Even for someone who loves to experiment with her shoes, some iconic styles will forever have a spot on my shoe rack. One such example: loafers. Slightly softer than black loafers, but just as versatile as their sleek counterparts, brown loafers are polished workhorses that serve you well year-round. If you don't already have your dream pair as part of your rotation, we've done some research to curate the best of the best for every budget.
Our editors have spent hours trying on loafers, and most of us have spent years of our lives wearing them everywhere, from the office to weekend errands. And whilst I'm quick to try a new shoe trend (looking at you, clogs and sneakers), loafers have a refreshing longevity to them.
In fact, they've been around for thousands of years, though the term loafer was coined in the 1930s. Since then, they've become a chic and reliable option regardless of style or gender, and I can't think of a single year when loafers were notably "dated." They're polished enough for nicer occasions but casual enough for your daily looks. Simply put: brown loafers are exceptionally easy to wear.
If you're ready to invest in a great pair, we've pulled editor favourites, iconic styles and budget-friendly options from the high street. Scroll on for the best brown loafers for women you'll wear for many years.
The Best Brown Loafers for Women
- Best High-Street Brown Loafers: Massimo Dutti Soft Leather Moc Toe Loafer, £120
- Best Designer Brown Loafers: Gucci Jordaan Loafer, £810
- Best Faux Croc Brown Loafers: H&M Loafers, £32.99
- Best Ruched Brown Loafers: Reformation Francine Ruched Loafer, £298
- Best Suede Brown Loafers: Saint Laurent Le Loafer, £935
Shop the Best Brown Loafers Under £150:
Style Notes: Loafers in a mock croc effect always look expensive; just ask the high-end designers like Christen and Khaite that this H&M style is referencing. This pair is no exception.
Sizes: UK 2–9
Material: 100% polyester.
Style Notes: It's hard to beat this pair of rounded-toe loafers that are genuine leather for just over £50.
Sizes: UK 2–9
Material: 100% leather
Style Notes: The ruched leather trim makes this high-street pair look designer.
Sizes: UK 2–9
Material: 100% leather.
Style Notes: Suede loafers have become a staple in well-edited wardrobes for years now. The devil is in the details with this pair, as you'll notice how the stitching and platform match the colours of the fabric.
Sizes: EU 40–45
Material: 100% leather
Shop the Best Brown Loafers Under £300:
Style Notes: The overstated square toe is so chic. This suede pair will make any outfit feel sophisticated.
Sizes: EU 36 to 42
Material: 100% leather
Style Notes: If you love gathered, these loafers will last you for many seasons to come. They're classic, but the glossy sheen gives them an edge.
Sizes: UK 2.5–9
Material: Exact composition not declared, but the brand says they're made from soft leather with a faux eel embossed effect.
Style Notes: If you like a classic loafer look, complete with an elongated front, square toe and low block heel, this pair was made for you.
Sizes: EU 35—42
Material: 100% leather.
Shop the Best Brown Loafers Under £500:
Style Notes: The chocolate brown is a great hue for cold-weather wear. These also come in five other colours, including charcoal, dark brown, black and a few suede options.
Sizes: EU 36–42
Material: 100% leather
Style Notes: Bordering between burgundy and brown, these loafers add shine to all your outfits. They're also available in nine other colours, like cream suede and black.
Sizes: UK 2–10
Material: Crinkled soft calf leather
Style Notes: Yes, penny loafers get their name from the coin-shaped slip in the leather strap. Now, designers are embedding this touch into their loafers. As the saying goes, find one and the rest of the day you'll have good luck...
Sizes: UK 2.5–9
Material: Leather
Style Notes: Though more of a moccasin shape, this style boasts all the hallmarks of an elegant flat shoe, from the pointed toe to the heel ruching. Plus, with Le Monde Béryl inspired by Venetian slippers, you'll know this pair will fit into any well-travelled wardrobe.
Sizes: EU 35 - 45
Material: Calf leather.
Shop the Best Brown Loafers Under £1000:
Style Notes: The monochrome finish on the side and the softened round toe make these loafers a cool choice if you, like me, are interested in shoes that intrigue.
Sizes: EU 35–42
Material: Not disclosed other to say made from black crocodile embossed patent leather.
Style Notes: It doesn't get more iconic than Gucci's Jordaan loafers, complete with horsebit hardware. This is one of our top editor-approved investments when it comes to footwear. They're timeless, comfortable and a forever staple.
Sizes: 34–42 IT
Material: Leather
Style Notes: I love the cool-toned brown shade of this pair, as well as the subtle logo hardware off to the side and the hand-stitched toe. They also come in a lighter cognac.
Sizes: UK 1–9
Material: Calfskin leather.
Style Notes: The backless design of these loafers gives them a snug fit, so you can wear them for hours comfortably. They're an instant shoe rack staple.
Sizes: UK 2 - 9
Material: Calfskin leather.
Are Loafers Trending in 2026?
Since emerging from the annals of private prep schools and corridors of Wall Street buildings, loafers have become a staple in well-edited wardrobes. Whether paired with polished jeans or unfussy trousers, they bring a refined and well-heeled edge to any ensemble. A constant fixture in designer collections from the likes of The Row and Saint Laurent, they've become synonymous with the off-duty wardrobes of tastemakers like Zoë Kravitz, Harry Styles and Hailey Bieber.
What Styles of Loafers are Trending in 2026?
Brown loafers are one of the biggest loafer trends of 2026. Offering a softer take on darker tones, this trend adds a grounded and refined contrast to classic black options. Elsewhere, suede continues to dominate. As do ruched styles. Heeled loafers are even making a comeback, courtesy of cultural moments like Kaia Gerber's appearance in The Shards and Saint Laurent.