These Are the Best Loafers for Travel, From Flats to Platforms (2024)

If you’re looking for a traditional loafer shape and style, the Sam Edelman Loraine Bit Loafers stand out from the crowd for their sophisticated, menswear-inspired design. They’re made to last with quality construction and a fine finish, in colors ranging from timeless, goes-with-anything saddle tan or black to sequinned sunflower multi or floral turquoise green. Materials depend on the style you choose and include leather, velvet, and fabric. All are complemented by a chic gold bit and a sleek, 0.5-inch heel.

A padded leather insole provides cushioning and support, making these loafers as comfortable as they are stylish. Whether you’re meeting friends for dinner or embarking on a full-day sightseeing tour, they will quickly become your go-to vacation shoe. We particularly like the roomier-than-average almond-shaped toe box and the buttery softness of the material which forms to your feet with wear. However, if you run out of time to break them in before you travel, don’t worry — these loafers are comfortable right out of the box.

The Details: 3 to 10 | Leather, velvet, or fabric upper, synthetic sole

Costing roughly four times less than the cheapest version of our overall winner, the Amazon Essentials Women’s Loafers are certainly easy on the wallet. Saving money doesn’t have to mean sacrificing comfort, however. They’re made from super soft faux leather or suede, with a faux suede lining and a padded, memory foam insole. The latter provides a surprising amount of cushioning, making them comfortable right out of the box.

Support is limited due to the shoes’ unstructured nature. There is a heel pillow to relieve pressure and prevent slippage, though, and the flexible sole offers some traction on wet surfaces. Best of all, the on-trend pointed toe, slim fit, and moc toe seam go well with everything from jeans to floaty summer dresses. This lightweight versatility makes the loafers ideal for summer trips with limited packing space. Colors range from navy to blush.

The Details: 5 to 15, regular or wide | Faux leather or faux suede upper, polyurethane sole

If comfort is your top priority, you’ll love the Naturalizer Gen N Flow Loafers. These shoes are designed for 24/7 wearability, with Contour+ technology for a premium fit and flexible, ultralight construction. Their lightness and slim profile also makes them a convenient choice for travel. Those with wider toes will particularly appreciate the roominess of the square toe box, while a padded collar helps to keep the loafers in place while preventing blisters when worn sock-free.

Other features include a metal-free, non-shank insole and a non-slip outsole with a flex bottom. The latter moves with you as you explore your destination, for a level of comfort that makes it easy to forget you’re wearing the shoes at all. They have a 0.75-inch heel and are made with sustainable materials and packaging. The only downside? They’re currently available in black metallic leather or suede only, which limits their versatility as a casual shoe.

The Details: 4.5 to 7 | Leather or suede upper

The Alegria by PG Lite Duette Loafers are accepted by the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA) and approved by everyone from those suffering with flat feet to nurses and flight attendants who have to stand for hours at a time. They’re made from flexible vegan leather with a lightweight, slip-resistant, and non-marking outsole. The latter has an exaggerated sport rocker for added propulsion and reduced pressure.

The cushioned footbed provides ample arch support and can be swapped for orthotic insoles if needed. We particularly love how the loafers conform to your feet, with elastic gores on either side that make them feel sock-like as you’re slipping them on and cloud-like when walking. A padded collar protects your heel from blisters. Whether you’re traveling for work or pleasure, there’s a pair to match with a wide variety of colors, patterns, and textures available from shiny black patent to colorful florals.

The Details: 5-5.5 to 13 | Vegan leather upper, polyurethane sole

Loafers often run narrow, which can make finding a comfortable fit tricky for those with wider feet. Enter the Vionic Uptown Penny Loafers, which come in both medium and wide widths as well as a full range of sizes from 5 to 13. They’re stylish and comfortable too, with a soft suede upper and a 1-inch platform sole. The latter is made from durable, eco-friendly recycled rubber with deep grooves for flexible movement and reliable traction.

The insole is cushioned, offering solid arch support. It’s also removable, allowing you to customize the level of support to your requirements. Looks-wise, we love the penny loafer vamp and the impressive choice of colors on offer. These range from smart, monotone black suede to versatile light gray or eye-catching red. All colors except black suede feature a contrasting sole for added style points.

The Details: 5 to 13, medium or wide | Leather or suede upper, recycled rubber sole

There’s very little not to love about The Loafers from Rothy’s, especially if you’re on the lookout for the ultimate lightweight summer travel shoe. They’re sustainably made in a zero-waste factory from the brand’s signature thread, which repurposes single-use plastic bottles. They’re breathable and made for all-day wear with a soft, flexible upper and seamless construction that makes them comfortable right out of the box.

