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 could easily pass for designer.
These remind me of The Row’s ballet flats, but for a fraction of the price.
These Mary Jane flats will never go out of style.
Fashion people have a serious soft spot for clogs.
Perfect twinkle toes.
A particularly directional pair from M&S.
I’m always impressed when I spot a high-street shoe that could pass for designer. Case in point.
The perfect lapis lazuli blue.
I am simply obsessed with these suede beauties.
Loafers are the ultimate transitional shoe.
Tap into the balletcore trend.
Débora styles flat slingbacks for autumn with wide leg jeans, a simple shirt and a classic leather jacket.
The cutout detail is such a nice touch.
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.
Made from black certified satin blended with 28% organic silk.
Now to decide which Reformation dress to style with these ballerina pumps…
Studded styles were spotted everywhere during fashion week.
Carel is the brand to go to for high-quality Mary Janes.
A French style staple.
Silver hardware is really on-trend for 2023.
Reformation’s much-loved loafers come in a range of styles and prints.
As classy as it gets.
Marilyn opts for a modern monochrome look, teaming her Chanel ballet flats with balloon skirt and a black blazer.
You’ll get so much wear out of these timeless loafers.
The Row’s shoe collection always hits the mark.
These have already gone out of stock once, so don’t sleep on it.
Such an elegant silhouette.
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.
Now these are a real stand out.
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.
Bold and brilliant.
This post was originally published at an earlier time and has since been updated.
Next Up: I Think These 6 Simple Shoes Look Great With Jeans, Skirts and Trousers
