6 Flat Shoes Everyone Should Own in 2024

As I'm a fashion editor constantly on the go, adopting a pair of flat shoes isn't just a style choice—it's a necessity. Long gone are the days of Carrie Bradshaw–ing through the streets, teetering in heels. This year, I'm not sacrificing my comfort for style, so naturally, the best option on the market to turn to is chic flat shoes. While you'd think that flat shoes tend to be boring or safe, there's a slew of shoe trends that rely on the safe-for-work style. The tricky part is picking your favorite.

If you're in need of new flats, it's wise to narrow the offerings down to the trending styles. I've always appreciated that flats tend to stay in style longer than other trends. For that reason, I wear them more than any other shoe style, so I don't mind spending a little more on them.

I spent more time than I probably should've scrolling through all of my favorite retailers—including Nordstrom, Zara, Shopbop, and Mytheresa—for flat shoes, but at least, I found some really great pairs to share with you. Scroll on for six styles everyone will be wearing this year and to shop the most solid pairs for each trend.

Loafers

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(Image credit: @christietyler)

Loafers continue to be the trendiest classic flats trend there is. I'm loving penny loafers and chunky styles in particular. The fact that they go with everything explains why they're never really "out."

Metallics

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(Image credit: @emilisindlev)

Metallic shoes were big in 2023, and set to be bigger this year. The best thing about them is that they're kind of fancy, so you'll look dressed up without the annoyance of wearing heels.

Casual Clogs

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(Image credit: @annelauremais)

Clogs will continue to be popular this year, fueled by the consistent popularity of Birkenstock Boston Clogs. To look the most forward, opt for chunky pairs with rounded toes.

Ballet Flats

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(Image credit: @tylynnnguyen)

Ballet flats became a subject of attention last year, and they show no signs of fading. I'm quite impressed with Nordstrom's selection of both designer and affordable options.

Mary Janes

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(Image credit: @alyssainthecity)

The cute cousin of ballet flats, Mary Janes are still trending into 2024. I found some lovely options at Nordstrom that I predict you'll want to wear on repeat. 

Slingbacks

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(Image credit: @lindatol_)

Slingback flats are perhaps the most elegant style of the bunch. They're a versatile option that works for everything from work to brunch to errands.

Shop the Best Slingbacks

This post was published at an earlier date and has been updated. 

Allyson Payer
Senior Editor

Allyson is a senior editor for Who What Wear. She joined the company in 2014 as co-founder Katherine Power's executive assistant and over the years has written hundreds of stories for Who What Wear. Prior to her career in fashion, Allyson worked in the entertainment industry at companies such as Sony Pictures Television. Allyson is now based in Raleigh, North Carolina, and is originally from Baton Rouge, Louisiana. She holds a BFA in theater. Her path to fashion may not have been linear, but based on the number of fashion magazines she collected as a child and young adult, it was meant to be.

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