10 of the Most Comfortable Women’s Loafers, All Tested and Vetted by PureWow Editors

Expert stylist Ashlyn Greer recommends looking for loafers with padded insoles and pairs that are made with sturdy material that will last over time. Because loafers are such a versatile shoe, they should be quite durable and stand up well to frequent wear.

Because loafers are usually made to withstand frequent use they’re often made from thicker, tougher materials. As such they can sometime feel uncomfortable at first and require some breaking in. “Soft leather loafers are your best bet for a style that’s easy to break in” advises Greer. “Some synthetics (and more structured/tough leathers) can be harder to break in and can cause more blisters than some of us are comfortable with!” Looking for even more comfort right off the bat? Greer has one more tip: “[Check] in the inside sole where the shoe meets the inside part of the foot. Some loafers have built-in cushion beds there to help with rubbing, and most online product shots show this part of the shoe too.”

According to Greer, the best tip for breaking in loafers and avoiding discomfort is making sure ’re getting the right size. “A lot of blisters and rubbing with shoes are actually caused from a shoe that’s too tight or too big, causing more friction than necessary either way,” she says. Some break-in time for stiffer shoes like leather loafers is totally normal, but there are some tricks to speeding up the process. Try wearing your loafers with thick socks to walk around the house before you venture outside. You can take your new pair to a shoe repair stores, where the pros will stretch them out for that lived-in feel. There are other methods, too, like heating and bending. “My grandma showed me this trick she used to use on her shoes years ago and I always go for it first when I get a new pair of stiff shoes,” says former Commerce Editor Olivia Dubyak. “Basically you heat your shoe up where it's tight, like with a heating pack, and then twist and bend the shoe.” This may not be an instant fix, but it helps to do it several times before wear to work it most effectively.

Wearing visible socks may have been a fashion faux pas years ago, but Gen Z has deemed the calf sock a must-have for any chic wardrobe, and I’m more than willing to hop on board if it means my feet will be that much more comfortable. I suggest choosing a slightly thicker sock or one with visible ribbing to avoid slipping at the heel.You can also style your loafers with a set of higher socks for a dark academia or Rory Gilmore style, too. “For sock and loafer pairings, the best rule of thumb is opposites attrac,” says Greer. “If you’re styling chunkier loafers with denim or a maxi, pair with a slimmer knit sock. If you’ve got a slim heeled or flat pair of loafers and you’re pairing with a mini, a chunkier sock can help balance out the look.”