I Always Wear Heels, But These Flat Shoe Trends Are Doing It for Me

I am what you might call a shoe person. I love shoes. I find them to be not only one of the most quintessential pieces in outfit building but also the most fun thing to shop for. I could sit in a luxury department store’s shoe section for hours and not get bored. (I used to work for Nordstrom, so I actually did that once, and I highly recommend it.) I especially love heels. Ever since I was younger, I would try on my mom's heels or beg my mom to buy me a pair of heeled Cinderella shoes at the Disney store in the mall. I just thought they were the absolute embodiment of femininity, and as a 5’2” girl who’s always wanted to be taller, I wear heels whenever I can.

I’ve been wearing them since high school. I’ve gotten so good at maneuvering in heels that I could even run a mile in some, no joke. But we’re not here to talk about heels or my supernatural ability to walk in them; we are here to talk about flats. I’ll admit I’ve never really liked flats. I’ve always thought they were safe and boring, and that is the last thing I want my style to be described as. But lately, I’ve opened up my very closed mind and started spotting flat shoe trends that we’re so chic even I had to try them myself. Six trends stood out to me as ones I could totally see myself styling. I’ve officially converted into a flats lover.

Keep scrolling to see which six trends are responsible for this change of heart.

Mary Janes

There’s something so classic about a great pair of Mary Janes. I normally shy away from them, but lately I have been obsessed. I love how Cass styled them with just a classic black tee and skirt. So classy yet understated.

Simple Flat Sandals

I love a barely there shoe, and while these aren’t exactly that, they’re so simple that they’re close enough. As we enter into summer, I see myself pairing these with minidresses, maxi skirts, jeans, and tailored shorts.

Retro Sneakers

When it comes to sneakers, I have always liked that retro type of look. The Nikes above on Claire look so cool. These are my go-to. If I’m wearing flats, there’s a very high likelihood that I’m wearing sneakers.

Ballet Flats

Twenty twenty-two was a big year for ballet flats. We all love the Miu Miu ballet flats, but let’s be honest: Our wallets don’t. However, there are so many surprisingly affordable ballet flats that are so chic. I love the pop of red that fellow Who What Wear editor Yusra is wearing above. They give me a Parisian vibe.

Classic Loafers

A good loafer is a must-have if you ask me. I know we typically think of these for fall/winter fashion, but I actually think they look great paired with the right dress or skirt. You’ll be seeing me wearing my loafers all around New York City this spring.

Slingbacks

I love a good slingback when it comes to heels, so naturally, I decided to give them a shot as flats, and I must say, I love them. Of course, what first popped into my mind when thinking of a slingback flat was the classic Chanel pair, as seen on Emili above, but there are so many cool variations like the Western-inspired Ganni pair below. I highly recommend investing in a pair ASAP.

Next up, 6 Flat Shoes Everyone Should Own in 2023 and the Best Versions at Nordstrom