I Easily Walked All Over Paris in These Podiatrist-approved Loafers — and They’re Comfier Than Sneakers

Whether I’m averaging 10,000 steps a day at home in New York City or exploring a new destination on foot, I pretty much live in sneakers. But as someone who enjoys dressing up, I’ve always longed for a pair of comfortable shoes that are just as practical but look more stylish. When stylish loafers started to rise in popularity a few years ago, I wondered if I’d finally found my solution for a cute but comfortable shoe.

I opted to try the Vionic Uptown Loafer since it’s a podiatrist-approved brand that’s meant to be comfortable for both walking and traveling. Still, I assumed this would just be a fashionable addition to my shoe rotation, reserved for office days and dinners with friends. However, since adding these versatile slides to my collection last winter, they’ve become one of my go-to walking shoes. I even walked three miles one day, or about 6,000 steps, around Paris in these loafers and my feet didn’t hurt at all. It’s no wonder Vionic shoes have landed on Oprah’s favorite things list for three consecutive years. 

Vionic Uptown Loafer

The Vionic Uptown Loafers have been comfortable from the day I took them out of the box. I easily slid my foot into the shoe without making any adjustments, which makes them a great option for anyone with a busy lifestyle. The footbed felt soft and flexible from the start, offering arch support with the brand’s special “Vio Motion” technology. I don’t have high arches, and the curved soles were noticeable to me at first, but over time, they’ve molded to fit my feet perfectly. The cushioning was also designed to absorb shock and put less pressure on your feet throughout the day, which is especially helpful if you’re trekking on the hard pavement like I am. 

However, what really sets the Uptown Loafers apart is their packability. As a carry-on packer, I’ve always appreciated a space-saving hack, and dare I say, I’ve never come across a shoe as well-designed for packing as these loafers. Most shoes have a firm outer, which takes up more space in your suitcase and can easily be dented if not packed correctly.

The Uptown Loafers feature an ultra-soft upper that can be pushed down until the shoe is flat. They’re also lightweight and bendable, making it easy to fit them into a tightly packed bag without damaging the shoe. My personal favorite way to pack them is with the soles back to back to ensure they don’t get dirt on any of my clothes. I then wedge them into whatever nook they fit into in my go-to Beis Carry-on Roller and am off to my destination. 

Vionic Uptown Loafer

I even brought these Uptown Loafers on my recent trip to Paris with limited packing space. Although this was the first trip I checked baggage for in years, half of my suitcase was taken up by cowboy boots and a heavy sequin dress since I was traveling for Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour. I made difficult decisions about what I could fit in my bag and these loafers still made the cut. 

Two days after the concert, when my feet were already tired from standing for about nine hours, I reached for the Vionic loafers. It was my last day in Paris and I was determined to make the most of it. I ended up skipping the metro to squeeze in a shopping day at local spots like Merci. After walking about three miles through the city, my feet didn’t hurt at all. The soft, flexible shoes actually allowed my feet to breathe, which was much needed after the concert. 

Since then, I’ve been so confident in my ability to walk all day in these loafers that I’ve started wearing them even more frequently. I just got back from a weekend girls' trip to Cape May, New Jersey where I wore these loafers on a heavy walking day when my friends opted for sneakers. This time, I walked over 16,000 steps, about five miles, in the loafers and my feet were still pain-free at the end of the day. 

Despite how frequently I wear these shoes, they are still in great condition — and they have only gotten more comfortable over time. At $130, this shoe is more of a splurge, but I’ve gotten more than my money’s worth when I consider cost per wear and the high quality.

I also appreciate that these loafers are on-trend and can dress up a more casual outfit to make me feel more put together, even when I’m just on a walking tour. They currently come in 25 colors (the full range is available on the Vionic website), including leather and suede styles. I opted for the cream leather and it’s such a versatile neutral to match with travel outfits. I’ve worn these loafers with everything from satin maxi dresses to mini skirts and sweaters. While they can be paired with no-show socks, I’ve been having fun finding different styles to wear them with. My current favorites are ruffle socks for a more feminine outfit or scrunch socks for a more cozy look. 

With a slip-on shoe, sizing is especially important to ensure your foot doesn’t wiggle around. These loafers are available in women’s sizes 5 to 13, including wide sizes. I ordered my usual size 6 and found them to fit true to size. If you are in between sizes, I would size down since leather and suede both tend to stretch over time. 

Vionic Uptown Loafer

The Uptown Loafers currently have over 3,700 five-star reviews on Vionic’s website, with shoppers praising their ability to combine a lightweight design with all-day support and comfort. “They did not give me any blisters as I usually get with new shoes,” said one reviewer. “I could walk all day with these, making them so comfortable and easy to put on.”

Shoppers also agree with me that these shoes are perfect for travel due to their ability to take up a small amount of space in a suitcase. “I have nearly every color and find them so easy to pack and wear,” said one reviewer. Another shopper who “walked all over the Amalfi coast and Rome” in these loafers said they were comfortable and provided great arch support. “These may be the best shoes I’ve ever owned,” said another reviewer who bought them on a European trip. “I easily put over 100 miles on these shoes during our trip. They look just as good as the day I opened the package, and most importantly they are still as comfortable. My feet never once hurt despite 9-10 mile days over all kinds of terrain.”

No matter where you choose to take your Vionic loafers, there are a few things you can know for sure: they will make packing a breeze and support you on your feet all day. Pair them with a fun travel outfit and you’ll be ready to get out there and explore. 

Still on the hunt for a pair of loafers that meet all of your needs? Keep reading for more shopper-loved options that combine style and comfort.

Shop More Comfortable Loafers for Travel:

Toms Cara Loafer

Cole Haan Women's Stassi Penny Loafer

Cvistpieo Lightweight Penny Loafers 

Birdies Starling Suede Flat

AiciBerllucci Women's Leather Loafer Image

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