Given my job (and my shoe obsession), I spend a lot of time thinking about and looking at designer shoes, and at some point down the line, I came to the conclusion that designer flats are the best shoe investment. I tend to wear my flat shoes the most, no matter the season. Since I choose carefully, I wear my designer flats for years, making them a worthy investment.
Because I love to talk about shoes, I'm here to share my list of iconic designer flats that are smart investments and bona fide outfit improvers. Some on this list have been around for years and will probably come as no surprise, while others are newer on the scene but are instant icons that will stand the test of time. Scroll on to shop these beloved designer flats if you're ready to add a pair of shoes you'll wear countless times to your wardrobe.
Maison Margiela Tabi Ballet Flats
Maison Margiela Tabi Ballet Flats are undoubtedly quirky, but that doesn't take away from their timelessness. (It's worth noting that the Tabis were first released in the late 1980s.) The instantly recognizable split-toe flats are the cool girl's dream ballerinas.
Shop the Flats
Loro Piana Rebecca Flats
With their sleek almond toe and smooth leather, Loro Piana's Rebecca flats are the kind of low-key luxury everyone is craving in 2024 (and forever). They're the grown-up ballet flats you'll reach for time and again.
Shop the Flats
Miu Miu Penny Loafers
There are many great Miu Miu flats on the market, but the penny loafers are the subtle style that you don't realize are wildly popular. The gold "penny" and tonal logo set them apart.
Shop the Flats
Alaïa Ballerina Flats
Alaïa's ballerina flats are everywhere right now, but they're so good that they're impossible to get sick of. Each new iteration the brand releases is even better than the last. Please never stop making them, Alaïa.
Shop the Flats
Tory Burch Pierced Slingbacks
Tory Burch's line of Pierced shoes are so special, elegant, and cool. My jaw dropped the first time I saw them, and I continue to covet them in every color. It's hardware done right.
Shop the Flats
The Row Mary Janes
The Row's Ava Mary Janes and newer Boheme style that has a more elongated toe played a big part in the recent resurgence of Mary Janes. Just like everything The Row makes, they're simple and elevated and will never look dated.
Shop the Flats
Gucci Jordaan Loafers
The OG designer loafers are Gucci's Jordaan Loafers with an iconic Horsebit detail and pared-down look. They're made of the softest leather ever, and I've walked miles in them sans blisters.
Shop the Flats
Chanel Ballet Flats
Last but not least, here are the ballet flats to end all ballet flats. Even before they were wildly trendy, Chanel's ballerinas were one of the most coveted shoes on the planet. I don't expect that to ever change.
Shop the Flats
-
The Only 6 Winter Coat Trends Celebrities Seem to Care About -
The Rumors Are True: Peep-Toe Pumps Are Making a Chic Comeback in 2025Ready or not, here they come.
-
I Want a Rich-Looking Wardrobe—33 Perfect Picks From Nordstrom's (Early) Black Friday SaleGet a head start with these chic gems.
-
I'm Manifesting Chic Winter Outfits—30 Affordable and Stylish Walmart Finds That Fit the BillCheap *and* cheerful.
-
J.Law! Kendall! Laura! It Girls Are in Agreement About This Luxurious Fall Shoe TrendComfort, meet style.
-
Fun Fact: The Absolute Best Designer Bags of the Season Are All From NordstromShop with ease, my friends.
-
The Rich-Looking Sneaker Trend That's Set to Dominate in 2025Wealth's the word.
-
I Celebrate My Birthday All Month (Yes, I'm a Libra)—30 Small Designer Items I'm Considering Gifting MyselfHappy birthday to me!
