Let’s be honest, flats will never be as cushy and supportive as sneakers. But, the most comfortable flats should be enjoyable to wear for hours of the day—and depending on your needs—look great for work, nights out and weekends. With that in mind, I set out to test dozens of highly-reviewed flats for a month to find which ones are truly the most comfortable. My top pick overall is Margaux The Pointe Flat, which is a dressy shoe, and the best casual option for all-day walking is Rothy’s The Flat.
These comfy flats offer flexibility, cushion and a great fit, so you'll never have to worry about ... [+] blisters.
ILLUSTRATION: FORBES / PHOTO: RETAILERS
I focused on top-rated options, with at least four stars, from trusted brands, like Allbirds and Sarah Flint, and considered a variety of styles, price points and levels of support. I was especially picky since I have sensitive feet (more on that below, as well as how I evaluated my top picks). While every pair of shoes will fit each person’s foot differently, according to your arch and gait, the most comfortable flats have certain features that go a long way to prevent pain.
Ahead, I found eight flats that stand out for their smart design and high quality. I rated each on a comfort scale of 0 to 5 and included other specs to help guide your choices. If you’d like more footwear advice, check out our reviews of the most comfortable walking shoes for women and the most comfortable sandals.
Comfort rating (0-5): 4.8 | Online reviews rating: 4.8 stars, based on 376 reviews | Arch support: Minimal | Sizing: Runs slightly large | Return policy: $9.95 return fee; free with Happy Returns
Why I tested this pair: New York-based Margaux is obsessed with fit—the brand offers three widths and sizes that run from US 3 to 14, a rarity in women’s footwear.
What I loved: The Pointe Flat was supremely comfortable right out of the box, which is remarkable for pointy-toe flats. The reason: The vamp (or front section) is cut low, so your toes aren’t pinched. The insole padding provides just enough cushioning, although if you have arch pain, it probably won’t be enough. I liked the slight block heel and rubber-reinforced bottoms that prevent wear and tear.
What I didn’t love: The low-vamp style means that your foot is exposed, so if it rains, your feet will get wet. For that reason, I wouldn’t recommend this pair for extensive walking in all weather—these are your “good” shoes for work, dinner parties and days when you want to look pulled together.
Amazon Bestseller That Performed Surprisingly Well
Amazon
Amazon Essentials Women's Belice Ballet Flat
Comfort rating (0-5): 4 | Online reviews rating: 4.3 stars, based on 71,248 reviews | Arch support: None | Sizing: True to size | Return policy: Free returns within 30 days
Why I tested this pair: With more than 60,000 reviews on Amazon, this flat is extremely popular and well priced.
What I loved: Amazon’s Belice flats slipped on like a glove and required no break-in period. The elastic seam helps the shoe stay put and mold to my foot shape, a detail that I found quite comfortable. I also appreciated the simple, classic design, which made the shoe look more expensive than the actual price—you could wear this with a black cocktail dress or jeans.
What I didn’t love: It’s made of faux leather, so this pair won’t last forever. There’s also zero cushioning—you can feel the ground under your feet—but if you needed a simple pair that gets the job done, you can’t go wrong for $21.
Why I tested this pair: J.Crew is known for simple, timeless styles and the Zoe is a bestseller.
What I loved: The shape of this ballet flat is great—it has a slightly squared-off round toe, which increased the comfort factor and also felt aesthetically fresh. The canvas-lined leather is buttery and supple from the start, so it has flexibility and never felt too stiff. I also liked the grosgrain ribbon detail running down the back heel, which added a chic touch.
What I didn’t love: The collar, or seam that surrounds the foothole opening, does come up a bit high, which caused rubbing (but not blisters). The bottoms of these shoes are slippery on carpet until you scuff them up and I wished they came in half sizes (I’d recommend sizing up).
Most Comfortable Flats For Walking
Soft, Flexible And Machine-Washable
Rothy's
Rothy's The Flat
Comfort rating (0-5): 4.3 | Online reviews rating: 4.5 stars, based on 25,491 reviews | Arch support: Minimal | Sizing: Runs large | Return policy: Free within 30 days
Why I tested this pair: Rothy’s is known for their sustainable footwear and The Flat gets rave reviews online.
