Sure, we all know what wardrobe essentials for work professional women are supposed to have in their closets, but if you’re buying one for the first time or replacing one you’ve worn into the ground, it can be a pain to find exactly the right incarnation in stores. In “The Hunt,” we search the stores for a basic item that every woman should have.
Hunting for the best loafers to wear with work outfits?
We’ve talked about flats for work a lot, including investment ballet flats, the best foldable flats, sophisticated strappy flats, nude flats, and interview flats — but we haven’t talked about loafers in way too long!
What are your favorite loafers to wear with work outfits? Do you see yourself being an all flats, all the time kind of woman going forward, or do you still wear heels occasionally?
{related: check out our Guide to Comfortable Heels!}
The Best Loafers for Work Outfits
The Best Loafer Overall: Sam Edelman
Sam Edelman shoes are often reader favorites — they have crazy cushioning inside, they’re affordable, and they’re generally on trend. These loafers are no different — they’re $150-$170 new but you can often find them for under $100, come in a bunch of colors and patterns.
(Other Sam Edelman classics readers have loved over the years: this pump and this ballet flat.)
The Best Comfort Loafer: Vionic
Another reader favorite, especially for comfort shoes? Vionic. At $135, these shoes are affordable but stylish. The insole is cushioned, with arch support — but is also removable if you have your own favorite insole. You can find them at Zappos and Nordstrom.
More options for comfort: Dr. Scholl’s, Rothy’s, Birdies (and, honestly, the Sam Edelmans!).
The Best Classic Loafer: Sperry
If you’re looking for a super classic option, Sperry has been mentioned a number of times by the readers. They’re affordable (right around $100), really highly rated for comfort, and they even have a traditional penny keeper strap.
Another classic option: G.H. Bass loafers.
The Best Feminine Loafer: Tory Burch
We’ve featured these sleek Tory Burch loafers a lot in the past year or two — they come in a bunch of colors and are a great mix of elegant and preppy. You can currently find them in more than 15 colors at Nordstrom, with a bunch of colors on sale.
They’re $298-$348 new, but you may find them under $200 if you’re lucky.
The Best Lug Sole Loafer: Madewell
If you’re looking for a ’90s-inspired lug soled loafer, Madewell has one of the best options — it’s luggy without being platformy, if that makes sense. The shoes are made with “LITE” leather — Low Impact to the Environment leather that uses less energy and water than the standard tanning process.
You can get the shoes at Zappos or Madewell.
The Best Splurge Loafer: Ferragamo
Ferragamo shoes are always reader favorites for comfort — one of those IYKYK brands, especially at this price point. They come in lug soles, drivers, and the pictured classic loafers, which are $895.
Another good option for a splurge: Gucci’s horsebit loafers. (AGL loafers are another worthy splurge, but for about half the price.)
The Best Foldable, Washable Loafer: Rothy’s
Rothy’s has a number of different types of loafers — drivers, moccasins, lounge loafers, and the almond-toed loafers we’ve pictured here.
Most of them come in 10+ colors, sizes 5-13, and are washable, lightweight, and foldable.
Similar options include Birdies, Skechers, and Vivaia.
Other Comfortable Flats for Work We Love
Classic Flats for Work
Some of our favorite comfortable flats for work as of 2024 include M.M.LaFleur, AGL, and French Sole. On the more affordable side, check out Rothy’s, Sam Edelman, and Rockport. We’ve also rounded up the best loafers for work, and our favorite sneakers for work outfits!
Stylish Strappy Flats
Stylish strappy flats can be hard to find! As of 2024, these are some of our favorites — also, in general, check J.Crew and Valentino (on the pricier side, obviously). Nordstrom also has a surprisingly large selection!
Investment Flats to Splurge On
The Best Washable Flats
There are a ton of machine washable flats these days, and we just rounded up some great options at CorporetteMoms! Whether you need or want these because you’re a parent, a pet owner, or a medical worker — or just someone who tends to hate shoes that aren’t pristine — there are a ton of affordable and polished styles of washable flats to choose from.
Some of our favorites are these:
The Best Foldable Flats
These can be amazing if you’re a) traveling for work and want something super lightweight that won’t drag down your bag, or b) you’re adjusting to heels or new shoes and just aren’t sure how long you’re going to last in them. (I’ve sometimes brought these along on date nights with my husband if I’m really out of practice with heels!)
Readers, do tell: What do you think are the best comfortable flats for work?
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