The 11 Best Work Flats of 2024, Tested and Reviewed

Best Overall

FitFlop Leather Ballet Flats

$83 at Nordstrom $71 at Zappos View on Fitflop.com

Our Ratings

• Comfort
  5/5
• Temperature
  5/5
• Fit
  4.1/5
• Durability
  5/5

Though they technically have no padding or arch support, this flat was surprisingly comfortable. This FitFlop flat, which comes in sizes 5-11 and 19 different shades, is the happy medium between comfort and affordability.

This ballet flat received an overall rating of 4.8 out of 5, with a score of 5 in three of the four categories including comfort, fit, and durability in the tests we performed in our lab. The only category this shoe didn't receive full points in was temperature control, as we felt like our feet were getting warm throughout the day — docking a point in the end.

But what really stood out to us during the testing process was how comfortable these slip-ons actually were; the soft faux leather material and elasticated vamp made them contour nicely to our feet for hours of wear. And in general, the ease and convenience of this shoe are qualities that just can’t be beaten.

Running late in the morning to get to work? This pair is an easy slip-on shoe with a pull tab on the back to help you put them on in a split second. And, when you get home from work dying to lay down on the couch, they're easy to slip off too. All in all, if you want an easy-to-use, comfortable, and affordable option, this is a great way to go.

Sizes: Women’s 5-11 | Fabric: Faux leather | Sole: Rubber

Best Budget

Amazon Essentials Belice Ballet Flat

$21 at Amazon

Our Ratings

• Comfort
  4/5
• Temperature
  4/5
• Fit
  5/5
• Durability
  4/5

After the first day of testing, we already understood why this pair was a bestseller on Amazon. They're affordable, are available in 33 different colors (no, that’s not a typo), and can be ordered in sizes 5 to 15, in either regular or wide versions. Even though it's the most affordable of our choices, this Amazon Essentials flat held up well through our workdays. No matter if we were commuting or working at a standing desk, we found these shoes to be comfortable right off the bat and throughout every event of our day.

However, we will note that the durability of this product does slightly reflect its lower price tag. After the first day of use, the text on the footbed already started to wear off, which didn’t make us confident that the shoe would hold up well over time, despite its comfortability. But at the end of the day, what you pay for is typically what you get. Though we think its sole could stand to be better, we admired how comfortable and classic these budget-friendly flats were.  

Sizes: Women’s 5-15 | Fabric: Faux leather | Sole: Synthetic

Best Fit

Everlane The Day Glove Flats

$138 at everlane.com

Our Ratings

• Comfort
  4.5/5
• Temperature
  4/5
• Fit
  2.5/5
• Durability
  5/5
• Quality
  5/5

Everlane wasn’t kidding when they named this pair the “Day Glove” because these flats really did mold to the very shape of our foot. In fact, we think these are only going to get better with time as they break in and become more accustomed to our arches and anatomies. Its Italian leather outsole feels just as soft and supple as you can imagine it would, and it kept our feet temperature controlled even in the winter. Despite its ultrathin exterior, we were kept pleasantly warm through the cold temps. And better yet, our footbeds were always supported thanks to the firm yet comfortable material that these skintight shoes were made from, ensuring that we never had sore arches or achy joints. 

Because of the rigidity of real leather (especially on a brand new shoe), it is going to take some breaking in — which we experienced after walking around in the shoe for a little bit and feeling the initial tightness of the shoe’s edges relax. We’d recommend wearing these flats with tights or thin socks, as these flats really are like a second skin. Aside from the annoyances of breaking in a new pair of leather shoes, this easy-to-clean shoe (we spot-treated with a little water and dish soap) is ready to take on all of the seasons and any of your outfits, all while adding a professional flair with every wear. 

Sizes: Women’s 5-11 | Fabric: 100% Italian leather | Sole: Rubber 

Best Ballet Flat

Margaux The Demi Flat

View on Margauxny.com

Our Ratings

• Comfort
  5/5
• Temperature
  5/5
• Fit
  5/5
• Durability
  5/5
• Quality
  5/5

By association, the first style you may think of when you hear “work flats” is likely “ballet flats,” the typical, rounded-toe shoe that slips around the foot and (usually) ties off with a little bow. Well, this shoe is exactly what your mind’s eye might be picturing right now. Aside from its eye-catching colors and patterns, we were most enamored with the supportive fabric that molds to the shape of your foot. The 5-millimeter layer of plush foam padding in the footbed kept us feeling cool and comfortable during long days spent running around town, and its easy-wearing sole made the shoes get even comfier over time.

