Flats are having quite a moment right now—and not in the dainty, barely-there sense we’ve come to expect. These pairs combine form and function, with sculpted heels that are elevated and designed for walking. Flats are back in style for those who have sworn them off (blisters, zeros). arch support—no, thank you), consider this your official reintroduction—today’s styles of comfortable flats for women come with thoughtful cushioning, refined materials, and subtle detailing that adds polish to any look. They’re also the most versatile, packable, and lightweight shoe there is.
To curate the ultimate edit, we combined standout market finds—some brand new, some forever favorites—with firsthand picks from our fellow Condé Nast Traveler editors. Editors. Margaux The following are some examples of how to get started: Rothy’s Try these tried and true staples M.Gemi The following are some examples of how to get started: NordstromThis fall, the most comfortable flats to wear are these. These picks are sure to provide you with comfort and style no matter where you go: to a meeting, to the airport terminal, or to simply leave your house.
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Editor Favorites
Margaux
The Demi Jane flat
Margaux’s Woven Demi Jane feels like a warm hug for your feet—artisan-crafted with buttery saddle leather woven to perfection. Commerce editor Meaghan Kenny These classic flats are unexpectedly tactile and will add a rich texture to any outfit. fall outfit. This style, with its cushioned sole and flexible insole, is both comfortable and captivating. You’ll wear it everywhere this season.
Recommended by Associate Articles Director Megan SpurrellM.Gemi Una Flats scream Italian Luxury. The almond toe, soft nappa leather and clean lines of the silhouette create a timeless and modern silhouette. The lightweight sole is cushioned and designed to keep feet comfortable from morning meetings through to evening cocktails.
Rothy’s
The Max Square Mary Jane Flat
Mary Janes have been a staple for decades. They are the perfect way to complete any look and they make you appear chic and effortlessly stylish. Kenny wears these all year round. They look great, and they feel even better. Rothy has used her signature material, a soft machine washable fabric that she is familiar with. According to Kenny, they are the best by far, and the most comfortable flat she’s ever tried—with not a blister in sight! She wears this to work, for dinner, at museums, and anywhere in between.
Jessica Chapel, a Commerce Writer in her Sneakerinas
Vivaia
Round-toe satin Sneakerina
The Sneakerina is a combination of comfort and style. Charli XCXwore them Coachella. I own them in the pink peach blush color—much to mimic those of an actual ballerina—that adds a whimsical, flirty vibe to any outfit. The cushioned sole truly feels like walking on a pink plushy cloud, and yet they still offer a nice amount of support—making them perfect for travel or city days. I wear the round toe version which is more of a flat than a shoe. sneaker, This is a great option for those days where you’re not wearing socks.
Rothy’s
The Max Buckle mary-jane flat
The Max Buckle Mary Jane is a fresh reimagining of a nostalgic classic—airy, breathable, and impeccably lightweight. Associate commerce director Madison Flager The pair of shoes was a gift, and she has already added another pair to her cart. The buckle strap gives a retro nod (especially with its safari mesh style), while the square toe is modern. Perfect for those looking to keep things modern. ease of a slip-on With a little more polish, these flats will seamlessly bridge the gap between weekend excursions and desk bound days.
Andrea Gomez
Amelia raffia flats
Spurrell recommends these unique shoes. She wears these regularly around New York City Pack them for all kinds of trips. The raffia design adds a lot of flare to an otherwise simple look. The raffia style makes these a lightweight and breathable design, which is perfect for wearing on hotter days.
Rothy’s
The Almond slingback
Rothy’s Almond slingbacks, in lollipop pink, are my favorite pair of shoes this season. They’re playful and fun. Its slingback style and pointed toe add a sophisticated touch, while its cheeky red color instantly energizes neutral fall wardrobes. The recycled fabric and plush footbed go beyond looks to prove that comfort and conscious design can coexist. These are flats designed for style-conscious women who demand more from their footwear than just a pretty look.
Flager loves these flats, which are technically loafers. They dress up any outfit. The flats are easy to wear and comfortable. They have held up over the years. These are lightweight and machine washable, just like all Rothy’s products.
