The 10 Best Comfortable Flats of 2024, Tested and Reviewed
When it comes to shoes, flats don’t necessarily scream comfortable, but that doesn’t mean a comfortable pair of flats is impossible to find. It also doesn’t mean that you have to sacrifice style in your search for a comfortable flat. The right arch support, material, and sole can make all the difference in finding a shoe that’s not only stylish but provides the structure and cushioning you need for day-to-day wear.
According to stylist Jennifer Rosson, flats are also one of the easiest shoes to style. “They pair well with everything from dresses to denim,” she says, making them an essential part of any wardrobe.
We set out to find the most comfortable flats available by testing 29 pairs and narrowing them down to the top 10, evaluating each pair based on fit, quality, support, and of course, comfort. We wore each pair of flats over two months, noting the level of arch support, the thickness and sturdiness of the soles, and more to determine true comfortability.
In addition to Rosson, we also tapped stylist Vanessa Valiente and podiatrists Dr. David Abdoo, DPM, and Dr. Shital Sharma, DPM, to weigh in on how to pick the best flats for you and what to look for when choosing shoes that benefit your foot health.
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They required no break-in period and were still comfortable even past 10,000 steps.
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The straps don’t adjust, so you can’t make them tighter or looser.
Out of 29 pairs of flats, this one took first place due to its material—made from nine plastic bottles, per Rothy’s signature thread—and outstanding support. Not only does this make them a sustainable pick, but we also found them to be breathable in both warm and cooler weather. We thought that they were reminiscent of Birkenstocks in the way they molded to our feet, even for someone with swollen feet in their eighth month of pregnancy, which made them a true standout.
The lack of break-in period was also a plus, especially since we were able to wear these shoes without experiencing any pinching or chafing. We even wore them while walking on various terrains like pebbles and cement, and the traction and soles still held up (though they did feel a bit slippery initially). Because of their durable sole, these flats were far from flimsy and didn’t create any discomfort or pain. They also didn’t bend easily, and after regular use, there were no signs of wear and tear.
We love how versatile they are, seeing as how we were able to wear them with both dressy and casual outfits for various occasions; the minimalist design comes in 10 different colors. Even though the straps don’t adjust, they were flexible and not too tight, so it wasn’t a deal breaker or cause for concern. Overall, we felt completely supported and secure in this flat.
Size Range: 5–13 | Material: Recycled plastic | Sole: Not listed
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PHOTO: Wade Review / Ivy Ford
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![A person wears a pair of Rothy's The Square Mary Janes]()
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PHOTO: Wade Review / Ivy Ford
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PHOTO: Wade Review / Ivy Ford
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![A pair of Rothy's The Square Mary Janes]()
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PHOTO: Wade Review / Ivy Ford