Ask your mother or grandmother about her relationship with high heels, and chances are she’ll say that she’s spent a lot of time in them. In the past, women were expected to do just about everything in their pumps, no matter how badly their feet ached. Now, times have changed, and there’s buzz that the era of heels has ended. As comfort trumps all in fashion (hello, athleisure), sky-high stilettos have found themselves out of popularity.
Earlier this year, Ashley Olsen shared definitive proof that the era of high heels is at an end. “It’s interesting talking to [buyers],” she told Footwear News. “They say that in the past several years, business has shifted to 70% flats.” Ashley herself often chooses low-heeled shoes, opting for everything from Chanel flats to Birkenstock sandals. As customers’ demand for flat shoes grows, it seems that stilettos may be headed the way of the dodo.
Read on for a look at some of Olsen’s best style moments sans heels, and then shop our favorite flat footwear!
On Ashley Olsen: The Row bag.
On Ashley Olsen: Céline sandals.
On Ashley Olsen: Oliver Peoples O'Malley Sunglasses ($450); The Row Two for One Pouch ($1995); Birkenstock Amsterdam Shoes ($100).
Related: 15 Flats That Prove Powerful Women Don't Always Need Heels
On Ashley Olsen: Birkenstock sandals.
On Ashley Olsen: The Row clothing; Chanel flats.
Do you think heels are on the way out? Check out a few of our favorite flats for work!
-
This Flat-Shoe Trend Looks So Posh, and Angelina Jolie Just Wore It on the Red CarpetPer usual, she looks chic.
-
36 Black Dresses From Zara, Mango, and J.Crew That'll Rake In the ComplimentsCan't go wrong.
-
Wear This Shoe Trend If You Want to Wear Flats But Still Look Dressed UpThat was easy.
-
31 Maxi Coats From Shopbop, COS, and Mango That Have My Undivided AttentionFloor-sweeping styles only.
-
The Sneaker Color Trend Everyone With Expensive Taste Is BuyingIncluding Lily Collins.
-
I Love the Sweaters at Zara, COS, J.Crew, Vince, andReplica Store—31 That Are GorgeousNew staples ahead.
-
I Want a Rich-Looking Wardrobe—33 Perfect Picks FromReplica Store's Black Friday SaleGet a head start with these chic gems.
-
The Rich-Looking Sneaker Trend That's Set to Dominate in 2025Wealth's the word.
