The best loafers for women in 2026 are the ones you will actually wear on a full day: a soft upper, a cushioned footbed, a lining that does not rub, and a shape that works with trousers, denim and a midi skirt. Texture is the trend. Velvet and snake print are doing what plain black leather used to do, and they make a simple outfit look chosen.
This is a buying guide, not a styling guide. It covers what to look for in a loafer, then the two we make and who each one suits. If you already own a pair and want outfit ideas, read how to style women's loafers.
What to look for in a good loafer
1. The upper material
The upper sets the look and the break in time. Smooth leather is the classic. Velvet is softer on the foot and catches the light, so it dresses up without trying. A snake print patent apron on top of velvet adds a second texture, which is why a loafer like this still looks deliberate with plain clothes.
2. The footbed
A loafer has no straps or laces to hold your foot, so the footbed does the work. Memory foam gives cushioning from the first wear. If a loafer feels hard in the shop, it will feel worse after a day of walking.
3. The lining
Shoe bite almost always starts at the heel and the sides. A soft fabric lining takes away most of it, and it means you do not spend two weeks breaking the shoes in.
4. The sole
A chunky lug sole gives a loafer weight at the bottom and grip on city pavements. It also keeps a loafer looking current instead of dated.
5. The fit
A loafer should hold your heel without slipping and leave your toes room to sit flat. Fit is the main reason people return loafers, so read how loafers should fit before you pick a size.
Our two loafers for 2026
Both are designed in Australia and share the same build: memory foam insole, soft fabric inner lining, velvet upper, snake patent apron and a chunky lug sole. They differ in colour and mood. Both are A$259, with free shipping across Australia.
Serpentine: the everyday one
Serpentine is rich brown velvet with a snake patent apron. Brown reads as a neutral, so it goes with cream, navy, grey, olive and denim without effort. Choose it if you want one pair of loafers that covers the office, weekends and dinner. It is the safer of the two, and it still has more character than black leather.
Venome: the statement one
Venome is deep burgundy velvet with the same snake patent apron. It works as a colour accent against grey, white, black and denim, so it can carry an outfit that is otherwise plain. Choose it if you already have a neutral pair and want the loafer to be the focus.
Which one should you choose?
- One pair for everything: Serpentine.
- You wear mostly black, grey and white: Venome adds the colour.
- You already own brown or black leather loafers: Venome, for contrast.
- You are between sizes or unsure of fit: read the fit guide first, then order. Returns are free within 30 days.
Frequently asked questions
Are velvet loafers comfortable for all day wear?
Velvet is soft against the foot, and comfort mostly comes from the footbed and lining. Both our loafers have a memory foam insole and a soft fabric lining.
Are loafers still in style in 2026?
Yes. Loafers have stayed in rotation for years, and the current shift is toward texture, so velvet, snake print and patent details sit alongside classic leather.
What do you wear with burgundy or brown velvet loafers?
Straight or wide leg trousers, straight leg denim and midi skirts all work. Our loafer styling guide covers hem lengths and outfits in detail.
Where can I see all our loafers?
Both styles are on the women's loafers collection, and the full range is in the collection.