When it comes to my daily footwear, I've always preferred flats or low-heel shoes. Not that I have anything against high-heels, but considering I'm a born-and-bred California girl, the ease and comfort of flat and low-heel shoes just seems to agree with me on a fundamental level. High heels, in my humble opinion, are to be reserved for special occasions or a night when I'm feeling extra flirty. The numerous stylish flats offerings and resurgence of kitten heels in recent years (I'm looking at you, Manolo Maysales) have only helped my case.
On top of that, the right flats or low-heel shoes have an understated elegance that's hard for a higher heel to compete with. I'll never forget seeing a woman walk into a wedding in a breezy floor-length gown with simple sandals on her feet and thinking that she was the chicest person in the room. Suffice to say, I've done a lot of research recently on the best flats and low heels out there. My biggest issue? Putting a cap on my finds, which Nordstrom, Zara, and Mango aren't helping with. They've really been killing it with their selections of flats and low-heel shoes, so I've rounded up my favorite 30 picks just for you, dear reader, below.
Zara
Buckled Flat Leather Sandals
Statement sandals that are versatile enough to be worn every day.
Mango
De Structured Leather Sandals
The square toe here feels decidedly modern.
Franco Sarto
Vana Flat
I'll be wearing these all summer.
Open Edit
Lucca Slide Sandal
Hot off the chopping block, these are sure to go fast!
G.H. Bass
Mary Jane Moc Toe Loafer
Fulfilling all my '90s grunge fantasies.
Mango
Metallic Strap Sandals
Metallic accents are everywhere this season, but I'm partial to strappy silver sandals.
Madewell
The Bradley Lugsole Mule
The chocolate brown paired with the lug sole has me feeling all the feels. They're perfect.
Open Edit
Clover Sandal
I'd like to pair these with a black column dress and chunky gold jewelry.
Zara
Sport Sandals
Sporty and chic.
Mango
Croc-Effect Sandals
Allow me to introduce you to your essential summer sandals.
Mango
Metallic Strap Sandals
For all my Barbiecore fans.
Nordstrom
Ashton Leather Flat
Simple flats at a reasonable price that look more expensive than they are used to be hard to find, but then these babies showed up.
Topshop
Nina Strappy Sandal
We're ready for vacation (me and the sandals).
Marc Fisher
Monnie Ankle Wrap Sandal
The open cross weaving is so nice.
Zara
Leather Criss Cross Sandals
Basic slides you can wear for years to come.
Free People
Delaney Fisherman Platform Sandal
Yes. Just so much yes.
Dr. Scholl's
Original Collection Sandal
Too cute in red.
Open Edit
Solana Sandal
Minimal kitten heels have my heart.
Jeffrey Campbell
Archives Bit Loafer Pump
Alexa Chung circa 2010, I'm coming for your look.
Mango
Elastic Satin Ballerinas
In case you couldn't get your hands on the Miu Miu version, these are a decidedly good dupe!
Zara
Suede Fisherman Sandals
Big fan of the fisherman-sandal trend this spring.
Zara
Chunky Flat Clogs
When Zara gets it right, they really get it right.
Mango
Satin Heeled Shoes
The stitch detail adds interest and a bit of early 2000s flair.
Zara
Buckled Soft Leather Loafers
Loving these neutral loafers for summer.
Jeffrey Campbell
Top Tier Pump
Such a good beige.
Zara
Metallic Leather Flats With Bow
Trust me—you'll wear these way more than you think.
Zara
Block Heel Leather Sandal
I love how simple yet elegant these are.
BP
Brooks Sandal
These are giving Cher Horowitz, which I can always get behind.
Toni Pons
Caldes Linen Wedge Sandal
Pair these with some vintage jeans and a white tee and you've got the quintessential summer look.
Zara
Embellished Flat Slingbacks
These are, of course, reminiscent of Gucci, but in a subtle way that I think really works.