The 11 Best Flats for Work, According to Experts (2024)

Rothy's has debuted a new version of its original pointed flat, this time with more arch support in the insole. Textiles, Paper & Apparel Lab Product Analyst Grace Wu, who owns the Point II, finds you can order your normal size — rather than go up half a size as she often does with a pointed flat — thanks to its structured yet forgiving fabric. The flexible material also lends itself to those who have bunions. The flat covers your toes completely and Wu finds they don't dig into her toes either.

"I also love that they’re washable — flats can get gross," explains Wu. Feet naturally sweat on a normal day, never mind on a hot day or after long commute to the office. Simply pop out the insoles and add the shoes to a delicate wash cycle with cold water and mild detergent, per the brand's instructions. Then, let air dry. Note that the second version is a tad pricier than the OG due to the added support.

Sizes: 5–13 | Material: Knit | Colors: Black, dark emerald, boysenberry, ecru and more

If spending around $100 on a new pair of work flats sounds less than ideal (especially if you'd rather save that money for a fun pair of heels or trendy sneaks), then look to Amazon Essentials. The Belice Ballet Flat is a #1 Best-seller with almost 72,000 online reviews that say they are "so cute" and "comfy and last long for the price." At under $25, these work flats are a steal and we like that they have memory foam insoles and heel padding for comfort. The flats are also available in regular and wide sizes, as well as in 21 colors. While the faux leather fabric makes the pair budget-friendly, it isn't as durable. But shoppers seem to consider this one an excellent value among the synthetic leather options.

Sizes: 5–15 | Material: Synthetic | Colors: Black, bright poppy red, deep brown, gold and more

One GH editor thought she would never find comfortable flats until she slipped on The Goldfinch. "I wanted to wear them everyday," she says. Other GH staffers are fans of the slip-ons as well. "With a super soft and cushioning footbed, these flats have built-in arch support to keep my feet supported even in flats," says Textiles, Paper & Apparel Lab Senior Analyst Emma Seymour. She loves the luxe black velvet and tiny bow of her pair, but you can choose from suede, leather, calf hair, silk and more.

While we find the shoes to be supremely comfy, Seymour does add that they don't have the most durable outsoles. The same aforementioned editor found that her light-colored flats scuffed fairly easily, and similar to Seymour, would recommend them only for indoors or short excursions that don't involve messy conditions.

READ OUR FULL REVIEW: Are Birdies' Flats Really as Comfy as Slippers?

Sizes: 5–12 | Material: Suede, leather, woven, silk, calf hair and more | Colors: Black, tan, gold and more

While some reviewers say the Day Glove requires no breaking in, Commerce Editor Jacqueline Saguin didn't find that to be true for her. "However, once broken in, the flats really live up to their name. I wear these in summer, and they feel like a part of my feet," she adds. While the footbed is not as cushiony as other flats we've included, the shoes are made of buttery leather that looks great but also lasts. A pull-tab helps you put them on and take them off.

Available in a dozen solid colors, the flats have a 4.5-star across over 6,900 online reviews. One five-star review says, "These shoes fit beautifully and are so comfortable I can wear them all day — and I do!" Similar to Everlane's clothing line, its shoes are also pretty basic in style which is great for everyday wear, but may not be if you want a flat with more sparkle.

Sizes: 5–11 | Material: Leather | Colors: Black, cream, canvas, tan, caramel and more

As previously established, Birdies sell supportive yet stylish flats, including these best-selling loafers — we're talking over 35,000 online reviews. A five-star reviewer who says, "When I put them on my feet, I swear I heard angels singing," have us convinced the loafers are a top performer. Similar to the Goldfinch, the Starling is also available in multiple colors and materials like black velvet (pictured) and whiskey leather. You can even monogram your shoes if you choose.

A padded footbed aids in comfort and we appreciate the rubber outsole for durability for walks outdoors. In fact, one five-star reviewer writes: "Felt so confident about these that the first time I wore them was for a full day of walking around the city, and they did not disappoint!" What's more? They are under $100, which is a win for loafers. One GH editor says the Starling are the most comfortable loafers she's ever worn, although found the sizing to run big.

Sizes: 5–13 | Material: Velvet, suede, leather, raffia and more | Colors: Black, latte, whiskey, taupe, navy and more

Home & Apparel Reviews Analyst Amanda Constantine calls the Demi "the quintessential ballet flats" as they are chic yet comfy and "made of high-quality leather that's flexible and doesn't dig into my feet." The rounded toe and delicate bow on the front give it that classic ballet slipper look. We also like that Margaux offers medium, narrow and wide options as well as half and in-between sizes. Constantine notes that the range of sizing made it difficult to find the right size and her pair don't fit perfectly. However, the brand provides a virtual fit service that can help.

