

Vionic Kensley patent lug-sole loafer
Cole Haan x Pendleton penny loafers

Here’s a fun take on a classic penny loafer style. A Pendleton plaid lining peeps out through the cutouts in the leather. These are very well-reviewed!

I bought these quirky platform loafers last year, and they turned out to be one of my best shoe purchases. I wore them several times per week during the warmer months, and for travel. They’re comfortable, breathable in the heat, and oddly, go with almost everything in my wardrobe. They’re all but sold out now, but here are some similar styles.

Classic & flat sole styles

Of course, here’s the O.G. of penny loafers…several colors available.

G.H. Bass Whitney Weejuns penny loafers brown
Madewell Nye cutout loafers in tan.

If you need or prefer to wear closed-toe shoes during the warmer seasons, the open sides here are a nice feature that will provide some ventilation. The lining is leather too for added comfort.

If you prefer to stick with a darker shoe, but want to lighten up a little for spring, navy is an excellent alternative to black. This style gets consistently glowing reviews, and at a fraction of designer prices…

Sam Edelman Loraine loafers in navy croc print.
Talbot's Laura tassel loafers in navy.

The tassel detail and that little bit of white at the sole give these a fun nautical vibe.

These are kind of a loafer-espadrille hybrid, and have good ratings for comfort. Also available in black and hot pink suede.

Cole Haan Cloudfeel espadrille loafer

And these chonks are so comfortable (and great on rain-slick surfaces), I’ve been wearing them often. Also in black, burgundy & cream patent.

Visit my SHOP to see more women’s loafers for spring.

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18 Comments

  1. I have to admit the idea of loafers has always been too “classic” for me to even consider. But I really like the Cole Haan option with a bit of a different twist. I can see myself wearing them with blue jeans. Thanks for forcing me to think outside the box.

  2. The struggle is real for women with narrow feet, so thanks for featuring an option for us. Several months ago, I purchased the Munro Viv Loafer and I had high hopes. It’s an attractive shoe, but even with a narrow width the heel was too wide. Moreover, the shoe felt heavy on my feet.

  3. I’m still looking for a silver or pewter loafer. The Franco Sarto pair you’ve shown is nice (although my first preference is without tassels) but it’s not leather. Franco Sarto seems to do a lot of shoes in faux synthetic fabric. I always hesitate to purchase non-leather options because they don’t breathe and mold to your feet as well as leather. Silver loafers would look great for summer with white jeans ( I’m a winter.) and metallic seems to go with everything. The search continues—-any ideas Susan or anyone?

  4. Do you have some tip or trick for not having sweaty feet when wearing a closed shoe without socks? Or is it just me? Love the looks but I’ve never gone sockless without, ahem, too much localized humidity.

      1. Thanks for this tip! I usually wear the Hue or Smartwool liners, but lately have had a problem with them slipping off my heel. These look like they would eliminate that problem! Just ordered a pair.

    1. I’ve tried various styles of SmartWool and Darn Tough Vermont, and they’re mostly very good. I just invested in a few ONDO pairs, however, in the hope of a true non-slip option, and the merino one is pretty great. Best non-slip feature I’ve ever tried. I just wore them for the first time today and never thought about them once or have needed to adjust them. Pricey but a good value, I think. The only downside is they do have a seam at the toes, but it didn’t bother me (and EVERYTHING bothers me!). 🙂

  5. I love loafers (not so much the lug soles as it makes my narrow delicate 7.5 feet look out of proportion) but it is so difficult to find ones that fit. Plus, one foot is, as if often the case, somehat smaller than the other. Oddly, Talbot’s loafers seem to fit; I had never tried them before. Madewell also fits. Not sure if anyone else with different sized narrow (especially in the heel) feet has any suggestions! Like the other reader, I don’t wear synthetic leather.

  6. These new loafers are beautiful. It is a good thing I am not in America as I would so copy you.
    From the moment I “discovered” your blog at Sally’s, I said to myself: “Now there is a woman who knows how to buy the best low heeled shoes and look great”. And I still think the same.
    Greetje

  7. Thank you for the narrow option you shared. I have ALWAYS loved loafers, but I can no longer do what I did when I was young and sizes down a half or full size and jammed my toes in to get a width narrow enough to keep my heels from slipping. It’s so frustrating to walk right out of your shoes! I’ve accepted that I need a lace-up oxford or a monk-strap shoe, but every time you post your latest loafer finds I am EXTREMELY envious of your ability to wear them!

  8. Would you consider including some vegan styles for those who don’t wear leather? Non-leather shoes and boots have come a long way in the last few years in terms of style, comfort and durability. I have a pair of Seven loafers from Soul Naturalizer and I just love them. Thanks!

    1. Hi Debra, yes I’ve included some non-leather styles in this post. Two of the metallic loafer picks and the navy patent lug-style style at the bottom of the post are all sans leather.

  9. I bought those Franco Sarto loafers a few weeks ago (the link was Zappos, I think) and I absolutely LOVE them. I found a pair of navy pants to go with them at J Jill (on the clearance rack – 40% off the markdown!) and they are part of my new favorite outfit.