Women’s Comfortable Flat Shoes
One of the most frequent questions we get on the blog is about flat shoes. More specifically, comfortable and stylish flat shoes! As someone who loves to wear heels to add a little height to my frame whenever possible, I don’t wear flat shoes super often. But when I do, they HAVE to be comfortable. Some days, especially when you’re doing a lot of walking or standing, comfort takes priority and flat shoes are a must. For this post, I solicited the help of 2 fellow 40+ bloggers I SO admire! We wanted to give you a ton of options so collectively, we are sharing comfortable flats for women and for every occasion from the most casual (think sidelines and exercise) to the most dressy (special occasions and weddings)!
If you are traveling this summer, we shared our favorite comfy and stylish travel shoes that are made for walking, here!
Comfortable Flat Shoes With Support
Birkenstock Arizona Soft Footbed Sandal
If anyone can make a shoe with arch support look chic and sophisticated, it’s my friend Melissa Meyers @TheGlowGirl! I mean, this is such a cool vibe. Melissa is wearing a pair of soft footbed Birkenstocks in Copper leather. These are no doubt some of the most comfy flats you can wear. They have a shock-absorbing, contoured footbed with arch support and an extra layer of plush foam for good measure. I love how Melissa styled them with wide-leg pants and a button-down shirt, but you can easily dress these way down with shorts, joggers, or denim too.
Alohas Harper Leather Sandal
This next sandal by Alohas, also styled by Melissa, has a molded footbed and a raised rubber sole. The statement-making gold hardware gives these comfy sandals an elevated look. And the thick adjustable straps and slingback style give you that customized and secure fit. Consider these your elevated, non-sneaker, walking shoes!
If you aren’t already following Melissa, you can check out her Instagram here and her blog here. She’s amazing! She shares style, beauty, and wellness tips and tricks to help you live a cleaner, enhanced life.
Madewell Preston Sporty Slides
These Madewell slides have been a heavy hitter for me since I got them! I love their sporty look and they are SO comfortable with the contoured footbed. The lug rubber sole offers some traction too. They are minimalistic, practical, and stylish. All sizes are currently restocked so grab them if you’ve had your eye on them. Also, they are under $100! You can see how I styled them here.
Here are a few more comfortable flat shoes that offer support!
Comfortable Flat Leather Shoes
Sam Edelman Haydee Sandal
Sam Edelman is known for its high-quality, comfortable, and affordable shoes and you really can’t go wrong with these leather flat sandals! I love that with Sam Edelman, the sizes are the same across the board…cause I don’t like returning shoes. The sandals I’m wearing above are the “Gold Leaf” color which is SO versatile, but they come in other colors too. I love the double strap for comfort and stability, but it also looks very sleek and streamlined. You can wear these with pretty much anything for spring and summer.
Saint Laurent Tribute Woven Leather Slides
Next up are these gorgeous Saint Laurent leather slides worn by Melissa. These will go with so many of your summery outfits from relaxed pants to breezy dresses. These beauties or made from woven Italian leather and have an on-trend square-toe box. Find more color and sizing options here.
Leather Loafers
Another chic flat shoe choice that is more of an all-season option is a comfortable leather loafer. The exact pair Melissa is wearing are from Zara and sold out, but we’ll link some similar ones below. Loafers can be office-appropriate and casual too depending on how you style them. For an elevated casual look, you can wear them with jeans and a blazer like Melissa is wearing in this look. Sharing more comfortable flat leather shoes…
Comfortable Flat Shoes For Work
Pointed Toe Slingbacks
Finding comfortable and stylish shoes for work is a MUST. If you’re standing on your feet all day or walking a ton around the office, heels just might not cut it. But you still want to look professional and polished. I love the look of a pointed-toe flat or slingback. In the picture above, Melissa is wearing a comfortable leather slingback with an adjustable strap. The strap is key to getting that perfect fit so it doesn’t rub against your heel and cause blisters. You want it snug but not too tight! Here are a few chic pairs of work-appropriate flats including some more slingback flats and some pretty ballet flats…
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Comfortable Flat Dress Shoes
Bibi Lou Embellished Flats
For this next section on dressy flat shoes, I want to introduce you to @Susie.Wright. If you aren’t already familiar with Susie, she is a former Nordstrom buyer and stylist with AMAZING taste and the sweetest disposition. In these images, she is wearing a dressier, elevated flat from Anthropologie. It comes in 10 different colors, fabrics, and textures but all have the square crystal embellishment which takes things up a notch. Susie is styling them here with jeans and a white button-down, but these are so versatile you could wear them for dressier events and occasions too.
Make sure you follow Susie on her blog here and Instagram here. Her graphics and outfit inspiration are next-level incredible!
Mules With Elevated Hardware
When I think of dressy occasions, I have to admit I typically gravitate towards heels, but I get that not everyone is able to wear high heels. And especially if you’re doing a lot of walking or standing, you definitely want to wear something that will keep your tootsies comfortable. These stylish flats are from the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale last summer and are no longer available, but I found several similar options with the same elevated embellishments that take them beyond casual and into the elevated realm!
