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A comfortable flat is a closet staple. Flat styles range from classic ballet flats to versatile loafers to trendy slingbacks. The timeless footwear adds a touch of professionalism to office days and makes the perfect plus one for dressy nights. Some include pointe, square and rounded shapes to perfectly complement a pant leg. Simply pair it with tights during winter temps or go for no-show socks once spring hits.
The convenience and comfort of flats aren't lost on us, either. Our GH Institute experts and editors rounded up their personal favorites from brands we know and love, from seamless slip-ons to ballerinas with memory foam footbeds. Each pair has special design features that prioritize extra comfort for your feet, making it easier to depart from uncomfy heels that take up real estate in your work bag. And best of all, they are super stylish and come in an array of colors: black, beige, gold, you name it.
Our top picks:
1
2
Most Affordable Comfortable Flats
Amazon Essentials Belice Ballet Flat
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3
4
5
6
7
Most Comfortable Luxury Flats
Mansur Gavriel Square Toe Ballerina
Read more
8
Most Comfortable Flats with Arch Support
Vionic Lena Pointed Ballet Flat
Read more
9
10
Most Comfortable Slip-On Flats
Sam Edelman Felicia Flat
Read more
Skip to the end of this guide for more tips on how to pick the most comfortable flats, plus info on how we tested. While you're on the hunt for comfy shoes, check out our list of the most comfortable heels you can order online.
1
Most Comfortable Flats Overall
Birdies The Goldfinch
1
Most Comfortable Flats Overall
Birdies The Goldfinch
Pros
- Cushioned footbed
- Doesn't feel too stiff or cramped
Cons
- Testers said it runs a half size large
A GH staffer favorite, Birdies shoes offer supreme comfort with a seven-layer footbed that conforms to your foot shape. We were especially impressed with the Goldfinch ballet flat for its support and softness. Plus, it comes in a plethora of fabrics, from suede and velvet to leather and raffia. The pointed toe offers a sophisticated silhouette without cramping toes. Testers note that you may want to go down a half size with this style to prevent slipping out of the shoe. Because of Birdies' generous return policy, it's no big deal if you order the wrong size at first.
Sizes | 5 to 12 |
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Material | Vegan velvet, raffia, leather and suede options |
Sole | Rubber |
2
Most Affordable Comfortable Flats
Amazon Essentials Belice Ballet Flat
2
Most Affordable Comfortable Flats
Amazon Essentials Belice Ballet Flat
Pros
- Several color and material options
- Stretch fit
Cons
- Some online reviewers say it's not as long-lasting
Boasting a 4.3-star average rating from more than 63,000 reviews online, these Amazon ballet flats have a comfortable reputation. The stretch-fit shoes come complete with a faux leather upper (plus many colorful suede options). It includes a synthetic sole for better grip as you walk, while its "pillow heel" adds a curved cushion to help prevent blisters and slipping. Many reviewers shared that the rounded-toe, elasticized pair didn't cause discomfort or cramping. Others complimented its lack of breaking-in time but flagged that the pair isn't as long-lasting as others in their collection.
Size | 5 to 15; medium and wide options |
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Material | Faux leather and suede options |
Sole | Synthetic |
3
Most Comfortable Loafers
Sam Edelman Frances Loafer
3
Most Comfortable Loafers
Sam Edelman Frances Loafer
Now 47% Off
Pros
- Long-lasting leather
- Non-constricting designs
Cons
- May be a half size too big
A smart investment, Sam Edelman's shoes nail both durability and comfort and GH's Lexie Sachs can attest to the brand's quality. She owned a pair of their now sold-out loafers for several years and found them comfortable even after extensive use. This sentiment is echoed by GH analyst Grace Wu who praises the brand's other offerings for their non-restrictive fit. As for sizing, many online reviewers went a half size down from their true size.
Size | 4 to 13; medium and wide options |
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Material | Faux leather |
Sole | Synthetic |
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4
Most Comfortable Flats for Walking
M.Gemi The Danza
4
Most Comfortable Flats for Walking
M.Gemi The Danza
Pros
- Padded insole for comfortable walking
- No breaking in time required
Cons
- Slightly crowded toebox
- An editor noted it ran a half size too big
M.Gemi strikes a delicate balance between elegance and comfort. The Danza ballet flat is made with soft Nappa leather that squares off into a darling pointe silhouette. It comes in seven thoughtful colorways, including a staple black and a bold fuchsia. For one GH editor, the pair felt comfortable to walk in immediately after sliding them on. It features a leather sole and a padded insole so that you don't feel every pebble beneath your feet. It ran a half size too big for our editor who typically shops shoes true to size. (The brand recommends going down a half size if your feet run narrow.) Once sized down, it fit her comfortably, but the toebox felt a smidge cramped, height-wise.
