We Did the Research—These Flat Going-Out Shoes Are Better Than Any Heels

Hands up if you have a love/hate relationship with heels. A bitter survivor of many a toe-squishing occasion, I'm right there with you. After years of conflicted feelings—the temptation of shiny new sky-highs always seems to win out—it was only recently, midway through a spirited ceilidh dance at a Scottish wedding that I thought to myself, It may be time to hang up the heels.

I'm sure occasions will arise when I'll fall back on my trusty 2-inch stilettos, but for now, I've resolved to find flat alternatives to my fail-safe going-out shoes that still feel elegant and dressy. As it turns out, there are a lot of options to choose from. 

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(Image credit: @emilisindlev)

Emili Sindlev wears Valentino's signature Roman Stud flats.

With the fashion set's newfound love of ballet shoes and Mary Janes, flats are getting a second wind. The finest designers and brands around are fully embracing this footwear wave, offering everything from pearl-embellished pumps to satin slingbacks equipped for all-night wear.

So, next time you're getting ready to dance the night away, do yourself a favour and keep your feet firmly on the ground. Scroll on to see and shop the best going-out flat shoes on the market now.

Next: These Classic French Shoes Are Back in Fashion, and I'm Thrilled

This post was previously published and has since been updated.

Freelance Fashion Editor

Bébhinn Campbell is an Edinburgh-based fashion and lifestyle writer and editor. She started her first blog at age 14 and went on to intern at print and digital publications in Berlin and London, including Dazed Confused and Indie magazine.

A job at a fashion startup took Bébhinn from Ireland to Scotland in 2019, where she now works as a freelance journalist and copywriter covering everything from travel and interiors to styling advice. As a contributor toBest Knockoff Luxury Clothing , Bébhinn always keeps her eyes peeled for emerging trends and looks worth writing about. She prides herself on her ability to cut through the noise and identify solid investment buys, exciting new brands and fresh takes on classic design.

In her spare time, Bébhinn enjoys perusing Edinburgh’s best vintage shops, working through her out-of-control book collection and watching dog reels on Instagram.