These Sleek Penny Loafers Are the Classic Footwear Staples Your Closet Needs

For a classic slim penny loafer, try Loeffler Randall’s sturdy pair in shiny black Italian leather. With a round toe and a padded leather footbed, they’re as sleek as they are supportive—and they’ll never go out of style.

Sizes: 5-11

Colors: Black, Espresso Leather, Espresso Woven, Natural

Materials: Leather

Customer review: “It’s a beautiful shoe and when I wore [the woven version], I was told ‘it’s giving Bottega.’ They are not soft leather, so that’s one thing to keep in mind if you have wider [feet] or feet prone to swelling.”

These pastel penny loafers will sweeten up any outfit, and they come with Bared Footwear’s “fit kit” for custom tailoring. “If you have a wider foot, remove our standard footbed and replace it with the thinner option to give you more volume in the shoe,” says Baird. “For narrower feet, place the forefoot pads under the footbed to reduce the volume in the shoe and allow for a snugger fit.” The shoe can accommodate custom orthotics, too.

Sizes: 4-12

Colors: Pink, Black

Materials: Leather

Customer review: “I love my Piha Loafers. Comfortable from the moment I started wearing them. They provide great support for my poor sore feet and look great at the same time. A very good quality.”

You’d be hard-pressed to find an outfit that doesn’t work with these Saint Laurent penny loafers. The ivory style is as practical as it is sophisticated, with subtle ruching along the front and that unmistakable gold logo right next to the penny slot. They also come in smooth leather.

Sizes: 4-12

Colors: Ivory, Black, Burnt Brown, Black Smooth Leather, Pearl Smooth Leather

Materials: Leather

In the mood for metallics? In this eye-catching silvery shade, Free People’s crackled leather penny loafers demand attention—and rightfully so. Should you be feeling even bolder, they’re also quite fun in shimmery pink.

Sizes: 6-11

Colors: Pale Pewter, Bronze Age Metallic, Pink, Black

Materials: Leather

Customer review: “Cutest shoes ever! I was looking for a pair of loafers that had a little modern twist. And these fit the bill perfectly. They are 9/10 comfort [and] a 10 out of 10 cuteness.”

Veronica Beard’s menswear-inspired penny loafers are an easy choice—and quite luxe, at that. Made from ultra-soft suede, the strap is accented with a gold coin logo that nods to the style’s urban-legend purpose of holding small change.

Sizes: 5-13

Colors: Sand, Espresso, Eclipse, Black, Hazelwood

Materials: Suede

Customer review: “Comfortable suede loafer that molds to your foot quickly. Simple design (which I wanted) and the sand is a neutral that goes with just about everything.”

These sharp, gold-trimmed loafers are the latest offering from FRANKIE4. Featuring the podiatrist-founded brand’s signature triple-layer support and cushion system, they’re (blissfully) designed to prevent and alleviate foot pain. There’s also a non-gilded standard version of the shoe that’s just as comfy.

Sizes: 6-13

Colors: Black

Materials: Leather

Customer review: “Super comfy right from the get-go. I went to try and wear them around the house and found there was no need. My first wear, I walked about 3km to a venue and was up and down all evening. Not one blister! They are super stylish too. Very happy with my purchase.”

Despite the fact that they are very much, in fact, loafers, these Jamie Haller shoes provide the comfort of your favorite ballet flats (for this reason, ELLE’s senior fashion commerce editor, Dale Arden Chong, is a huge fan of the brand). Although they’re available in everything from embossed croc to patent leather, the designer’s signature penny loafers are more wearable than ever in this buttery-soft suede.

Sizes: 5-11

Colors: Taupe, Cafe, Clove, Walnut

Materials: Suede

A slim penny loafer with an elastic back and a heel tab? Sign us up. This embossed leather style from 3.1 Phillip Lim offers a more contemporary (and stretchy) take on the traditional structured style. It just doesn’t get any cooler.