Mesh Skimmer Flats
Another pair of dressier flats are these mesh Fendi flats that I bought a few summers ago for a European trip where I knew I was going to do a lot of walking… but I wanted to look chic. I have to admit, I did not give them ample break-in time before that trip (rooky mistake!) but after wearing them back home and giving them the proper time to stretch and mold to my feet, I love them! The mesh detail is what gives them a dressier look. These are unfortunately sold out, but here are a few other elevated flats with mesh details.
Comfortable Flat Shoes for Wide Feet
Sam Edelman Bay Cutout Slide Sandal
You might recognize these Sam Edelman slides from this post or this one. I’ve been wearing them a bunch! If you’re looking for a comfortable, flat leather shoe that comes in a wide width, look no further than these soft leather slides that are perfect for summer! They’re a great everyday sandal option that will be incredibly versatile. The style is very similar to the popular Hermes “Oran” sandals without the Hermes price tag. Throw them on with jeans, shorts, dresses, skirts, joggers, etc. They’re chic, high-quality, comfortable, and come in a bunch of colors.
Shop more wide width flat shoes for women here.
Comfortable Flat Sneakers
When it comes to flat shoes, I would say hands down my favorite category is sneakers! I mean, there truly isn’t anything more comfortable and supportive than a fabulous pair of sneakers…that look as good as they feel. Here are a few favorites I had to share…
Golden Goose Sneakers
Over the years, I’ve added a few pairs of Golden Goose sneakers to my closet even though I was skeptical about all the hype at first. They truly are next-level comfortable. Add to that all the chic details and they are worth the price point in my opinion. If you’ve been considering a pair of Golden Goose, here are a few fabulous options…
I share a full, detailed review about Golden Goose sneakers in this post!
Nike Dunk Low Sneakers
Nike is pretty much a household name when it comes to quality sneakers. Melissa is wearing Nike’s Dunk Low sneaker which is classic, stylish, and neutral. They are somewhere between a low-top and a high-top with a slight flatform. The perfect combination of edgy style and comfort!
Rag & Bone Retro Runner
I love these Rag & Bone sneakers so much that I now have them in 3 colors. How perfect and fun is this pink for summer? I’ve already worn them to many lacrosse tournaments. These sneakers are the perfect mix of fashion and function. They are cute, stylish, fun, and super comfortable! They run true to size.
New Balance Sneakers
New Balance sneakers are definitely having a moment right now! There are so many styles and colors…chunky athletic sneakers, retro sneakers, and elevated modern sneakers. They all seem to get great reviews for comfort too! Melissa is wearing a pair of running sneakers in the image above…and I love how she styled them with jeans, a classic white button-down, and an elevated handbag…proving running shoes are not “just” for running!
Comfortable Flat Shoes for Weddings
Whether you are a bride, mother of the bride (or groom), or a wedding guest, having foot pain, blisters, and tired feet can really kill the party. If you’re wearing a beautiful pair of heels to the ceremony. I would suggest bringing along a backup pair of comfy flat shoes for the reception should you be inspired to dance the night away! Embellished flats or sneakers would be a great choice and your feet will be SO much happier. Here are some elevated flats and sneakers that add just a little something special…
Do you have a favorite pair of flats that are incredibly comfortable? Don’t keep that to yourself, please share them with us in the comments below!
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[…] the way, if you’re looking for comfortable flat shoes, make sure you check out this post […]
[…] And, follow her on Instagram here. You can also see more of Melissa’s amazing style in this post where she shares some of her favorite comfortable flats, this post with a NYC chic look, and this […]
I LOVE the fashion tennies from Ron White. Not only do they look great, but they are super comfortable. A bit on the higher side in price but they wear extremely well, are well made, and are durable. The oldest pair I’ve had over 5 years and it still looks and feels brand new!
Sounds like a winner, Beth! Thanks so much for sharing your favorite stylish sneakers! ~Erin xo
I can’t praise Earth Origins sandals enough. They are every bit as comfortable as Birkenstocks but they fasten with velcro! Not fiddly at all.–Anne
Thanks for sharing your favorites, Anne! ~Erin xo
Hi Erin,
New subbie here..As always, thanks for the lovely recommendation with a cheaper alternative, I appreciate that about you..
I’ve been binge-watching your YT videos since I found you a few weeks ago and waiting for my first ever designer item- Valentino belt in Brown, after I saw you with it and fell in love.
I’m slowly checking off the item on your checklist and contemplating on your course 🙂
Quick question though. Would the Sam Edelman sandals still elongate you? I’m more of “anything pointy” and I’ve been wanting to buy one but I’m kind of scared 😉 I’m only 5’2′ and looking longer and taller is my goal….
Thanks for your time…
Thanks so much for being here, Amy! SO glad you are enjoying my content and tips! Are you referring to the Haydee Sandals | https://rstyle.me/+tnejPwzdYquGZQpjo5CqRQ ?
If so, they are still elongating as they are a neutral color – anything close to your own skin tone will help elongate, and they are a lower cut – not right at or above the ankle bone which can cut off the leg. I love these slide on sandals SO much and have worn them quite a bit already! Great for summer dresses, cropped jeans, and shorts! ~Erin xo