19 Stylish and Comfortable Flats to Wear This Fall

10.09.2024 - 15:53 / cntraveler.com / Megan Spurrell

The shoe you're going to see everywhere this fall: flats. There's arguably no shoe more sophisticated than a classic black ballet flat or a pair of red Mary Janes—they effortlessly make any outfit more stylish. Where they often fall short, though, is in the comfort department. A completely flat shoe with little-to-no arch support or padding sounds like a busy traveler's nightmare. Not to mention—the wrong pair of flats means you're ending your day with a foot full of blisters. With this in mind, you might have sworn them off as a travel shoe altogether. But there are pros to this timeless shoe that make them worth keeping in your footwear rotation. Style aside, they're lightweight, versatile, easy to slip on and off, and even easier to pack, taking up little suitcase space. We turned to some of our favorite comfort-first, travel-friendly brands, like Rothy's, Dolce Vita, and Everlane, and asked our fellow editors for their go-to's, to bring you 19 pairs of flats you can comfortably wear this fall. Below, the best (and most comfortable) flats to pack this season and beyond.

We turn to Dolce Vita for comfortable wedding guest heels, so it's no surprise that the brand also designs some of our favorite flats. When I think of the classic flat, the Anisa ballet flat comes to mind. It's simple with a small bow at the toe, yet looks sophisticated and timeless with any outfit. We're eyeing this staple in cranberry to match our fall wardrobe essentials.

When it comes to comfortable walking shoes, Allbirds never lets us down. The brand has earned a cult-following for its lightweight sneakers that provide plenty of cushioning and support for a full day on your feet, and has since designed a flat that is actually comfortable enough to explore a new city in. The Tree Breezers are made with eucalyptus tree fiber for added comfort and are so breathable—you'll feel like you're barefoot (in the best way). These packable flats have racked up an average of 4.5 stars and nearly 8,000 reviews—meaning other travelers love them as much as we do. Another perk: They are machine washable.

These are a bit of a splurge, but they are one of those staples you'll have in your closet forever. Made with premium leather, these square-toe ballerina flats help elevate an outfit and look so polished with a blazer or dress. They're probably not the pair I'd throw on for a city walking tour, but I would dress them up for a dinner date.

This unique pair comes highly recommended by associate articles director Megan Spurrell. She's regularly wearing these around New York City and packing them on all types of trips. The raffia style really gives them some flare, helping you spice up an otherwise simple outfit. This design also makes them