Loafers and ballet flats are the two flat shoes most women in the UK reach for, and both are having a moment. Searches for ballet flats and penny loafers have climbed sharply over the past year. But they do different jobs, and the right one depends on how you spend your day.
The quick answer
- Choose loafers if you want a shoe that feels more structured, covers more of your foot and works with trousers, jeans and tailoring.
- Choose ballet flats if you want something lighter and more feminine that suits dresses, skirts and cropped trousers.
- Choose Mary Janes if you like the ballet-flat look but want a strap that holds the shoe on your foot.
Loafers: the smart all-rounder
A loafer covers the top of your foot, so it feels secure and looks polished. It's the easier choice for colder months and for workplaces with a smarter dress code.
- Penny loafers are the classic, with a strap across the top. See Penelope, or Pippa for a colour-block take.
- Chunky loafers have a thicker sole that adds a little height. See Harriet, which has a lug sole for extra grip, and Imogen.
- Moccasin-style loafers are softer and more relaxed, good for weekends. See Nora.
Wear them with: straight-leg or cropped jeans, tailored trousers, midi skirts with tights, and socks if you like the preppy look.
Ballet flats: light and easy
Ballet flats sit lower on the foot and feel lighter. They're the natural partner for dresses and skirts, and they fold into a bag more easily than a loafer.
- Round-toe flats are the classic shape. See Maisie, which adds a button strap.
- Knit flats feel soft and breathable. See Belle.
- Mary Janes add a strap across the foot for a more secure fit. See Clementine, a low-heel Mary Jane with a pearl strap.
Wear them with: midi and maxi dresses, cropped trousers, wide-leg jeans and summer skirts.
Which is better for the office?
For a traditional office, loafers usually win. They look more formal and pair naturally with trousers. Ballet flats work well in more relaxed workplaces, especially with dresses. If you commute on foot, a loafer with a thicker sole will usually feel more comfortable on long walks than a thin-soled flat.
Which is better for UK weather?
In autumn and winter, a loafer covers more of your foot and keeps out more of the cold and wet. Ballet flats come into their own from spring to early autumn. Suede-effect styles can mark in heavy rain, so a suede protector spray is worth using before you first wear them.
Getting the fit right
Flats have no laces or zips to adjust, so fit matters. Check the size guide before you order; if you're between sizes, it recommends going up to the larger size. Flats that slip at the heel are usually a size too big; flats that pinch at the toes are usually too small.
Shop flats and loafers
See every style in our women's flats & loafers collection. For a little height, browse heels.
Every order comes with free tracked UK delivery and no minimum spend (see delivery), and you can return within 30 days of delivery under our returns policy.