What I loved: The woven upper on this pair is soft and flexible and the insole is cushioned and comfortable. The v-cut toe vamp is stylish, as is the contrast piping on the back heel. Rothy’s offers these flats in an extensive range of colorways so you can find the shade that best matches your wardrobe. Also great: They’re made with recycled materials and are machine-washable.
What I didn’t love: The toe vamp slightly pressed on my big toe, although I only felt this on one foot, and the woven material stretches out a tiny bit (I would size down if you’re between sizes).
Most Comfortable Flats With Arch Support
Cushioned Insole And Supportive Design
Allbirds
Allbirds Tree Breezers
Comfort rating (0-5): 4.5 | Online reviews rating: 4.5 stars, based on 6,299 reviews | Arch support: Yes | Sizing: Runs small | Return policy: Free within 30 days
Why I tested this pair: Allbirds has a reputation for well-priced, comfort-first shoes, and friends of mine raved about these flats.
What I loved: I felt a noticeable difference the first time I wore these Allbirds—they felt cloud-like. Compared to all the others I tested, they had the most built-in arch support, with a cushioned insole that’s removable (I even put them in other flats!). The shoe is also stretchy and lightweight, so it never feels heavy, and it has a sturdy rubber outsole for walking.
What I didn’t love: The collar on this pair is high, so I experienced some rubbing but not enough to make me stop wearing these.
Most Comfortable Flats For Work
A Worthy Upgrade That's Stylish For Meetings (And More)
Sarah Flint
Sarah Flint Sacchetto Ballet Flat
Comfort rating(0-5): 4 | Online reviews rating: 4.7 stars, based on 115 reviews | Arch support: None | Sizing: Runs large | Return policy: Free returns within 21 days
Why I tested this pair: Sarah Flint’s shoes are extensively fit-tested and built for comfort, with luxury details, a combination that’s not easy to find.
What I loved: Many designer flats emphasize style over wearability, which is not the case with this pair. I liked the cap-toe detail and the squared-off silhouette gave my foot room to breathe. The leather comes in bold colorways and felt soft right from the start. And if you need a gift, these flats are beautifully packaged, too—they arrive wrapped in a cloth bag, with a card signed by the expert who worked on them.
What I didn’t love: The flats run a bit large, and the insole isn’t very cushioned, so if you have foot pain, this might not be the best pair for you.
Most Comfortable Flats For Wide Feet
Slipper-Like Design And Extra Roomy
Birdies
Birdies Starling Flat
Comfort rating (0-5): 4.7 | Online reviews rating: 4.7 stars, based on 34,993 reviews | Arch support: Yes | Sizing: True to size | Return policy: Free returns anytime (Zappos)
Why I tested this pair: Birdie flats are known to be incredibly comfortable because of the rounder toe box and a relaxed fit over the top of the foot.
What I loved: These flats felt as cozy as slippers. The cushioned footbed is stacked with seven layers of high-density memory foam—and you could really feel it. The roomy silhouette is especially great for those with wider feet or who suffer from bunions. There’s also a no-slip rubber sole, and more arch support than other flat styles.
What I didn’t love: If you have a narrower foot (like me), you might experience some gaping on the sides.
Most Comfortable Loafer Flats
Long-Lasting And Versatile For Casual Or Formal Days
MOST POPULAR
TOMS
Toms Darcy Flat
Comfort rating (0-5): 4.5 | Online reviews rating: 3.9 stars, based on 275 reviews | Arch support: Minimal | Sizing: Mostly true to size | Return policy: Returns within 30 days; no refund for shipping charges
Why I tested this pair: I’m a fan of the brand’s bestselling Alpargatas, so I was curious if this loafer style would be just as durable and comfortable.
What I loved: These leather flats are simple and polished. I tested them without socks and on bare feet and didn’t experience any blisters—the leather upper was a bit stiff at first, though, so it does require some breaking in. After about two weeks, though, these flats molded to my feet and I wear them almost daily.
What I didn’t love: The sizing is inconsistent; the black leather felt much tighter and smaller than the tan color so I’d size up if you go for black.