Another standout about these shoes is the fabric-lined edges, which prevent chafing and blisters, an all-too-common complaint when wearing ballet flats for an extended period of time. We also loved the temperature control these shoes seemed to inhabit, as we never experienced sweating or drafts after multiple days of wear. In fact, the leather didn’t even take on damage after walking outside in the winter in these shoes, and they were able to be cleaned effortlessly — with no water or detergent stains in the process. Our only complaint was the decorative bow’s habit of coming undone, but this was a rare occurrence in our day-to-day.

Sizes: Women’s 3-14 | Fabric: Nappa leather | Sole: Rubber

Best Loafer

Sam Edelman Loraine Loafer

$150 at Amazon $105 at Nordstrom $150 at Zappos

If you're looking for something other than a simple ballet flat to wear to work, look no further than this sleek and comfortable loafer from Sam Edelman. This Loraine loafer comes in a variety of different colors and textures, from "purple croc" to "saddle leather," and has proven to be the best comfort a we could ask for. Due to the shoe's extra cushioning in the heel, this loafer provides a comfy bed for your feet to rest all day. And even though they are leather, the temperature inside the shoe was comfortable throughout the day despite weather fluctuations.

As for the cons: real leather might become a hassle to clean if they ever face any major stains or scuffs. In fact, one of us has owned these shoes for three years, and though the fabric and soles have held up phenomenally, they’ve had to be professionally cleaned instead of doing a quick home fix. It’s also worth noting that you may want to go a half-size down from your usual size for the best fit. Overall, these flats are a great option if you're in the market for a sturdy and durable loafer. Though the uncertainty of sizing may not be ideal, comfort and durability are a guarantee.

Sizes: Women’s 4-12 | Fabric: Leather, velvet | Sole: Padded leather

Best Slipper

Birdies The Starling Flat

$130 at Nordstrom $130 at Zappos View on Birdies.com

Our Ratings

• Comfort
  4.5/5
• Fit
  4.5/5
• Quality
  5/5
• Support
  5/5
• Value
  5/5

Have you ever wanted to just roll out of bed and hit the town in your slippers? Well, you basically can with these work flats that one of our editors called the “smoking slippers” from Birdies. They felt just as comfortable as our indoor pairs thanks to its seven-layered padded insole and soft-to-the-touch velvet, making them look as chic as they are cloudlike. We were worried that the density of the velvet would make our feet uncomfortable or warm, but these were surprisingly temperature-regulated throughout the many different seasons we wore them in. Another perk was the nonexistent break-in time we needed to get these feeling right on our feet — they simply molded to our feet in the best way on their first wear out of the box. 

While we’ve been lucky enough to keep these pristine throughout our time wearing them, we worry that they’d be difficult to clean due to the velvet exterior. But if you’re careful to only wear these on dry days, then we think these shoes are great for the comfy commuter who wants to feel like they’re wearing pajamas while looking pulled together at the same time. And the best part? There are 28 colors, patterns, and textures to choose from, so you can pick whichever combination suits you best.

Sizes: Womens 5-13 | Fabric: Velvet, knit, leather, raffia, suede | Sole: Non-slip rubber

Best Mary Jane

Sam Edelman Michaela Mary Jane Flat

$130 at Amazon $130 at Nordstrom $130 at Zappos

Our Ratings

• Comfort
  4/5
• Temperature
  5/5
• Fit
  5/5
• Durability
  4/5

Though Mary Jane flats might feel like a blast from the past, celebrities like Gigi Hadid and Jennifer Lawrence are making a case for these classic shoes today. We easily slipped on these buckled Sam Edelman’s, noticing how comfortable they were right from the jump. Despite our fears that the leather strap would dig into our skin or cause us blisters throughout our busy office days and walking-heavy commutes, we were happy to discover that these were comfortable right away. Though there is a noticeable lack of arch support in these shoes (common for flats), we never felt any aches or developed sore spots once we stripped these off at the end of the day. Bonus points: we didn’t get too sweaty or cold in these shoes, even when we wore them in the winter (style tip: these are very cute with socks). 

We wish the shoe had a little more cushion in the insole, but we can’t complain too much because they were still super comfy to commute and work in. Its classic style is one that you know you can rely on to be timeless and chic no matter what trends are circulating, making this a closet staple (and completely justifying its price tag). For dependable comfort and classic, celeb-approved style, these Mary Jane flats are a real contender for a spot in your shoe collection.

