Up until about six years ago, aside from holiday sandals, I never used to wear flat shoes. Instead, I’d teeter around in heels, whatever the occasion—be it a night out or a trip to the supermarket. I guess I had subscribed to the idea that working in the fashion industry meant practical things such as flat shoes weren’t part of the uniform. In my defence, flat shoes weren’t given the same treatment that they are today.
Then the tide turned. From Céline’s (when the brand still boasted its accent) Glove shoes to Gucci’s once-again-iconic Jordaan loafers, the humble flat was given the haute treatment by a host of brands. Now, you’ll find plentiful flat shoes that look just as pretty as heels, if not more so.
It’s official—flat shoes are cool, and I wear them around the clock. Not only are they more comfortable than any of the shoes I wore during my early 20s, but I also trip less. (Note: It’s imperative to pay attention when walking in five-inch stilettos and not get distracted looking at dogs.) And you know, I also feel much more stylish.
Ballet flats, loafers, Mary Janes, sandals, slingbacks—whatever your preferred flavour of flat footwear is, I’ve found the chicest pairs out there. Scroll below to see the best flat shoes on offer right now, from high-street, mid-range and luxury brands.
Marilyn wears a pair of Mary Jane flats from Massimo Dutti.
This modern take on the ballet flat has COS written all over it.
Somewhere between a pump and a derby shoe, these Arket flats are unlike anything I’ve seen.
The perfect spring blue.
According to reviews, these are tight-fitting, so it might be worth sizing up.
I bet you didn’t know you needed a pair of cow-print clogs until right now.
These remind me of The Row’s ballet flats, but for a fraction of the price.
For a high-street shoe, these look really premium.
Come summer, this is the kind of shoe you’ll live in.
Chunky loafers are here to stay.
This unique crochet design also comes in a fun rainbow colourway.
I am simply obsessed with these leopard print beauties.
Parisian influencer Lena tastefully clashes her cheetah-print Repetto pumps with a striped jumper.
Such a fun addition to an otherwise simple outfit.
Silver hardware is really on-trend for 2023.
Style these flower-bucked flats with blue jeans and a floaty cotton blouse.
Now to decide which Reformation dress to style with these ballerina pumps…
These look slipper-level comfortable.
A chicer alternative to flip-flops to bring on your next sunny getaway.
You could easily carry these nifty flats in your bag for footwear-related emergencies.
As classy as it gets.
This masculine silhouette will make every outfit infinitely cooler.
Carel is the brand to go to for high-quality Mary Janes.
Lizzy opts for a classic look, styling her Church’s loafers with jeans and a black tee.
You’ll get so much wear out of these timeless loafers.
Pretty in pink.
Valentino makes the best going-out shoes for when you’re just not in the mood to wear heels.
Gucci loafers are iconic for a reason.
I’d style these with sheer tights and a black mini dress.
As seen on Kendall Jenner.
I was sold the second I saw that pearl-embellished strap.
It’s worth investing in a hard-wearing pair of ballet flats—IMO, Chloé makes some of the best.
Proof that the simplest details can make the world of difference.
White footwear works great with all-neutral looks.
This post was originally published at an earlier time and has since been updated.
