Best Flat Shoes Reviewed & Rated
Richard Haberkost
Team WJR
From shorts for the beach to summer dresses to fall jeans, you can find flats that go with almost any outfit. The right flats can even be found for semi-formal or formal occasions. Among the most versatile type of shoes, they can be more comfortable than almost anything with a heel. But like high heels, they aren’t always great for your feet. Many flats can cause foot pain because they lack arch support, they may be far too flexible to provide any support to the foot and the soles generally aren’t cushioned or shock-absorbing. To ensure you get a pair that not only looks good, but also provides good support and cushioning, we’ve prepared this list of the 10 best flat shoes available for purchase.
In a Hurry? The test winner after 12 hrs of research
Machine Washable
Lightweight
Memory Foam Insole
Flexible TPR Injected Outsole
Top 10 Flat Shoes
1. Roxy Rory
Machine Washable
Lightweight
Memory Foam Insole
Flexible TPR Injected Outsole
Needs to be Broken In
If you're looking for the perfect flat lace-up, then the Roxy Rory Shoe is a great choice. It comes in black, gray, or white. It has a Flexible TPR injected outsole and an insole with memory foam padding for a great fit. The Rory is the perfect go-to casual shoe for a backyard bbq or night at the movies.
Read moreThermoplastic rubbers are a great material you can recycle and offer a cushion and durability for the shoe. Not only does it mean the shoe is much more environmentally friendly, but it's also able to stabilize your foot during any activity and keep you comfortable. A memory foam insole means every time you put the shoe on; it will conform to your foot's shape and size. A shoe that fits like a glove continues to be comfortable. Sliding these shoes on and knowing they're going to fit correctly from the beginning is a good feeling.
Roxy is a well-known name and has a reputation for making quality clothing for the adventurous type. With the Rory, you get a well made and comfortable shoe that's at a middle price range on this list. It's a great buy for a great shoe.
2. Rockport Cobb Hill Parker
Genuine Leather
EVA Footbed
EVA Outsole
Rubber Sole for Traction
Wide Sizes Available
Shallow Toe Box
Rockport makes good quality, comfortable shoes with their own unique style. The Cobb Hill Parker is a comfortable leather flat with interesting detailing in the upper, easy on and off, and a good measure of shock absorption. The flat is great for work or for walking around town for long hours. The Mary Jane style flat will suit most outfits and will quickly become your favorites, comfort go-to.
Read moreEVA is ethylene vinyl acetate and is a cushioning, shock-absorbing material that was originally used in athletic shoes but is now used in most styles of shoes for its comfort. The Cobb Hill Parker in this footbed will provide you with sneaker-like comfort in a Mary Jane style shoe. The strap on the Cobb Hill Parker features stretch gore and an adjustable hook and loop closure so that they are easy to get on and off. Adjust the strap to your fit and slide the foot in comfortably. Stretch gore also helps the shoe move with you, so the strap doesn’t dig in.
This Rockport falls into the mid-range for the shoes on this list. For the money, you are getting a stylish Mary Jane style flat that is quite sensible. It is comfortable, shock-absorbing, lightweight, and easy. It is also built to last, increasing the return on your money
3. Sperry Bluefish
Water and Stain Resistant
Genuine Leather Upper
Mesh Breathing Panels
Padded Tongue
Memory Foam Footbed
Great Traction
Runs Small
Beware of Counterfeit Products
Iconic, and with good reason, the Sperry bluefish is one of our top choices for holidays and summer wear. It’s a style that immediately brings to mind long walks by the beach, afternoons spent sailing, or walking around Europe, taking in the sights. But what makes it such a great choice is not the classic look, but rather the amount of thought that went into the design - making this one of the most practical pairs of footwear you will ever own.
Read moreThe upper of the Bluefish is made with genuine leather and comes in several color choices. But, what distinguishes it from similar styles is the fact that it’s water and stain resistant, and features generous padding in the tongue area, making it a great choice even for barefoot wear. A 360° lacing system ensures the perfect fit. The Bluefish features a molded EVA midsole for all-day comfort and cushioning, as well as a non-marking, wave-siped rubber outsole that’ll keep your footing secure even on wet surfaces. A memory foam footbed will contour your foot perfectly, making you want to wear these for any and all occasions.
Average in cost, the Bluefish is one of the most valuable pairs of shoes featured on this list. It’s a great summer option, and comes in a huge variety of styles - from classic to modern - giving you the opportunity to show off your personal aesthetics.
