Humble flats are finally getting the recognition they deserve

Amid the lockdown in 2020, the heeled shoe unsurprisingly experienced a fall from its heights of style. Confined to their homes, people began opting for more “reasonable” footwear—Birkenstocks and Crocs were most commonly sighted. When things finally opened up, people decided against forgoing their newfound love of comfortable footwear, taking to the streets in these newly beloved shoe styles. However, your choice of flat footwear doesn't have to be as casual as the brands above. Luxury fashion houses like Prada, Loewe, and JW Anderson have rolled out nuanced flat styles in their recent lines and we can only expect more, especially as the spring/summer '24 collections debut. While it was once almost taboo to step out for brunch in flats, we now see supermodels like Bella Hadid and Victoria Beckham doing it on the regular. 

If you’re not ready to commit to heels every day and divisive footwear trends aren’t quite your speed, then perhaps it’s time to consider the footwear of the moment: flats. The humble flats are finally getting the recognition they deserve. The desire for comfort no longer requires compromise on the style front, with trendy flat silhouettes dominating the scene. In fact, designs akin to embellished ballet flats or suede mules are quickly becoming fashion’s favourite shoes. Adorned with delicate flowers and swathed in crystals, these are all the rage right now—spotted everywhere from city sidewalks to runways. And we get it; it’s hard to resist their playful yet elegant appeal. The solace of a heel-less shoe paired with a chic design makes for a coveted amalgamation. 

There’s no denying the ease and comfort that flats offer, especially slip-on designs like mules and ballerinas. These comfort-first shoes fit like a glove, and some might even consider tossing them into a tote bag as a quick, chic swap for heels. But just because they’re perfect for on-the-go situations doesn’t mean they can be pigeonholed in the commuter shoe category. Flats have been ignored for far too long, making them the fashion underdog that’s finally rising among the ranks. What’s better? We’re absolutely spoilt for choice as each pair continues to be crafted with fanciful details—meaning there’s something for everyone. 

Quietly chic, flats have proven themselves to be the season's buzziest shoe style. The fashion crowd is pairing their ballet flats, loafers, and Mary Janes with other wardrobe essentials, think the Bottega Veneta Mini Jodie bag or the Zimmerman denim maxi skirt. One can opt for a classic monotone style, or throw in the element of subtle shine with some embellishments, making them runway-appropriate! However you choose to style them, flats are here to stay and we couldn't be happier about it. 

Here are some of our favourite flat styles.

Miu Miu Logo-Patch Satin Ballet Flats, ₹72,000

 

Gucci Princetown Horsebit Leather Slippers, price on request

 

Michael Kors Black Flat Mules, ₹22,000

The Row Ava Mary Jane Ballet Flats, ₹69,000

 

Prada Patent Leather Loafers, ₹76,500

 

Coach Hope Slip-On Sandals with Buckle, ₹16,500
 

 

Loewe Toy Slippers, ₹60,000

 

Maison Margiela Tabi Broken Mirror Ballerina Flats, price on request

 

Kate Spade Marielle Meg Pointed-Toe Mules, ₹16,500

 

Tod’s Flat Sandals in Leather, ₹58,000