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Flats are having quite a moment right now—and not in the dainty, barely-there sense we’ve come to expect. This season’s best pairs are equal parts form and function: sculpted, elevated, and, most importantly, designed to walk in for hours. For anyone who has sworn off flats in the past (blisters and zero arch support—no, thank you), consider this your official reintroduction—today’s styles of comfortable flats for women come with thoughtful cushioning, refined materials, and subtle detailing that adds polish to any look. And when chosen well, they’re as travel-friendly as a shoe gets: packable, lightweight, and endlessly versatile.
To curate the ultimate edit, we combined standout market finds—some brand new, some forever favorites—with firsthand picks from our fellow Condé Nast Traveler editors. From modern takes by Margaux and Rothy’s to tried-and-true staples from M.Gemi and Nordstrom, these are the most comfortable flats for women to wear this fall. These picks promise to deliver on comfort and style, whether you’re headed to meetings, airport terminals, or simply out the door.
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Editor favorites
Margaux
The Demi Jane flat
Margaux’s Woven Demi Jane feels like a warm hug for your feet—artisan-crafted with buttery saddle leather woven to perfection. Commerce editor Meaghan Kenny recommends these classic yet unexpectedly tactile flats to add a rich, textural twist to any fall outfit. With a cushioned insole and flexible sole, this style is as comfortable as it is captivating, making it the kind of flat you’ll want to wear everywhere this season.
Recommended by associate articles director Megan Spurrell, M.Gemi’s Una flats scream Italian luxury. The supple black nappa leather wraps the foot in softness, while the almond toe and clean lines create a silhouette that’s both timeless and modern. Built on a lightweight, cushioned sole, this is the kind of shoe you wear when you want feet to stay happy from morning meetings to evening cocktails.
Rothy’s
The Max Square Mary Jane flat
Mary Janes are a classic for a reason: They help complete any outfit and look chic and effortless doing it. These are a go-to of Kenny’s year-round. Not only do they look good, but they feel good, too. They’re designed with Rothy’s signature soft, machine washable material that she’s quite familiar with already. According to Kenny, they are the best by far, and the most comfortable flat she’s ever tried—with not a blister in sight! She wears these to work, to dinner, to museums, and everywhere in between.
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Commerce writer Jessica Chapel in her Sneakerinas
Vivaia
Round-toe satin Sneakerina
The Sneakerina blends all-day comfort with a fashion-forward edge, so much so that even Charli XCX wore them at Coachella. I own them in the pink peach blush color—much to mimic those of an actual ballerina—that adds a whimsical, flirty vibe to any outfit. The cushioned sole truly feels like walking on a pink plushy cloud, and yet they still offer a nice amount of support—making them perfect for travel or city days. I wear the round-toe version, which is more like a flat rather than a sneaker, and is comfortable for sock-less days, especially when the weather’s not too hot.
Rothy’s
The Max Buckle mary jane flat
The Max Buckle Mary Jane is a fresh reimagining of a nostalgic classic—airy, breathable, and impeccably lightweight. Associate commerce director Madison Flager received these bad boys as a gift a few months ago and already has another pair added to her shopping cart. The signature buckle strap lends a nod to retro style (especially in its safari mesh style) while the square toe keeps things modern. Perfect for those who want the ease of a slip-on with a little extra polish, these flats are a seamless bridge from weekend wanderings to desk-bound days.
Andrea Gomez
Amelia raffia ballet flats
This unique pair comes highly recommended by Spurrell. She’s regularly wearing these around New York City and packing them on all types of trips. The raffia style really gives them some flare, helping you spice up an otherwise simple outfit. This design also makes them incredibly breathable and lightweight, making them safe to wear on warmer days, too.
Rothy’s
The Almond slingback
I own these Rothy’s Almond slingbacks in lollipop red, and they feel like the season’s playful power move. Its lightly-carved pointed toe and slingback silhouette bring a sophisticated edge, while that cheeky pop of red naturally electrifies neutral-heavy fall wardrobes. Beyond looks, the recycled fabric and cushy footbed prove that conscious design and comfort can happily coexist. These are flats for the style-savvy who want their shoes to do more than just look pretty.
While technically a loafer, these printed flats are a favorite of Flager’s for dressing up simple outfits. They’re comfortable, easy to walk in, and have held up well over time. Like all things Rothy’s, these are machine washable and oh-so-lightweight.
