9 Of The Best Flats For Women To Travel, Work And Walk Anywhere In (2024)

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Nicole Kliest

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As chic as a shoe might look, there’s no point in wearing it if it’s uncomfortable. The reality is most of us need a pair that’s versatile enough to handle a commute, a co*cktail party or the cobblestone streets of a city while traveling and living life on the go. Teetering on high heels doesn’t cut it in these situations. Shoe designers seem to agree; in the last few years, the most popular styles for women tend to sit low to the ground, whether you prefer chunky, sporty sandals; classic Birkenstocks in a fun print; or sleek ballerinas.

The best flats for women won’t slow you down a bit, as you move from day to night, and can be easily mixed and matched with your existing wardrobe, all while keeping your feet supremely comfortable and chic. Ahead, we researched dozens of options on the market to find the perfect pairs to wear this summer and all year long.

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Best Flats For Women Overall

Rothy’s The Flat

MOST POPULAR

Rothy’s The Flat

Few shoe brands have garnered a cult following quite like Rothy’s and the brand’s V-cut ballet flat is beloved and top-rated for comfort. Plus, it’s washable and knit from plastic bottles so you can feel good about your purchase. This pick comes in 14 different core colors as well as limited-edition shades, all of which look great with blue jeans or a dress.

Best Travel-Friendly Flats

Everlane The Italian Leather Day Glove

Everlane The Italian Leather Day Glove

For the traveler in search of a stylish shoe that packs easily, Everlane’s pair of buttery Italian leather flats are top-rated with more than 6,000 reviews. Design features like a back pull tab, side vents, a rubber outsole and a cushioned insole make them great to wear these for hours and they come in a range of neutral colors.

Best Ballet Flats

Margaux The Demi

Margaux The Demi

Handmade in Spain with Italian leather, Margaux’s bestselling flats have a supportive sole and a cushy five millimeters of foam padding. The sleek flats also have an adjustable cord bow—so you can make them fit tighter or looser—and you can add a monogram or a floral print for a personalized touch.

Best Lace-Up Flats

Reformation Solange Lace Up Flat

Reformation Solange Lace Up Flat

Great with formal and wedding-guest dresses, these Reformation lace-up flats add polish while still keeping you comfortable so you can stand on your feet for hours. For everyday, the streamlined silhouette pairs well with skirts and ankle-cropped jeans and unique details like the ruching add an unexpected element of eye-catching interest.

Best Flats For Women With Wide Feet

Nisolo Woven Leather Sandals

Nisolo Women's Huarache Sandal

Those with wide feet know that a footwear’s fabric plays a big part in the overall comfort level of the shoe. These top-rated, sustainably-made handwoven flats from Nashville-based Nisolo offer flexibility for the foot to move around and not feel overly constricted. Plus, the leather will stretch over time, molding to the shape of the foot.

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Best Flats For Work

Flattered Polly Flats

Flattered Polly Flats

Toeing the line between classic and contemporary, these unique flats are designed with a rounded toe like a ballet slipper but with an exaggerated bow to give them a statement finish. The cognac color would work just as well with a floral summer dress as it would with plaid trousers for autumn. In other words, these flats are a year-round staple.

Best Affordable Flats

Toms Alpargata Heritage Canvas

Toms Alpargata Heritage Canvas

Toms’s alpargata canvas flats are a classic that never go out of style. They’re made from recycled cotton and jute, with durable rubber sole, and shape that contours to your feet over time, which makes them comfortable for all-day wear in any weather. If you’rein between sizes, size down since they will stretch slightly.

Best Designer Flats

Loeffler Randall Leonie Camel Ballet Flat

Loeffler Randall Leonie Camel Ballet Flat

One of the best takes on translating the true ballet flat to ready-to-wear that we’ve seen in years, this Italian leather beauty features an elastic bridge strap and bow detail for an authentic finish. Loeffler Randall founder Jessie Randall modeled the design after the shoes she wore in ballet class as a child and they come in a range of classic colors and materials, including suede and velvet.

Best Loafer Flats

G.H. Bass Whitney Weejuns Penny Loafers

G.H. Bass & Co. Whitney Weejuns Penny Loafers

One of Bass’s most iconic shoes, these penny loafers are sleek and elegant whether paired with skirts or jeans. They’re made of high-quality leather, hand-sewn and rolled on the sides, with traditional moccasin details. In addition to black, these loafers also come in mahogany brown and color-blocked black and white.

What To Consider When Looking For The Best Flats For Women

  • Material: Most flats are crafted from leather, which means that over time your shoes will slightly stretch and mold to your feet. If you’ve investing in a pair of leather flats, remember to spot clean when needed. Other durable, comfortable materials include canvas and even fabrics made from recycled water bottles.
  • Toe Shape: The silhouette of your shoe—rounded, pointed, or square— informs the overall aesthetic of your outfit. For a classic look, rounded-toe flats are timeless and never go fully out of style. If you want something slightly more polished or appropriate for a formal occasion, pointed toes make more of a statement and are your best bet. Lastly, if you want an on-trend look, square toes are undoubtedly having a moment.
  • Occasion: Where you plan to wear your flats should inform the type you slip into. “​​When going to work, I always opt for a loafer that I can wear with or without socks and still feel comfortable all day,” Madewell SVP of Design Joyce Lee shares. For formal events, she goes with a pop of color or a touch of shine. “And when traveling, I usually wear a mule or simple flat sandal that can be worn with anything.”
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9 Of The Best Flats For Women To Travel, Work And Walk Anywhere In (2024)

FAQs

9 Of The Best Flats For Women To Travel, Work And Walk Anywhere In? ›

"I think it's important to invest in a black almond-toe ballerina flat or a simple black loafer of any kind as it can be worn every day," she says. Color: You'll also want to think about color. Neutral hues are generally ideal for work shoes, as they're more versatile and can be worn year-round with various ensembles.