4. Alegria Dayna
Leather Upper
Padded Insole
Highly Breathable
Lightweight
Rocker Bottom
Makes a Squeak Sound While Walking
This is a unique rocker bottom flat that is ultra-comfortable and comes in a dizzying array of colors and patterns. It’s designed for work-all-day comfort and the rocker bottom is great for those who may have to stabilize their midfoot because of a medical condition. These shoes will look great, feel great all day long.
Read moreThe rocker bottom on this flat is designed to guide your foot through a normal step and improved gait when you have a condition that requires stabilization of the midfoot. But it’s great corrective stride for anyone else as well. The printed leather upper is very stylish and available in a lot of patterns and colors. More importantly, it’s breathable, leaving you will cool dry feet as you work all day.
This shoe is in the lower-range prices, relative to the others on our list. For the reasonable price, you get a solid, fantastically comfortable work shoe that will leave you on your feet for hour after hour.
5. Alegria Essence
Breathable Upper
Nappa Leather
Gripping Outsole
Non-Marking
Non-Slip
Low Arch Support
The Alegria line of shoes is known for their comfort and producing a variety of styles and colors for every type of shoe they make. The Essence is no different. It is a very light and airy flat shoe with a perforated leather upper and breathable mesh inside. Every feature in this flat sneaker is designed for your comfort. Work all day, play all day and still have lots of energy for your evening.
Read moreThis Nappa leather sneaker is made to breathe. The leather has perforated details to allow air in and out, keeping your feet cool and dry. The lining is also a light mesh which will allow your feet to breathe. Great if you have sweaty feet! The footbed in the Essence is made of memory foam and polyurethane in an anatomically correct shape that will also conform to the shape of your feet for that perfect fit. The footbed is removable if you wish to wear a custom insole or orthotic.
The Alegria Essence is on the lower end of the price range. For the value, you are getting a very comfortable flat shoe that will allow your feet to breathe. On top of that, the rubber outsole will provide good traction and grip, is slip-resistant and non-marking. A great shoe for working all day or get out there and play!
6. Toms Classics
Canvas Upper
Rubber Outsole
Suede, Padded Insole
Arch Support
Each Pair Purchased Supports Children’s Charity
Runs Narrow
Toms Shoes was founded by Blake Mycoskie in 2006 after he was inspired by traditional Argentine shoes called alpargata. While in Argentina, he was also touched by the poverty and health problems of the country. He set out to reinvent the alpargata to make it work for the U.S. market and for children in need. Toms Shoes donates a pair of shoe to a child who needs it for every shoe that is purchased. It’s a simple, stylish and comfortable way to help improve the lives of people who need it most. In the first year, the company donated 10,000 pairs of shoes.
Read moreToms shoes, including the Classic, have suede insoles and cushioning for soft comfort for your feet. It also features a latex arch support insert so your foot will avoid pronation (flattening toward the arches). These canvas flats have a rubber outsole that leaves the flat flexible while providing durability and resistance to wear on hard surfaces.
These are very reasonably priced shoes for the quality and durability. Breathable canvas, durable rubber, cushioning and arch support will leave you very happy with these flats. Bonus that for a reasonable price, you are also giving a pair of shoes to a kid who needs them.
7. Sam Edelman Felicia
Calf Leather Upper
Soft Interior
Padded Heel
Synthetic Sole
Flexible
Runs Small
A flat you can wear with your business clothes, that cute summer dress, or anything else you like. This ballet flat is very flexible and super slim, as a ballet flat should be. It has a synthetic sole that is made from calf leather for softness inside and a sleek look outside. It comes in a variety of colors and prints to choose from - something for everything in your closet.
Read moreThe upper in this little ballerina flat is made from soft calf leather that is dyed in a variety of colors and patterns so you’re sure to find one (or three) that you like. The leather makes for a very soft interior for your feet. The synthetic sole on this flat is only ¼” but that is enough to provide the shoe with structure will keeping its appearance as a ballet flat.
These Sam Edelson ballet flats are in the mid-range for prices on our list. You get a very versatile little flat with a lot of style choices for the price, along with a little extra padding in the heel.
8. Minnetonka Thunderbird
Beaded Vamp
Leather or Suede Construction
Padded Insole
Fringe Kiltie
Breathable
May Run Large/Small
For 72 years, Minnetonka has been known for their moccasins and other quality products that reflect free-natured, relaxed, American style. This leather or suede beaded moccasin reflects this reputation. It features a graduated fringe in kiltie over the midfoot and super soft, comfortable materials throughout.
Read moreWith the Softsole, you get a choice of soft suede or smooth, comfortable leather upper with a suede or leather sole. There are no more luxurious materials for shoes. This moccasin will envelop your feet in softness and for an extra measure of comfort, it has a padded cushion insole.
