The Comfiest Flats for Travel

2022-06-24 19:22:59 By : Ms. Jane He

Rebecca is a senior e-commerce writer and strategist on the news and deals travel team with more than 10 years of experience researching and writing about the best products in the fashion, beauty, home, and travel space. Her articles have covered everything from anti-aging skincare to comfortable clothing to travel essentials for your next getaway.

Rebecca began writing for Travel + Leisure in 2019.

Her writing has appeared on InStyle.com, Realsimple.com, People.com, Popsugar.com, Businessinsider.com, and more.

She has spent years testing, researching, and writing about everything from luggage to comfortable walking shoes to travel pillows and more.

​​Rebecca is an avid traveler and loves searching for the best travel products and making recommendations to readers of what to pack on their trips. She has a Bachelor Degree in Communications from the Fashion Institute of Technology.

We independently research, test, review, and recommend the best products—learn more about our process. If you buy something through our links, we may earn a commission.

Let's face it, uncomfortable shoes are just not worth packing. And while flats definitely look more polished than sneakers and are easier to walk in than heels, some pairs just don't offer the support or comfort that's needed to tackle an entire day of sightseeing. To help you avoid spending money on options that will give you blisters or leave your feet aching in pain, we've researched dozens of flats to find pairs that are as comfortable as they are cute.

Margaux's The Demi ballet flat is everything you could ever want in a shoe: comfortable, durable, and stylish, yet versatile enough to wear with pretty much every outfit in your closet. And unlike most flats that feature a bow for mere decoration, The Demi's top bow actually allows the wearer to adjust the shoes to their preference.

From classic ballet flats to sleek loafers and chic pointed flats, keep reading to even more of the best comfortable flats for traveling.

Why We Love It: They're made by hand and can be customized just for you. What to Consider: They're on the pricier side.

Handmade in Spain with five millimeters of foam padding and a supportive insole, it's easy to see why these are our pick for comfiest ballet flats on the market. The sleek flats made of Italian Italian leather feature an adjustable cord bow that allows you to make the shoes tighter or looser on your feet. They're also made of super soft leather and foam padding, so your feet will remain pain-free even after hours of walking or standing. Margaux also works to bring size inclusivity to women, meaning you can find a pair of these flats that fit your feet size and shape perfectly. And to help you find that perfect fit, you can even book an appointment with one of their experts who will help you find the right pair and size for you. But perhaps our favorite thing about the flats? You can have a hand-painted design added to your shoes, customized just for you. Whether you choose a monogram or a daisy print, this personalization process ensures your shoes are totally unique.

Sizes: 3 to 14 | Material: Leather, suede, or haircalf

Why We Love It: You'll never slip and slide in these — plus, they're foldable and packable. What to Consider: They run about a half a size small.

These flats by Tory Burch are not only sleek and polished, but incredibly comfortable, too. The split rubber sole offers excellent grip and traction, while the cushioned footbed adds extra comfort. Boasting gold hardware featuring the brand's signature T logo, the flats are also simply the definition of style. When you're not wearing them, fold them up and throw them in your suitcase or purse.

Sizes: 4 to 13 | Material: Leather, rubber

Why We Love It: They're light as can be and even more stylish in person. What to Consider: They run a bit small and narrow.

If you are looking for a lightweight breathable shoe, opt for a cute flat made from canvas, like this option by Toms. Besides boasting a padded footbed and rubber sole, the cute slip-on shoes only weigh five ounces per shoe — so they'll barely add any weight to your suitcase. A pull tab on the heel makes for easy on and off, while a soft suede upper provides comfort with no risk of rubbing or chafing. What's more, every time a pair of these cute flats are sold, a pair of shoes from the brand will be donated to a child in need.

Sizes: 5 to 11 | Material: Suede, rubber, canvas

Related: The Most Comfortable Women's Sneakers

Why We Love It: They're versatile enough to wear everywhere from the office to the airport to a Sunday brunch. What to Consider: They're best for shoppers with wider feet.

These classic loafers by Naturalizer have memory foam arch support, a padded collar, and extra cushioning to keep your feet supported all day long. Along with an antimicrobial lining to prevent odors and fungal growth, the cute flats feature a durable rubber sole. They're perfect for everything from the office to formal events, and they're so comfy, they feel like slippers.

Why We Love It: Their buckled slingback and animal print options give them a flair of extravagance. What to Consider: They're not as flexible as other options on our list.

Looking to add some polish to your travel looks? Consider this stylish pair of flat slingbacks from Vionic. The brand carries the American Podiatric Medical Association's Seal of Acceptance, which certifies their shoes are actually healthy for your feet. The comfy Jade flats, in particular, have an adjustable slingback with a buckle, a rounded pointed toe, impressive arch support, and a low vamp that will pair perfectly with everything from casual jeans to LBDs. There are multiple colors and patterns to choose from, and there are both leather and suede options.

Sizes: 5 to 11 | Material: Leather or suede

Why We Love It: They come in dozens of prints and colors, and their minimalistic design means they work with every outfit. What to Consider: There's a bit of a break-in period.

Hush Puppies has been a go-to for lightweight and comfortable shoes for years, and these ballet flats are no different. The cute leather shoes feature an elasticized collar, a rubber sole, and special triangle footbed pattern that conforms to your foot to offer air circulation, support, and flexibility. Together, they supply the support and comfort you need to be on your feet all day. They're another foldable option, so you can easily pack them or stow them away until you need them.

Sizes: 5.5 to 12 | Material: Leather, rubber, textile

Why We Love It: Their perforated design makes them super breathable. What to Consider: They're best for shoppers with narrow feet.

