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Oct 17, 2024

The 13 Best Work Flats of 2024, Tested by Real People

We independently evaluate all of our recommendations. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. The FitFlop Allegro Ballet Flat took top honors in our testing Jessie Quinn is a

We independently evaluate all of our recommendations. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation.

The FitFlop Allegro Ballet Flat took top honors in our testing

Jessie Quinn is a Los Angeles-based contributing shopping writer at PEOPLE with over 10 years of experience covering all things beauty, fashion, and lifestyle. At PEOPLE, she collaborates with the PEOPLE Tested team to share our top recommendations for everything from the best shapewear to the best dark spot correctors.

In This Article

People / Tara Donne

When it comes to work attire, it's important to have a look that is both comfortable and chic to last throughout the day — which is why work flats are not only a practical staple but a stylish one, too. After all, it's hard to give a convincing presentation if you can't focus on anything besides how much your feet hurt.

“Ultimately, the best flats would be something that has a little arch support, something that makes your foot feel comfortable.”—Dr. Brad Schaeffer, board-certified foot surgeon at Sole Podiatry NYC and star of TLC’s My Feet Are Killing Me

PEOPLE conducted research and testing to determine which work flats are must-haves to complete your professional wardrobe. We found 13 clear standouts that can be worn all day and garner you endless compliments. No matter if you want to recreate Meghan Markle’s flats-styled ensembles or freshen up your wardrobe with new ballet flats or Mary Jane's, we’ve done the digging to find the best flats for you.

The work flats below were considered the best that PEOPLE Tested.

Easy to slip on and off

Contoured insole for all-day comfort

No cushion or arch support

Sans padding or arch support, this flat was surprisingly comfortable. The FitFlop flat, which comes in sizes 5 to 11 and 19 different shades, is the happy medium between comfort and affordability. It received a perfect score in all categories except for temperature control (our tester’s feet got a little toasty during the day).

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 | Colors: 11 | Fabric: Faux leather | Sole: Rubber

People / Tara Donne

Great for narrow feet

No break-in period

Cushioned support

High-quality (especially for the price)

Tester felt metallic details look cheap

These flat shoes are comfortable right out of the box with virtually no break-in period (which is honestly not common for such a budget-friendly price). Since they have a pointed toe box, they’re a great choice for more narrow feet, and we love that they’re more open (compared to traditional ballet flat styles), which give them some added flexibility. The flats also have a stylish and functional ankle strap that adds support. Our tester didn’t love the metallic embellishment, but that’s a personal preference and not a dealbreaker.

Sizes: Women’s 5.5–11 | Colors: 4 | Fabric: Synthetic suede | Sole: Synthetic

Comfortable right out of the box

Available in a wide range of sizes, including options for wide feet

Footbed wore down a little in the first test, but held up throughout long-term testing

After the first day of testing, we already understood why this pair was a best-seller at Amazon. Even as the most affordable of our choices, the Amazon Essentials flat held up well throughout our workdays. No matter if we were commuting or working at a standing desk, we found these shoes to be comfortable.

We ended up putting these shoes through two rounds of testing and, while we had initial concerns about their durability, we learned they hold up well with regular wear. Plus, the shoe has a comfortable and cushioned insole that provides enough support (for a flat) to last a full day of work. It takes some time to break them in, but their flexibility makes them a must-have.

Sizes: Women’s 5-15 | Colors: 33 | Fabric: Faux leather | Sole: Synthetic

Comfortable out of the box

Durable enough for commuting (even by bike)

Soft and flexible leather material

No arch support

Leather may stretch overtime

It’s not often that you find a pair of ballet flats that are comfortable right out of the box — yet these Lucky Brand flats were. The flats felt like slipping into a pair of shoes you’ve owned for years. They’re flexible and durable enough for walking or biking (yes, biking!) to work without discomfort. The soft leather material doesn’t cut into your skin, either, so you don’t have to worry about chafing or blistering (though, the leather might stretch a bit over time).

Our only real complaint is that the shoes don’t have any arch support, so, if that’s a concern, you might want to slip a pair of insoles into these to up the ante on comfort.

Sizes: Women’s 5–13 | Colors: 13 | Fabric: Synthetic leather | Sole: Synthetic

High-quality Italian leather outsole

Fabric contours to the shape of your foot

Warm enough for cooler months

Too narrow for some feet

Looking for comfortable shoes that actually fit? Everlane wasn’t kidding when they named this pair the “Day Glove” because these flats really do mold to the shape of your feet. The Italian leather outsole is soft and flexible, and though thin, it kept our feet surprisingly warm in colder temperatures. The firm yet comfortable material really supported our tester’s footbed, preventing sore arches and achy joints.