If the above styles don’t work for you, we rounded up additional pairs that stand out for comfort, style, wearability and chic color offerings. Forbes Vetted contributing fashion writer Molly Calhoun tested them all to gauge their finer points and limitations.
Sleek And Understated Minimalism
Everlane
Everlane The Day Glove Flat
Comfort rating (0-5): 4.3 | Online reviews rating: 4.5 based on 7,039 reviews | Arch support: None | Sizing: True to size but narrow | Return policy: Within 30 days of the order’s ship date
Why I tested this pair: This top-rated pair is legendary for its buttery soft leather and great fit. Plus, the price for this quality is exceptional.
What I loved: It’s rare that I feel a shoe truly molds to my foot, but this one did just that with its supple leather and close fit. The high vamp kept it securely on my feet, so I didn’t have to worry about this shoe slipping off my heel, which can happen with some ballet flats since my feet are slightly different sizes. The sleek silhouette makes this pair great for pairing with stylish weekend outfits or for work; plus, they come in nine gorgeous neutral colors.
What I didn’t love: While these have a grippy rubber sole, they could use more support—there’s not much cushion between the sole of your foot and the ground. I wouldn’t want to walk miles and miles in these.
Feminine Pointed Style With A Padded Footbed
Cole Haan
Cole Haan Chlea Ballet Flats
Comfort rating (0-5): 4.2 | Online reviews rating: 4.4 based on 11 reviews | Arch support: None | Sizing: True to size | Return policy: Free returns within 30 days of purchase date
Why I tested this pair: Cole Haan’s shoes are highly rated for style and comfort, and we’ve featured them in many of our reviews.
What I loved: The leather is nice and has an elevated look without being stiff and restrictive. I loved the soft pointed toe, which has a dressy feel without completely cramming my toes. I found that the footbed had more padding than many other styles, so there was more cushion between my foot and the pavement to protect from jarring or discomfort.
What I didn’t love: The slightly higher back at the heel would rub just under my ankle bone at times. Also, there’s no arch support, so I could foresee some back pain if I wore these for too long.
Flexible Rounded Toe Style That’s Soft And Forgiving On Feet
Rothy's
Rothy’s The Ballet Flat
Comfort rating (0-5): 4.7 | Online reviews rating: 4.3 based on 1,260 ratings| Arch support: Minimal | Sizing: True to size but slightly wide | Return policy: Free returns within 30 days of your order’s delivery
Why I tested this pair: Rothy’s is known for their commitment to sustainability and their shoes’ comfort is exceptional.
What I loved: These flats are lightweight and flexible, and they have a soft feel and springy rubber sole. I especially liked that these didn’t rub uncomfortably on my bunions or heel of my foot. Unlike other pairs, these don’t cause my feet so sweat either. Another bonus: The discreet bow is permanently fixed, so you don’t have to worry about it coming untied.
What I didn’t love: I have a narrow foot, so these gaped slightly at the sides while walking, but they didn’t slip off.
Stylish And Strappy For A Comfortable Wear Experience
Nordstrom
Birdies The Hummingbird Mary Jane
Comfort rating (0-5): 4.8 | Online reviews rating: 4.49 out of 249 reviews | Arch support: Yes | Sizing: True to size | Return policy: Case-by-case basis
Why I tested this pair: Birdies shoes are notoriously well-cushioned, and this style has a strap across the top for added stability.
What I loved: The padding on these flats—at the sole, sides and heel—is so soft that it legitimately makes them feel like a cozy pair of slippers. Plus, the full arch support is significant, so I didn’t feel as if my ankles were collapsing inward. The sole and shoe walls are flexible—so, no blisters—and the rubber sole offers traction on everything from pavement to slick tile. Not only is the Mary Jane silhouette stylish, the strap also increased the comfort of this style: Even though I have one slightly smaller foot, the strap kept these from slipping off my heel.
What I didn’t love: I wish this Mary Jane style came in more colors, because many sizes sell out fast. Also, as with any velvet, I had to be careful to store these without rubbing them up against other shoes to prevent the material from getting crushed.
