If you’re like a lot of fashionistas, you probably have a special appreciation for flats. They’re the perfect balance of put-together yet laid back, and you can wear them year-round on just about any occasion. Plus, for many women, flats are an excellent dressy alternative to heels.
Here at Vionic, we have a soft place in our hearts and souls-or should we say soles?-for comfortable flats. With so many types of flats to choose from, it’s tough to pick just one (or even two). If you love this versatile footwear option as much as we do, why not fill your wardrobe with every variation and shoe style?
7 Types of Flat Shoes Everyone Should Own
When you stock up with all the best flat shoe styles, you’ll always have something to wear. Our favorites include classic ballet flats, pointed-toe flats, mules, loafers, slingbacks, slip-on leather shoes, and casual sneakers. These seven types of comfortable flat shoes have a place in everyone’s wardrobe.
1. Classic Ballet Flats
Inspired by the traditional footwear of ballerinas, ballet flats have a classic rounded toe and a feminine silhouette.¹ This type of flat can be worn to the office, to run errands, out to eat, to a wedding, or shopping at the mall. They go with jeans, trousers, dresses, skirts, rompers, jumpsuits-you name it.
We love the look of ballerina flats with quilted uppers, as well as styles with dainty bows, perforated leather, and Mary Jane flat buckles. You can also find bright-colored options, metallics, and fun animal prints. Neutral hues are always a great choice, too, like black, white, navy, brown, or tan.
Vionic carries all these styles of ballet flats, but they’re more than just fashionable. Our ballet flats with arch support feature built-in orthotics for all-day comfort and a pain-free feel. Many of our ballet-inspired flats are approved by the APMA (American Podiatric Medical Association), meaning they provide ample support and benefit foot health. Plus, they come in both medium and wide widths to accommodate feet of all shapes and sizes.
2. Pointed-Toe Flats
Pointed-toe flats are another timeless shoe style that can enhance any professional or going-out look. They’re classy, practical, and sophisticated all at the same time, providing a slightly sharper aesthetic than ballet flats.
If you appreciate the look of pointed-toe shoes but avoid them for fear of chronic foot pain or discomfort, you’ve come to the right place. The styles from Vionic don’t compress your toes, and many come in wide widths. They also provide substantial arch support, cushioning, and stability with every step.
When you browse the pointed flats from Vionic, you’ll find several sleek options with suede, leather, or synthetic uppers. If you like animal print, we’ve got you covered. From tortoise and cow print to metallic snake and iridescent boa, there’s plenty to choose from. We also carry neutral leather options in black, brown, camel, and beige.
3. Mules
Mules are a women’s footwear style that’s been around for hundreds of years. While its popularity has ebbed and flowed with the fashion trends over the years, this flat shoe is currently having a moment.
The mule is a backless closed-toe slip-on style often made of soft leather or supple suede, like the options you’ll find at Vionic. It’s the perfect thing to wear with tapered slacks, dress pants, knee-length pleated shorts, pressed jumpsuits, and almost any other work attire. Mules also look great with skinny jeans.
If you are looking for the best flats for walking, our women’s mules are comfy and supportive. Unlike others of their kind, they won’t flap around on your heels or slip off your feet as you walk. The refined flat mules from Vionic have suede or nubuck loafer-style uppers with traditional tassels and stacked heels. They come in elegant, versatile colors like black, rich brown, and blush pink.
4. Loafers
You can’t forget loafers when discussing types of flats. We adore this professional and sleek style, as it’s the ideal shoe for work, date night, running errands, window shopping, vacationing, or socializing.
Loafers can be effortlessly paired with a pencil skirt, pressed pants, a tailored dress, or even high-waisted Bermuda-length shorts. They give off a prepared yet approachable vibe that’s appropriate any day of the week.²
When you shop our inventory, you’ll find lots of chic loafers with suede, full-grain, or patent leather uppers. We carry options with classic silhouettes and contemporary styles in a range of colors. Choose from black, brown, burgundy, camel, beige, olive, or navy.
