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Loafers are a hero piece in any wardrobe. Just ask The Cut’s fashion director, Jess Willis. No, they won’t make you look like a little lad — even if you pair them with your favorite white socks. Instead, the best loafers are timeless and functional. Think about them as mary janes’ and ballet flats’ older and more mature sibling.
The blister period might literally give you battle scars (though not all loafers are created equal), but as a loafer enthusiast myself, I can attest that once you’ve broken them in, they are just as comfortable as your go-to sneakers. Sure, I might be biased, but below I provide a list of loafers that are worth the cost per wear, are Cut editor–approved, and for some, a realistic period to break them in.
So, what are the best loafers?
Updated on March 11, 2025: Updated prices and checked stock for all products.
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Our top picks:
The Year-Round Loafer
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My beloved Cole Haan loafers were a thrift find from years ago, so they are no longer available. However, ever since I switched them to this new and improved pair, I have not taken them off. I had to break them in a bit more compared to an already used pair, but not too much blood was shed. Once broken in, I’ve worn them during the winter here in New York and in the countryside back home in Puerto Rico. They are truly my go-to pair.
The Under-$200 Cut Favorite
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When I asked my colleagues if they had a favorite pair of loafers, a handful of them immediately responded that they swear by G.H. Bass’s Weejuns. They go with everything and are under $200, and your feet won’t hate you if you decide to walk all over the city in them.
The New Classic
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Hereu Soller Sport Leather Loafers
Hereu’s pricing might be a turnoff for some, but I’m here to tell you they are worth every penny. They’re crafted in Spain, and the quality is impeccable. And luckily, more often than not, sites like Farfetch and Nordstrom offer various styles at a discount. I wear mine with socks, and they are very comfortable. (The only time I needed backup Band-Aids was the first time I took them out for a stroll.)
Another Classic Option
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I love my Sebago loafers. I have a cow-print pair that is in my most-used-shoe rotation. I’ve worn them with and without socks, and while they have never given me blisters to the point of bleeding, sometimes they do give me tiny blisters on my pinkie toes.
Another Designer Pair
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Editorial assistant Brooke LaMantia loves her Gucci loafers. Her trick? Buy them secondhand, and if they are from the men’s section, even better. They mold to your feet quicker and feel like a second skin.
The Ones You Wear If You’re Not a Fan of Loafers
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Shopping editor Hanna Flanagan can always count on these from Tony Bianco. They are a classic black with an edgier but subtle silhouette, perfect to throw on with your spring attire.
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More tried-and-true options:
The Japanese Ones
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News editor Danielle Cohen has recently added these loafers to her wardrobe and has been liking them. The Japanese craftsmanship is impeccable. making this option completely worth its almost-$200 price tag.
A Solid-Black Option
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We’ve shared how we love Vagabond Shoemakers for its black boots. The same can be said for its black loafers. Whether you opt for a tassel pair like this one or one of the chunkier iterations, it’s a good quality shoe under $200. Our former photo editor Maridelis Morales Rosado wears them all the time while she was running around shoots and the office. We highly suggest you try them on before purchasing or purchase multiple sizes, since as with any shoe, the wrong sizing will make using these a less than favorable experience.
A Ruched Option
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Besides bridesmaid dresses and jeans, we also love Reformation for its shoe options. These ruched loafers are perfect to wear year-round and are under $300.
The Elevated Pair
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Favored by Bella Hadid, Nomasei creates elevated versions of our beloved loafers. With a one-inch heel that will literally elevate you every so slightly without discomfort, these are my favorites to pair with dresses and sport shorts to create a nice contrast. Also, every time I wear them, I get so many compliments.
A Loafer–Boat Shoe Hybrid
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Is it a loafer? Is it a boat shoe? Is it both? Yes, and we are obsessed. If you consider these are technically two shoes in one, they are worth their hefty price tag.