The loafers score highly in terms of aesthetics, too. We love the high vamp and tapered toe, which makes the lack of adornment seem both intentional and elegant. Colors range from the classic (navy, ecru, solid black) to the show-stopping (bright pink dragon fruit with a tortoiseshell sole.) Perhaps our favorite feature is that the loafers are fully machine washable, so you can maintain that fresh look on the go and ditch the socks without worrying about odor.

The Details: 5 to 13 | Recycled plastic thread upper

If you’re headed to the coast this summer, the Sperry Seaport Penny Leather Loafer is a classic choice for all-day comfort and effortless style. It offers a traditional penny loafer silhouette and quality, hand-sewn moccasin construction. The soft leather upper is easy to pull on and flexible enough to allow for hours of comfortable wear with no breaking in period. The footbed is made from leather-lined memory foam for added cushioning and support.

As their name suggests, these loafers are yacht-ready with a flexible, non-marking rubber outsole that provides traction on wet decks. They also look just as good when worn around the resort or out to dinner, with colors ranging from goes-with-anything black or tan to more unusual, statement-making choices such as washed red or rose gold. Half sizes are available up to a 9.5.

The Details: 5 to 12 | Leather upper, rubber sole

Available with a faux leather, faux patent, crinkle patent, or microfiber upper, the menswear-inspired Franco Sarto Carolynn Tassel Loafer is one for the fashionistas. From the tasseled vamps to the 1.38-inch platforms with their pronounced lug soles (accentuated by a contrasting color stripe), these shoes are meant to make a statement. They’re ideal for urban getaways or luxury resort stays, although they may be less suited to more casual settings.

The loafers are as comfortable as they are attractive, with a soft interior lining, contoured padding at key pressure points, and ergonomic insoles for cushioned support. They fit as expected with plenty of options to suit most foot shapes and sizes including half sizes and two different widths. Colorways range from camel brown/black faux leather to putty white or burgundy faux patent.

The Details: 5 to 13, medium or wide | Faux leather, faux patent, crinkle patent, or microfiber upper

We love the Aldo Miska Loafers’ grownup take on the classic schoolgirl loafer. Sexy and sophisticated, the shoe boasts a 0.75-inch rubber platform with a 2-inch heel and an exaggerated lug that looks cool while simultaneously increasing traction. The loafers come in patent black or matte white bone, both with a silver metal bit ornament. Depending on how you style them, you could wear them for daytime sightseeing or nighttime bar hopping.

But there’s more to these loafers than their sleek looks. They’re also especially designed for comfort with Pillow Walk technology that combines dual density foam with insoles that have been thickly padded at the ball and heel. They absorb impact, increase rebound, and eliminate the break-in period for reliable comfort from day one. Those with wider or more sensitive toes will also appreciate the roomy, round toe box.

The Details: 5 to 10 | Synthetic upper, rubber sole

The Emilia Loafers from Dr. Scholl strike just the right balance between practical comfort and smart, office-ready style, making them your go-to shoe for business travel. We love the chic look of the faux suede upper, the tailored strap across the vamp, the softly pointed toe, and the 0.75-inch heel. A padded collar makes the shoes easy to slip on and off when you’re in a hurry for the next meeting and prevents them from rubbing at the heel.

Designed to move with you, the loafers are lightweight and flexible. They also include a padded insole for cushioning and arch support. The insoles are infused with anti-microbial technology meaning you can wear them all day, every day without worrying about odor. Finally, they score sustainability points with elements made from recycled bottles and come in a range of office-appropriate colors including black, taupe, and brown.

The Details: 6 to 11, medium or wide | Faux leather, ReFiber microfiber

If you’re looking for a splurge, the Prada Triangle Logo Patent Leather Loafers are well worth the investment in terms of quality, comfort, and aesthetics. Choose yours in shiny black, white, or ivory patent leather and revel in the contemporary cool of the shoes’ chunky design. Key elements include a round toe, a stitched apron seam, and a 2-inch monobloc rubber sole with a notched welt.

The brand’s iconic triangle logo is affixed prominently on the vamp strap to add extra style credentials to your look. The logo is made from enameled metal in the same shade as the rest of the shoe, so the designer branding is obvious without being obnoxious. Sizing should be fairly easy, with a full range of half sizes available.

The Details: 4 to 12 | Leather, rubber

Who says you can’t look cute in the rain? If your travels take you to destinations known for inclement weather, consider the Tory Burch Classic Rain Loafers. Made with a full rubber upper and a sturdy leather and rubber sole, they’re 100 percent waterproof for dry, comfortable feet come rain or shine. A polyester and spandex lining prevents uncomfortable rubbing and helps to wick away moisture.

