5 Stylish Flat Shoes For Women Who Hate Heels

Thank you, Marie-Anne, I feel seen! It's not a comfort thing with me, I have extreme arthritis in my ankles and feet, heels are impossible as far as balance. (There's a reason they didn't name me Grace! 🤣) Your videos are so helpful. ❤

¥ou look so pretty today. I love your hair, pink sweater and pink lipstick.

"There is no excuse to wear ugly shoes". Thank you! I wish more people and more shoe stores knew that in the US. There is a strong culture of "if it's comfortable, it has to be ugly". Stores do not dare offering a spread of comfortable, stylish shoes, as they would run the risk of scaring women away. I also love shoes that are a cross between heels and practical shoes. In France, they are called "trotteurs". Growing up, my Mom had a versatile and well made pair of them that she wore for over two decades. And no matter the height of the heel, I like classic looking shoes. Not bulky, and/or flashy monstruosities.

As an early childhood teacher, I’m on my feet all day…heels are usually not an option for me. I personally own every type of shoe mentioned in your video! I have to give a plug for Vionic brand ballet flats…even though they have that flat heel, they have wonderful support built in, and I can walk around in them all day. Thank you, Marie-Anne, for showing us that chic can be comfortable too. 😊

Thank you for this video! Very helpful and these are very realistic options for me. I work as a CNA/health unit coordinator in a hospital, 12 hour shifts. When I work as a unit coordinator, I absolutely need shoes that can be comfortable all day. I remember wearing a pair of ballerina flats and sorely regretting it, pun intended, about a third into my shift… i’m definitely finding out quickly what style of shoes I can wear with my lifestyle. So right now, I’m actually taking a break from clothing and just focusing on footwear, figuring out exactly what I need and actually planning my style around that.

These are all the shoes/boots that I already wear so it's nice to know I'm halfway trendy 😁 I am fairly tall at 5ft 8in so I very rarely wear anything more than a 2in heel, I don't like to tower over my husband who is 5ft 10in. Brogues and loafers are most definitely my go-to footwear with knee high boots in the colder weather. Fab video as usual x

I developed a 'finicky foot' problem about 10 years ago. Wearing heels for more than an hour or so left me with feet so sore it would take a couple of days to recover. I also have very high arches and a high instep and so flat shoes like loafers, ballerina flats, etc were not an option, either. My daughter (who has always had foot problems) recommended I buy shoes with built-in orthotics. What a game-changer!! Granted...they are more expensive than regular shoes, but so comfortable...and I can even wear heels with no aching feet. I love shoes and, in my opinion, the right shoes make or break an outfit. I have bought a number of pairs of shoes, sandals, boots...and heels...from the Walking Company. (I ordered them all on-line...all fit perfectly and I haven't had to send anything back.) I'm not a spokesperson for this company, but I would recommend them in a heart beat. I appreciate that you took the time to show us how even flats can be flattering. You're always so kind and encouraging and such a beautiful lady...inside and out!

I agree wholeheartedly. You don't need to sacrifice style for comfort. There are many quality shoe brands that offer style, comfort and affordability. ECCO and Born are some of my favorite brands. I can't balance on heels any longer, so loafers, short-heeled boots, and sneakers are my mainstay. Thanks for your inspirational videos Marie-Anne.

I was surprised not see any sandals. Maybe they're not "French chic"? But, I wear them with everything from jeans to formal wear.

I adore oxfords and brogues. With all that beautiful detailing, I've always thought the brogues were a more feminine shoe, even in menswear. It can sometimes be tricky to find them in colors I need (currently on the hunt for navy blue) but a quality pair has always been worth the effort in my experience. Loafers are my other go-to shoe. I prefer the classic styling and would never in a million years have considered a shiny silver pair with a chunky sole like the ones you showed. I have to say a big THANK YOU for showing how those worked with a classic outfit! I really loved how they contributed to that look, but when shoe-shopping and seeing the shoes by themselves I would have bypassed them as being too costume-ish. Thank you for that education!

I have all of those shoe styles. I don't wear heels. I'm so happy to see flats with pointed toes. So feminine. I found a Breton shirt with black stripes except for the top stripe being fuschia. I never ever would have bought it because bright colors aren't my thing. I decided to try it because it's only a little pop of bright pink. I wore it to church today with black slack and black booties. To my surprise, I got so many compliments on it. Some women even told me it makes my waist look smaller because the bright pink is across my bust and looks much broader than my black stripe waist. I'm not an hourglass, so cool. All thanks to you. 🙂

Oh, great point about the ballet flats not being comfortable enough for lots of walking. They weren't for me and I couldn't understand why because they were flats. Thanks for explaining how the low heel or lack thereof makes a difference.

I'm a woman of a certain age, but my grandmother always said " Only old people wear clothes for comfort " I think of that every time I buy something new. Comfort does obviously play a part but if it isn't stylish or chic I want none of it. Heels don't have to be 6" but a small heel can be worn by most. I'd never go out in the evening without a heel.

I have ballet flats, flat boots ad brogues. For general wear I always wear flat shoes or boots. If I do wear a heal, it is for evening wear. I have a pair of Victorian style lace up black ankle boots with a small heel. I also have two pairs of shoes with a Louis heel. I also have a black pair of Mary Jane's with a Louis heel. This type of heel isn't too high and is chunky so it is comfortable to wear.

Thank you, I can not wear heels anymore, these style of shoes are amazing

For me, it's a matter of proper arch support. I finally found a German-made arch support inserts made of hard plastic covered in leather (from a real shoe store). I no longer have severe sciatica or hip pain if I make a point of wearing them. I wear them with everything from flats to moderate heels. They are more expensive than the type purchased at department stores, but they last as long as at least three or four pairs of those and do a better job.

There was a time in 2012-2015 when ballet flats were the it shoe & everyone seemed to go crazy for it. I learned the hard way that ballet flats don’t offer much support for me (back then I was in school & doing clinical rotation, which involved a lot of standing/walking) so I always stick to loafers or oxford shoes!

Bonjour! You are so right that totally flat shoes are not good for walking. I love flats and walk quite a lot, so I prefer flats that are... not absolutely flat. I always choose them with a little heel (flat ones and 2 cm high, or 3 at the most) and comfortable insoles. In addition, ultra thin heels tend to quickly wear out the leather around the area while walking or sitting. Loafers have always been among my favourite shoes too, as well as pumps and high knee boots. Always chic and timeless.

I would love to wear heels, but my balance isn’t very good! Therefore it was lovely to see some great alternatives, including the super red ballerina shoes. Merci beaucoup Marie-Anne!

Bonjour Madame Marie-Anne. Very useful for women who can't wear heels everyday. I like high heels, but I can't wear them everyday due to my daily activities. I love ballerina shoes (I think they are even my signature shoes). I found them a bit uncomfortable, and yes, it was because they have almost no heel. I found some ballerinas with some heel (1.5 to 3 cm) and a thicker sole and I find them more comfortable!!! I'll think more about sneakers and brogues too (also, to diversify my footwear, haha). Take care and many saludos from Mexico!!!