The 11 Most Comfortable Black Flats, According to ELLE Editors

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Chiara Marina Grioni

Ankle Strap

Loeffler Randall Leonie Bow-Embellished Leather Flats

Leonie Bow-Embellished Leather Flats

Digital director Claire Stern Milch loves these flats, and I don’t know about you, but I trust her fashion sense with my life.

Sizes: 5-12

Colors: Black, Blush, Brown

Material: Leather

Sustainably Made

Rothy’s The Point

The Point

For the conscientious shopper, Rothy’s makes its flats sustainably with thread woven from plastic bottles. Senior news and strategy editor Alyssa Bailey loves that these are comfortable, stylish, and machine washable.

Sizes: 5-13

Colors: 10 options

Material: Plastic bottles

Customer review: Love, love, love these! They look even better in person.”

Water Resistant

Vivaia Almond-Toe Ballet Flats

Almond-Toe Ballet Flats

Here’s another sustainable brand I love. Vivaia’s flats, which are woven from recycled plastic bottles, are easy to clean and maintain, adding to their convenience and longevity.

Sizes: 5-13

Colors: 10 options

Material: Plastic bottles

Customer review: I already had some basics from Vivaia, and they fit so well that I thought I’d buy another cute pair. These are adorable.”

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Designer Splurge

The Row Eva Leather Ballet Flats

Eva Leather Ballet Flats

The Eva style features the luxurious quality and elegance that The Row is known for. Buy them now; wear them forever.

Sizes: 5-12

Colors: Black

Material: Leather

Square Toe

M. Gemi The Danza

The Danza

Another favorite from Alyssa Bailey, this classic pair is as timeless as they come. Handmade with quality leather, they feature a square toe, which is ideal for a roomier fit.

Sizes: 5-13

Colors: Black, Tan, Navy, Antique Rose, Sunset Red

Material: Leather

Customer review: Love this shoe. Super trendy. Very comfortable and extremely beautiful.”

Breathable & Washable

Allbirds Tree Breezers Knit Ballet Flats

Tree Breezers Knit Ballet Flats

Allbirds’ knit flats are a fantastic choice for the eco-friendly materials and unparalleled comfort, according to reviewers. They offer breathability and a soft feel, which is perfect for all-day wear.

Sizes: 5-11

Colors: 10 options

Material: Eucalyptus tree fiber

Customer review: “Love these! I bought them for running around in the summer. I actually just got back from a trip to Europe where I wore them walking all day.”

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Slide On

Veronica Beard Catherine Leather Mule

Catherine Leather Mule

Personally, I am obsessed with these slip-on mules. Crafted from premium leather, they are durable and have a sophisticated look that complements any outfit.

Sizes: 5-12

Colors: Black

Material: Leather

Mary Jane

Christian Louboutin Sweet Jane Patent Red Sole Ballerina Flats

Sweet Jane Patent Red Sole Ballerina Flats

This shoe has endless styling possibilities. The patent leather is so chic, and the Mary Jane style ensures a secure fit. Plus, Louboutins—need I say more?

Sizes: 4-12

Colors: Black, Nude 1, Nude 2, Nude 4, Nude 5

Material: Patent calf leather

Under $25

Amazon Essentials Belice Ballet Flat

Belice Ballet Flat

It’s everything you could ask for: affordable, comfortable, and available with Prime shipping.

Sizes: 5-15

Colors: 14 options

Material: Synthetic

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On Trend

Sam Edelman Michaela Rhinestone-Embellished Mary Janes

Michaela Rhinestone-Embellished Mary Janes

Digital deputy editor Madison Feller and I both recommend this sparkly pair. It’s an exceptionally comfy shoe and a great way to jazz up any outfit. Feller even wore them for her wedding!

Sizes: 5-11

Colors: Black, Vintage Pink

Material: Synthetic, leather

Silver Buckle

COS Buckled Ballet Flats

Buckled Ballet Flats

Associate fashion commerce editor Meg Donohue says these made a flat-wearing believer out of her. She adds orthotic inserts and wears them on heavy rotation.

Sizes: 5-11

Colors: Black

Material: Leather

How to Shop for Comfortable Flats

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Here are a few key points to consider as you decide on a purchase:

  • Material: What kind of fabric do you want? This may depend on the climate you live in. Cotton and linen are the most breathable option. Heavy-duty textiles like velvet or wool are warmer, but they are also among the easiest to get dirty. Leather is best for wiping clean. Chan recommends looking for flats that are machine washable.
  • Comfort: It’s a good idea to look for cushioned insoles, per Chan, because it offers shock absorption and arch support.
  • Adjustability: An adjustable strap can make a big difference in the fit of a shoe, but also in the comfort. If you feel like you’re falling out of your flats, or that they dig into the top of your foot, consider a different pair.

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Meet the Expert

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  • Lexie Chan is the regional director of operations at Vivaia Shoes.
  • Dennice Quijano Jaye is the senior product designer at AllBirds.

Why Trust ELLE

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Every product featured on ELLE.com is independently researched, tested, or editor-approved. We only recommend products that we stand behind, and the merchandise featured on our site is always driven by editorial and product testing standards, not by affiliate deals or advertising relationships. Any content created in partnership with advertisers is marked as such.

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