Rubber construction aside, these loafers channel the same elegant, preppy style as any other classic loafer. They feature pronounced seam detailing on the round moc toe, a low stacked heel, and a raised logo on the vamp. Colors range from practical perfect black (perhaps the most versatile choice for those wishing to limit their packing list) to statement-making off-white or goldfinch (bright yellow).

The Details: 5 to 11 | Rubber upper, rubber and leather sole

If you like a suede loafer, you’ll love the Kurt Geiger London Eagle Driver Loafer. It comes in both leather and suede variants, with suede color choices including taupe, black, and blue. Whichever shade you go for, these shoes channel timeless elegance with a round moc toe, prominent stitching, and a crystal-studded brass eagle head affixed to the outside edge of the vamp strap.

They’re also more practical than their fashion-first aesthetic might suggest, with a raised rubber sole that’s segmented to provide superior flexibility when driving. It also provides a surprising amount of traction and moves with you as you navigate airport terminals or explore your destination on foot. The synthetic lining is comfortable with or without socks and stays in place well, with no slipping at the heel as you walk.

The Details: 6 to 10 | Leather or suede upper, rubber sole

We love the look of the Avenue Lux Loafers from Dr. Scholl’s with their uncomplicated, unadorned suede leather upper. There’s no bit, no strap — just a high vamp accentuated by cut-out slits on either side and a 1-inch stacked heel for shoes that are as elegant as they are simple. They’re also One Planet Standard-certified, with suede responsibly sourced from audited factories and linings and topcloths made from recycled plastic bottles.

The toe box and heel counter are also recycled. Meanwhile, the foam insole is partially crafted with bio-based materials and offers soft, lightweight cushioning, built-in arch support, and a molded heel cup for non-slip, all-day comfort. One tree is donated to Trees for the Future with every pair purchased, and loafers arrive in sustainable, recycled packaging. There are just two colors available: equally versatile black or brown.

The Details: 6 to 11 | Suede upper

With its double tassel, kiltie fringe, 1.12-inch platform sole, and iconic yellow welt stitch, the Adrian loafer has been a Doc Martens classic since the 1970s. It’s known for its durability, with a heat-sealed Goodyear welt and a ridged sole for superior traction on wet and dry surfaces. Although not the lightest option for those with limited packing space, it’s nevertheless a versatile travel shoe that can be dressed up or down for everything from work trips to city breaks.

The newest edition of this legendary loafer contains zero animal products, with a synthetic leather upper and man-made sole that adhere to even the strictest vegan lifestyle. Like most Doc Martens, they require a bit of breaking in so we suggest wearing them for at least a few outings before relying on them as your main travel shoe. Once molded to your feet, expect the kind of comfort that will last for years to come.

The Details: 5 to 12 (women), 6 to 14 (men) | Vegan leather upper, synthetic sole

Frequently Asked Questions

• Should I wear socks with loafers?

  There’s no right or wrong answer when it comes to whether you should wear socks with loafers. It’s entirely a matter of personal preference. However, style experts suggest that there are several practical benefits to wearing socks with loafers. These include increased comfort (socks create a layer in between your skin and the shoe, helping to prevent rubbing and potentially, blisters) and hygiene (your feet will sweat less and therefore create less odor).

  Socks also add a layer of warmth in winter and can add style points if you choose a pair that either complement or contrast strategically with the rest of your outfit. If you don’t like the look of socks but want to wear them for the practical reasons stated above, no-show socks are an option. There are some instances where you may prefer to go sock-free — for that bare-leg aesthetic or in warm weather. In this case, choose loafers with an antimicrobial lining or insole to help prevent sweating and keep odor at bay.

• Should you size up or down in loafers?

  Sizing differs from one brand to the next and as such there’s no hard and fast rule as to whether you should size up or down when choosing a pair of loafers. Generally the product description will advise if taking anything other than your regular size is recommended, especially if the brand does not offer half sizes. Loafers are meant to fit snugly, because any looseness will have them slipping at the heel. You should also bear in mind that many, especially those that are made of leather or suede, will become looser over time as the material becomes more supple.

  However, there’s a difference between snug and restrictive. The shoe shouldn’t put undue pressure on any part of your foot and you should be able to wiggle your toes inside the toe box. If the loafers are too tight, they will quickly become uncomfortable and potentially even damaging to your feet. One way to ensure the perfect fit is to try on the shoes in-store. Alternatively, check the return policy carefully when shopping online so that if you do end up with the wrong size, you can easily exchange the shoes for the correct fit.

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