Ballet flats
Allbirds
Tree Breezer flats
When it comes. comfortable walking shoes, Allbirds never lets us down. The brand is known for its cult following. lightweight sneakers It has designed a flat which is comfortable enough to travel in. The Tree Breezers are made with eucalyptus tree fiber for added comfort and are so breathable—you’ll feel like you’re barefoot (in the best way). These packable flats have racked up an average of 4.5 stars and nearly 8,000 reviews—meaning other travelers love them as much as we do. Also, they are machine-washable.
C.Paravano
Cap-Toe silk ballet flats
The Elena pair by C. Paravano combines a silky upper with a cap toe in contrast suede for a soft play of textures. The squared toe provides a contemporary structure while the small bow softens silhouette. Memory foam provides cushioning not found in most ballet flats. They are a stylish and comfortable option to wear for extended periods.
Raboesy
Bow-Tie tabi flats
Bow Tie Tabi was inspired by traditional Japanese Tabi footwear. It features a distinctive split-toe design, softened by a subtle bow. The shoe’s seamless microfiber upper is lightweight and flexible. It can mold to your foot shape. Its unique shape combines minimalist style with cultural heritage, making it appealing to those who enjoy subtle design details.
Sam Edelman
Kasey ballet flats with square toes
Sam Edelman’s Kasey Flat combines classic ballet details with a playful flair, while still offering plenty of support and structure. The squared toe gives the shoe a more architectural look than your average ballerina. Meanwhile, the cool toned leather in billow blue feels refreshing against the autumn neutrals. This is a city girl essential: compact and polished. It can be worn endlessly.
Classic Mary Janes
Vivaia
Mary Jane Mary Jane Flats
These lightweight Mary Janes are comfortable for wearing all day. These flats have a knitted upper made from recycled material and a strap with an adjustable arch support. These machine-washable flats have hundreds of positive reviews.
Sam Edelman
Michaela mary-jane flat
You’re looking for a quick way to dress up your outfit. Throw on a bold pair of red flats, like these Mary Janes from Sam Edelman—even a simple pair of jeans The following are some examples of how to get started: black cardigan These will make you look better. You can also choose from more than a dozen different colors, such as black, white or navy.
Madewell
The Greta Ballet flat
The leather flats that are the best sellers at Madewell under $100 are very comfortable and don’t need any break-in. These flats are available in a variety of colors – from neutrals to bright reds and navy blues – but I especially love the chocolate brown color for fall. It’s important to note that they stretch slightly, so we recommend ordering half a size smaller for a better fit.
Dolce Vita
Reyes ballet shoes
Also, we love these sleek and simple black leather Mary Janes. These are a bit more sophisticated than the usual pair of Mary Janes, so they’re perfect for business trips, events at work and nice dinners.
Pointed toe flats
Rothy’s
The Knot II flats
Pointed-toe flats are very popular—they’re elegant and make your foot look more slender and flattering than a round shoe does. The Point This is a Rothy’s bestseller, thanks to the supreme comfort it offers and its lightweight feel. The knot design at the toe adds character and dress up these flats.
Vivaia
Aria point-toe flats
The two-toned flats are the perfect match for your fall wardrobe. These flats are lightweight, comfortable and easy to slip-on and off. Plus, they’re machine washable—the ultimate perk for any travel shoe.
These pointed-toe flats from Margaux are gorgeous—I’m eyeing them for a trip to New England This fall. The sleek design and plush padding provides extra support.
Flats in the style of loafers
Harlah by Dolce Vita is a combination of a loafer style with a leopard calf-hair and yellow plaid tweed. The result is a textural layering. The structured shape, subtle gold buckle and mixed materials add a vintage feel to the shoe. Its recycled synthetic outsole provides durability and makes it an excellent choice for those looking to wear a bold pattern with dependable footwear.
The neutral color of these sandals makes them an excellent transitional shoe between seasons. These sandals can be worn with socks as the temperatures drop, making them an excellent pair to keep in your wardrobe.
This article was updated to include new information since the original publication date.