![The Most Comfortable Flats According to 10 Fashion Insiders (1) The Most Comfortable Flats According to 10 Fashion Insiders (1)](https://i0.wp.com/hips.hearstapps.com/hmg-prod/images/comfortable-flats-1561478293.jpg?crop=1.00xw:1.00xh;0,0&resize=640:*)
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There’s nothing like a heel to make you feel your most feminine, but the practicality of three-plus inches doesn’t exactly suit all women IRL. Flats are the functional shoe du jour whether you wear yours solely for a commute or love the comfort of a flat sole all day. Oftentimes, though, flats are just as, if not more excruciating than heels (minus the leg-elongating effects of a stiletto, too). So what gives? Per 11 fashion insiders who have wear-tested just about every flat shoe on the market, it’s all about finding the right silhouette for you and, for some, having a loose interpretation of what constitutes a flat (read on for a couple of teensy tiny heels that ensure total comfort with the slightest lift). Ahead, the most comfortable (and stylish!) flats according to retail fashion directors, stylists, designers, and influencers.
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“The new Australian label that is set to become a cult favorite is Studio Amelia, whose founder Emily had been in search of the perfect city flat and decided to create it herself. During Sydney Fashion Week, Michael Lo Sordo's full evening wear collection was styled back to a pair, for a modern finishing touch.” —Lisa Aiken, Fashion Director of Moda Operandi
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Christian Louboutin Follies Embellished Mesh Flats
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Christian Louboutin Follies Embellished Mesh Flats
“These Louboutin ballerinas give a twist to any laid back outfit. Feminine yet cool, the sparkles are a quick solution for taking an outfit from day to night. As comfort brings confidence, when you feel good you carry yourself with more self-assurance.” —Sylvia Haghjoo, Influencer,@sylviahaghjoo
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"J.Crew's Ryan Penny Loafers are my favorite flats for a few reasons. First, they come in my size! I'm a 10.5 or 11 depending on the shoe, but usually have to settle for a 10. These come in half sizes and go up to a 12. Second, they are genuinely comfortable. Actually, they're probably the first flats I've owned that haven't given me a blister. Third, they go with everything from jeans to suits. Easy!" —Lauren Chan, Model and Founder of Henning
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“2019 is all about athletic hybrid sandals. They’re a new take on Tevas for the season, and they’re the perfect way to kick off warmer days (in comfort!). The Woven Sporty Sandals from Toga Pulla are a current favorite of mine that I’ve been wearing nonstop.”—Caroline Maguire, Fashion Director of Shopbop
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“I love these Martine Rose loafer mules because they offer the ease of a slipper or a slide, but with a superior sense of crispness — there's no doubt that you mean business in these shoes. Furthermore, I'm a big fan of the square toe as it adds a dose of quirkiness, something I try to implement in every look.” —Imani Randolph, Model and Content Creator
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If you’re a socially conscious shopper, look to stylist and brand consultant, Rachael Wang, who hasoverhauled her entire wardrobe with sustainability in mind. “My favorite comfortable flats are hand-made rope sandals from Nomadic State of Mind. I wear them daily in the spring, summer, and early fall.” —Rachael Wang, Stylist and Brand Consultant
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For the die-hard heels girl who can’t quite commit to a flat, stylist and costume designer, Shiona Turini has the solution. “My white Mansur Gavriel slingbacks have logged as many miles as I have. I won’t travel without them—India, Morocco, Bermuda—anywhere I go, they go. They’re aggressively comfortable; I can walk around in them all day and the slight lift in the heel elevates any outfit. I have a second, more worn in pair that I wear on set — they make a super-casual outfit or even a sweatpant look polished.” —Shiona Turini, Stylist andCostume Designer
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“I’m in love with the Chanel CC cap-toe flats — they’re the comfiest shoes and that’s coming from a New Yorker who walks everywhere. Even when wearing them with jeans and a tee, you can look sophisticated, chic, and have no blisters by the end of the day. You can find them second-hand or vintage, too. Sustainable, comfortable, chic...what more could a girl want?” —Christie Tyler, Influencer, @Nycbambi
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Petite gals whocrave the height of a heel, but the comfort of a flat, stylist Sarah slu*tsky has the solve. “My favorite “flat” is this sandal by Tibi with a teeny tiny lift. It’s barely there and a fashion-forward option with ballet wraps up the ankle. Being under 5’3”, I really appreciate how the smallest little nugget heel sneaks in a bit of height with the feeling of a flat.” —Sarah slu*tsky, Stylist
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“I have to say, even though I am probably a little biased, Amanu's are truly my favorite and most comfortable flat that I own. In part because of the cushioning on the sole, and also the soft lining we use on the straps. I wear them with everything from a silk slip dress for dinner to slouchy slacks and a button up for a meeting." —Anita Patrickson, Celebrity Stylist and Founder of AMANU
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"When I am home in the bush in Africa I live in my boxcar boots from The Great. They are so comfortable and soft and I love the vintage vibe. I walk for miles in them in the dirt and when it's time for lunch I pair with a white cotton dress for a more dressed up version. Because I wear these so much and use them more out in the outdoors than they were intended for, I reheeled and soled them and they are going to last me forever...they look better and better as they age!” —Anita Patrickson, Celebrity Stylist and Founder of AMANU