Vogue’s Definitive Guide To The Best Loafers To Invest In Now
Whether worn with jeans or skirts, tailored trousers or dresses, the best loafers are those that transcend seasonal trends and pair well with just about anything in your wardrobe, all year round. Although brands like Miu Miu, with its ballerina-esque loafers with an elasticated backing, have firmly positioned loafers as a summer shoe, they have a back-to-school, wintry sensibility, which makes them a staple in autumn/winter collections, too. Basically, like ballet flats and retro suede trainers, loafers have become a perennial choice – the kind of shoe that will serve you from January until December.
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The spring/summer 2026 collections showcased the loafer to its full potential. At Dior, it was given an almost regal makeover, with a chisel-toe front, two-tone leather body and gold hardware, embossed with the maison’s new logo and crowned by a bow. Paired with a pocketed cargo skirt, cropped at the thigh and multi-layered, it proved a heritage shoe can still be a modern proposition. Miu Miu took a similarly refined approach, with a high-vamp loafer covering most of the foot; its mustard-brown leather making a change from black or chocolate.
Although other brands opted for a “bells and whistles” kind loafer – Loewe’s were primary-coloured, tasseled and, again, high-vamped for statement coverage – there is something to be said for minimalism and simplicity when it comes to loafers. Miu Miu’s sleek leather take, complete with a discreet brand logo, will no doubt usher in a desire for uncomplicated footwear that still has edge. On the whole, designers are generally steering towards an elevated aesthetic rooted in heritage, rather than anything too decorated or statement-making.
Gucci is the case study for how impactful loafers can be for the success of luxury houses – the horsebit loafer was introduced in 1953 after the son of the brand’s founder, Guccio Gucci, was inspired by the moccasin silhouettes that he noticed in New York. Although creative directors have taken the loafer in many directions, with towering platforms, prints and furry linings, Gucci’s Jordan shows that sometimes you just can’t beat a classic.
Probably the best feature about loafers, however, is the fact you can wear them with anything (literally, anything). At Loewe, tomato-red, square-toe loafers were styled with drawstring Bermudas and a collarless leather jacket. With the addition of shield-like sunglasses, the mood was sporty yet sleek. By contrast, at Celine, soft suede loafers were teamed with a turtleneck, cardigan, just-past-the-knee skirt and ribbed socks for a look that was as bookish as the Bodleian Library.
One final case-in-point for loafers? If you only have capacity for one pair of shoes on a city break, they’re a no-brainer. A scrunched-leather loafer, comfortable enough to withstand 20,000 steps, can be styled with flaring linen skirts, straight-leg jeans, cargos, capri pants and miniskirts, meaning you can forget the extra shoe bag and lean into a simpler way of life for 48 hours.
Best loafers for 2026:
Below, we bring you the best loafers to buy for 2026, from classic penny loafers to suede finishes to slipper-like driving shoes. While loafers are big business for the likes of Saint Laurent, Tod’s and Gucci, you can also find beautifully conceived versions on the high street, too. Our edit includes styles from the likes of M&S, Cos and Dune; perfect for those who want to spend under £150.
Penny loafers
Nothing beats the polish of a penny loafer. G.H. Bass’s Weejuns remain a street-style favourite, but the high street is filled with excellent alternatives. Whether you prefer glossy patent leather or a more classic, pared-back finish, this is the one loafer that will truly last a lifetime.
Designer loafers
From Gucci’s iconic horsebit to Tod’s butter-soft Gomminos, and classic leather styles from Saint Laurent or Valentino, look to the heritage houses for the most timeless takes. Expect premium materials, impeccable craftsmanship, and silhouettes that will never date.
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Suede loafers
A trend for the past few years, suede has moved from seasonal novelty to staple wardrobe texture. “Colour-wise, toffee, chestnut and neutral tones have been particularly popular, given the depth and richness that these shades can bring to a suede texture,” mused Vogue’s Alice Cary. Spread across a loafer silhouette, its warm, velvety finish will bring depth to your outfits all year round.
Best high-street loafers
The perfect pair need not cost a small fortune. High-street brands like Vagabond, Cos and Mango all feature sleek silhouettes in quality finishes and trend-led designs at accessible prices. Think of them as the ideal entry-point into your loafer wardrobe.
Boat shoes
The seafaring classic went from practical staple to high-fashion must-have when Miuccia Prada put boat shoes on Miu Miu’s spring/summer 2024 runway, recasting them for the dishevelled, modern-day prepster. And the momentum is set to be carried straight into 2026. When it comes to styling, you want to dial down the nautical connotations, and style them as you would a classic pair of loafers within your wardrobe.
Tassel loafers
From the sleek brown iterations courtesy of Proenza Schouler, to a minimalist version from Vagabond, this season’s tassel loafers will help you put a subtly-dressed foot forward. And if you do want to up the statement factor, adding an embellished sock into the equation, or a fine anklet when the weather allows, makes the perfect finishing touch.
Soft slip-on loafers
The past few years have marked a shift toward a softer, more fluid approach to loafers. As Alice Cary wrote previously: “Rid of the sharp-edged hallmarks of a traditional style, soft loafers – as their name suggests – take on a supple silhouette. With no ‘breaking-in’ period (and no emergency Compeed required), they’re the definition of slip-on-and-go ease, with some even incorporating a fold-down heel that allows for two-way wear”.
Embellished loafers
In the late 2010s, during Alessandro Michele’s Gucci era, embellished loafers were worn by every street styler. The classic horsebit was reimagined with pearls, metallic studs, eyelets, embroidery, and the renowned furry lining. For 2026, decorative loafers are back in force, with standout iterations from H&M, AllSaints and Roger Vivier topping our wishlists.
Platform loafers
Prada’s Monolith loafer, instantly recognisable by its lug sole, brushed leather, and enamelled triangle logo, set off a chunky-footwear frenzy in 2020. Today, platform loafers remain a favourite for those who prefer a little extra height, while still keeping things comfortably classic.
Ruched loafers
Continuing the soft-shoe renaissance, ruched loafers feature gathered detailing around the toe for a relaxed, tactile refresh. The trend spans both supple, slipper-inspired silhouettes and more structured, hard-soled styles, too.
Two-tone loafers
A throwback to Tinseltown dressing, two-tone loafers are a playful way to elevate the everyday shoe. Their resurgence on the spring/summer 2026 runways, including at Jonathan Anderson’s debut for Dior, ensures the trend will carry well into next season.
