It’s Going to Be a Flat-Shoe Spring—These Pairs Are the Best of the Best
Up until about six years ago, aside from holiday sandals, I never used to wear flat shoes. Instead, I'd teeter around in heels, whatever the occasion—be it a night out or a trip to the supermarket. I guess I had subscribed to the idea that working in the fashion industry meant practical things such as flat shoes weren't part of the uniform. In my defence, flat shoes weren't given the same treatment that they are today.
Then the tide turned. From Céline's (when the brand still boasted its accent) Glove shoes to Gucci's once-again-iconic Jordaan loafers, the humble flat was given the haute treatment by a host of brands. Now, you'll find plentiful flat shoes that look just as pretty as heels, if not more so.
It's official—flat shoes are cool, and I wear them around the clock. Not only are they more comfortable than any of the shoes I wore during my early 20s, but I also trip less. (Note: It's imperative to pay attention when walking in five-inch stilettos and not get distracted looking at dogs.) And you know, I also feel much more stylish.
Ballet flats, loafers, Mary Janes—whatever your preferred flavour of flat footwear is, I've found the chicest pairs out there. Scroll below to see the best flat shoes on offer right now, from high-street, mid-range and luxury brands.
THE BEST HIGH-STREET FLAT SHOES
Jeanette demonstrates the trending way to wear loafers this season: with tall socks.
Shop High-Street Flats:
They may not be the most practical for winter, but they are perfect for the coming spring days.
The colour, the shape, the slight heel—it's all so good.
THE BEST MID-RANGE FLAT SHOES
Marisa styles flat Mary Janes for the transitional period with a long dress and coat.
Shop Mid-Range Flats:
I'm obsessed with these pumps from Reformation's collaboration with the New York City Ballet.
The benefit of Mary Janes is that the strap will stop your foot from slipping out.
Now to decide which Reformation dress to style with these ballerina pumps...
The mock-croc finish sets these penny loafers apart.
Reformation's much-loved loafers come in a range of styles and prints.
THE BEST LUXURY FLAT SHOES
Marilyn opts for a modern monochrome look, teaming her Chanel ballet flats with balloon skirt and a black blazer.
Shop Luxury Flats:
Alaïa makes the best going-out shoes for when you're just not in the mood to wear heels.
I was sold the second I saw that pearl-embellished strap.
The sweetest ballet flat silhouette with a slightly sexy vibe.
For fans of the leopard print trend....
This post was originally published at an earlier time and has since been updated.
Maxine Eggenberger is Who What Wear UK’s deputy editor and has over thirteen years of experience in fashion journalism. She been creating engaging and elevated style content specifically for Who What Wear UK since 2018, covering runway reports, emerging trends, long-form features, self-styled shopping stories and columns, including her edit of the best new-in buys. She ensures the highest editorial standards are met across the site, leads the editorial team in their SEO strategy and keyword planning, works closely with the beauty team on content initiatives, represents the brand at industry events, and regularly contributes to social media, including her own Who What Wear UK TikTok franchise, French Style Fridays. Previously, Maxine appeared on ITV's This Morning in her own fashion segment and has interviewed countless celebrities—everyone from Victoria Beckham to Oscar winner Lupita Nyong’o.
Prior to Who What Wear UK, Maxine’s career began when, after completing her first-ever internship at Look magazine, she was offered a position on the brand's fashion desk. She accepted, leaving university a year early in the process. Her passion and natural talent for writing and styling meant she swiftly rose through the ranks to become the title's fashion news and commercial content editor, with a stint as InStyle.co.uk’s fashion and beauty writer along the way. She later served as Look’s acting Editor in Chief, overseeing both print and digital, before embarking on a successful freelance career, working with Grazia, The Pool, and Marie Claire amongst others.
Maxine is based remotely from her countryside home near Edinburgh where she spends her downtime renovating her house, walking her dogs, hosting friends and trying to master the art of making Old Fashioned cocktails.
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