Why Trust Forbes Vetted
Here at Forbes Vetted, we’ve researched, tested and written extensively about fashion and comfortable footwear. As the deputy fashion editor on the team, I’ve tested a variety of shoes, including runner sneakers, sandals and the best walking shoes for women. I spend a lot of time on my feet, hiking and working out on the weekends, and I’ve competed in a few half marathons as well. In the last decade, I’ve also racked up a number of foot injuries from high-impact activities, so I’m extra picky about wearing comfortable shoes that don’t sacrifice style. For this guide, Forbes Vetted contributor Molly Calhoun also tested additional pairs and enlisted the advice and expertise of stylist and image consultant Amanda Sanders. This story was most recently updated in October 2024.
How I Choose The Most Comfortable Flats
When conducting my research, I looked for flats from reputable, highly reviewed brands and read online shopping articles to see which pairs were consistently singled out for being the most comfortable for women. I dug into the features of each pair to ensure I considered picks for different footwear needs, styles and budgets.
From there, I created a list of about 15 flats to test. I spent approximately five weeks wearing these flats while going about my everyday activities, which included walking indoors and outdoors, on multiple types of surfaces, and in different weather conditions, ranging from about 20 to 50 degrees. I kept track of which pairs felt the most comfortable and didn’t cause pinching, blisters or foot pain at the end of the day. Verified customer reviews had to be stellar, too, and each flat featured here has an average rating of 4 or more stars out of 5. Finally, I made sure each flat had hassle-free returns, since footwear sizes vary greatly by brand, and it’s often necessary to try on a few pairs in order to find your best size.
After testing many pairs, I found the most comfortable flats offer a balance of support, ... [+] breathability and cushioning.
Kari Molvar for Forbes Vetted
What To Consider For The Most Comfortable Flats
Width: When shopping for any pair of shoes, width is extremely important for comfort. If you have wider feet, look for brands that offer spacious room around the toe box, which helps avoid blisters. If you have narrower feet, consider styles that hug the sides of the foot and don’t gap open when you walk. There’s nothing worse than trying to curl your toes just to keep your shoes from flying off. Margaux is one brand that offers flats in varying foot widths, so you ensure a comfortable fit.
Sole: In general, a rubber sole is most supportive but tends to look sportier, says celebrity stylist and image consultant Amanda Sanders. For optimum comfort and style, look for options with a thin rubber sole or partial rubber sole. This will help cushion the foot and offer better traction without being too noticeable or clunky. “If you buy a flat without a good sole you can always have a cobbler put on a thin rubber sole,” Sanders says. “It’ll help the shoe be a little more shock resistant but you won’t lose the elegant appearance of a thin leather sole, for example.”
Fabric: Certain fabrics have more give and mold to your foot over time, creating that perfect fit. “Leather and suede will stretch in this way,” Sanders says. “But plastic, vinyl and fabric don’t usually give as much. And satin shoes definitely won’t stretch.” Very soft leathers or suedes might feel comfortable and accommodating to your foot early on, but on the flipside, they may not last as long as a stiffer leather.
Strap: An over-the-foot strap—on, say, a Mary Jane or a mule—adds comfort and helps secure the shoe’s fit. These types of straps or buckles can be invaluable if you have different sized feet because they allow you to adjust one shoe if it may be slightly too big. However, at the same time, a strap can visually cut off the length of your leg, so you might want to consider a slim strap if possible.
Size: If you’re between sizes,follow the brand’s recommendations as to whether you should size up or down. If no advice is given on their site, most experts recommend sizing down for genuine leather flats since they will stretch out over time. For knit fabric flats, such as Rothy’s, it’s often best to size down too, since the knit can loosen up with use. Generally, leave enough space between your big toe and the edge of the flat—the width of your thumb is a good amount of room. Remember, feet swell as the day goes on, so you want some built-in comfort to allow for this expansion.
Toe Shape: To not look frumpy in flats, pay attention to the shape of the toe on your flats. Personally, I like styles that are pointed, round with a square front or oval rather than entirely round all around. Toe shape can really change the vibe of your flats. Also, wear your flats with outfits that have a bit of an edge and aren’t super traditional—pair them with distressed or cuffed jeans, midi skirts rather than prim knee-length options. I also love flats with a flared skirt or sleek jumpsuit as a way to dress down a formal look.