Size | 35 to 42 |
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Material | Nappa leather |
Sole | Leather |
5
Most Comfortable Flats for Work
Italeau Trino Loafer
5
Most Comfortable Flats for Work
Italeau Trino Loafer
Pros
- Cushioning footbed with arch support
- Waterproof and stain-resistant leather
Cons
- Some online reviews say the suede option stretches out
Also rated the most comfortable dress shoe by our pros, this Italeau pair's soft and comfy qualities let you skip out on the painful breaking in time. The loafer features supple leather with a high cushioning footbed for excellent arch support, according to our experts. It comes in eight neutral shades that look professional and its front tassel and pointed toebox are structured enough for work without getting uncomfortable or painful by day's end. A perk for commuters: the leather is treated to be waterproof and stain-resistant. Those interested in the suede options should note that some online reviewers said they stretched a bit over time.
Size | 4.5 to 14 |
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Material | Italian leather |
Sole | Leather with rubber grip |
6
Most Comfortable Flats for Summer
Everlane The Day Glove
6
Most Comfortable Flats for Summer
Everlane The Day Glove
Pros
- Offers great traction
- Won't slip off
Cons
- Online reviewers with wide feet sized up
Upon first wear, Everlane's The Day Glove offers a comfortable fit. It's made of smooth leather that molds to your foot for a more custom fit as time goes on. Our tester enjoyed its rubber sole, which gave great traction. "It offers great coverage and doesn't slip off my feet when I walk," they added. While many ballet flats can get a bit steamy, this one incorporates discreet holes on the side to help keep things airy, ideal for those who tend to go without socks or enjoy wearing flats on summer days. Plus, it comes in seven staple colors and five limited-edition options that'll brighten up your wardrobe. A couple of online reviewers with wide feet recommended sizing up.
Size | 5 to 11 |
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Material | Italian leather |
Sole | Rubber |
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7
Most Comfortable Luxury Flats
Mansur Gavriel Square Toe Ballerina
7
Most Comfortable Luxury Flats
Mansur Gavriel Square Toe Ballerina
Pros
- Buttery soft leather
- Flexible fit
Cons
- Expensive
- May need to go a half size down
Mansur Gavriel stays on pointe. In line with "balletcore" trends taking the fashion industry by storm, this pair comes wrapped in pretty pastels and embossed designs that are tied together with a ballerina bow and square silhouette. Its forgiving leather material makes the shoe feel more breathable and flexible. The stunning shoe had one GH editor infatuated with its buttery smooth leather. Just keep in mind that the high-quality shoe comes with a similarly priced markup. That also means extra care and attention as the brand recommends storing in a dust bag and upkeeping with a leather conditioner. We also suggest sizing a half-size down.
Size | 35 to 41 |
---|---|
Material | Italian leather |
Sole | Leather with wooden base |
Pros
- Signature comfy footbed
- Durable rubber outsole
Cons
- Requires a bit of breaking in for ultimate comfort
Vionic, the brand behind our favorite walking sandals and most comfortable heels, also creates stylish footwear that discreetly incorporates orthotic footbeds. The Lena ballet flats are a great example of this, featuring the brand's signature Vio-Motion technology, which provides stability for your heel, arch support and cushioning for the ball of your foot. While we haven't personally tried this style, Vionic recommends breaking them in around the house before wearing them outside. Despite the orthotic features, these shoes look just as stylish as any other ballet flats, making them a great option for those seeking both fashion and function.
Size | 5 to 11 |
---|---|
Material | Faux suede or leather options |
Sole | Rubber |
9
Most Comfortable Flats for Wide Feet
Margaux The Demi
9
Most Comfortable Flats for Wide Feet
Margaux The Demi
Pros
- Timeless design
- Includes foam padding
Cons
- May need extra help finding the right fit
Made in Spain, this ballet flat pays a stunning homage to the classic style that GH analyst Amanda Constantine calls timeless. It also boasts 5 mm of plush foam padding. "The leather upper is soft and molds right to your foot, while the sole feels sturdy and is surprisingly supportive for a flat," she says. Take your pick from narrow, medium and wide options — online reviewers with wide feet appreciated how perfectly the wide style fit. One drawback Constantine noted was that her true size fit but a little loosely, and the half-size down felt too tight. Margaux's fit specialists can help narrow down an ideal size.
