The Most Comfortable Flats Wear Like Slippers, But Look High Fashion
September 22, 2022
By Molly Calhoun
The dream with any flats is to find pairs that wear like slippers but have the fashion appeal of heels—without the blisters. The most comfortable flats for women offer flexibility and softness, a grippy sole and a cushioned footbed. And they look good whether you slip them on with a kick-flare jean, wide-leg trouser or slim pencil skirt.
Since you want them to feel good without skewing frumpy, the best wear-all-day flats come in a variety of styles, including ballet flats, pointy-toes and mules. According to the experts we spoke with, different fabrics and embellishments change up the vibe entirely. Our top pick overall is Margaux’s The Pointe Flat, which is a fashion editor’s favorite made from soft Nappa leather. At $115, Everlane’s The Italian Leather Day Glove is the best value leather option. Read on for 10 of the most comfortable flats that we recommend for every style and price point.
Most Comfortable Flats Overall: Margaux The Pointe Flat
Most Comfortable Affordable Flats: Everlane The Italian Leather Day Glove
Most Comfortable Flats For Walking: Rothy’s The Point Flats
Most Comfortable Flats For Wide Feet: Birdies Starling
Most Comfortable Ballet Flats: Flattered Polly Flats
Most Comfortable Black Flats: Gucci Deva Ballet Flat
Most Comfortable Mary Jane Flats: Sam Edelman Michaela Mary Jane Flat
Most Comfortable Wedding Flats: Stuart Weitzman Pearl Slingback
Most Comfortable Work Flats: Mansur Gavriel Square Toe Ballerina
Most Comfortable Designer Flats: Jimmy Choo Baily Flat
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Most Comfortable Flats Overall
Sleek, Stylish and The Absolute Perfect Fit
MOST POPULAR
MARGAUX
Margaux The Pointe Flat
$228
Colors: Brown, black, rose, ivory lace, black mesh, rose mesh | Sizes:3-14, and medium, narrow or wide widths | Materials: Nappa leather with grosgrain trim
This refined classic—from cult favorite shoe brand Margaux—is in every fashion editor’s closet because it feels like heaven to wear. “With its extra foam insole, Nappa leather upper and slightly almond toed shape, it’s the shoe you can wear for 24 hours straight right out of the shoebox,” says personal stylist Ashley Windsor. The silhouette is just tapered enough that it doesn’t squish your toes, and the soft leather molds to your foot over time. Another perfect fit feature: “They come in widths, which is amazing when buying flats,” says celebrity stylist and image consultant Amanda Sanders, adding that “you can also customize them with a monogram or your initials.”
Pros:
Comes in different widths
Soft leather
Can be monogrammed
Cons:
Some say they’re stiff at first
Most Comfortable Affordable Flats
Buttery Soft And Supportive
EVERLANE
Everlane The Italian Leather Day Glove
$115
Colors: Black, cream, tan, caramel, toasted almond, birch, lilac | Sizes: 5-11 | Materials: Italian leather
The leather on this shoe from Everlane is so soft you won’t have to go through a torturous break-in period. The rubber sole makes for good traction and easy wear while commuting or running errands, and the cushioned insole offers enough pillowy softness that you won’t feel pain when walking on hard surfaces. The vamp (or upper) is higher on these which makes them less likely to slip off. Keep in mind, though, that these have a narrower fit so they may not work for everyone.
Pros:
Rubber sole
Cushioned footbed
Affordable price point
Cons:
May not work for those with wide feet or a high arch
Most Comfortable Flats For Walking
Flexibile And A Flattering Shape
ROTHY'S
Rothy's The Point Flats
$145
Colors: More than 30 solids and prints | Sizes: 5-12 | Materials:Made from signature thread created from recycled plastic bottles
In the ten years since Rothy’s was founded, their shoes have become synonymous with comfort and versatility. Each pair is made from recycled materials with built-in softness and flexibility, so you can wear them for hours from day one. They’re also machine washable and travel-friendly. “Rothy’s are great because they’re sustainable basically indestructible,” says Sanders. “I like this pair’s pointy shape and v-cut shape, which flatters your legs.”