5. Slingbacks
Slingbacks are a seriously stylish type of flat. If you love how slingback heels and wedges look but prefer a flat-soled shoe, this is an excellent solution. A slingback is kind of like a cross between a flat sandal and a ballet flat. It’s the perfect flat footwear for everyday office apparel, important meetings, and networking events.³
While slingbacks are one of the best flats for working professionals, this style of flat isn’t just for professional settings. You can rock slingbacks on the weekends, to a social gathering, out shopping, or to brunch. Also, we appreciate that you can wear them with or without nylons or tights.
Vionic has a great selection of women’s slingback flats. Our styles present a smart, classy, ready-for-anything vibe, and they come in multiple colors and prints. Each pair features buckled straps around the heels for a comfortable, adjustable fit. Not only that, but they’re all embedded with our exclusive orthotics, which are completely hidden within the footbeds.
6. Slip-On Leather Shoes
A good pair of slip-on leather shoes is a wardrobe staple. Not quite a flat yet not quite a sneaker, this sensible footwear style works with many different clothing looks, and it’s appropriate for both casual and professional functions.
As one of our favorite types of flat shoes, you can bet Vionic carries slip-on shoes for women. Our styles have smooth leather uppers with elastic gore panels, making them easy to get on and off. They’re just as comfortable as tennis shoes, only a little more structured and sleek.
Vionic’s leather shoes have removable jersey-wrapped EVA footbeds, plus durable rubber outsoles made to absorb shock and provide grip as you walk. You can count on a pain-free stride and all-day comfort when you slip into a pair of our ultra-soft flat-soled brown or black leather shoes.
7. Casual Sneakers
A tennis shoe isn’t a flat per se, but it is a type of flat shoe. Casual sneakers are arguably the most popular streetwear shoe for both women and men, and it’s easy to see why. With a sporty, laid-back aesthetic that’s just as comfy as it looks, fashion sneakers are an essential part of every woman’s wardrobe.
They’re ideal for anyone who lives a busy on-the-go lifestyle, as well as ladies who want to dress down when they’re off the clock. Tennis shoes are seasonless, and they go with virtually any casual outfit. From jeans, shorts, and rompers to sundresses, skirts, and athleisure outfits, you really can’t go wrong.
The best sneakers provide sufficient arch support, cushioning, and stability, like those you’ll find at Vionic. Our collection of women’s casual sneakers includes vintage-inspired styles with retro details, fashion-forward designs with contemporary accents, and everything in between.
Whether you prefer canvas sneakers, suede trainers, or leather styles, we’ve got something you’ll love. Each lightweight pair has a removable mesh-covered EVA footbed and a durable yet flexible rubber sole.
Comfortable Flats for Every Occasion from Vionic
Are you feeling inspired by these essential women’s shoe styles? If you own only one or two )or none at all), we encourage you to expand your horizons. Vionic carries all types of flats for women, and with our footwear, you never have to choose between comfort and style.
Our selection includes trendy and classic styles, each with our podiatrist-designed Vio-Motion™ Technology. This means every pair features orthotic arch support, contoured footbeds, ample cushioning, and deep heel cups-all of which are entirely hidden within the soles. Also, many of our women’s flats come in wide widths to accommodate those with wide feet.
Browse comfortable flats, slip-on shoes, and casual sneakers for women today!
Sources:
1. “Shoe syllabus: seven types of flats that you need in your shoe wardrobe”. Vogue. Mar 16 2015, https://www.vogue.com.au/fashion/accessories/shoe-syllabus-seven-types-of-flats-that-you-need-in-your-shoe-wardrobe/image-gallery/258798c1e71c82498459f35d68009dc8
2. Allyson Payer. “8 Flat-Shoe Trends to Look Out for in 2019”. Who What Wear. Mar 20, 2019, https://www.whowhatwear.com/flat-shoe-trends-2019
3. “Flats for work”. My Domaine. https://www.mydomaine.com/flats-for-work