Size | 34.5 to 44; narrow, medium and wide options |
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Material | Nappa leather and suede options |
Sole | Leather with wooden base |
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10
Most Comfortable Slip-On Flats
Sam Edelman Felicia Flat
10
Most Comfortable Slip-On Flats
Sam Edelman Felicia Flat
Pros
- Cute color options
- Flexible heel
Cons
- Not much arch support
Wu found a staple in Sam Edelman's Felicia ballet flats, which feature an elastic scrunch heel that ensures a snug fit while also making it effortless to slip them on and off. "I used to steal these from my mom throughout middle school and high school because of how cute and utterly comfortable they were," she says. Given that there's not quite as much insole padding, keep in mind that the flats don't offer firm arch support.
Size | 4 to 13; narrow, medium and wide options |
---|---|
Material | Faux leather |
Sole | Leather with wooden base |
Pros
- Cushioned contoured insoles
- Forgiving fit
Cons
- May need to size down
Flexible right out of the box, Franco Sarto's faux leather loafer lets you step into comfort. It's roomy despite its pointy toebox while the heels and sides are tall for a more secure fit. The insoles featured contoured padding designed to support the feet's natural curves. One tester called out this thoughtful cushioning, adding that she didn't feel the ground through the shoe as she walked. She also noted that the leather outer felt soft and supple. Bear in mind that the inside gets a bit warm, and it fit our tester a half size too big.
Size | 5 to 12 |
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Material | Faux leather |
Sole | Polyurethane |
How we tested the most comfortable flats
The Good Housekeeping Institute Textiles Lab is a team of fiber scientists who regularly run category-wide tests of footwear, from the best walking shoes to the best hiking shoes.
We research a range of styles, spend hours walking in the footwear and analyze consumer tester data on cushioning, support, traction, appearance and more. Our GH pros personally recommended or approved the above pairs, considering their own experiences of comfort, style and longevity while wearing flats.
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What to consider when shopping for the most comfortable flats
According to our GH Institute experts and Dr. Grace Torres-Hodges, a board-certified podiatrist and owner of Torres Hodges Podiatry, here's what you should look for:
✔️ Style: Make sure there is ample toe space. Narrow flats can cause a lot of discomfort, says Sachs. Pointy-toe flats typically don't leave enough room for the toes, especially for anyone with bunions. Take note: A deep toe box is different than a "wide" shoe size.
✔️ Fit: Taking extra care when you try shoes on is your best bet to finding a comfortable pair. In our most comfortable heels guide, Dr. Torres-Hodges recommends trying on shoes at the end of the day because your feet are more swollen in the afternoon and evening.
✔️ Material: Leather is top quality but will be more expensive, according to Sachs. Faux leather and polyester materials are common but may cause your feet to overheat.
✔️ Comfort: "Don’t rely on a break-in period," Sachs says. Shoes should feel comfortable right away. Some flats have cushioned footbeds and support for more comfort.
✔️ Sole: Look at the outsole of the flat. "A rubber outsole helps improve the shoe’s durability and can offer more traction if you plan to wear the shoes on longer walks," says GH analyst Emma Seymour.
Why trust Good Housekeeping?
The recommendations and insights featured in this story came from our Good Housekeeping Institute Textiles Lab pros, including Executive Director Lexie Sachs, Senior Textiles Analyst Emma Seymour, Textiles Analyst Grace Wu and Textiles Analyst Amanda Constantine.
GH Commerce Editor Jacqueline Saguin collaborated with our Textiles Lab experts to write up this list. As a former Style & Beauty reviews writer at Insider, Jacqueline has extensive knowledge of fashion and shoes.
Jacqueline Saguin
Commerce Editor
Jacqueline (she/her) covers all things e-commerce in beauty, lifestyle and beyond for the Good Housekeeping Institute. Before joining GH in 2021, she was a style and beauty reviews fellow at Insider, testing viral trends, reviewing sustainable brands and more. She's a graduate of the University of Florida's School of Journalism, with a specialty in magazines and mass communication.