The Demi has a 4.8-star rating online with several five-star reviews pouring in. "These superbly made shoes offer style and beauty," says one satisfied shopper. Another adds: "The leather is buttery soft, and comfortable because of the cushioning." Keep in mind the flats are close to $300, making them one of the most expensive shoes on this list.

Sizes: 3–14 | Material: Leather or satin | Colors: Ivory, blush or metallic

Not only did we name The Danza one of the most comfortable flats, but it's also an elevated flat (literally), thanks to the subtle wedge and polished Italian leather. "Its pointed toe box is so chic as well as its glossy finish," says Saguin. She found that the leather footbed is soft and molds to feet. Saguin reports that the flats run half a size big so keep that in mind when shopping.

While we love these elegant slip-ons for a formal dress code or co*cktail party, they're also one of the more expensive styles in our guide. Still, quality leather is a durable material that will last. They may be an investment now, but you could save money in the long run by not having to replace them for a while.

Sizes: 35–42 | Material: Leather | Colors: Black, tan, ecru or navy

Our editors have included Sam Edelman loafers in previous round-ups due to the brand's plethora of comfy yet cute styles in the flat and loafer categories. A best seller, the Loraine Bit is a popular choice among shoppers and testers. One consumer tester can't get enough of these loafers as they combine comfort with corporate-friendly attire perfectly. Online reviewers agree and praise the quality and gorgeous design of the shoes, prompting them to buy them in multiple colors. Some online reviewers find the shoes run narrow, so they may not be the best pick for wide feet.

If you want a chunkier look, consider the Lora Lug Sole loafer, which Saguin owns and loves. "I found them immediately comfortable upon wearing them, no break-in time required," she says.

Sizes: 4–14 | Material: Leather or fabric | Colors: Sandshell, terazzo brown, gray multi and more

Mary Janes may just be the new must-have shoe, and these cute flats by Vivaia have over 1,000 reviews to back up this theory. The brand says the stretchy knit material is made from recycled plastic bottles. Similar to Rothy's, these shoes are machine washable — which our GH editor appreciates as the front of her pair got dirty pretty quickly. She likes how you can adjust the strap to your liking and that she can slip in insoles for even more comfort without overcrowding her toes.

Seymour owns the Margot 2.0, a similar style without the buckle. "These are the most comfy flats I own. The stretchy upper fits my feet nicely while feeling breathable," she says, adding that the cushioned footbed aids in support. She also loves that Vivaia sells individual charms you can customize your shoes with. It's giving upscale Crocs. Vivaia can look a little less sleek in appearance than Rothy's, but they are less expensive.

Sizes: 5–11 | Material: Knit | Colors: Black, almond, forest green, navy, abstract dots and more

You may have seen celebs and influencers sporting these shoes, which Saguin calls her favorite pair of loafers "because of their classic shape and sturdy structure." She also finds them easy to pair with any style of outfit from wide-leg jeans to work trousers. Loafers can often require a break-in period, which is definitely true for this pair, says Saguin. She also found them to run big and sized down for a perfect fit.

The Reformation loafer has a thicker outsole compared to other loafers on our list, providing more shock absorption while still looking prep-school cool. They may not be the most affordable option, but we do appreciate they are made of leather which tends to last a long time and thus increases the overall value.

Sizes: 5–11 | Material: Leather or calf hair | Colors: Black, espresso, leopard or mirror metallic

Constantine has been wearing Vionic shoes for years and joins Wu is saying the brand sells comfortable and supportive flats like the Starling Mule. "All of the brand’s shoes are designed with orthotics/insoles with arch support," explains Constantine. "I can walk around or stand in them all day long, pain-free," she adds. While she hasn't tried out these particular mules yet, she has found that other Vionic shoes don't require any breaking-in period. The leather also holds up well, making these flats a great value for their under $150 price tag.

A 4.3-star rating online makes them a popular choice among other Vionic shoppers. One five-star reviewer writes, "They are soft and have a great arch support for me as I have plantar fasciitis," while others echo the lack of a breaking-in period. Some customers found the shoes to run small, however.

Sizes: 5–11 | Material: Leather | Colors: Camel, black or cream