The best flats for walking, working, and everyday wear

How we tested the best flats

Our long-running guide to the best flats is the culmination of steady research and real-world testing. We've combed retailer sites, tested the newest models from our favorite brands, and scrolled Instagram Reels and subreddits to see what people are actually wearing. We also did some on-the-ground reporting: yes, that includes stopping well-dressed strangers on the subway to ask about their shoes.

While this guide is ultimately style-first, we took cues from podiatrist-founded brands like Frankie4 and Bared Footwear to understand what makes a flat genuinely comfortable. Here are a few throughlines that connect them:

Our testers range from sizes 7 to 9 and have varying foot shapes. We assessed whether our subjects suited flat feet, high arches, wide forefeet, and narrow heels. If there was any break-in period, we considered whether it was brief enough to be worth a little discomfort to get that molded-leather feel. Ultimately, our picks reflect a balance of form and function, evaluated across four key criteria:

Comfort: Every pair had to feel supportive throughout daylong walks on concrete (being based in NYC, this is a must).

Value: We tested flats ranging from $80 to $400, assessing materials, construction, and design details. Budget picks had to outperform their price point, while higher-end options needed to justify the investment.

Style: We chose flats that fit the moment without chasing trends. These are the flats we've loved wearing for years, and will continue to wear for seasons to come.

Sizing: We favored brands with inclusive size ranges and, ideally, multiple widths (props to those that offer half sizes and go beyond a size 10, like Margaux and M.Gemi).

Best overall: Everlane Day Glove

Why we love them: A simple (but not boring) silhouette, lightly padded insoles, high vamps to secure their fit, and ventilation holes so your feet don't get sweaty.

Cons to consider: They may cause some heel rubbing at first.

Everlane's leather Day Glove flat is an almost (but not quite) ballet slipper guaranteed to go with just about all your clothing, and it's a staple of nearly every style writer and editor on our team. We wrote up a full review after test-driving these flats, and they remain anall-time favorite. "Everlane's Day Glove flats are much more comfortable than any other flats I've tried," writes former deputy editor Malarie Gokey, "They actually fit my foot and move with me — not against me."

The leather molds to the foot, so not only will the flats last, they'll get more comfortable over time. The shoes also feature pull tabs, ventilation holes, and comfy insoles to eliminate some of the most common comfort-related issues flats pose. The Day Glove flats come in eleven colors, including classics like black and white as well as some seasonal shades.

They cost $148, and while not inexpensive, it's a steal for shoes that will last you for as long as these do. Several of us have been wearing the same pair for years, with plenty of life in them left. — Sally Kaplan, executive editor, Insider Reviews

Read more in our full Everlane Day Glove review.

Best budget: Quince Italian Leather Glove Flat

Why we love them: The same reasons we love Everlane's Day Gloves, but for $88 less.

Cons to consider: The leather feels slightly thinner than the Day Gloves, and has peeled a bit after three years of wear.

Everlane's Day Glove Flats may currently hold the top spot, but the Quince Italian Leather Glove Ballet Flats have proven to be an uncanny substitute (I've now been asked thrice whether these are from Everlane.)

Along with several other dupes we've tried in our Quince review, the Day Glove-lookalikes sold out almost as soon as they became available. Upon first inspection, they are practically indistinguishable from the real thing. They even have the same pull-tabs and perforations around the inner arches to help ventilate the shoe — which is good, because the leather can and will make your feet sweat. The leather has only some give, so if you have extra wide feet, I'd skip these. It's also worth noting that Quince doesn't offer them in narrow or half sizes, but Everlane does. I wear a size 8 and these have a nearly true-to-size fit that lean a tad small. The top seam felt a bit tight at first, but it quickly softened.

I found Quince's Glove flats to likewise have zero break-in time — as soon as I slipped them on, they felt like wearing soft leather slippers. I like how much traction their rubber soles have compared to other flats I've tried, and their Ortholite insoles cradle my high arches.

