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.
Shop the best flats by style:
Ballet flats
Dolce Vita Anisa ballet flat
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.
Allbirds Tree Breezers
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.
Mansur Gavriel Square Toe ballerina
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.
Andrea Gomez Amelia raffia ballet flats
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 incredibly breathable and lightweight, making them safe to wear on warmer days, too.
Everlane The Day Glove
Everlane is known for its everyday essentials—the type of basic staples you’ll find in our editors’ suitcases on any type of trip. The Day Glove flats are a perfect example—simple, versatile, and chic. This pair is a must-pack for associate social media manager Emily Adler (she snagged these as a more affordable alternative to a nearly identical designer pair).
Classic Mary Janes
Rothy’s The Max Square Mary Jane
Mary Janes are a classic for a reason. They help complete any outfit and look chic and effortless doing it. I recently got my hands (or feet, I should say) on the Max Square Mary Jane from Rothy’s—and trust me, I’ll be wearing these all fall. Not only do they look good, but they feel good, too. They’re designed with Rothy’s signature soft, machine washable material that I’m quite familiar with already. Several of my go-to pairs of shoes are from the brand, so I couldn’t wait to see if that same magic could work for a pair of flats. They’re by far the most comfortable flat I’ve ever tried—not a blister in sight! I plan on wearing these to work, to dinner, and on upcoming fall getaways.
Vivaia square-toe Mary Jane flat
These lightweight Mary Jane flats are another pair you can actually comfortably walk in. They feature a knit upper made from recycled materials and an adjustable strap that offers enhanced arch support. These light-as-air flats are machine washable and have earned themselves hundreds of positive reviews.
Sam Edelman Michaela Mary Jane flat
Looking for an easy way to dress up an outfit? Throw on a bold pair of red flats, like these Mary Janes from Sam Edelman—even a simple pair of jeans and black cardigan will look more elevated with these on. If you want something a little more versatile, they’re also available in more than a dozen colors, including black, white, navy, and tan.
Margaux The Mary Jane
Margaux’s take on the classic Mary Jane is so sleek, thanks to its black suede material, pointed toe, and dainty adjustable strap. They offer a structured, supportive fit that molds to your foot over time, becoming more and more comfortable with each wear. This timeless pair will go with anything in your carry-on, from jeans to skirts to trousers.
Madewell The Greta Ballet Flat
This best-selling pair of under-$100 leather flats from Madewell are so comfy and reviewers note they don’t require any break-in time. They’re available in several colors, from classic neutrals to bold reds and blues, but I love this chocolate brown shade for fall. Note: These naturally stretch a little bit, so it’s recommended to order a half size down for the best fit.
Dolce Vita Reyes ballet flats
Another favorite of ours from Dolce Vita are these simple yet sleek black leather Mary Janes. These are a little more sophisticated than your everyday pair, making them ideal for business trips, work events, and nice dinners.
Pointed-toe flats
Rothy’s The Knot Point II
Pointed-toe flats are very popular—they’re elegant and make your foot look more slender and flattering than a round shoe does. The Point is a bestseller for Rothy’s, thanks to its supreme comfort and lightweight feel. The knot design on the toe of these flats adds a little bit of character, and helps dress them up a bit. These flats were the very first pair of Rothy’s I ever tried, and they’re the reason I keep coming back.
Vivaia Aria pointed-toe ballet flats
These two-toned pointed flats will match everything in your fall wardrobe. They’re lightweight, comfortable, and easy to slip on and off. Plus, they’re machine washable—the ultimate perk for any travel shoe.
Margaux The Pointe
These pointed toe flats from Margaux are gorgeous—I’m eyeing them for a trip to New England this fall. Their silhouette is so sleek and they feature plush foam padding for extra support.
Dolce Vita Pamla flats
For a more fun take on your everyday flat, go for these brown suede slingbacks with a pointed toe. They have more of an arch than most flats do, giving you a little extra foot support. These flats have plenty of character and thanks to the adjustable strap on the back and across the top, they keep your feet secure.
Aerosoles Dumas Point Toe Flat
Aerosoles is known for its comfortable and supportive footwear. If you’re looking for a classic pair of sleek flats, these are for you. They feature a durable rubber sole and built-in arch support that makes them sturdier than your average pair of flats.
Loafer-style flats
Rothy’s The Almond Loafer
While technically a loafer, these printed flats are a go-to for senior commerce editor Madison Flager, who regularly wears them to the office and has packed them on trips to use as an evening shoe. Fun flats like these are trending, and they’re an easy way to turn a simple pair of jeans and T-shirt into a fashion statement. Like all things Rothy’s, these are machine washable and oh-so-lightweight.
Dolce Vita Hardi loafer
These loafers are a favorite of Hannah Towey, Traveler‘s associate editor of transportation and travel news. They feature a thick adjustable strap that keeps your foot secure and a padded footbed. They’re polished enough for business trips and to wear to the office. Snag them in brown or black.
Melissa Possession sandal
This flat sandal comes highly recommended by Spurrell. While they’re really best for summer, the neutral shade makes them a great transitional shoe for in-between weather days. They can also be worn with socks when the temperature starts to dip, making them a versatile pair to have in your closet.