9 Sustainable Women’s Loafers For Winter 2023

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We don’t know about you, but we haven’t worn heels in over two years—aka since the start of working from home. Some of us would like to keep it that way!
If you’re like us, you’ll love a good pair of loafers instead. Women’s loafers combine comfort and class, perfect for transitioning from Zoom to the office in no time. We especially love the timelessness of a good whiskey brown women’s loafer— is there anything more classic?
From vegan loafers to penny loafers, these nine brands below have them all. (We’ve particularly rounded up the best brown loafers for women from the lot!) And for leather women’s loafers, these brands have almost all been certified by the Leather Working Group.If you’re not quite ready to move to loafers yet, check out our slippers and house shoes guides.
1. M.Gemi
Ethics | Responsibly made in Italy, artisan-made, traditional techniques Sizes | 35–43 (US 5–12) Price Range | $228–$248
M.Gemi works with Italian artisans to create timeless, elegant shoes—including loafers (otherwise known as drivers). While the price on these is steeper than others, each pair is handmade with traditional techniques. And we love the range; some are backless slip-ons while others are lined with shearling to keep you warm all season long. And the color options are excellent, too.
Shop M.Gemi
2. Nisolo
Ethics | Certified B Corp, climate-neutral, responsibly made in Peru, fair wages, Leather Working Group certified leathers Sizes | 5–11 Price Range | $160
Nisolo is a certified B Corp with more unique takes on loafers, including chukkas, oxfords, and d’Orsays. Committed to both doing and looking good, Nisolo offers 100 percent living wages to its employees while also negating any carbon emissions. These gorgeous handmade shoes are built to last, and will only get better with time.
Shop Nisolo
3. Sézane
Ethics | Responsibly sourced leather & eco-friendly materials, fairly made in Portugal, recycled packaging, solar powered workshops, gives back Sizes | 35–42 (US 5–11) Price Range | $215–$225
For beautiful loafers you can wear in the bedroom or the boardroom, Sézane’s loafers are it. Inspired by Parisian style, these loafers are both chic and conscious. The leather is vegetable-tanned, and each pair is responsibly crafted in Portugal. Sézane’s sustainable too, incorporating more than 75 percent natural materials in its supply chain and using renewable energy at its workshops. Find even more options if you search ‘loafers’ on the Sézane site!
Shop Sézane
4. Vivaia
Ethics | Recycled materials & packaging, carbon-free rubber, low waste, ethically made in China Sizes | 35–42 (US 5–11) Price Range | $89–$109
Vivaia is a newer brand entering the sustainable fashion scene, and we’re into it. Using recycled plastic and 3D technology, the loafers here look straight out of a video game (in the best way!). We love the pixelated looks, affordable price point, and eco-friendly packaging! Plus, the pumps give a little height if you are ready to don heels again.
Shop Vivaia
5. ALOHAS
Ethics | Responsibly made in Spain, made in small batches, carbon offsetting options, Leather Working Group certified suppliers, responsibly sourced & sustainable materials Sizes | 35–44 (US 5–13.5) Price Range | $90–$250
ALOHAS loafers are both fashionable and nostalgic (at least from the ‘90s!). Fairly made in Spain with thoughtfully sourced materials, we’re big fans of these styles that are perfect for work or play! Like all ALOHAS shoes, the chunky loafers are available in small batches to meet demand without adding waste, and pre-orders come with sizable discounts of up to 30 percent off.
Shop ALOHAS
6. ABLE
Ethics | Responsibly made, fair wages, upcycled & Leather Working Group certified leather, eco-friendly practices Sizes | 6–11 Price Range | $95–$110
ABLE loafers come with a (*chef’s kiss*) square toe—a sleek design choice we’ve rarely seen elsewhere. All four loafers are also responsibly made, offering employment to women around the world who are paid fair wages. Even the leather is thoughtfully sourced, as byproducts of the leather industry.
Shop ABLE
7. Vagabond
Ethics | Leather Working Group certified tanneries & responsibly sourced leather, GOTS certified materials, recycling program, responsible production, gives back Sizes | 35–42 (US 5–12) Price Range | $130–$200
Sweden-based Vagabond aims to “take a modern approach to a wardrobe staple.” With over two dozen choices, take your pick from white platforms, crocodile patterns, or penny loafers—whatever your style. And when you’re done wearing them, you can bring them into a Vagabond store to be recycled via the Shoe Bring Back initiative. What’s old will be made new once again.
Shop Vagabond
8. Beklina
Ethics | Responsibly made in Peru, sustainable materials Sizes | 5–11 Price Range | $270–$320
Loafer mules? Mule loafers? However you see it, we love Beklina’s slip-on penny loafers. Available in gorgeously rich colors (off-white, cocoa, and persimmon—yum!), these will effortlessly add a bit of oomph to any outfit. Designed with a leather stacked heel and treads, they’re also comfortable and durable enough for any walk. All are fairly produced in Peru.
Shop Beklina
9. Will’s Vegan Store
Ethics | Recycled & sustainable materials, vegan, carbon-neutral, recyclable packaging, ethically made in Portugal, recycling program Sizes | 35–42 (US 5–10) Price Range | $61–$191
Will’s Vegan Store has loafer options for everyone—and they won’t break the bank either! This UK-based brand is certified carbon-neutral, uses plastic-free packaging, and employs workers’ protections to ensure fair labor. The loafers are made with OEKO-TEX certified materials and recycled rubber so it’s 100 percent cruelty-free. And when you’re ready, Will’s accepts your shoes to recycle, too.
Shop Will’s Vegan Store
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Featured image from Sézane