The material is 100% Italian cow Nappa leather and made in Shenzhen, China, while Everlane claims their Day Glove is made in Santa Maria a Monte, Italy. The key distinction Quince makes on their site is that their version is less than half the price of Everlane's, so if you're looking for an affordable alternative to a cult favorite, this is the right pair. I'll be curious to see if they hold up for as long as two years, as the Day Gloves did for Sally. — Gabrielle Chase, senior associate style editor

Read more in our full Quince ballet flats review.

Best knit: Rothy's The Point II

Why we love them: The sleek, contoured fit has upgraded insoles, making them comfier than Rothy's original Point flats.

Cons to consider: They're a bit narrow in the toe box, and despite being made from knit mesh, these flats do not stretch.

Rothy's flats are the choice for many modern working women because they have a sleek, mesh look, plus moisture-wicking breathability. One of our favorite versions, The Point II, has an upgraded "In Love Insole" with more cushioning around the toes and heels.

You'll feel the difference immediately after slipping your feet in; the flats are very light and flexible, and there aren't any uncomfortable seams or edges. Rothy's also has them in a pointed-toe Mary Jane version, complete with the retrofitted In Love padding. If you have wide feet, though, we suggest going for a square-toe style because Rothy's toe boxes run narrow.

Rothy's was born out of the desire to repurpose wasteful, single-use plastics into something beautiful and practical. All of its knit shoes are made from 100% post-consumer plastic water bottles, which are hot washed, sterilized, then fused into a fiber that is knit into yarn.

The insoles contain recycled foam, while the rubber soles are carbon-free. The adhesives used are non-toxic and vegan. Even the packaging is made from post-consumer recycled materials and is biodegradable.

Keeping them in top shape is as easy as throwing them in the washing machine.After wearing them often (and you will because of their versatility), you might wonder if they'll actually hold up. But we've been wearing and washing our pairs for more than a year and they look and feel as good as they did on day one.— Connie Chen, former reporter

To see more of our style editors' impressions, check out our full Rothy's flats review.

Best loafer flat: Birdies Starling Loafer

Why we love them: A sculpted, scholarly loafer design with plush padding to cushion your step.

Cons to consider: They run large, and the high vamp may not work for short foot shapes.

Birdies makes loafer-flats that are as comfy as a pair of velvet smoking slippers. Executive editor Sally Kaplan compared two versions of its best-selling Starling flats in order to detect any key differences.

"I tested both the Starling classic loafers and the newly resculpted version that just launched from Birdies. They're basically the same shoe, but with some elegant design upgrades to the newer version. The resculpted pair has a slightly more elongated toe, a more premium velvet material (though the difference is negligible to me, both look great!), and a bit more traction on the bottom. The shoes look almost identical on foot and in terms of comfort, there's very little difference, but I do happen to prefer the more elongated look of the new version (pictured in the Brandy Velvet color at the top of this guide). I think it comes down to aesthetic preference for most people.

As for comfort and fit, these are unbelievably plush and cozy for a pair of loafers! They have a good amount of arch support without being stiff at all, and they're easy to wear with or without socks. Although the site says they run true to size, I find them to run a bit large. I went down a half size in both pairs I tested, and I'd recommend you do the same. Birdies makes their signature Starling loafers in a ton of colors, and they're always launching new seasonal styles. In the fall and winter you'll see a lot of embellished velvet designs, and in the warmer months you'll find woven leather and fun textures like raffia."

Best travel-friendly: Allbirds Tree Breezer

Why we love them: They're so flexible you can fold them in half, and the wool insoles are not as stuffy as they sound (in fact, quite the opposite).

Cons to consider: The interior starts to pill after a few washes.

Allbirds is probably better known for its Silicon Valley uniform-mandated sneakers like the Wool Runners and Tree Runners. But when you don't want to wear sneakers but still need the same comfort and support, you're better off with its flats, the Tree Breezer.

