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As chic as a shoe might look, there’s no point in wearing it if it’s uncomfortable. The reality is most of us need a pair that’s versatile enough to handle a commute, a cocktail party or the cobblestone streets of a city while traveling and living life on the go. Teetering on high heels doesn’t cut it in these situations. Shoe designers seem to agree; in the last few years, the most popular styles for women tend to sit low to the ground, whether you prefer chunky, sporty sandals; classic Birkenstocks in a fun print; or sleek ballerinas.

Look for flats that combine comfort and style, like this pair from Reformation, and come in a range ... [+] of silhouettes from lace-up to slip-on.

The best flats for women won’t slow you down a bit, as you move from day to night, and can be easily mixed and matched with your existing wardrobe, all while keeping your feet supremely comfortable and chic. Ahead, we researched dozens of options on the market to find the perfect pairs to wear this summer and all year long.

Few shoe brands have garnered a cult following quite like Rothy’s and the brand’s V-cut ballet flat is beloved and top-rated for comfort. Plus, it’s washable and knit from plastic bottles so you can feel good about your purchase. This pick comes in 14 different core colors as well as limited-edition shades, all of which look great with blue jeans or a dress.

For the traveler in search of a stylish shoe that packs easily, Everlane’s pair of buttery Italian leather flats are top-rated with more than 6,000 reviews. Design features like a back pull tab, side vents, a rubber outsole and a cushioned insole make them great to wear these for hours and they come in a range of neutral colors.

Handmade in Spain with Italian leather, Margaux’s bestselling flats have a supportive sole and a cushy five millimeters of foam padding. The sleek flats also have an adjustable cord bow—so you can make them fit tighter or looser—and you can add a monogram or a floral print for a personalized touch.

Great with formal and wedding-guest dresses, these Reformation lace-up flats add polish while still keeping you comfortable so you can stand on your feet for hours. For everyday, the streamlined silhouette pairs well with skirts and ankle-cropped jeans and unique details like the ruching add an unexpected element of eye-catching interest. 

Those with wide feet know that a footwear’s fabric plays a big part in the overall comfort level of the shoe. These top-rated, sustainably-made handwoven flats from Nashville-based Nisolo offer flexibility for the foot to move around and not feel overly constricted. Plus, the leather will stretch over time, molding to the shape of the foot.

Toeing the line between classic and contemporary, these unique flats are designed with a rounded toe like a ballet slipper but with an exaggerated bow to give them a statement finish. The cognac color would work just as well with a floral summer dress as it would with plaid trousers for autumn. In other words, these flats are a year-round staple.

Toms’s alpargata canvas flats are a classic that never go out of style. They’re made from recycled cotton and jute, with durable rubber sole, and shape that contours to your feet over time, which makes them comfortable for all-day wear in any weather. If you’re in between sizes, size down since they will stretch slightly.

One of the best takes on translating the true ballet flat to ready-to-wear that we’ve seen in years, this Italian leather beauty features an elastic bridge strap and bow detail for an authentic finish. Loeffler Randall founder Jessie Randall modeled the design after the shoes she wore in ballet class as a child and they come in a range of classic colors and materials, including suede and velvet.

One of Bass’s most iconic shoes, these penny loafers are sleek and elegant whether paired with skirts or jeans. They’re made of high-quality leather, hand-sewn and rolled on the sides, with traditional moccasin details. In addition to black, these loafers also come in mahogany brown and color-blocked black and white.