Comfortable Flats So Stylish You Can Wear Them with Everything

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By definition, flats may lack a heel, but that doesn’t necessarily mean they’re as comfortable as your everyday sneakers. We’ve all experienced pinched toes and throbbing arches, right? There's a reason for that: “When we walk around, it causes a lot of strain and pressure on our plantar fascia, heel, and arch,” explains podiatrist Brad Schaeffer of Sole Podiatry NYC and surgeon on TLC’s My Feet Are Killing Me. “This can be alleviated by wearing the proper support: well-fitting shoes and a good insole to support our arch. With each step you take in flats, you want to make sure that you have a neutral foot position.”

So whether you need a pair for walking, a dressy ballet style for work, or a design that fits wide feet, the same guidelines apply. “It's important to look for a stable sole with a great heel counter,” Schaeffer says. “Most shoes come with thin, non-contoured insoles that wear out quickly and typically provide little to no cushioning or support.”

And if your favorite flats don’t include adequate padding or arch support, consider supplementing the insole with a product like Dr. Scholl’s Energizing Comfort with Massaging Gel Insoles. "They absorb shock and provide cushioning for all-day comfort that keeps you feeling more energized,” says Schaeffer. From classic ballet flats to podiatrist brands with tons of arch support, here are some of the most comfortable flats for women out there right now.

Poppy Gold Starry

Designed by a leading Australian female podiatrist, Frankie4's flats are as comfy as it gets, from the sole hero footbeds to the triple-layer support for arches and the heel counter for heel support. You won't believe how good they look, too.

Colors: Brushed gold leather, black leather, and tan leather

Sizes: 5 - 13

27 Edit Carla Cushioned Flat

These super chic, go-with-anything ballet flats are the most elegant and flattering shape on the foot. Naturalizer's signature interior cushioning and a quick-drying, breathable lining team up to keep your feet comfortable all day. They are also available in wide sizing.

Colors: Creme brulee leather, blue bell suede, white snake print leather, chocolate leather, English tea leather, and silver leather

Sizes: 5 - 12

Allbirds Women's Tree Breezers

With impressive specs like a breathable, smooth knit upper derived from eucalyptus and a foam sole made from sugarcane, Allbirds' bestselling, lightweight pair feel as good as they look. The knit material allows the shoes to be super flexible, and they're machine-washable.

Colors: Bloom coral, natural white, hazy indigo, jet black, mist gray, navy night, stormy teal, arid umber, botanic red

Sizes: 5 - 11

Orinda Square-Toe Ballet Flat

These subtly printed ballet flats are not only stylish enough to wear for a myriad of occasions but also approved by the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA) as an ideal option for overall foot health, as well as for anyone with plantar fasciitis. The removable orthotic insole is biomechanically designed to promote natural foot alignment and cradle achy feet. Plus, they come in wide and narrow sizing options.

Colors: Black leather, gold leather, and camel suede

Sizes: 5 - 13

Women's Ballet Flat

It's no wonder these simple flats are Amazon bestsellers. You can't beat the price, and they're available in over 25 colors and fabrications. A classic round-toe silhouette lends versatility as well.

Colors: Black leather, gold leather, and camel suede

Sizes: 5 - 13

Goldfinch Flat with 7-Layer Cloud Comfort

Birdies' signature seven-layer responsive cushioned footbed, complete with high-density memory foam, helps give elevated arches extra support. The shoe also has a pressure-reducing heel for added comfort. If embellished touches aren't your jam, the Goldfinch also comes in solid suede, calf, and woven leather styles.

Colors: Caviar black velvet with jeweled bracelet, black leather, gold leather, tan suede, blue suede, quartz crystal suede, pewter crystal suede, onyx gilded silk, cheetah calf hair, rose gold leather, mulberry suede, woven black leather, woven tan leather, black leather snake, blue floral needlepoint, and yellow raffia

Sizes: 5 - 12

Greta Ballet Flat with Cloudlift Lite Padding

Madewell's signature Cloudlift Lite padding speaks for itself. The Greta ballet flat is a stylish take on the trend that adds polish to every look.

Colors: Chocolate, black, silver, and leopard

Sizes: 5 - 12

The Day Ballet Flat

For a minimal and polished pair of flats to wear to the office, try this leather Everlane style that is favored for its glove-like fit that conforms to the foot with continued wear. There are also cushioned insoles and side vents for added breathability.

Colors: Black with tan lining, black with black lining, toasted almond, blush tan, canvas white, and pale pink

Sizes: 5 - 11

The Point II In Love Insole Flats

How does no break-in time sound? Knit from recycled thread, these flexible flats are a style you can wear 9-to-5 and beyond. Plus, you can throw them in the wash so they stay fresh. The updated version of Rothy's bestselling Point now comes with a more spacious toe box, sculpted outsoles for support, and its signature In Love Insole for cushy comfort.

Colors: Cream herringbone, black, dark emerald, boysenberry, ecru, diamond twill, metallic leopard, sparkle herringbone, opal, shimmer zebra, midnight metallic, red, black glen plaid, gray herringbone, nautical navy, white sand, beechwood, sunny tweed, and camel captoe

Sizes: 5 - 13

Women's Wexley Flat

Featuring the cushy memory foam insole that Dr. Scholl's footwear is renowned for, this printed pair provides support when you're on the go. Plus, the foam insole is anti-microbial and anti-odor for freshness in every step.

Colors: Faux snake print, brown suede, black suede, tan fabric, and black synthetic fabric

Sizes: 5 - 13

Bridge Maryjane Ballet with Arch Support

Comfy Mary Janes not only elevate every outfit but are ideal if you're spending a lot of time on your feet. This pair features Cole Haan's signature arch support for all-day comfort and a laser outsole design for traction.

Colors: Bloodstone red suede and black embellished satin

Sizes: 5 - 11

Natalie Flat

In the market for an investment piece? Try these handcrafted flats from designer Sarah Flint. The pointy-toe style, which features a sweet bow detail and extra padding for optimal comfort, comes in a range of shades and materials—from camel-colored leather to silky blue suede—and is a favorite of Meghan Markle, who has been seen wearing them on multiple occasions.

Colors: Taupe suede, black leather, saddle leather, sand leather, silver metallic, white leather, metallic beaded satin, navy suede, leopard hair calf, pink snake embossed leather, metallic champagne, and water lilies embellished silk

Sizes: 4 - 13

Allegro Ballerina Flat

Not only will the roomy toe box provide comfort for wider feet (and conceal bunions!), the elastic back keeps your heel secure when you're walking around all day. One less thing to worry about: There's a durable, slip-resistant outsole.

Colors: Black leather, light tan leather, and stone beige

Sizes: 5 - 10

Leah Foam Footbed Flats

Vince's beautifully crafted Leah flats feature a luxurious leather upper and a cushy foam footbed. The elegant squared toe and subtle heel make them easy to pair with just about any look.

Colors: Blonde beige suede and black leather

Sizes: 5 - 10

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