These are the flats you'll want in your suitcase because A) they're very light and you can fold them up to maximize packing space, and B) you can walk around in them all day long.

Quell any fears you have of hobbling through a walking tour or calling it an early night because your feet have become one giant blister. The Breezers have bouncy outsoles made from sugarcane and soft, odor-minimizing Merino wool-lined insoles. The knit collar wraps onto your foot securely, and the rest of the shoe's knit body is breathable and feels silky smooth against your skin. Plus, they're machine-washable, so they're easy to take care of even if you get them all grubby on your trip.

Since the style is more sleek and formal than Allbirds' other shoes, they won't look out of place in a dressier environment. Instead of packing multiple pairs of shoes, you can just bring your all-in-one Tree Breezer flats. If you don't have a chance to try them first before you board your flight, don't worry — most of the Insider Reviews team didn't need to break them in. — Connie Chen, former reporter

Read more in our full Allbirds Tree Breezer review and our comparison between Allbirds vs Rothy's flats.

Best Mary Jane: Vivaia Square-Toe Margot Mary Jane

Why we love them: A charming, wide-foot friendly fit with thoughtfully- placed cushioning to cut down any break-in period.

Cons to consider: They stretch out easily, so avoid these if your foot runs narrow.

Mary Janes have seen a sharp uptick in the wake of the coquette trend, but this sophisticated version has a square toe that adds more dimension to the classic silhouette. The Margot Mary Janes are extremely comfortable. I took these on a long walk over concrete and sustained zero blisters while breaking them in.

I also compared Rothy's original Mary Janes to Vivaia's, and while both brands claim to take a sustainable approach to women's footwear, I preferred Vivaia's attention to detail in their design. Plus, they're less expensive. They run slightly wide, but because their strap is adjustable, it won't pose any issue to people with narrow feet like mine.

I learned the hard way that this pair isn't ideal for wearing in heavy rain, but the breathable material is thankfully machine washable. The flexible upper is made from upcycled water bottles, and they're easy to fold up and pack in a tote bag.— Gabrielle Chase, senior associate style editor

Read more in our full Vivaia shoes review.

Best ponited-toe: Naghedi Strada Flat

Why we love them: An unapologetically angular design that looks even sharper in contrast with some wide-leg trousers.

Cons to consider: The woven neoprene gets soggy in the rain.

Rothy's is a household name when it comes to woven flats, but New York City-based luxury brand Naghedi takes it to the next level. The Strada flats are handwoven with silky soft neoprene (the same material it uses in its lovely tote bags). Inside they're lined with some of the softest tanned leather I've ever felt in a shoe. They're also incredibly lightweight, and the tiny wedge heel gives their pointy shape and even more streamlined look.

The chocolate brown woven uppers have a beautiful, luxe sheen and is saturated in color. Just be careful on slick surfaces, as the soles are made with a thin layer of smooth buffed leather. And since they aren't cushioned, I'm reserving these for days spent mostly at my desk.

Naghedi shoes run large. They come in European sizes, so check the sizing chart before you order yours. I'm a US 8 and even the 38 was a little roomy on me. Nevertheless, I can't wait to style mine with some brown wide-leg trousers next time I'm at the office. They come at a mid-range luxury price point, but because they're so comfortable, you can lower the cost-per-wear in no time.

Softest leather: M.Gemi La Una

Why we love them: The pointe shoe shape is sculptural and intriguing, made with supple nappa leather.

Cons to consider: The flat, barefoot feel won't offer you any arch support.

M.Gemi has some of the best Italian leather footwear out there. All winter I've been wearing my cozy shearling-lined Felize loafers. But as soon as I put on these buttery-soft leather flats, I knew my new favorites for spring had arrived.

The Una is made with a thin, unstructured nappa leather that's extremely flexible and smooth. Inside around the heel is a layer of suede, so there's no chance of developing blisters. I don't recommend these for long walks, since they don't come with any padding or cushions. I wore mine on a stroll in the park and could feel the pavement underfoot.