Ballet flats
Allbirds
Tree Breezer flats
When it comes to comfortable walking shoes, Allbirds never lets us down. The brand has earned a cult-following for its lightweight sneakers that provide plenty of cushioning and support for a full day on your feet, and has since designed a flat that is actually comfortable enough to explore a new city in. The Tree Breezers are made with eucalyptus tree fiber for added comfort and are so breathable—you’ll feel like you’re barefoot (in the best way). These packable flats have racked up an average of 4.5 stars and nearly 8,000 reviews—meaning other travelers love them as much as we do. Another perk: They are machine washable.
C.Paravano
Cap-Toe silk ballet flats
The Elena pair from C. Paravano blends a lustrous silk upper with a contrasting suede cap toe, creating a gentle play of textures. The square toe offers modern structure, while the small bow softens the silhouette. Inside, the memory foam insole provides cushioning uncommon in ballet flats, making them a practical yet elegant option for extended wear.
Raboesy
Bow-Tie tabi flats
Inspired by traditional Japanese tabi footwear, the Bow Tie Tabi is trending right now, and features a distinctive split toe design softened by a delicate bow. The seamless microfiber leather upper is both lightweight and flexible, allowing the shoe to mold to the foot’s shape comfortably. Its unique form blends cultural heritage with minimalist styling, appealing to those who appreciate subtle yet meaningful design details.
Sam Edelman
Kasey square toe ballet flat
Sam Edelman’s Kasey flat combines timeless ballet detailing with a fun flare, all while offering ample support and structure. The square toe gives it a more architectural edge than the average ballerina, while the cool-toned billow blue leather feels fresh against autumn’s neutrals. It’s a city girl’s essential: compact, polished, and endlessly wearable.
Classic Mary Janes
Vivaia
Square-toe Mary Jane flat
These lightweight Mary Jane flats are comfortable enough for all-day wear. They feature a knit upper made from recycled materials and an adjustable strap that offers enhanced arch support. These light-as-air flats are machine washable and have earned themselves hundreds of positive reviews.
Sam Edelman
Michaela mary jane flat
Looking for an easy way to dress up an outfit? Throw on a bold pair of red flats, like these Mary Janes from Sam Edelman—even a simple pair of jeans and black cardigan will look more elevated with these on. If you want something a little more versatile, they’re also available in more than a dozen colors, including black, white, navy, and tan.
Madewell
The Greta Ballet flat
This best-selling pair of under-$100 leather flats from Madewell are so comfy and reviewers note they don’t require any break-in time. They’re available in several colors, from classic neutrals to bold reds and blues, but I love this chocolate brown shade for fall. Note: These naturally stretch a little bit, so it’s recommended to order a half size down for the best fit.
Dolce Vita
Reyes ballet flats
We also love these simple yet sleek black leather Mary Janes from Dolce Vita. These are a little more sophisticated than your everyday pair, making them ideal for business trips, work events, and nice dinners.
Pointed-toe flats
Rothy’s
The Knot Point II flats
Pointed-toe flats are very popular—they’re elegant and make your foot look more slender and flattering than a round shoe does. The Point is a bestseller for Rothy’s, thanks to its supreme comfort and lightweight feel. The knot design on the toe of these flats adds a little bit of character, and helps dress them up a bit.
Vivaia
Aria pointed-toe ballet flats
These two-toned pointed flats will match everything in your fall wardrobe. They’re lightweight, comfortable, and easy to slip on and off. Plus, they’re machine washable—the ultimate perk for any travel shoe.
These pointed-toe flats from Margaux are gorgeous—I’m eyeing them for a trip to New England this fall. Their silhouette is so sleek and they feature plush foam padding for extra support.
Loafer-style flats
Dolce Vita’s Harlah style combines a loafer silhouette with an unexpected clash of leopard calf hair and yellow plaid tweed, creating a layered textural effect. Its structured shape and subtle gold buckle offer vintage-inspired refinement, while the mixed materials give it a modern edge. The recycled synthetic outsole adds durability, making it a thoughtful choice for those who want bold pattern play with reliable wear.
While they’re really best for summer, the neutral shade of this sandal makes them a great transitional shoe for in-between weather days. They can also be worn with socks when the temperature starts to dip, making them a versatile pair to have in your closet.
This article has been updated with new information since its original publish date.
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