How To Break In Leather Flats
It’s true that leather flats do require some breaking in. Podiatrists recommend wearing new shoes at home and alternating days you wear them to avoid blisters and giving up on your flats altogether. Here’s a step-by-step plan to gradually wear in any new leather pair.
Wear Thick Socks: Consider wearing thick socks when initially breaking in your leather flats. This can provide a bit of cushioning and a buffer for bare skin to help prevent blisters and discomfort as the shoes adjust to your feet.
Use Blister Pads: If you anticipate potential “hotspots” or you know that certain areas are your feet are prone to blisters, apply blister pads or moleskin to those spots before wearing your new flats. This can provide added protection and comfort.
Wear Your Shoes At Home: Before taking your new shoes out for a full day, wear them around the house for short periods. This allows your feet to get accustomed to the shoes so you don’t overdo things at first.
Invest In Quality Shoe Trees: Wooden shoe trees help maintain the shape of your shoes and absorb moisture, which can help in keeping the leather supple and preventing creases.
Amazon
Woodlore Women’s Cedar Wood Shoe Trees Adjustable 2-Pack
Alternate Shoes: If you have multiple pairs of flats, rotate them regularly. This not only extends the life of your shoes but also gives your feet a break from wearing the same pair every day.
Consider Professional Stretching: If you have specific issues with the fit of your flats, such as tight spots or bunions, consider taking them to a professional cobbler for stretching or modifications.
Complain—Politely: If you’ve given it a few weeks and your flats are still not comfortable, reach out to the brand, even if you’re past the return window. Reputable brands will want to know that their shoes are not meeting your expectations and should work with you to find a solution, whether it’s sending a new pair or offering you a store credit.
What About Insoles?
Insoles can be especially helpful to provide extra cushioning in flats and support if you have specific foot issues (for example, I have stubborn, hard-earned blisters from running, which makes the sides of my feet very tender). Here are my top recommendations to customize your flats for ultimate comfort.
Specifically Designed For Flats
Extra Cushioning From A Trusted Brand
Amazon
Dr. Scholl's Cushioning Insoles For Flats And Sandals
Memory Foam And Shock Absorbing Pick
Comes In Multiple Colors To Match Your Flats
Amazon
Memory Foam Insoles For Women
Heel Grips For Loose Flats
Molded To Prevent Blisters
Amazon
Heel Grips Liner Cushions Inserts
Which Flats Are The Most comfortable?
Flats have come a long way in recent years—offering features like cushioning, arch support and flexible rubber soles. The Margaux The Pointe Flat gets top marks for both comfort and style, but brands like Rothys, Allbirds, Sarah Flint and Birdies are also known for making flats with sneaker-like comfort that can withstand miles of walking.
How Do I Stop My Flats From Hurting My Feet?
Flats can feel stiff right out of the box, so simply taking the time to break them in will stop them from hurting. As mentioned above, try wearing them around the house for short periods of time to help them soften and mold to your feet. If your feet are aching from a lack of arch support, slipping in a slim over-the-counter insole should ease discomfort, and heel grips can be a buffer against blisters.
What Flats Are Trending In 2024?
The big trend for 2024 is Mary Jane style flats, which have either an elastic strap (to mimic actual ballet shoes) or an adjustable leather strap. Along with looking stylish, these straps serve an important purpose: They hold your foot in place, creating a more customized fit and making them easier to walk in. Woven ballet flats are really hot for spring and summer, like the Margaux The Demi Jane or Madewell’s The Greta Ballet Flat (we show it in a studded style, but it also comes in woven), while Cole Haan’s Bridge MaryJanes have year-round appeal.
What Is The Comfiest Ballet Flat?
This distinction goes to J.Crew’s Zoe Ballet Flats. They aren’t tricked out with all kinds of techy features, but the soft leather and squared off toe make them comfortable for everyday wear. A close runner up is the Aerosoles Pia Ballet Flat, which has a flexible sole and cushy footbed.
