These Are the Best Loafers for Women for Every Type of Trip (2024)

Updated on October 4, 2023

Best Overall: Cole Haan Women's Grand Ambition Slip-On Loafer

Between their packable low-profile design, elegant subtle pointed toe, and orthopedic-friendly features, it’s not hard to see why these sleek loafers are podiatrist-approved. “This is an example of a shoe that marries a loafer and a sneaker that is casual but comfortable enough to wear while traveling and sightseeing,” says Daughtry. “It offers a sole with adequate traction to prevent slipping, footbeds that mold to your feet, and cushioned padding on the heel to prevent any dreaded blisters and rubbing.”

Their traction-heavy foam outsole is bound to feel lightweight against your feet during long days of exploring new cities on foot, while its elastic paneling can help provide flexibility and give in the event of foot swelling.

The Details: 5 to 11 | Leather | 6.4 ounces

Best Budget: Sperry Bay View Slip on Suede Loafer

If you’re looking to dress up your travel wardrobe on a budget, don’t stray too far from these adorable pastel-toned Sperry loafers available in lilac, mint, and rose that are easy to pack and even easier to style.

Built-in leather sock linings help wick away moisture and control odors while wavy slits on the rubber outsoles provide plenty of traction on damp city streets or slick airport floors. The suede hand-sewn moccasin detail gives these loafers a timeless, laid-back feel that can both elevate a pair of jeans or tone down a dress.

The Details: 5 to 7.5 | Leather | 3 pounds

Best Designer: Prada Triangle Logo Loafer

These chunky Prada shoes are exactly what we think of when we think about on-trend women’s loafers that even the Gen Z crowd would approve of. They feature that signature triangle logo that’s often imitated but never duplicated, and a 1-inch heel (about half an inch shorter than their alternate version) that’ll still give you a subtle lift without compromising your gait or taking up too much room in your luggage.

A rubber sole will keep you stable on wet or dry land, while the high-shine brushed spazzolato leather outsole will have you looking like the best dressed person around.

The Details: 5 to 11.5 | Leather

Best Sustainable: Dr. Scholl's Rate Moc Loafer

For women’s loafers that are as good for your feet as they are for the planet, opt for these eco-friendly Dr. Scholl’s shoes made with sustainable elements. Their fabric liner aimed at reducing moisture and blisters is derived from plastic water bottles, while their cushioned foam insole is made of algae for a more circular production model.

They have a flexible outsole that makes them both easy to move around in and pack into tight spaces. Made with antimicrobial and anti-odor technology, these sophisticated yet practical loafers will look and feel fresh day after day on your trip.

The Details: 6 to 11 | Faux leather | 1.4 pounds

Most Comfortable: BauBax Breezy Loafer

When you’ve got a flight to catch or a whole fleet of museums to explore, the last thing you need is a blister to ruin your plans. Enter: Dr. Daughtry’s favorite loafer made with a bamboo upper and merino wool liner. She appreciates that the insole is made from natural latex that offers superior cushioning and support, while the merino wool fabric in the liner lends it antimicrobial properties. These features make the loafers a great choice for wearing without socks, she says.

She adds that because the midsole is made from supportive yet elastic coconut coir extracted from the plant’s outer husk, you get “an extremely lightweight and comfortable shoe” ideal for multi-hour wearing, and materials that won’t deteriorate the moment you set foot on rough terrain. According to Daughtry, the coconut coir also “provides great breathability and excellent ventilation, making this shoe an excellent choice for keeping your feet temperature regulated.”

The Details: 5 to 11 | Bamboo, merino wool, coconut

Best Versatile: Naot Bentu Loafer

Not sure where your travels will take you? Stay prepared with these podiatrist-approved loafers made with a traction-heavy rubber sole and cushiony cork and latex footbed. They’re “an example of the traditional loafer style that is comfortable and stylish with a removable footbed for the ability to add your own custom orthotic if needed,” says Daughtry.

Arch support sweetens the deal while a silver-toned chain link detail and 1.5-inch heel literally elevates your wardrobe without breaking your back.

The Details: 4 to 11 | Leather, rubber | 1.4 pounds

Best Arch Support: Vionic Wren Sellah Loafers

If you’re looking for a women’s loafer that’ll keep you feeling as good as you look, opt for this orthopedic-friendly Vionic model made with next-level arch support, stability, cushioning, and style.

More than just a stylish option, they’re designed to promote full-body alignment, which can help those struggling with things like plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendonitis, heel pain, and excessive pronation. Their leather upper material is super easy to clean while traveling (simply wipe visible dirt with a cloth) and they come in fun colors from syrah suede to shiraz tumbled leather.