Pros:
Extensive color range
Sustainable construction
Machine washable
Cons:
Reviewers say this style runs small
Most Comfortable Flats For Wide Feet
Soft Shoe In Luxe Textures And Fabrics
BIRDIES
Birdies Starling Flats
$140
Colors: 14 shades, including classic cheetah | Sizes: 5-12 | Materials:A variety of leathers and textures, from suede to velvet to raffia
Birdie flats tend to be incredibly comfortable because of the rounder toe box and a relaxed fit over the top of the foot. “These mold to your feet over time like slippers do,” says Windsor. “The lush fabrics and colors make these polished classics perfect for both lounging at home and getting life done.” In particular, this shoe’s silhouette is great for those with wider feet or people who may suffer from bunions. There’s also a no-slip rubber sole, and reviewers love that these seem to have more arch support than other flat styles.
Pros:
Good for wider feet
Substantial footbed cushioning
Have a 30-day fit guarantee
Cons:
Some say the sizing can be inconsistent
Most Comfortable Ballet Flats
Almond-Shaped Toe And Ruched Details
TUCKERNUCK
Flattered Polly Flats
$169
Color: Cognac | Sizes: 36-41 | Materials: Leather
Designed in Stockholm and crafted in Spain, Flattered is all about feminine minimalism. This ballet flat has a few distinctive details that add comfort and style: Its toe is more almond shaped than round, which makes your leg look longer, the rubber sole adds traction on all surfaces, and a grippy, gathered heel keeps them from slipping off your foot. They’re also set apart by the oversized, padded bow, which is an unexpected spin on a classic detail.
Pros:
Soft footbed
Gathering at heel for a snug fit
Rubber sole
Cons:
Limited sizing
Most Comfortable Black Flats
Luxe, Convertible Style
GUCCI
Gucci Deva Ballet Flat
$890
Color: Black | Sizes: 34-42 | Materials: Leather, gold and silver hardware
Gucci has created many memorable flats, and the Deva, with its collapsable back heel, is another standout. “This pointed-toe flat will cost you, but the expense is justifiable,” says Windsor. “It can be worn as both a shoe and a mule, and dresses up your most casual of outfits or adds polish to more formal wardrobe choices.” There’s also a signature gold horsebit on this pair as well as a silver chain across the foot, making them jewelry for your feet.
Pros:
Converts from a full shoe to a mule
Can be dressed up or down
Cons:
Expensive
May run small
Most Comfortable Mary Jane Flats
Wide Foot Strap For Everyday Wear
SAM EDELMAN
Sam Edelman Michaela Mary Jane Flat
$130
Colors: Mauve, chai, orange, ivory, navy, black, black patent, pistachio, clay, gold | Sizes: 5-11 | Materials: Leather, velvet
This pair of Mary Janes has a wide strap that prevents heel slipping, and the rounded toe keeps feet from getting squished. They also work well for people whose feet are slightly different sizes because the strap secures the shoe in place and the padded sole adds extra cushiness. Reviewers also praise the soft velvet and leather.
Pros:
Roomy toe box
Strap ensures a good fit
Cons:
They run wide, so may not work for narrower feet
Most Comfortable Wedding Flats
Feminine Detailing And An Elastic Heel Grip
STUART WEITZMAN
Stuart Weitzman Pearl Slingback
$450
Color: Ivory | Sizes: 3.5-12 | Materials: Lacquered nappa leather
Since 1986, Stuart Weitzman shoes have been engineered for elegance and a precise fit. This pair, which technically isn’t a flat because it has a tiny, 0.8-inch pearl-adorned block heel, is dressy yet practical. “If you’re someone who steps out of flats, a slingback works well,” says Sanders. “This pair has an almond shape, which will make your leg appear longer than a rounded style, and a low vamp that looks pretty on the foot. I find them to be very comfortable and elegant.”
Pros:
Elasticized back
Flattering shape
Cons:
No rubber sole
Most Comfortable Work Flats
Timeless Turn On A Classic
MANSUR GAVRIEL
Mansur Gavriel Square Toe Ballerina
$495
Colors: 10 colors | Sizes: 36-41 | Materials: Lambskin leather or pony hair
This pair from Mansur Gavriel combines classic details, like the bow and grosgrain trim, with a modern, square profile. It comes in both chic neutrals and unexpected colorways. The seaming detail at the heel is intended to offer extra comfort and the leather’s breathability will keep feet from sweating.