Sizes: 5-11

Colors: Embossed Black, Black, Chalk

Materials: Leather

This color-blocked pair from Rag & Bone is all about contrast. They just look smart, and with dual-density antimicrobial foam insoles, they’ll provide all-day comfort while significantly jazzing up any ensemble.

Sizes: 5-11

Colors: Black/White, Black, Antique White, Brown Suede

Materials: Leather

A hybrid between a soft ballet flat and a penny loafer, Miu Miu’s slim leather slip-ons are certainly unique. And, because the square-toed style strikes just the right balance between business and casual, you’ll certainly be wearing them on repeat.

Sizes: 4-12

Colors: Radica, Bianco, Black, Rubino

Materials: Leather

If you don’t want to put your heels through any break-in period whatsoever, these Cole Haan mules are your answer. With a classic penny loafer look in front, the effortless slides bring the party in the back. Plus, they’ll easily work with hemlines of any length.

Sizes: 5-11

Colors: Black, Pecan

Materials: Leather

Customer review: “I love my mules; they’re stylish, so I can pair them with anything. They provided the comfort that I needed while away on a business trip and I received a lot of compliments about them. Most were shocked that I purchased them off of Amazon due to the name brand. They do run true to size, so no need to size up. I’m definitely buying a second pair!”

With plush foam padding, an extensive size range, and the choice of narrow, medium, and wide widths, Margaux’s penny loafer will suit any foot. The pointed toe makes this stylish shoe one of the slimmest options you’ll find, and with unlined flexible fabric, it fits like a glove. ELLE’s senior fashion commerce editor Dale Arden Chong is a noted fan of the brand's ultra-comfortable designs.

Sizes: 3.5-14

Colors: Leopard Haircalf, Garnet Suede, Caramel Suede, Chocolate Suede, Black Suede

Materials: Italian haircalf

Customer review: “I’m picky about leopard print and picky about loafers … too much contrast, too little contrast, too matronly, too clubby. These are perfect in every way — I was a little nervous at how tight they were when I first put them on, but they conform to your foot quickly without stretching out. Also, I love that the top isn’t too high, but you can still wear no-show socks without any visible sock line (or for the Gen Zers, they look great with sheer black ankle socks, too). Maybe my favorite pair I’ve gotten from Margaux, and there’s some major competition.”

Looking for a penny loafer that toes the line between slim and chunky? Paige has you covered with this subtle yet supportive take on the popular lug-sole style. This one would look as great with jeans and a tee as it would with a dress and some frilly socks.

Sizes: 5-11

Colors: Black Patent, Bone, Chocolate

Materials: Leather

Take one look at Freda Salvador’s penny loafer and you’ll notice the outstanding craftsmanship, from its croc-embossed leather and funky flared heel to the gold coin accent peeking out from beneath its strap. The design is notably great for those with wider feet, but if you’re on the narrower side, you can still get in on the stylish action—reviews just suggest sizing down for a snug fit.

Sizes: 5-11

Colors: 9 options

Materials: Leather

Customer review: “These are beautiful, well crafted loafers, leather throughout, including soles. They run just a touch large, but because I have wide feet, the fit was perfect for me. I actually tried a golden goose pair first and decided to buy these instead, both for the looks and the comfort.”

Scroll through the reviews of M.Gemi’s penny loafer, and you just might be convinced to order the shoe in multiple colors before you ever try it on. Lauded for comfort and style, the design is lightweight and flexible (it’s crafted from naplak leather, a softer alternative to patent). Best of all, it features rubber inserts on the sole that provide impressive traction.

Sizes: 5-10

Colors: 11 options

Materials: Italian naplak leather

Customer review: “This is my current favorite shoe. These are so comfortable- like wearing tennis shoes, but much more of a polished look. They are comfortable enough for all-day casual walking. I have 3 pairs now. The older pairs, over a year old, still look new.”