Flats have no doubt won their place as one of the essentials for work. They appear professional and sharp when matched with a power suit, but are equally stylish when you wear them with a pair of jeans. What is more important is that flats are very comfortable shoes to wear at work, especially when you spend most of the time standing.
Even as we agree that flats are awesome, the large number of shapes and styles can make selecting the right one challenging. To help you wade through the large number, read through our best flats for work, and irrespective of your company’s dress code or preferred personal style, you are sure to find a great pair to match your needs.
The Best Flats for Work Are …
Product | Details | ||
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1. Dexflex Comfort Women's Caroline String Tie Flats | Top Pick |
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2. Chinese Laundry Women's Easy Does It |
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3. Naturalizer Women's Brittany Ballet Flat |
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4. Steve Madden Women's Feather Loafer Flat |
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5. Dr. Scholl’s Women’s Frankie Ballet Flats |
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6. Tory Burch Minnie Travel Ballet Flat Shoes |
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7. DailyShoes Ballet Flat Shoes |
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8. Clarks Women’s Ayla Low Ballet Flat |
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9. LifeStride Women's Diverse Flat |
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1. Dexflex Comfort Women’s Caroline String Tie Flats — Best Flat Shoes for Work
Our first pair of flats for work is this Dexflex Comfort Women’s Caroline String Tie Flat, a premium shoe designed to make your days at work comfortable and enjoyable. In addition to its impressive features, you will like the shoe because it is pocket friendly.
The most important thing when you go to your workplace is comfort, and this shoe was designed to optimize that. It is crafted with a 2-layer insole that helps to absorb shock when walking around in your workplace. Furthermore, it uses memory foam that cradles your foot for a comfy feel. The cushioning makes you feel like you are bouncing on air — so comfortable and enjoyable.
Another thing that makes this shoe outstanding is the large toe box. It allows your toes to spread naturally for a natural feel when working. It is also easy to put on or off and holds the foot comfortably with a string tie as you go about your duties at work. These shoes are easily the most comfortable flats for work.
Specs
- Upper: Synthetic leather
- Midsole: Memory foam
- Outsole: Rubber
Pros
- Designed with a rubber outsole for a better grip when working
- The shoes are available in eight different colors
- Soft footbed with two-layer memory foam for optimal cushioning
- Durable construction
- Designed with a stretchy topline and jersey lining for added comfort
Cons
- Not very effective for working on slippery areas
2. Chinese Laundry Women’s Easy Does It — Runner Up
Since 1982 when Chinese Laundry was launched, they have made a name for designing stylish and innovative shoes for ladies, and the Easy Does It flat is a testimony to this commitment. The shoe is a great pick for ladies with wide feet, and you can rely on it for comfort all day.
The shoe comes with a lightly-cushioned footbed that helps to keep your foot comfortable even when working for many hours. In addition to the footbed, the flat’s outsole and upper part are also light, meaning that you can use the shoes without feeling like weights have been tied to your feet.
For most ladies, the shoes they wear to work should also add a sense of style and this Chinese Laundry Women’s Easy Does It kills it. These flats feature the d’Orsay style with a pointed toe and rolled stitching that will make you look elegant whether you match it with official or casual clothing.
Specs
- Outsole: Synthetic
- Heel: Approximately 0.25-inch
- Upper: A pointed-toe upper with a broken seam
Pros
- Lightweight construction
- Matches well with both casual and official clothing
- Uses d’Orsay style to help you make you stand out
- Easy to put on and off
- Sold affordably
Cons
- Less desirable for ladies who do a lot of work or take most of the time standing
3. Naturalizer Women’s Brittany Ballet Flat
Are you looking for a basic and comfortable pair of flats for work? Well, you cannot go wrong with these versatile Naturalizer Women’s Britanny Ballet Flats. Every feature of the shoe, from the upper part to the midsole, was done after years of research to guarantee you two things, style, and comfort.
To make the shoe more comfortable, Naturalizer used a dual-density type of cushioning and contoured footbed. The cushioning material takes to every contour on your feet to help spread the weight of your body and reduce the risk of suffering joint-related problems. The cushioning also absorbs shock and makes walking easy and enjoyable.
If you are very busy or working for many hours, your feet can sweat a lot, and this shoe was designed to help address the problem. The shoe’s design allows air to easily pass through, helping to keep the feet dry and fresh.
Specs
- Midsole: Dual-density and contoured
- Upper: Leather
- Outsole: Synthetic
Pros
- Available in seven different colors for you to select the preferred one
- Uses dual-density cushioning to enhance your comfort at work
- A large toe box foe to allow your toes to spread
- Feels natural
- Provide a stylish and classy twist to the standard flats
Cons
- The outsole is not durable
4. Steve Madden Women’s Feather Loafer Flat
The next flat for work is this Women’s Feather Loafer Flat from Steve Madden. The company wanted to create a stylish flat that you can rely on to look stylish and appealing without compromising functionality — they did not disappoint. The shoe has a pointed toe that will give you a classy and chic look.