Pros:
Good color options
Comfortable from first wear
Square shape is forgiving for toes
Cons:
Some say they run large
Most Comfortable Designer Flats
Sparkly Style That Stands Out
NORDSTROM
Jimmy Choo Baily Flat
$975
Color: Champagne | Sizes: 4-11 | Materials: Leather, crystals and imitation pearls
“These Jimmy Choo flats are a personal favorite of mine,” says Windsor. “Due to my higher arch and longer toes, I've always been hard-pressed to find a comfortable flat.” The sparkly, neutral-toned body and jeweled strap will take you from a day party to a night one seamlessly. Consider them for holiday parties when your feet need a break from heels, or for when you just want to make an entrance, says Windsor. The sole is made from leather and rubber, so it’s both refined and comfortable for walking.
Pros:
Stay-put arch strap
Soft, flexible leather
Cons:
Runs small so you may have to size up a half size
What To Consider For The Most Comfortable Flats
Width: When shopping for any pair of shoes, width is extremely important for comfort. If you have wider feet, look for brands that offer spacious room around the toe box, which helps avoid blisters. If you have narrower feet, consider styles that hug the sides of the foot and don’t gap open when you walk. There’s nothing worse than trying to curl your toes just to keep your shoes from flying off. Margaux is one brand that offers flats in varying foot widths, so you ensure a comfortable fit.
Sole: In general, a rubber sole is most supportive but tends to look sportier, says celebrity stylist and image consultant Amanda Sanders. For optimum comfort and style, look for options with a thin rubber sole or partial rubber sole. This will help cushion the foot and offer better traction without being too noticeable or clunky. “If you buy a flat without a good sole you can always have a cobbler put on a thin rubber sole,” Sanders says. “It’ll help the shoe be a little more shock resistant but you won’t lose the elegant appearance of a thin leather sole, for example.”
Fabric: Certain fabrics have more give and mold to your foot over time, creating that perfect fit. “Leather and suede will stretch in this way,” Sanders says. “But plastic, vinyl and fabric don’t usually give as much. And satin shoes definitely won’t stretch.” Very soft leathers or suedes might feel comfortable and accommodating to your foot early on, but on the flipside, they may not last as long as a stiffer leather.
Strap: An over-the-foot strap—on, say, a Mary Jane or a mule—adds comfort and helps secure the shoe’s fit. These types of straps or buckles can be invaluable if you have different sized feet because they allow you to adjust one shoe if it may be slightly too big. However, at the same time, a strap can visually cut off the length of your leg, so you might want to consider a slim strap if possible.
What types of women’s flats are the most comfortable?
“Everyone’s feet are different, so it really depends on what style fits you best,” says Sanders. “It’s important to find shoes that accommodate the width of your feet.” For instance, if you have a wide foot, don’t try to cram it into something too narrow since your feet will suffer. Similarly, if you have narrow feet, don’t try to talk yourself into a wider style that will be too gappy and may slip off your heel. In general, rubber soles and cushioned footbeds are key for a more pillowy feel. Soft leathers are more forgiving than stiff ones—like rigid patent styles—and straps or slingbacks can be helpful to encourage a snug fit, and ultimately, up the comfort factor of a pair of flats.
How do I stop my flats from hurting?
For the most part, you’ll know right off the bat if a pair of flats has the potential for all-day wear. “Look for shoes that don’t pinch you,” says Sanders. “If it’s uncomfortable in the beginning, don’t try to sell yourself. Run away! You really shouldn’t have to break in a flat. If it hurts immediately, it’s just not the right shoe for your foot.”
Other signs a shoe will be a headache: If you’re stepping out of them and the heel slips off your foot or it gaps around your arch, it’s not going to work. Sanders recommends spending some time walking around in a pair of flats in the store or at home on both carpeted and hard surfaces because that will influence how they feel.
For additional comfort, Sanders suggests adding a padded insole or half pad for extra arch support or cushioning on the balls of your feet. Also, if your flats sometimes slip off your heel while walking, add a grippy pad to the back to help them stay put.
Which women’s flats are the most flattering?
“Typically, nude or flesh-toned flats will make your leg look longer,” says Sanders. “While over-the-foot straps on Mary Jane styles are comfortable, they break up the leg line visually.” Pointy toe styles with a low vamp—meaning, the leather covers less of your foot on top—work well to elongate the leg while overly rounded toe styles can make your feet look wider.