These adorable Clarks flats are a must-have for warm-weather travel wardrobes. The perforations on the leather uppers add breathability, while the espadrille details add a cute summery touch. Along with the thick rubber soles, which offer excellent traction, the shoes feature an ultra-comfortable cushioned footbed. In fact, they're so comfy, you may want to wear them as slippers around the house.

Sizes: 5 to 12 | Material: Leather, rubber, textile

Related: The Most Comfortable Sandals for Women

Why We Love It: They're so comfy and versatile, they'll quickly become your wear-everywhere shoes. What to Consider: They don't have quite as much arch support as other options on our list.

Not only do these stylish flats have cushioned insoles, but they also boast a flexible rubber sole that can fold up, making them ideal for travel. They're also incredibly breathable, versatile, and elasticized for easy on-off. Wear them to work, to run errands, or on a night out — either way, they'll remain comfortable and stylish for hours.

Sizes: 5 to 12 | Material: Leather, rubber

Why We Love It: You won't find a comfy pair of shoes more stylish than these. What to Consider: They run large.

These chic Sam Edelman flats give your feet the support and comfort they need with their cushioned insole. The soft leather flats come in 24 different styles, ranging from black patent leather to gray suede to multicolored metallic jacquard. They're so stylish, you'll likely want to wear them with everything — which you can do, because they're also ultra-comfy. Their design even makes them extra easy to slide on and off in a pinch.

Sizes: 5 to 12 | Material: Leather or suede

Why We Love It: They're so soft and stylish, you'd never guess they're made of recycled plastic bottles. What to Consider: They're on the pricier side.

These cute Rothy's flats were Meghan Markle's go-to shoes at one point for a reason. Not only are they incredibly lightweight with a comfy insole, but they also feature a flexible rubber sole that offers excellent traction. They come in over a dozen prints and colors ranging from neutral beige to hot pink and cheetah print, but the best part about these flats? The eco-friendly kicks are made from recycled water bottles and are machine-washable.

Sizes: 5 to 13 | Material: Knit material

Why We Love It: They're light as air, easy to clean, and surprisingly stylish. What to Consider: They're only available in whole sizes.

These flexible flats by Crocs are just 11 ounces per shoe and feature a super soft non-slip footbed. They're also made from the foam material that offers an incredible amount of support and comfort. They even feature waterproof, easy-to-clean material, so you can wear them in nearly every situation worry-free. A slight heel adds support, making them the ideal shoes to wear after changing out of heels.

Sizes: 4 to 11 | Material: Synthetic material

Why We Love It: They're made for activity, and they come in dozens of colors. What to Consider: They run large.

Along with an anti-slip rubber sole that offers substantial grip, these cute shoes feature a padded memory foam insole for extreme comfort. And while they may look super luxe and expensive, they are actually the most affordable option on this list. With more than 30 stylish colors to choose from, you're going to want multiple options.

Why We Love It: They're basically slippers in disguise. What to Consider: They run wide.

If you love the feel of fuzzy slippers but need a more polished-looking shoe, you're in luck. This cute Kate Spade option may look like your average ballet flats, but they feature a cozy merino shearling lining that will keep your feet warm in chilly temps. They also boast a small heel, a bow detail on the top, and a sleek silhouette. We love the classic plaid print, but they also come in black if you prefer solid colors.

Sizes: 5 to 11 | Material: Cotton, shearling, rubber

While some ballet flats are incredibly soft on the feet (like most foldable options), other pairs can be rather stiff. To help with this, Dr. Jacqueline Sutera of City Podiatry in New York City says there are a few things you can do. "Try some shoe softening sprays and shoe trees to stretch them out a bit," she says. And if the flat lacks arch support? "Try [adding] an insole that has a cushioned arch. This is an easy and great way to make a shoe comfier."

Materials like quality leather, suede, and memory foam will always be both more comfortable and also sturdier than thin plastic materials. If you're looking for something lightweight and waterproof, go for shoes made of airy rubber materials, like our pick from Crocs.

The most comfortable ballet flats will likely be choices with flexible soles and rounded toe boxes. However, it's important to choose a style you like (that also has comfortable features) so that you'll get lots of wear out of them. Pointed toe and d'Orsay styles can also work well as a walking shoe as long as they're made of high quality materials (like leather) and lend arch support and cushioning to the feet.

Travel + Leisure writers are shopping, fashion, and product experts who use personal experience and customer recommendations to choose the best items for shoppers. For this article, senior editor Rebecca Carhart researched dozens of ballet flats and used her expertise as a seasoned fashion and lifestyle writer to curate the perfect list of comfortable ballet flats.

Up Next: The Best Travel Shoes You Can Walk All Day In

Love a great deal? Sign up for our T+L Recommends newsletter and we'll send you our favorite travel products each week.

Hillary Maglin is an associate editor and writer who's been covering travel products since 2018. Before that, she spent three years as a news, entertainment, and lifestyle writer. She has been published in Travel + Leisure, People, InStyle, and more.

Hillary covers travel, luggage, comfortable shoes, stylish travel apparel, beauty, and lifestyle products. She has written hundreds of product roundups for Travel + Leisure, People, Instyle, Real Simple, and Rachael Ray In Season. Prior to joining T+L, she was a freelance writer covering current events, pop culture, fashion, and celebrities.

Experience: Hillary Maglin joined Dotdash Meredith in 2018. She started her career as an editorial intern for Rachael Ray In Season before becoming an assistant editor and then associate editor, covering products and shopping for Travel + Leisure, People, InStyle, and more. While at Travel + Leisure, she also worked on the brand's Webby Award-nominated social media team.

Before finding her niche in product writing, Hillary spent some time on the news and entertainment side of journalism, reporting live on television and covering events like the Tribeca Film Festival, New York Fashion Week, award shows, music festivals, movie premieres, and more.