How to Look Chic in Flat Shoes
I’ve walked far too many miles in tight, ill-fitting, and high heeled shoes that weren’t always comfortable. When I was younger I would happily suffer for cute shoes but no more. My feet have rebelled and common sense has ruled but I still want to look chic in flats!
Many years in ballet toe shoes, tight shoes, high heels, and the resulting 2 bunionectomy’s on the same toe is enough for me to say, no more. That doesn’t mean I’ll be wearing frumpy gnome type shoes anytime soon because no matter how comfy those are, they don’t match my style.
I adore the look of sexy high heels and the lift it gives my petite self. Sometimes I’ll try them on at the store but the second I stand up I remember how silly this option is for me. They hurt, a lot! I can wear a few low heeled shoes these days but to be honest, flats are the comfiest.
When shopping for shoes, clicking the “comfort” tab category is not as scary as it used to be. Many brands have stepped up their game (bad pun) and new ones have entered that offer great style and comfort in a flat shoe. Here are some tips to help you look chic in flats.
How to find comfy flats
- Look for a cushioned insole and rubber sole.
- a wide and deep enough toe box to give your toes plenty of room. Jammed hammertoes are no fun.
- An arch support system that keeps my feet from getting tired.
- Enough “shoe” to grasp your foot firmly. There’s nothing worse than feeling like the shoe will slip right off.
7 Ways to look chic in flat shoes
- avoid overly chunky shoes that are hard to balance when they’re flat
- look for a unique shape and unusual detailing.
- have your shoes be the pop of color for your outfit
- a pointed toe flat adds length to your leg and helps balance anything else you’re wearing
- sparkly or metallic shoes add fun to every look.
- neutral colored shoes make your legs look longer because they draw no attention.
- athleisure has become mainstream many women are wearing trainers and athletic shoes with everything so try them with wider leg pants or a maxi skirt to help balance their bulk.
Buy the best you can afford and they will last you a long time. Your feet are worth the investment and will thank you for it.
Check out my Pinterest board for inspiration and to capture fresh ideas. Women are forever coming up with clever ways to style their outfits with flat shoes and I love to save them because I firmly believe that it’s chic to be comfortable!
If you liked this post I would love if you would pin this to your Pinterest board
Also- 5 Ways to Make Your Legs Look Longer in Flat Shoes
What are your favorite comfort brands?
I have one somewhat flat foot and not the other; i want shoes that are the same across the bottom– no separate heel for stability and i cushiony bottoms. I have gravitated to Naturalizer, Joseph Seibel, BZeez, Born, Clarks, Softt and New Balance. If i pick up a shoe and it is heavy i don’t even try it on. I like cheetah, snake, metallics as well as black, red, pink that go with my wardrobe. I want a little sass with comfort!
Thank goodness they have attractive, comfortable shoes out there now! I felt the need to wear heels while working in real estate. I too had two bunions removed. At age 70 I’m so glad those days are over!
Jennifer…I love the Cheetah flat with cheetah button down top look❤ my rule with flats is to wear them where you plan to not walk alot. I agree they hurt but a fun look for crop pants in summer.
LOL, I’ve just been on a comfort shoe search too! Chacos makes a flip flop with arch support that I wear as a staple, Teva has some dressier slides I like, and Taos makes a really beautiful walking sandal, and the classic look of the lighter Birkenstocks can’t be beat for comfort. I’ve also recently discovered budget friendly Easy Spirit for a casual slip on sneaker and adorable ballet flats, also Earth Origins does a low heel comfort version of the high vamp mesh cut out sandal in blush that is really cute! But my secret comfort around the house, garden and walk the dog shoes are Crocs! No, no, not the clog things, the ballet flats come in cute colors, neutrals, I have black, bone, pink loafer & leopard slingback, they mold to your feet after you wear them a bit, and wash n dry off. They are also great for a rainy day. Happy feet, happy me!
I wear a narrow. I highly recommend Trotteers brand of shoes. They have many nice flat shoes and they keep their shape and last.
No one has mentioned shoes by Born, which make up 75% of the shoes in my closet. As a 1st grade teacher, I am on my feet all day, and I don’t feel like I have to kick them off the minute I get home. They last forever, too!
My daughter loves Born. I need to check them
Out!
After multiple stress fractures due to osteoporosis, I find that Hoka (athletic, pure comfort!), Vionic, and Alegria shoes are the brands that keep my feet happy most of the time. Also, Naot and Birkenstock are great contenders as well. When I shop for shoes, I look for a rigid sole – if I I can bend the sole of the shoe, I put it right down and move on. I know I must look odd trying to to bend and twist each shoe I’m considering for purchase. I love the recommendations from readers here- I will check them out!
Ouch! Yes I’m loving all these suggestions too
My feet were the first things to go!! They started going south in my fifties and are still headed that way at 73! I am very fond of Grasshoppers. They come in different widths and I require a wide. They are very reasonably priced and make a nice looking casual shoe. The insole is well padded but can be removed. Thanks for all the suggestions ladies. I now have some other brands to look for.