Although Steve Madden indicates that this is a casual flat, we found it a great pair for wearing to work. We tried the shoe with both casual and official clothing and it matched well. Because the shoe is available in 18 different colors, you only need to pick the preferred pair and use matching outfits to look stylish.
The shoe is made with light cushioning on the footbed, a design we found very effective especially for ladies who take most of the time in the office. The inner lining of the shoe is also soft, and will comfortably hold your foot, allowing you to enjoy every moment at work.
Specs
- Upper: Leather
- Outsole: Synthetic
- Style: Pointed toe flat
Pros
- Designed with materials that make it super light
- Available in 18 different colors
- Designed with a leather top for better durability
- Easy to clean and dry
Cons
- Small toe box
- Poor breathability
5. Dr. Scholl’s Women’s Frankie Ballet Flats
Mention the name Dr. Scholl and most designers and ladies will tell you one thing; it is one of the best brands in the footwear industry. These Women’s Frankie Ballet Flats are tailored with modern details for special comfort and style.
Like most shoes from Dr. Scholl, this shoe uses Comfort Insole Technology that provides anatomical cushioning. The midsole is made with memory fit foam light cushioning that easily takes to the shape of the shoe when you wear it. Furthermore, the leather upper firmly holds the foot to offer additional support and keep you feeling extra comfortable at work.
To help you look stylish, the shoe has a metallic buckle and stud at the toe end. We liked the way the stud is fitted because, in addition to making the shoe look stylish, the holding straps emanate down from the outsole to make it stronger. With the metallic stud, the shoe matches well with both official and casual clothes.
Specs
- Outsole: Synthetic
- Midsole: Memory fit foam
- Style: Classy round toe flat
Pros
- Flexible construction that makes walking with the shoe easy and fun
- Features a soft lining to make the shoe extra comfortable
- Uses anatomical cushioning with memory fit foam
- Works well as an official or casual shoe
- Available in four different colors
- Durable
- Sold affordably
Cons
- Not suitable for working in uneven areas
6. Tory Burch Minnie Travel Ballet Flat Shoes – Perfect Navy
If you want to buy flats that can double both as day and evening wear, this Tory Burch Minnie Travel Ballet Flat Shoes – Perfect Navy might be your answer. The shoe rocks a slip-on style with elasticized back topline that allows you to easily put it on and head to work. We found it very effective especially when you need to move quickly.
To help you work for more hours or all day without getting fatigued, this flat uses layered cushioning in the footbed. The cushioning conforms to your foot and cushions it to help spread your weight from the heel. The footbed also absorbs most of the shock when walking and makes movement, especially transition from the heel to the toe easy.
To make the shoe durable, the upper part is made of leather. It also features an elasticized back top line that helps the shoe to firmly hold onto the foot when working. So, whether your job involves a lot of walking or relaxing in the office, this flat will be a great piece for you.
Specs
- Outsole: Rubber
- Upper Part: Leather
- Midsole: Layered foam cushioning
Pros
- Uses layered cushioning in the footbed
- Stretches easily to conform to your foot
- You can use it as a flat for work and evening wear
- Durable construction
- Stylish
Cons
- One of the most expensive flats on our list
- Only available in one color
7. DailyShoes Ballet Flat Shoes
If you are shopping for a stylish and comfy flat on a budget, this DailyShoes Ballet Flat Shoes might be the answer. The shoe is very stylish and was designed to provide optimal comfort when working in your station.
The shoe is designed with elastic straps that are carefully positioned to help keep it in position when working. We found the design very practical because you can easily walk, stand, or work without worrying the shoes will accidentally get off. We loved these shoes because the elastic straps and the zipper at the back make stepping into and out of the shoes easy.
Another outstanding thing about the shoes is the contoured sole and light cushioning that makes them very comfortable to wear all day. The exterior of the shoes is designed with soft faux suede that gives them a stylish appearance. The outlook makes this pair of shoes one of the perfect picks for matching with official or casual clothing.
Specs
- Exterior: Soft faux suede
- Outsole: Rubber
- Shaft: Approximately 2.5 inches from the arch
Pros
- Elastic straps and zipper at the back make the shoe easy to put on and off
- Available in 18 different colors
- Come in a lovely soft faux suede outlook
- Made with rubber outsole for better grip
- Designed to last
- Sold affordably
Cons
- The rubber outsole is thin and not long-lasting
8. Clarks Women’s Ayla Low Ballet Flat
Does your work involve moving around a lot? If the answer is, “yes” you need a working shoe with good support, and this Clarks Women’s Ayla Low Ballet Flat is one of the top options. The shoe is designed with heavy cushioning that helps to make you feel extra comfortable all day.
Clarks used two removable OrthoLite footbeds that help to absorb shock when walking at work. You will find this design awesome because it is also easy to change the footbed depending on the level of cushioning that you want. Furthermore, the upper has a soft inner lining that softly cuddles the foot all day.