Nevertheless, the main appeal of the Una is how soft and delicate they feel. They're designed with a stretchy criss-cross strap to keep them in place and a soft square toe, similar to a real pointe shoe. I got mine in the (now sold out) shade 'Butter,' and they come in 11 colorways total." — Gabrielle Chase, senior associate style editor

Best for wide feet: Margaux Demi

Why we love them: Loosely structured and classically elegant, with size options for wide feet.

Cons to consider: The leather takes some breaking in, especially near the vamp and heels.

Ballet flats look deceptively simple. You know if you're reading this guide that it's hard to get the fit just right — some pairs gape, while others rely on uncomfortable heel elastics to stay on your foot.

You won't encounter this problem with Margaux. It makes flats in a large range of sizes (from 3 through 14), including half sizes. Instead of suggesting you size up or down for wide and narrow feet, the company ensures fit precision by offering each size in Narrow, Medium, and Wide widths. There's also a made-to-order option for a truly custom fit.

The Demi Flat from Margaux is a simple and elegant ballet flat. Senior editor Sally Kaplan, who has tried both Medium and Wide pairs of the flat, realized, "With all the walking I do, my feet end up swelling a bit, and the wide pair is more comfortable for long days out."

They feature plush foam padding to give your foot some support, as well as a small heel so you're not walking completely flat on the ground. The bow at the top of the shoe is adjustable in case you want to give your foot even more breathing room.

You can get the flats in two luxuriously soft and flexible materials, Italian suede or Italian Napa leather, which each come in a small selection of colors that show off the materials beautifully.

Though they're more expensive than average at $230 a pair, the way we see it, it's better to own one pair of really well-made flats than five pairs of fun ones that fall apart quickly. — Connie Chen, former reporter

Read our full Margaux Demi Flat review for more details on why we love them.

Best slingback: Bared Footwear Firecrown 2

Why we love them: A trendy slingback design with ample arch support and shock-absorbing heel cups.

Cons to consider: The buckled straps make them more fussy to put on than your typical flats.

In our guide to the most comfortable dress shoes for women, freelance style reporter Talia Ergas found yet another knockout pair from Australian shoemaker Bared Footwear. We've raved about its podiatrist-designed in our guides to the best loafers and most comfortable heels, and here they've made a glossy slingback flat that doesn't make you want to peel them off after an hour of walking.

"The Firecrown 2 features a biomechanical footbed, designed with a subtle heel pitch that helps prevent heel and calf pain. Indeed, these 'flats' are far more supportive than any truly flat shoe I've worn," she writes. "I wore them to an outdoor concert and felt just as comfortable at the end of the night as when I arrived. They're polished enough for the office, chic enough for dinner, and comfortable enough to stand in for hours without regret."

Best arch support: Naturalizer Carla Flat

Why we love them: A fashion-forward squared-off toe with hidden support inside. Bonus: This style comes in four widths, from narrow to extra wide.

Cons to consider: The leather around the heels caused some friction at first.

One of the most common orthopedic conditions is sore arches. The Carla flat remedies those pains with ample arch support, yet still maintains a sleek silhouette. Naturalizer belongs to the same brand family as Dr. Scholl's and boasts some of the most comfortable heels we've tested. Its Carla flat, part of the brand's "27 Edit," is meant to be as comfortable as grandma's orthos without the chunky rubber sole.

This flat contours the foot with a U-shaped topline, square toe, and subtle half-inch padded heel. Inside, they're cushioned beneath the arches and heel cups. Even though the leather gave me heel blisters at first, I eventually found them easy to step into and pull on with their rear tabs. The leather softens, until they start to wear more like slippers. — Gabrielle Chase, senior associate style editor

Best ballet flat: Mansur Gavriel Dream Ballerina

Why we love them: Splurge-worthy, classic ballerinas with solid traction and a bow tie that actually functions.

Cons to consider: The European sizing means you should order a half size up if you're typically somewhere in between.