Sizes: Women’s 5-13 | Fabric: Leather, velvet | Sole: Leather, rubber

Best Mule

Vivaia Pointed-Toe Knot Sandals

$97 at vivaia.com

If you’re looking to switch up your work flats with something a little more fun, then the Vivaia Pointed-Toe Knot Sandal is a great option for you. The knit outsole (made completely from recycled plastic water bottles) makes these shoes breathable while keeping your feet comfortable due to the unrestrictive fabric. We’ve worn these shoes around urban cities and taken them on our travels, too, so we know they're incredibly versatile for whatever setting you may be in. The lightly padded insole kept our feet from feeling sore by the end of the day, and we loved how the twisted fabric knot on top of the pointed toe takes this classic mule style up a notch. They'd even work with a mother-of-the-bride pantsuit for a more casual wedding. 

While these fit comfortably on our wearer’s narrow feet (and the fabric is pretty pliable), we think that the pointed toe may naturally feel a bit snug on someone with wider feet. However, with how well they held up through our trips and everyday activities, we’re ready to buy one in every color. It’s pretty safe to say that these are our go-to’s for the office (and honestly, even the weekends) when the weather starts to warm. We just wish they were available in more sizes!

Sizes: Women’s 5-11 | Fabric: Recycled plastic knit | Sole: Non-slip rubber

Best Espadrille

Free People Surfside Mary Jane Espadrilles

$100 at Amazon $148 at freepeople.com

Our team won’t stand for (or in) uncomfortable shoes, which is why we found such favor with these classic everyday shoes from Free People. These espadrilles are just as comfy as they are cute, blending casual canvas with the beachy aesthetic of woven outsoles for a shoe that can be taken from the office to the water. The platform soles feature a lightly padded footbed and canvas upper, which makes the entire shoe feel like a hug instead of a cage. We’ve walked for miles in these dependable shoes, from city sidewalks to sandy beaches, and we have never experienced a single blister in the process. And better yet? They come in a variety of colors, from off-white to coral-red, to best fit your fancy.

However, you will run into trouble if you happen to have a shoe size smaller or larger than a women’s six to eleven, which is what the shoes run between (with no half sizes, either). But if you’re a true fit for your shoe size (and it’s within these parameters), then you should have no problem finding the right espadrille for you. Its 1.4-inch platform adds a tiny bit of height to your frame, which is a welcome detail on a work flat. If you want a flat that can transition effortlessly from the office to the beach, then this is the one for you.

Sizes: Women’s 6-11 | Fabric: Canvas | Sole: Rubber

Best Orthopedic

TOMS Jutti Neat Flat

$60 at Amazon $59 at Nordstrom $89 at Zappos

An ideal work flat that feels good on your feet and in your heart? Sign us up. These flats are super comfortable on our feet due to their orthopedic padded insole, but what was even better was a portion of our purchase went towards sustainability and humanitarian organizations. Aside from the feel-good effect it had on the inside, these shoes were surprisingly comfortable throughout days spent commuting in and out of the office and around our city — so much so that we’ve been swapping our sneakers for them. The suede upper and classic cut makes for a shoe that’s sophisticated yet casual, making them very versatile. However, they run very true to size, so they will require a bit of a break-in period (but after this, they’re comfortable as ever).

Our only qualm about these shoes is our inability to wear them if it’s raining (for fear of damaging the suede material), but this only goes to show how much we love to wear them in our day-to-day. If you’re looking for a dependable, long-lasting pair of work flats that will take you from point A to B with zero aches and pains, then this is the shoe for you.

Sizes: Women’s 5-12 | Fabric: Suede | Sole: Leather

Best Splurge

Sarah Flint Natalie Flat

$495 at sarahflint.com

Our Ratings

• Comfort
  5/5
• Temperature
  4/5
• Fit
  5/5
• Durability
  5/5

Between its stunning textures and prints, chafe-free heel, and high-quality leather, this pair of ballet flats is top-notch. In fact, this particular pair has even been spotted on Meghan Markle, which ups the ante on this sophisticated style. Hailed as one of the more elegant flats of the group, this pair from Sarah Flint features a svelte, pointed-toe box, a minuscule heel, and a small leather bow that ties the whole look together. We found favor with the way that these flats both looked and felt on our feet, appreciating the lack of chafing and elegant structure that the shoes held as the hours went by — even while being on our feet all day. 

While these flats were never uncomfortable, we do think that they may feel a bit tight on people with wider feet, as the pointed-toe shape can cause your foot to feel squished. However, we think that you could play it safe by ordering a half size up if you think these may be a little snug. For a flat that can be purchased in several colors and patterns to match any wardrobe, can be worn in (almost) any environment without overheating or getting too cool, and is as comfortable as it is sleek and stylish, this pick is well worth the investment.

Sizes: Women’s 4-13 | Fabric: Calf leather | Sole: Leather outsole with rubber forepart