Oct 10, 2018

4 Flat-Shoe Trends That Are Gaining Steam Now

by Virginia Yapp

When kitten heels made their resurgence earlier this year, I made no complaint. I’m not quite sure myself what it was about them that inspired such deep-seated, instinctual revulsion among so many for so long—or what brought about their definite return. In any case, after seasons and seasons of sky-high stilettos (never my thing), sneakers so chunky and vertiginous that they barely qualify as sneakers, and flatform sandals I can’t look at without imagining twisting an ankle (I’ve had a few close calls), the style felt like a breath of fresh air.

Hot on the tiny heels of this (literally) down-to-earth trend comes the re-emergence of flats. And not just boring old basic flats—I’m talking seriously fun, seriously stylish iterations even a dyed-in-the-wool maximalist like myself can appreciate. I might be the only person who walks in L.A., but I know my NYC friends will appreciate the four fashionable yet functional flat-shoe trends I’ve rounded up below. Think “ugly” sandals that aren’t ugly at all as well as directional ballet flats that won’t remind you of sophomore year.

I don’t actually think these are ugly at all (feel free to disagree, as long as you don't mind being wrong), but they’re definitely related to the whole “ugly” (or “dad”) sneaker phenomenon. But whatever you want to call them, these retro-looking, potentially orthopedic-inspired sandals remind me a lot of the sandals I wore just about everywhere growing up, and I’m currently deciding which of the following pairs to buy…

Dr. Martens Blaire Vegan Leather Strappy Flat Sandals ($114)

I’ve sworn by Dr. Martens for years, thanks to how long each pair lasts (hello, cost per wear), and I’m pretty sure I’m ready to pull the trigger on this super on-trend vegan-leather snakeskin-print pair.

Miu Miu Logo-Embroidered Canvas Sandals ($590)

One of the delightfully OTT designer options I’ve seen floating around Instagram.

Birkenstock Arizona Eva Sandals ($40)

In case your winter wardrobe could use some brightening up…

Love Moschino Graffiti Slogan Sandal ($125)

“Ugly” sandals meet the logo-print trend. Stylish mayhem ensues.

Photo:

@camillecharriere

Whatever your thoughts on ballet flats, you’ve got to admit that for a while, they had gotten a bit boring. Another practical elasticized pair with a bow near the toe? Yawn. Which is why the emergence of luxe options with incredible details has us breathing a sigh of relief (and reaching for our credit cards).