15 Comfortable Flats You'll Want to Wear All Season
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When it comes to getting dressed, we tend to seek shoes that are stylish, but easy to walk in, which is why a pair of the most comfortable flats reigns supreme. In fact, we'll never retire them from our wardrobe, regardless of whether or not they're trending on the runway (spoiler alert: they are — ballerina flats are everywhere). Flats are chic and versatile; they're just as much the perfect work shoe as they are a day-to-day footwear staple. The only caveat? Finding the right pair for you. That ends here, though, because we found the best and most comfortable flats to buy this season.
Ahead, you can browse our favorite pairs, ranging from the best basic black styles and colored flats to pointed-toe and square-toe designs that are perfect for tapping into the balletcore aesthetic. Whether you're looking for a special occasion shoe, work flats, or a pair to slip into daily, we've got you covered with choices at every price point, from cheap flats to luxury designs. We studied the inventory of various retailers, including Amazon and Nordstrom, along with direct-to-consumer brands we love, like Sarah Flint and Rothy's, to curate the ultimate guide to flats for 2023. No matter which ones you choose, your feet will thank you later. Keep reading to shop our 15 favorites.
— Additional reporting by Kyley Warren
Most Comfortable Affordable Flats
Dream Pairs Revona Low Wedge Ankle Strap Flats ($20, originally $51)
OK, these shoesdo have an itty-bitty wedge, but they still classify as flats in our book. They feature an adjustable buckle so you can customize them to your perfect fit, and are a great option for those of you who aren't totally sold on the traditional ballet flat look.
Most Comfortable Loafer-Flats
Amazon Essentials Women's Loafer Flat ($22)
Love a loafer? These classic flats are versatile in that you can dress it up or down and they're crafted in faux leather. Shoppers are particularly obsessed with how well they fit wide feet.
Most Comfortable Amazon Flats
Amazon Essentials Women's Belice Ballet Flats ($24)
Thousands of Amazon shoppers attest that these Amazon flats are comfortable as can be, despite being the most affordable on our list. Choose from neutral flats and colored options, like the red option pictured here. (Note that reviewers advise sizing up and warn that they're best for those who are OK without arch support.)
Most Comfortable Pointed-Toe Flats
Amazon Essentials Women's Pointed-Toe Ballet Flats ($25)
These pointed-toe flats look at least five times the price. They come in different colors and materials, but our favorite is this timeless faux leather option.
Most Comfortable Velvet Flats
Birdies The Starling ($65-$155)
If you're searching for the perfect pair of velvet flats, consider the job done. These flats feel like slippers with an elevated appearance. They're crafted in velvet and lined with plaid-print satin and a no-slip rubber sole perfect for indoor and outdoor wear. Read our review of Birdies flats to learn more.
Most Comfortable D'Orsay Flats
Naturalizer Women's Samantha Pointed Toe Flats ($80, originally $99)
These sophisticated flats feature a mix-media design of black leather and suede. Teamed with the chic D'Orsay styling, they're bound to garner compliments.
Most Comfortable Lightweight Flats
Allbirds Tree Breezers Flats ($100)
You'll love slipping into the lightweight and breathable flats after working out or running errands. One of our favorite things about them is that you can wash them in the washing machine. Game changer, right?
Most Comfortable Flat Mule
André Assous Norma Featherweight Mule ($149)
If you have yet to try the brand's footwear, the time is now. While you can't go wrong with any of André Assous's designs, this mule is one of our favorites for fall and winter. For some context, all of the label's shoes are handcrafted in Spain and feature a significant amount of padding that you'll actually look forward to wearing all day long.
Most Comfortable Ballet Flats
Dream Ballerina Flats ($395)
We can't talk about ballet flats without giving Mansur Gavriel's timeless design a shoutout. The label's Dream Ballerina Flats are a brand bestseller, crafted from Italian lambskin leather and available in a number of shades. The classic ballerina look will pair great with skirts and jeans.
Most Comfortable Sustainable Flats
Rothy's The Point Flats ($149)
Made from recycled water bottles, these washable white flats comfy and sustainable. The shoe is soft and knitted, known for being extremely flexible, and the insoles ensure they're extra comfy, too. Plus, they come in several fun colors and patterns.
Most Comfortable Espadrilles
Free People Mason Ballet Espadrille Flats ($158)
Nothing says warm weather quite like a great pair of espadrilles. These feature a rustic sole and leather uppers (available in black, tan, and zebra print), with an ankle strap that'll look great with everything from denim to dresses.
Most Comfortable Leather Wooden Mules
Free People Lordes Mules ($178)
The crisscross detailing of these slip-on mules is undeniably compelling. The uppers are crafted from rustic leather and come in black (pictured here), pink, light beige, and dark beige.
Most Comfortable Slipper Flats
Overland Clara Sheepskin Clogs ($199)
These chestnut-toned slip-ons are the perfect flats to transition from indoors to outdoors; fall to winter. Whether you team them with a cozy sock or wear them bare, your feet will thank you on any chill day or night. Even though they're wintry, you don't have to retire them at any point in time, either. Think of these as your new go-to year-round.
Most Comfortable Square-Toe Flats
M. Gemi Danza Flats ($248)
These chic square-toe flats will always be in style. What makes them stand out from the pack and a hidden wedge inside that gives you a little extra height while still looking like a flat (but arguably more comfy).
Most Comfortable Designer Flats
Sarah Flint Natalie Flats ($450)
Sarah Flint's shoes have a ton of celebrity fans, including Meghan Markle, who's known to wear these exact flats. They're one of the brand's most beloved styles, crafted from vegetable-tanned calf leather and padded to perfection. To get a feel for how comfortable they are, peruse the reviews section — it'll sell you.