There's something to be said for splurging on a really gorgeous pair of designer heels that you only wear on special occasions, but honestly, I've always felt that it makes more sense to spend that money on a practical pair you'll get more wear out of. A beautiful ballet flat that'll never go out of style is exactly the kind of shoe that deserves the designer treatment.

We think Mansur Gavriel's Dream Ballerinas are the absolute best ballet flats out there. The $395 price tag isn't so unreasonable when compared to flats from brands like Chanel ($750+) or Louboutin ($500+), and the comfort rivals that of Everlane's Day flat, our best-overall pick on this list.

The lambskin leather is buttery soft and the insoles provide enough cushion that the flats wear almost like a loafer. The bow on the shoe is actually functional, so you can use it to tighten or loosen the opening. The bottom of the shoe has just enough traction that I feel comfortable on slippery tile surfaces, which can't be said for other slick-bottomed designer pairs I've ultimately passed over. Ultimately, these flats have it all. And even after having tested every other pair of flats on this list, I can confidently say these are worth the cost.

As far as sizing goes, I am usually somewhere in between a 7.5 and 8, and I ordered a size 38 (the European equivalent of an 8). Mansur Gavriel's site says to order a full size up from your usual size, but in my experience, it's better to opt for either your true size or one half size up if you sometimes find your true size to be tight in other brands. — Sally Kaplan, executive editor

Meet the expert behind this guide

Gabrielle Chase, senior associate style editor: Being that I'm five-foot-nine, I've always relied on the comfort of flats. I've personally tested over two dozen pairs by walking around New York City, commuting to the office, and even riding my bike. I lean towards podiatrist-led brands because I believe flats should feel sensible, but because I'm a style editor, I've curated this guide to feature classic silhouettes (and some trendy ones) that complement both formal and casual outfits.

Other flats we tested

Everlane Made In Italy Loafers ($328) These are fine in terms of your standard loafers, except there are other Italian-made pairs (such as those from M.Gemi) that look and feel higher quality for about the same cost.

Ally Forever Flats ($235) The insoles are highly cushioned, which feels great if you have flat feet — plus, they come in custom narrow and extra wide widths. But they lack heel cushions, so the rigid suede left us with gnarly blisters after the first long walk.

Quince Italian Leather Horsebit Loafer Mule ($72) We wanted to love these Gucci dupes, but upon putting them on, the shape was so irregular and off-center that it almost felt like wearing two left shoes. Hard pass.

Vivaia Melia ($129) These run very large, and especially with the D'orsay shape, were impossible to keep from slipping off. Speaking merely from a style standpoint, the colorways and patterns are questionable.

Naturalizer 27 Edit Sydney ($135): Cutout sides add interest to these otherwise typical slingbacks, crafted with lightweight cushioning, built-in arch support, and a molded heel cup. However, they're likely too wide for those with narrow feet.

What to look for when choosing the best flats

Finding the right pair of flats goes beyond just picking a pretty silhouette — comfort and fit matter just as much as style.

Since flats are usually worn without socks, getting the size right is key. Start by measuring your best-fitting shoes as a reference, and check where the flats are made, since sizing can vary by region. For example, I've found European-made shoes usually run small.

The shape of the shoe should match the shape of your foot. Pay attention to the curve of your toes — whether they're more squared, rounded, or pointed — and choose a toe box that is roomy enough to let your toes splay naturally. A mismatch here can lead to pinching. gapping or slipping, even if the length is correct.

Think about how and where you'll wear the flats. A pair meant for everyday walking or commuting should have more supportive design features than a shoe you'll reserve for special occasions. Consider the materials and construction — soft leathers or flexible knits are great for all-day wear, while sturdier soles matter if you spend lots of time walking on pavement or uneven terrain.

Matching your flats to your lifestyle and wardrobe ensures they get regular use while keeping your feet comfortable from work to weekends. Focus on pairs that balance fit, material quality, and intended use, and you'll be able to lower their cost-per-wear in no time.