The Details: 5 to 11 | Leather and rubber | 1.7 pounds

Best for Wide Feet: Franco Sarto Carolynn Loafer

Wide feet deserve to be dressed to the nines, too. That’s why we’re obsessed with these Franco Sarto loafers available in wide sizing, which will perfectly cradle everything from bunions to swollen feet. The lug sole not only lends them an on-trend gender-neutral appeal, but provides some much-needed traction for long walks.

Their contoured and padded footbed gives you the comfort you need to stay sane and safe on your feet for multiple hours at a time. Unique colorways with fabulous decorative accents make them look and feel a lot more expensive than they are.

The Details: 5 to 13 | Faux leather | 8.8 ounces

Best for Narrow Feet: Dr. Martens Bethan Platform Shoes

Those with narrow feet are all too familiar with the feeling of swimming in their shoes (save that portion of your trip for the beach). With these uber-cool Dr. Martens loafers, you can customize your fit thanks to the adjustable gunmetal strap. The strap also contributes to their overall supportive nature, making them a genius footwear option for long days of exploring.

Their rounded cap toe is sure to keep you comfortable and blister-free from all angles while their platform lug sole will help you reach new heights without slipping and sliding on slick floors.

The Details: 5 to 12 | Leather | 12 ounces

Best for Walking: Hey Dude Wendy Loafers

Your travels are a great opportunity to get your steps in, and these comfortable loafers can help you get there. Complete with a flexible sole that’ll promote a smooth gait and an easy time packing, these walking loafers are as practical as they are comfortable.

Elastic laces make them a breeze to tighten while a stretch-knit upper provides some give in the event of swelling. A removable memory foam cushioned insole absorbs shock for pain-free walks and reduced odors, while their 28 color options will make choosing your perfect pair even more fun.

The Details: 4 to 12 | Textile and foam | 10 ounces

Best Slip-on: Naot Halny Loafer

Looking for the unmistakably chic aesthetic of a loafer, but dreading the blisters that may ensue? Be sure to grab these loafer mules with a podiatrist’s stamp of approval. Daughtry says they’re a great mule style “for those that are not able to wear or tolerate a closed heel style of loafer [and] also offer the ability to remove the footbed for personal orthotics.”

They come with a 1.5-inch grippy abrasive polyurethane sole to prevent slipping and are super lightweight. Thanks to their slip-on design, you can nest them into one another for even easier packing.

The Details: 4 to 12 | Leather and rubber | 10 ounces

Best Penny Loafers: Nordstrom Lafayette Penny Loafer

To channel a vintage look, opt for a pair of these classic penny loafers. They’re made with a rich leather upper that gets better with wear, and they feature a durable rubber sole to keep you stabilized on terrains of all kinds. Thanks to their classic almond toe, they’ll elongate your leg without squeezing your foot.

The Details: 5 to 12 | Leather and rubber

Best Leather: Naturalizer Desi Chain Detail Loafer

Leather is a solid option when investing in a new pair of loafers because you can guarantee they’ll mold even more perfectly to your foot overtime. To imbue your travel wardrobe with a look of quiet elegance, opt for these chunky leather loafers with a luxurious chain link detail.

They come in wide sizing to accommodate feet of all types, feature a lightweight platform sole that won’t put your luggage over the weight limit, include a synthetic lining for moisture- and odor-reducing properties, and are complete with an anatomically contoured footbed to take the pressure off your feet.

The Details: 4 to 12 | Leather and rubber | 1.7 pounds

Frequently Asked Questions

• Are loafers good for walking?

  While you can’t go wrong with a pair of sneakers, we understand the urge to look stylish during a full day of walking tours. “Depending on the material overall, the sole, and insole of the shoe, loafers can be a great option for walking, as some loafers (like the Cole Haan option I mentioned) are made with some sneaker-type materials including EVA midsoles for support and shock absorption,” says Daughtry. “That being said, a cheaper, less supportive and substantial loafer will be like walking barefoot without offering the adequate arch support for excessive walking on trips.”

  She says to also consider the environment where you’ll be traveling when choosing the proper footwear. “Are there cobblestones, many hills, wet terrain? That’s something to consider when picking your footwear for travel, along with the activities you will be performing while on the trip,” explains Daughtry.

• Should I wear socks with loafers?

  The sockless look has been en vogue as of late, but thanks to the comeback of trendy half-crew socks and those dotted with frills and lace at the top, wearing your loafers with socks has never been easier. “Ideally, you should always wear socks with shoes if possible as this helps avoid foot odor from sweating and bacterial growth,” says Daughtry. “Also without socks, the heel counter can potentially irritate the delicate skin at the back of the heel and at the Achilles tendon insertion.”

  She adds that socks tend to give your loafers a more professional appearance along with the ability “to make a fashion statement with fun sock options if you wish.” Planning on spending a considerable portion of your paycheck on your loafers? Daughtry says wearing socks can help protect the interior materials of your loafers against degradation from rubbing or sweat, should you be investing in a more expensive pair.

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