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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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