Because of the rigidity of real leather (especially on a brand new shoe), it takes some time to break in. But after a few wears, the shoe’s edges relaxed and they were oh-so-comfy to slip into. This easy-to-clean shoe (we spot-treated with a little water and dish soap) is adapted to all seasons and outfits, while adding a professional flair to every look.

Sizes: Women’s 5-11 | Colors: 9 | Fabric: 100% Italian leather | Sole: Rubber

Fabric molds to the shape of your foot

Padded insole for all-day comfort

Fabric-lined edges prevent blisters and chafing

Bow occasionally comes untied

With their more traditional ballet flat style, the Demi Flats from Margaux are exactly what we think of when we think of “work flats.” Aside from their eye-catching style, we were most enamored with the supportive fabric that molds to the shape of your foot. The plush foam padding in the footbed ensured comfort during long days spent running around town, and the sole fits even better overtime (like a good pair of jeans).

The fabric-lined edges were a standout, as they prevent chafing and blisters, an all-too-common hazard of wearing ballet flats. And there’s seemingly temperature control at play here: We never experienced sweating or drafts after multiple days of wear. In fact, the shoes’ leather exterior didn’t even suffer damage after walking outside in the winter, and they were able to be cleaned effortlessly — with no water or detergent stains in the process.

Sizes: Women’s 3-14 | Colors: 13 | Fabric: Nappa leather | Sole: Rubber

Sturdy and durable leather material

Excellent temperature control

Feet don’t chafe or sweat

Long-lasting fabric and soles

Hard to clean

Not true to size

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 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 | Colors: 8 | Fabric: Leather, velvet | Sole: Padded leather

People / Tara Donne

Several layers of insole padding

Temperature-regulating interior keeps feet cool

Lots of different colors and patterns available

The velvet material is tricky to clean

Have you ever wanted to 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 slippers thanks to the seven-layered padded insole and soft-to-the-touch velvet.

The design is comfortable right out of the box, molding to your feet, and not causing any sweating (thanks to temperature-regulating materials). However, while we’ve been lucky enough to keep these flats pristine throughout the test period, we worry that the velvet exterior will be tough to clean overtime (a word of caution for rainy days).

Sizes: Womens 5-13 | Colors: 25 | Fabric: Velvet, knit, leather, raffia, suede | Sole: Non-slip rubber

Chic square toe silhouette

Comfortable cushioned insole

Durable construction

They are a bit stiff at first

There’s something so classic about a pair of Mary Jane flats. We love how the Franco Sarto Tinsley Mary Jane Flats take that classic design and give it a more modern twist with a square toe box, ribbed block heel, and tons of colors and patterns to pick from.

The shoes are also super comfortable and have a cushioned insole that offer some support. But, fair warning, they do have a bit of a break-in period and can feel stiff at first, so they’re not ideal for those with foot issues (including those with bunions). We recommend sticking a bandaid or piece of moleskin padding to your heel to prevent blisters when breaking them in.

Sizes: Women’s 9–13 | Colors: 13 | Fabric: Leather | Sole: Rubber

Comfortable and non-restrictive outsole material

Elevated mule design

Lightly padded sole for all-day comfort

Might be too narrow for some feet

Limited sizing

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 pick. The knit mule-style flats are constructed from recycled plastic water bottles and are super breathable and flexible for a long work day. Albeit flat, the insoles are lightly padded, which keeps our feet from feeling sore by the end of the day. And the elevated design makes them versatile enough for lots of different office looks, including dressy styles.

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 | Colors: 19 | Fabric: Recycled plastic knit | Sole: Non-slip rubber

People / Alyssa Brascia

Flexible and soft material

Padded insoles for lasting comfort

Versatile style

Lots of colors to choose from

Not a great size range

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 | Colors: 5 | Fabric: Canvas | Sole: Rubber

Supportive orthopedic insole

Sturdy outsoles that last years of wear

Your purchase supports sustainable efforts

Material is not ideal for rainy weather

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 insoles, but what was even better was that 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 | Colors: 1 |Fabric: Suede | Sole: Leather

Snug yet comfortable fit

Material is temperature-regulating

Small bow detail elevates their look

Pointed-toe box is not ideal for wide soles

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 | Colors: 11 | Fabric: Calf leather | Sole: Leather outsole with rubber forepart

Dream Pairs Revona Low Wedge Ankle Strap Flats Shoes: These shoes aren’t technically flat, but they’re an excellent flat heel style that gives you some height. Since they have a round toe, they’re also comfortable enough for those with wider feet, which we greatly appreciated. Though we could make a case for adding them to your work wardrobe — especially if you go to a lot of work events and need a more elevated shoe to slip into — they aren’t comfortable and supportive enough for all day wear.

