The Best Penny Loafers for Women (2023)

Best Penny Loafer Brands

Best Classic Penny Loafer: Sebago
Most Affordable Penny Loafers: Walmart
Best Slip On Penny Loafer: Freda Salvador
Best Classic Penny Loafer: Ralph Lauren
Best Brogue Penny Loafer: Talbots
Best Chunky Penny Loafer: Madewell
Best Contrast Stitched Penny Loafer: Aquatalia
Most Comfortable Penny Loafer: Sperry
Best Sherpa Penny Loafer: Talbots

Penny Loafers for Women

Did you know penny loafers were originally Norwegian?

The original penny loafer was designed by Norwegian Nils Tveranger in the early 1900s, after he visited America. He re-designed the traditional laceless teser shoe that Norwegian fishermen wore by incorporating elements from the moccasins worn by Iroquois Native Americans.

Wealthy European and American foreigners visited Norway for salmon fishing and mountaineering, loved the shoe, and brought it all over the world!

Penny loafers didn’t really take off though, until students started wearing them in the 1940s to 1960s. Always late for class and in a rush, Ivy League prepsters loved the easy slip-on design and affordable price point.

They say classics never go out of style, and penny loafers are an American icon.

To put your own spin on the shoe, keep reading for our favorite penny loafers in every style and price point!

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Best Penny Loafers (2023)

Best Classic Penny Loafer: Sebago

Sebago makes some classic penny loafers.

These are made from all leather and have cute tassels. They’re a rounded toe and would look so cute with white socks and a mini skirt.

Sebago Loafers

Sold on Zappos, Nordstrom & Amazon

Check the latest reviews and see all color options here

Most Affordable Penny Loafer:

I love the look of two tone loafers and these are such a cute, affordable option if you want to try out the look without breaking the bank!

These come in a classic black and white and are super soft and pliable!

Black and White Penny Loafers

Sold on Walmart

Check the latest reviews and see all color options here

Best Slip On Penny Loafer: Freda Salvador

For something slightly edgy, try these penny loafers with cut outs on the side.

The fun black and white print gives them a Michael Jackson vibe and I love the croc embossed detail on the shoes too!

Freda Salvador Loafers

Sold on Zappos & Amazon

Check the latest reviews and see all color options here

Best Classic Penny Loafer: Ralph Lauren

I love a statement shoe.

These red Ralph Lauren penny loafers are classic with a pop of color. They’re made from soft, breathable leather, are slightly padded in the insoles and have just a touch of gold branding on the outside heel.

Ralph Lauren Loafers

Sold on Zappos & Amazon

Check the latest reviews and see all color options here

Best Brogue Penny Loafer: Talbots

These loafers are a fun cross between a classic loafer and a brogue.

I like the fun tassel, court shoe silhouette and contrast sole! They also come in a couple other colors.

Brogue Penny Loafers

Sold on Talbots

Check the latest reviews and see all color options here

Best Chunky Penny Loafer: Madewell

I’ve waxed poetic about these Madewell loafers in several posts, like my Chunky Loafer guide and Brown loafer article because they’re so cute!

They combine a bit of everything – a chunky sole, a penny loafer style and a classic look – so they look on trend and timeless at the same time.

Madewell Loafer

Sold on Zappos, Madewell & Amazon

Check the latest reviews and see all color options here

Best Contrast Stitched Penny Loafer: Aquatalia

These Aquatalia loafers are super fun.

They’re made from all leather but waterproofed to keep you dry even in rain or snow. I like the classic loafer silhouette and the contrast white stitches. It’s got a fun square toe and chunky heel too!

Aquatalia Loafers

Sold on Zappos, Nordstrom, Bloomingdales, Neiman Marcus & Amazon

Check the latest reviews and see all color options here

Most Comfortable Penny Loafer: Sperry

Sperry’s always been synonymous with boat shoes and loafers to me.

The classic American brand makes these cushioned penny loafers in leather, suede and tons of colors. They’re extra supportive in the insoles and super breathable – great to wear all year round!