My readers are the very best!!
I’ve worn Naots for years and think it’s time to try some of these suggestions. Thank you!
Bernie Mev. They stretch.
Excellent advice, I can tell this is from someone who knows! I have prescription orthotic insoles which allows me a lot more choice but as a result I look for shoes that have removable insoles. Summer sandals can be a challenge for those I follow the advise you have given here. I have even found some that I can walk for miles in without pain. They were pricey but when calculate the cost per wear worth it. Who wants to seal up their feet during summer heat my toes like to be free(ish). Free in a supportive and soft environment! Aging is not for wimps! Thanks again for your honest and helpful posts.
Comfortable shoes are worth what we need to pay to have them. I would rather have fewer pairs and know they are comfy.
Any ideas for me? I have narrow feet as well as flat feet and a bunion on my right big toe which has slightly turned that toe up higher than the rest. And my second toes are almost 1/2 inch longer than my big toes. Buying closed-toe shoes are extremely tricky and closed heels tend to slip off my feet. Sandals have become my go-to choice, but they have to have a thong to anchor my feet inside. Without that toe stop, my feet just slide right off the front of the sandal. So flip flops are best for me. I buy the Clarks flip flops which are very common footwear here in Florida. Also certain styles of SAS sandals work for me. Any other brands/styles to consider?
Check out sandals that cover the top of your foot and are anchored by the big toe. Paul Green comes to mind for those.
Hard to find comfortable shoes! Especially when you have narrow feet!!
Clarks is about the only shoe I’ve found that is affordable AND makes Narrow widths. Even then, still need something more comfortable. Vionic is good, but doesn’t make narrow widths.
Shoes! Shoes! Shoes! Love me some cute shoes. BUT! Being diagnosed with plantar fasciitis about 12 years ago should changed my buying plans. The podiatrist I saw at the time suggested Clark’s and that was the day I purchased my first pair. I can’t wear “flat” flats, I need a very slight rise in the heel area. No more flip flops, no going barefoot, and everything must have good arch support. I wore a corrective boot to bed every night for over 2 years to help ease the pain of PF in my left foot. I have expanded my shoe wardrobe immensely over the years to over 25 pairs of Clarks, some Naturalizer, Sketcher, Amalfi, Avon Cushion Walk and a few random brands. Low wedges and some low heels are included, but mostly shoes that would be considered flats, but aren’t really flat. I can walk for miles without pain ( and I have) when the shoes are supportive, but they must be stylish too. Shoe obsession, YES, but not the sacrifice of comfort.
Shoes I find incredibly comfortable are L’ Amour Des. I have 7 pairs…different colors and styles, some the same style, different colors!!
I only have one of theirs but have two others in my virtual shopping cart:)
Agree that most flats are comfortable and a safer option as we get older and less agile! I look for shoes with non slippery soles. We get rain almost daily and plastic or slick leather soles are a hazard. I can’t wear those slip on casual shoes ( canvas or clogs) that have only a slight little lip for a back, or open toed flats, or high vamps. Low vamp, pointed toes are best for me and I do like the feminine look of sling backs.
Shoes are always a challenge for me and I never can risk mail order. Frustrating in current situation.
I use mail order from Zappos.com. Easy return! No shipping either way!
After shattering my heel into pieces falling off a ladder, I now have a foot full of hardware! My surgeon said look for shoes that do not bend at all in the sole. He was right, that is the only thing that allows me to walk without limping or pain. I love Dansko, Kork-Ease, some Clarks, and my go to for sandals is Romika for a day of shopping. And Hoka athletic shoes for the gym. The doctor told my husband I could only wear expensive shoes now! I would love to see some ideas on how to style dresses when wearing flats. Weddings and cocktail parties make me feel frumpy no matter how beautiful the dress.
That sounds so painful. I will see what I can find for you.
Munro shoes are about the only shoes made in the USA. The are made in Hot Springs, Arkansas, and even have a factory outlet there. Some great buys.
I’ll add SAS shoes made in San Antonio, TX.
Lucky you!!
Flat shoes!! Knee problems!! Feet that hurt from years of high heels!!
This is a great post. My podiatrist told me to wear sneakers with inserts. That’s ok at home, but sometimes I need a bit more. Everybody has given me a great list of shoes to check out. I like Munro.
Shoes! I LOVE SHOES! But they don’t love me! Aargh! This post was right on Jennifer! ❤️ All of the tips and posts from other readers are so helpful! I do have a question about Rothy’s though. They have some of the cutest shoes I’ve ever seen, I even went to the store in San Francisco thinking it would be like Mecca!
However you can fold the shoes like oragami! Isn’t one of the traits of a comfort shoe the fact that it is stable?
Yes, they are cute but have no stability or support. I used mine as at home Slippers for a while, then gave them away.