The Thunderbird Softsole is in the lower range of flat shoes on our list. For a reasonable price, you get classic aboriginal American design, in a soft, comfortable moccasin.
9. Cole Haan Tali Bow
Smooth Leather Upper
Leather Lining & Footbed
Padded Sockliner
Grand.OS Cushioning
Rubber Outsole
Runs Small
Lacks Arch Support
The perfect combination of casual and dressy, the Tali Bow ballet flat by Cole Haan is a great choice for everyday comfortable footwear that’s easy to pair with both dresses, skirts, and trousers. It’s easy to dress up or down, depending on where you’re headed, and it offers plenty of features that make it a great choice for work, or days when you’re expected to walk more than usual. Available in black or nude, it’s one of those pairs everyone should have in their closet.
Read moreWith soft leather used in the construction in the Tali, it’s a comfortable and durable pair of footwear. The upper is smooth and soft, easy to break in and highly breathable, while the lining and footbed are also made with leather - being soft to the touch. In addition to featuring Cole Haan’s signature Grand.OS cushioning system, the Tali Bow is a great choice for those after a lightweight and flexible pair of summer and spring shoes. The leather sock lining is fully padded, while the rubber outsole further increases the level of shock absorption, making these an amazing choice.
Though the initial cost of the Tali Bow is higher than most other models on this list, it’s an investment that’s worth it in the long run. Regardless of whether you opt for the black or nude, you’ll find yourself reaching for these flats almost daily, and you’ll wear them happily on a variety of occasions where you want to look your best, but prefer to stay away from painful heels.
10. Toms Diamond Jutti
Suede Detailing
Padded Insole
Rubber Outsole for Traction
Antimicrobial Inner Liner
Each Pair Bought Benefits Children’s Charity
Initial Stiffness
The second Toms flat on our list, this is a pointed-toe shoe that comes in a variety of colors, upper material, and styles. Each features an antimicrobial liner and rubber outsole for traction. With every purchase of a Toms shoe, the company gives a new pair of shoes to a needy child.
Read moreThe rubber sole on this cute little flat is thicker than on most flats and will provide for a durable shoe that also has good traction on most surfaces. In addition, they are durable and will help you on a variety of surfaces. You have a choice of chambray or suede in the upper for this shoe, in a variety of colors and styles that include die cuts and patterned suede detailing. With so many choices, you are sure to find the one that suits you
These shoes are in the mid-range of prices for the shoes on our list and they are worth the money, The feature a thick, padded insole for a flat, along with the wide style choices, comfortable materials in the build, antimicrobial lining and a rubber sole. This shoe will suit casual and business casual wear.
Criteria Used for Evaluation
Materials
Many people have no idea that the sole consists of three (usually) separate parts of a shoe. The insole, midsole, and outsole all perform different functions but work together to create a comfortable, shock-absorbing, protective, and durable shoe. The sole, so to speak, is the soul of any footwear. Let’s start at the bottom and work our way up:
The Outsole
The outsole of a shoe is the part that makes contact with the ground. In a flat, it really may be the only part of the sole (in a true moccasin, many flip-flops, or some espadrilles, for example). It performs several functions.
The Midsole
Much like the outsole, a midsole (which rarely exists in a flat but sometimes does) is multi-functional in most shoes:
The Insole
In a flat shoe, the most important part of the sole is usually the insole. Since there is little space between your feet and the hard ground, the insole is where you will find the comfort and support for your feet in most flats. Insoles can be made from a very large variety of material and what you choose will really be a preference that is your very own:
Support
Arch support is the mythical unicorn of the flat world. Few flats will offer much in the way of arch support, so these are usually not going to be comfortable or healthy for people with high arches or people who have moderate to severe overpronation (flattening of the feet near or through the arches). However, some in our selection offer arch support or have a removable footbed or insole so that you can wear a flat with your custom insole or an orthotic.
Other than arch support there are many ways a flat can support your feet and prevent damage. Look for some of these features:
Upper
If you have a good sole and good support, the only remaining question for comfortable feet will be the upper. A good quality upper will perform several functions for you:
Style
Flat shoes are a hugely varied category and are definitely the best way to go for those who are interested in remaining comfortable but prefer to stay away from athletic styles. Made both for men and women, as well as in unisex versions, there’s a number of styles that can be considered flats, all of which have their unique advantages.
Value
The most difficult part of ensuring a good purchase is determining whether a certain item is worth the investment. While we may often be tempted to think that a cheap pair of shoes will be a way to save some money, there’s more than just price that should be considered.