If you work on uneven or slippery surfaces, this shoe will also come in handy because of its flexible EVA outsole. Besides, the shoe has contours and treads that provide a firm grip when you are working on slippery surfaces. So, whether you work in a hospital or industrial facility where the floor can be slippery, especially during emergencies, you can count on this shoe for stability.
Specs
- Heel height: 1.08 inches
- Outsole: Flexible EVA outsole
- Midsole: Removable OrthoLite footbed
Pros
- The shoe is available in ten different colors
- Superb cushioning
- Uses flexible EVA outsole for additional cushioning and firm grip
- Sold affordably
- Strong and durable
Cons
- Small toe box
9. LifeStride Women’s Diverse Flat
The last shoe to make our list is this Women’s Diverse Flat from LifeStride, a popular brand known for its elegant footwear designs. This shoe has a remarkable solid construction and unique style that makes it a perfect pick for working both at work and away.
The outsole of the shoe is made using a traction synthetic sole that provides a firm grip when working. It also features multidirectional cuts to help keep your legs firmly on the ground and work with confidence. The outsole works with the midsole to absorb shock and make walking and working comfortable.
If you take most of the time at your workplace walking, this shoe will be great for you because of its effective breathability. The upper has a stylish and interwoven outlook that firmly holds the feet in position and allows air to move to all the toes.
Specs
- Outsole: Synthetic sole
- Heel: Approximately 0.5-inch
- Midsole: Soft System Comfort Package
Pros
- The shoe is raised with one inch to make walking easy
- Feature an interwoven upper for enhanced breathability and style
- Designed with Soft System comfort package for enhanced cushioning
- Uses traction sole that helps to provide extra stability
- Available in 20 different colors
- Works well as an official and casual flat pair of shoes
Cons
- The toe box of the shoe is small
- The outsole is not durable
Things To Look For When Selecting The Best Flats For Work
Whether your work mainly involves attending to clients in the office or demands a lot of standing and walking, getting the right flats can help to enhance comfort and productivity. In the following guide, we will tell you how to select the best flats for work.
When looking for the best flats to use at work, it is important to think about several things, including the nature of your work and your budget. Here are other things that you need to look for to pick a great shoe for work:
Comfort
Whether most of your time at work involves sitting in front of a computer or having to walk around supervising other staff, the flats you pick need to be as comfortable as possible. If your work does not involve walking or dealing with heavy items, flats with limited cushioning will be okay.
However, the reverse is true if you are mostly on the move in your work area. In such a situation, you should go for the shoes with heavier cushioning to support your weight and absorb shock when walking. Other things that help to make a pair of flats comfortable include:
- Sufficient toe box size
- Good breathability
- Soft lining
Grip
If you are on your feet most of the time and have to work on slippery surfaces at times, it is important to go for the flats that provide a firm grip to help avoid falls. For example, if you work in a restaurant, it is not uncommon to pass through wet surfaces after tea accidentally gets spilled over, or during cleaning.
Style
Today, the workplace is changing and most people want to feel stylish even when going about their daily duties. Indeed, most companies are for it because employees feel motivated to work harder when rocking their best outfits. So, think about the sense of style that you would want and the best way to achieve it.
For example, you might consider things such as the color of the shoe, height, and stretchy topline. When thinking about style, it is important to also factor other types of clothes that you will use together with the shoe. Most people prefer to use their flats with matching outfits, whether for official or casual purposes.
Durability
No matter the type of flat that you buy, one of the expectations is that it should last enough to deliver high value for money. To know if a shoe is durable; here are the things to check:
- Designed with a strong outsole and top parts
- Firm and quality shoe bed
- Professionally done seams
Brand
As people realize the benefits of using flats for work, a lot of brands have entered the market to help meet the growing demand. However, you will realize that not all these shoemakers are focused on delivering quality. To be sure of selecting the right flat shoes to wear for work; we recommend that you go with the brands that have demonstrated an unwavering commitment to quality and customer value.
You can know a good brand by looking at its history and customer feedback. For example, were the previous clients who bought flats from the brand satisfied? If they were, you can also anticipate getting similar positive results. Some of the top brands that you should consider include Naturalizer, Chinese Kitchen, Dr. Scholl, and LifeStride.
However, you do not have to worry much about the brands because the top flats for work that we reviewed above are all designed by the most respected brands out there. So, you can select the preferred flat from our reviews above and expect to enjoy high-value for your money.
Final Thoughts
Comfort can truly make you more productive at work, so it is important to have the right shoes. The flats we have reviewed in this post are made with excellent features to help you enjoy every minute at work. The uppers, footbeds, and outsoles are all done with quality materials and you can count on the shoe for superior comfort and better productivity.
Although we stand with the leading flats for work that we reviewed in this post (we loved them, really loved them), the Dexflex Comfort Women’s Caroline String Tie Flat was the best of them all. The shoe’s design makes it stylish and super comfy, making it a great piece to use both at work and leisure.