Marki Williams/NYT Wirecutter Marki Williams/NYT Wirecutter Marki Williams/NYT WirecutterTop pickIf you have trouble finding loafers that are comfy (or that even fit your feet), this chunky-yet-lightweight calfskin pair could be the answer. From a brand that carries a good variety of well-cushioned, size-inclusive shoes, these loafers come in women’s sizes from 3.5 to 13.5 (plus different widths).A few seasons ago, I began hunting for a good pair of loafers. The quest turned out to be trickier than I’d anticipated, mostly due to my foot size. I wear a women’s 11.5, and while that’s not exactly gargantuan (right?!?), it automatically sizes me out of most mainstream brands. My hunt finally ended with Margaux’s The Louisa Loafer.These cute lug-sole leather loafers come in a range of women’s sizes, from EU 33.5 to 44.5 (or US women’s 3.5 to 13.5), as well as narrow and wide options. They’re unexpectedly comfortable and lightweight, too. If you frequently struggle to find your size (or you just need a reliable source for comfy, well-made shoes), Margaux also makes a wide variety of other size-inclusive styles, such as The Demi Jane; these soft, flexible leather Mary Janes, which we also tested and recommend, come in over 10 colors.Margaux’s The Louisa Loafer (shown here in an EU size 38, or a US women’s 8) has a chunky lug sole but a relatively streamlined leather upper. Marki Williams/NYT WirecutterSome chunky loafers aren’t the most versatile, but The Louisa Loafer is subdued enough to play nice with a wide range of outfits. Marki Williams/NYT WirecutterMargaux’s The Louisa Loafer (shown here in an EU size 38, or a US women’s 8) has a chunky lug sole but a relatively streamlined leather upper. Marki Williams/NYT WirecutterThey’re way lighter (and comfier) than they look. Of all the shoes we recommend in this guide — other loafers included — this pair is the chunkiest and most substantial. Despite the heavy-looking lug sole, The Louisa Loafer is incredibly lightweight. Like other styles from Margaux, these shoes have a leather-lined insole that features 5 mm of foam padding. Though 5 mm may not sound like much, it makes a world of difference, especially when you’re wearing the shoes for longer periods. (Margaux’s website is loaded with customer reviews praising the brand’s comfort.)I had zero trouble breaking in these loafers. Yet my best friend — a fellow bigfoot who bought them on my recommendation — told me hers chafe against the backs of her heels, even after owning them for several months.The calfskin leather has an abrasivato (“abraded”) finish: It’s been buffed to a high (but not patent-level) shine. Marki Williams/NYT WirecutterThe lug soles look like they’d be heavy, but they’re surprisingly lightweight — they almost feel hollow. Marki Williams/NYT WirecutterThe calfskin leather has an abrasivato (“abraded”) finish: It’s been buffed to a high (but not patent-level) shine. Marki Williams/NYT WirecutterThese loafers aren’t patent leather … but they sure are shiny. The Louisa Loafer is handmade in Spain from calfskin leather, with an abrasivato (Italian for “abraded”) finish. I’ve found this leather to be impressively durable and hard-wearing; I’ve been wearing my black Louisa loafers regularly since January 2025, and there’s not a scuff or imperfection to be found on their smooth surface.In contrast to natural, full-grain leather — like that of our Jamie Haller Penny Loafer pick — abrasivato has been sanded and buffed to give it a uniform, high-shine finish. My black pair isn’t off-the-charts, mirror-level shiny. However, another tester did object to the finish, complaining that it made the shoes look cheap, which they aren’t. Marki Williams/NYT WirecutterMargaux’s The Demi Jane (shown here in an EU size 43, or US women’s 12) has a slender, adjustable top strap and — like other styles from the brand — a squishy layer of padding in the insole. Marki Williams/NYT Wirecutter Marki Williams/NYT WirecutterTop pickLike our Margaux loafer pick, these Mary Janes are super comfy, with a cushioned insole that contains 5 mm of foam padding. They come in a range of different colors and materials, and women’s sizes from 3.5 to 14 (plus wide and narrow options).Margaux makes lots of comfy flats in extended sizes — including a terrific Mary Jane. In addition to The Louisa Loafer, we tried Margaux’s The Demi Jane, a flexible, well-cushioned Mary Jane that’s handmade in Spain. We tested it in woven leather, but this style also comes in other materials like napa leather, suede, and mesh. Margaux performed strongly in our guide to the best sandals, too: Last summer, The Flat Sandal got me through several sweaty, humid events blessedly blister-free.Note: On more than one occasion, I’ve been unsure which size to go with in a Margaux shoe. And I’ve received excellent customer service — and even sale discounts — via the brand’s text line.Flaws but not dealbreakersMargaux’s shoes tend to go in and out of stock (especially in less-common sizes), so you may have to wait for your order to be fulfilled.Key specsSizes: The Louisa Loafer: EU 33.5 to 44.5 (equivalent to US women’s 3.5 to 13.5); The Demi Jane: EU 33.5 to 45 (US women’s 3.5 to 14)Sizing notes: These shoes are true to size; if you’re between sizes, Margaux recommends sizing down.Material: The Louisa Loafer: calfskin upper and lining, rubber lug sole; The Demi Jane: upper varies by style, leather soleColors: multiple core colors, plus some seasonal ones
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