Before committing to a certain model, ensure that you’ve looked at the quality of materials used, as well as the craftsmanship. More often than not, models are made in ways that cut costs for the manufacturers, with poor quality control and subpar materials that may look good, but lack in durability. Before purchasing, check the gluing and stitching, and look at the overall design of the shoe. If it looks flimsy and as though it won’t last more than a few wears, your money will be better invested elsewhere.
Another thing to consider is the fit and comfort - yes, you may have found the perfect shoes on sale, but don’t buy them just because they’re cheap. Don’t size up or down and thing that you’ll get away with it, that the model will stretch or that you’ll power through - this type of thinking usually ends with blisters and a model that can’t be replaced so it sits in the back of your closet until you bring yourself to throwing it away.
Instead, be prepared to pay a bit more, where necessary, and get something that both looks and feels great. If you’re feeling good in your footwear, you’ll be more likely to use it regularly, making the investment a good one as you’ll get your money’s worth out of it.
Finally, you should try to do some research before you make your purchase (especially when shopping online). Taking a few minutes to read through the customer reviews can let you know whether there are any sizing issues you should be aware of, or if a particular model has any downsides in terms of durability, craftsmanship or design flaws. It won’t take long, but it’ll be worth it in the long run.
Expert Interviews & Opinions
Materials 
Support Upper Style Value 
Flats are a simple way to make a comfortable outfit, no matter if you're going for a casual look, or something fancier.
Embellishments help make flats a bit more dressy, along with the material the upper is made from, such as patent leather instead of canvas.
Casual flats can be simple, or colorful and full of vibrancy. It's all up to you how you want to wear them!
Did you know? Wearing shoes with an elevated heel can actually shorten the Achilles tendon over time. The tendon becomes weakened, and walking barefoot or with flat shoes can even become painful.
Switch up your footwear selection now and again, and help your foot and ankle health along the way!
Other Factors to Consider
Bottom Line
When you hear the word flat, often you picture a ballet flat. While that is the most common variety of flat shoe, there is more variety in flats than only those that are ballet-inspired. Even within the ballet-style, there is a great deal of variety. There is certainly something that will suit everyone’s different tastes and styles. Flat shoes don’t have to mean uncomfortable shoes either. Many of the shoes in our list are great for walking around or working in all day long. Many also have enough versatility to wear in the casual environment of a local cafe with friends, a day touring a new city or even flat-out, back to back, business meetings.
Frequently Asked Questions
q: Are flat shoes for flat feet?
If you have flat feet you may think you need flat shoes. This is not the case. While flats are called that because they don't have a heel, not all flats are created equal. For example, a flip-flop has no support or cushion, but a loafer does. With flat feet, you are going to need a shoe that helps lift your arch and keep your foot protected. The shoes you choose will also need to have some stability to keep your foot from turning inward. This can lead to springs and falls. Since an arch keeps you steady when you have flat feet you need a little extra help.
q: Why do flat shoes hurt my feet?
Sometimes wearing shoes that are too flat and don't offer any support can cause plantar fasciitis. This is a tear in the tissue of your arch and can be very painful. If you find your flat shoes hurt your feet after wearing them a few days, then you may want to look at some different ones. You also can look and see what type of arch support your shoes offer, it could be that you have the wrong kind of shoes for your arches.
q: How do I find my shoe size?
The easiest way to find the correct shoe size is to measure your foot. Put a piece of paper down and trace your bare foot. Measure the length and width of your foot with a ruler. From each measurement, you'll want to account for the space between the tracing and your foot. Subtract 3/16thof an inch. Find your measurements on a chart for shoe sizes to determine yours. Keep in mind different types of shoes may have slightly different charts you can find on their website.
q: What are cup sole shoes?
A cup sole is the outsole of the shoe that has taller sidewalls; these cradle the upper shoe and provide support and protect the toe and heel.
q: When is it time to replace my flats?
Excellent question! Flats wear out over time like any other shoe, but you generally won’t see creases in the midsole like you would with a pair of athletic shoes. If the upper has become too loose from stretching so that your foot travels inside the flat; the material has started to sag away from the instep of your foot; or the sole has become thin and no longer absorbs any shock; are all signs that it is time to replace your flats with a brand new, more comfortable favorite.
q: Aren’t pointed toe shoes bad for your feet?
They certainly can be. The important thing in any pointy toe shoe is that your toes should have room to lie next to one another naturally and not be compressed together. When buying a pointed shoe, ensure the toe box still has room for your toes to move without compression. This means a gentler point rather than a sharp point and a top line that completely covers your toes. Think of this more as the illusion of a point without the ferocity.
