Although staunch traditionalists might not approve of their recent rise in popularity, we included them here because they happened to be a hit with our panelists. (Don’t worry, we’ll get into what sets each style apart below.) Technically, lug soles are not a traditional feature of loafers. A few styles are fairly specific to men’s shoes, like the Belgian or the monk-strap loafer, so for this guide, we concentrated on those geared more toward women - that includes penny, tassel, horsebit, kiltie, driving, slipper, and lug-sole loafers. Style: There are a number of different types of loafers out there. For this guide, we were on the hunt for loafers that come in a range of sizes, including half-sizes, and different widths for those who might have narrower or wider feet. Size range: You probably know by now that here at the Strategist we like to focus on size inclusivity, and that includes footwear. Below, you’ll find a mix of price-conscious classics, splurge-worthy heeled versions, and polarizing patent-leather styles.īest overall | Best lug-sole | Best (chunky) lug-sole | Best platform | Best horsebit | Best (less-expensive) horsebit | Best kiltie | Best (less-expensive) kiltie | Best slipper-style | Best driving | Best heeled | Best (less-expensive) heeled To find the best options out there, we talked to loafer lovers - including stylists, designers, and our very own Strategist staffers. But what has made loafers a classic is their chameleon quality - the shoes work with everything from disco-era flares and the most micro of mini-skirts to the slinkiest of slip dresses and practical cargos of the coastal-grandmother aesthetic.

It’s easy to imagine a kiltie fringe on one of the characters of The Secret History. There’s something perfectly preppy about a swanky horsebit buckle. Even without their academic associations, loafers do have a smart look to them.

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