What flats to wear to work? ›

"I think it's important to invest in a black almond-toe ballerina flat or a simple black loafer of any kind as it can be worn every day," she says. Color: You'll also want to think about color. Neutral hues are generally ideal for work shoes, as they're more versatile and can be worn year-round with various ensembles.

Are flat shoes good for walking? ›

Shoes with a flat sole often lack arch support and proper cushioning. If you wear them for long periods, it can cause arch pain and fatigue, plantar fasciitis, heel pain, tendonitis, and other problems. The effects of wearing high heels versus flat shoes are related to the position of the foot.

What is the best alternative to ballet flats? ›

A very low heel or wedge is actually more supportive and comfortable than a true flat, and it's also more appropriate for an office setting. Wear such a shoe as you would with flats, low heels and wedges look great with all lengths and styles of pants and skirts.

Are flats appropriate for work? ›

Depending on your outfit and the dress code of your office, you'll want to pick out flats with the appropriate toe style. For companies that require a business professional dress code, opt for work flats that have pointed toes.

Are flats good for standing all day? ›

Flats are a type of shoe that has a flat sole and does not have a high heel. They are generally considered to be more comfortable than high heels and can be more practical for jobs that require a lot of standing or walking.

Are flats better for your feet? ›

Flat shoes often lack these curvatures, which means they don't provide adequate arch support. Walking in flimsy shoes without sufficient arch support can overstretch, tear, or inflame important tissue bands in the foot. The plantar fascia is one such band of tissue that runs along the bottom of the foot.

What shoes to take travelling? ›

Travelers who prefer a carry-on suitcase should bring lightweight shoes that are more compact, like sneakers or sandals. If you're heading to a spot where warmer shoes will be needed, consider wearing your boots or bigger shoes while traveling to save space.

What type of footwear is best for walking? ›

Cushioned Shoes

These shoes are for people who do not overpronate or need extra support. While some people with high arches can do well in these shoes, others might fare better with specialized walking shoes for high arches. Again, a thick heel may impede heel-to-toe rolling motion.

What shoes do they wear in Italy? ›

Espadrilles, open-toed sandals, and lightweight sneakers are favorites. Materials like canvas and light leather are prevalent. Remember, it's not just about style but also comfort. Autumn: This season calls for boots, from ankle-length to knee-high.

Why do podiatrists hate ballet flats? ›

“They traditionally don't offer any arch support,” explains podiatrist Saylee Tulpule. “This lack of support can lead to common foot issues such as plantar fasciitis” — inflammation of the lower foot and heel tissue — “and can aggravate flat feet or joints in the midfoot,” she tells Yahoo Life.

What color ballet flats go with everything? ›

Black ballet shoes go with anything and the outfit combinations with them are limitless.

What ballet flats did Audrey Hepburn wear? ›

Fresh-faced Audrey Hepburn was known to have her ballet flats custom-made by Salvatore Ferragamo. A classically-trained ballerina, Hepburn brought the youthful style into the spotlight, paired with everything from black pixie pants to midi skirts.

What flats are in style 2024? ›

Mesh flats are poised to be bigger for spring 2024, if the street style from Fashion Month is any indication. More brands than ever, from Miu Miu to Steve Madden, are offering the shoes at every price point—the look is finally on an even playing field.

Do you wear flats with or without socks? ›

Wear flats with socks to keep warm and reduce sweat/odor.

You can also get low-cut or hidden socks.

Are flats appropriate for business casual? ›

Flats are a familiar favorite in the business casual fashion world because, let's face it, they're easy to wear and they're comfortable as heck. A simple detail like the quilting on these two-toned flats makes them the perfect choice for slacks on Monday and your fave baggy boyfriend jeans on the weekend.

Are flats considered business attire? ›

Business professional tops include neat button-down shirts or blouses with a blazer. Business professional shoes include heels, loafers or flats.

Are flats considered business casual? ›

Business casual includes trousers, pencil skirts, slacks, khakis, blouses, button-down shirts, polos, sweaters and sports coats. Accessories may include simple jewelry, belts or ties. Business casual shoes include loafers, lifestyle sneakers (with leather or canvas), mules, flats, Oxfords, boots and heels.

How do you wear flats and look professional? ›

Five ways to wear flats and look professional at work
  1. Wear trousers. ...
  2. Wear a column of colour. ...
  3. Consider the vamp – that is the front of the shoe. ...
  4. Keep skirts and dress hem lengths no longer than your knee with flat shoes. ...
  5. Make sure your flat shoes aren't chunky or clunky.
Mar 20, 2014

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