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.
Lizzy wears a £50 pair of buckled flats from Mango.
I can see these selling out at lightning speed.
These Mary Jane flats will never go out of style.
Fashion people have a serious soft spot for clogs.
These remind me of The Row’s ballet flats, but for a fraction of the price.
Perfect twinkle toes.
The flat occasionwear shoes you’ve been searching for.
These look so much more expensive than they are.
I’m always impressed when I spot a high-street shoe that could pass for designer. Case in point.
The perfect lapis lazuli blue.
These also come in a sleek tan hue.
I am simply obsessed with these silk beauties.
Loafers are the ultimate transitional shoe.
Débora styles her mesh Dear Frances pumps for the city with a breezy white shirt and bermuda shorts.
A chicer alternative to flip-flops to bring on your next sunny getaway.
These would be such a fun addition to an otherwise simple outfit.
The benefit of Mary Janes is that the strap will stop your foot from slipping out.
The caged effect adds to the luxe feel of this pair.
Now to decide which Reformation dress to style with these ballerina pumps…
This ‘masculine’ silhouette will make every outfit infinitely cooler.
Carel is the brand to go to for high-quality Mary Janes.
A French style staple.
Silver hardware is really on-trend for 2023.
You could easily carry these nifty flats in your bag for footwear-related emergencies.
As classy as it gets.
Marilyn opts for a modern monochrome look, teaming her Chanel ballet flats with baggy jeans and a one-shoulder top.
You’ll get so much wear out of these timeless loafers.
Le Monde Beryl knows all about great flats.
These have already gone out of stock once, so don’t sleep on it.
Valentino makes the best going-out shoes for when you’re just not in the mood to wear heels.
As seen on countless celebs and influencers, including J-Lo and Elle Fanning.
It’s worth investing in a hard-wearing pair of sandals—IMO, Chloé makes some of the best.
White footwear works great with all-neutral looks.
I’m speechless at how beautiful these are.
I was sold the second I saw that pearl-embellished strap.
Gucci slip-ons are iconic for a reason.
Raffia isn’t reserved for handbags.
This post was originally published at an earlier time and has since been updated.