Ollio Faux Suede Floral Mesh Lace Breathables Pointed Toe Ballet Flats: We also tried these ballet flats from Amazon and think they’re a great option for keeping at your desk when you need to quickly change into something dressy but, beyond that, they’re not ideal for hours of wear. The flats run super large so finding the right fit can be a struggle and, while they are comfortable, they don’t offer a lot of support. The material also doesn’t seem durable.

Beyond choosing your shoe size, many shoes are available in either "regular" or "wide" widths. To determine which is ideal for you, think back to what complaints you've had when previously buying shoes. Have you ever complained that your shoes were too tight on the sides? Have you had blisters on the sides of your feet? Do you have any bunions that might require some extra space?

If the answers to any of these are "yes," ordering a wide width might be the best for you to find your ideal fit. Our best budget pick, the Amazon Essentials Belice Ballet Flat, and the Sam Edelman Loraine Bit Loafers are two options from our list that offer wide shoe sizes in addition to their regular ones to make sure everyone has a comfortable fit.

Out of all the shoe fabrics, leather is the hardest to clean but the most common one (take the Allegro Ballerina Flat, for example) when it comes to work shoes. If you're not willing to go the extra mile to clean them if they stain, it might be best to opt for other fabric options.

Dr. Schaeffer urges shoppers to look for comfortable fabric as well, especially when it comes to insoles. “Look for flats that have gel cushioning, or you can put gel inserts in to provide the cushion and support that is needed,” he says.

As work flats are the ideal shoe attire for work, it's safe to say you'll be wearing them many times a month, maybe even many times a week. Therefore, thinking of work flats as an investment and buying a pair that is durable and will not wear and tear in a short time is ideal.

You’ll notice that most of our picks are upwards of $80, and this is not for a lack of trying to find cheaper alternatives — the quality is just there with the higher price point. You can still find great shoes at a lower price (take the Belice Ballet Flat, for instance), but when it comes to flats you’ll wear almost every day, it’s important to invest in durable soles, fabric, and comfort — which usually takes you to the higher end of the price spectrum.

People / Elizabeth Theriot

To find the best work flats, we researched dozens of styles before compiling a list of top-recommended and reviewed flats to test. Each tester wore their flats around the house as well as out and about in their respective cities and towns for the 127-hour testing period. We considered the following qualities as well as budget:

People / Jasmine Hyman

Alyssa Brascia is a staff writer at PEOPLE covering all things fashion, beauty, home, and lifestyle since 2022. She has previously contributed to InStyle, Shape, Real Simple, and more. For this article, she tapped Dr. Brad Schaeffer, board-certified foot surgeon at Sole Podiatry NYC and star of TLC’s My Feet Are Killing Me, for an expert’s opinion on what qualities shoppers should be looking for in a new pair of work flats while they scour the market. We had our testers try out our research-gathered selections in the real world to give us their honest feedback on these popular styles while commuting, lounging at home, and going about their daily lives, and we asked our editors to chip in their tried and true favorite flats as well. From there, we compiled our data to come up with this buying guide.

Jessie Quinn is a contributing commerce writer for PEOPLE and has written for publications such as Byrdie, InStyle, The Spruce, NYLON, and more. To continue giving readers the best of the best recommendations, Jessie updated this list of the best work flats to include additional testing insights from our PEOPLE Tested team, plus share some styles we also tried that are worth considering.

We created the PEOPLE Tested seal of approval to help you find the very best products for your life. We use our unique methodology to test products in three labs across the country and with our network of home testers to determine their effectiveness, durability, ease of use, and so much more. Based on the results, we rate and recommend products so you can find the right one for your needs.

But we don’t stop there: We also regularly re-review the categories in which we’ve awarded the PEOPLE Tested seal of approval — because the best product of today might not be the best of tomorrow. And by the way, companies can never buy our recommendation: Their products must earn it, fair and square.

In short, PEOPLE Tested provides recommendations you can trust — every day, every purchase.