The Shoes I Wear When I'm Tired of Heels
I’ll admit it—I have a love-hate relationship with heels. As much as I’ve embraced them for giving me a boost in height and confidence, not to mention how flattering they are, I often resent how painful they can be. It’s something most people feel, so at least I know I’m not alone when I admit that, yes, sometimes I get tired of wearing heels. It’s especially true on days when I have multiple meetings and events to run back and forth to; heels aren’t always the best choice (no matter how cute they actually look).
So on days when I just can’t muster the energy to put my feet through a certain level of discomfort, I’ve found a certain flat style that makes me feel just as put-together. Slingback flats, especially those with a pointed toe, are the cute (and comfortable!) shoes I wear instead of heels. Luckily, there are so many cool options to choose from right now. Whether it be a colorful print or an unexpected cutout, I’ve picked a few of my favorite flats so you can shop a pair too.
Gear up for summer with this fresh gingham-printed strap.
The flat version of the Balenciaga heels you know and love.
This shade of blue feels so fresh right now.
Team these patterned flats with white jeans.
Imaginative cutouts make this pair a fun choice for summer.
A pair of flats we’d actually wear out at night? We thought we’d never see the day.
This pair is all in the lace-up details.
Meet your new power flats.
Style these flats with cropped jeans to show off the pretty ankle straps.
Smart and polished.
You’ll wear these simple flats with just about everything.
Layer these flats with a fun pair of socks for some added texture.
How pretty is this emerald color?
Complete your look—see the best jeans to wear with flats.
Anna is an NYC-based senior fashion editor who has been a member of the Who What Wear team for over seven years, having begun her career in L.A. at brands like Michael Kors and A.L.C. As an editor, she has earned a reputation for her coverage of breaking trends, emerging brands, luxury shopping curations, fashion features, and more. Anna has penned a number Who What Wear cover interviews, including Megan Fox, Julia Garner, and Lilly Collins. She also leads the site’s emerging travel vertical that highlights all things travel and lifestyle through a fashion-person lens.
-
Trendy Flats This, Trendy Flats That—These New Ballet Loafers Will Sell Out First
Gigi Hadid approves.
-
2025's Favorite Flats? Say Boat Shoes, Loafers, or Slippers and You'll Be Wrong
Keep guessing.
-
Jennifer Lawrence Just Deemed This Flat-Shoe Trend Elegant Enough to Wear to a Fancy NYC Fashion Party
Trust her—she knows what she's doing.
-
So You Have an Eye on Everything Designer But Not the Budget—31 Luxe-Looking Finds That Scratch the Itch
Everything is under $150.
-
This Stylish New Yorker Has Has Impeccable Taste—35 Chic Spring Picks That Have Her Attention
The dresses alone are gems.
-
The Anti–Ballet Flats French and Italian Brands Are Currently Smitten With
Chic flats, sans ballet.
-
Flat-Shoe Summer Awaits—Here's What Everyone's Wearing Instead of Heels
Shop the styles inside.
-
The Curvy Girl's Guide to Finding Pants That Fit Flawlessly
Waist gap, begone.