flat out fabulous

Splurge: Nicholas Kirkwood / Save: Steve Madden
The Look For Less. Splurge: Nicholas Kirkwood / Save: Steve Madden

For years now “statement” shoes have often meant high, high heels and those of us who can’t wear them or just prefer a low heel have wandered the retail wilderness, foraging among more lackluster styles. But flats (and I use this term loosely, meaning any shoe with a heel of 1″ or less) are now having their moment, and one needn’t resort to vertigo-inducing and crippling silhouettes to find footwear with some beauty, drama and visual interest. Yes Virginia, there are awesome shoes out there you can actually walk in.

Whether you prefer pointy toes, menswear-inspired styles, embellished designs, or simply elegant, classic styles, if you love a low heel, the world is your oyster now.

Do you have a favorite brand or style of flat/low-heeled shoe? How do you style them?

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19 Comments

  1. I’m really enjoying your blog – and have been reading it for a couple of months now (even dipping back into the archives for your fashion posts). These shoes really speak to me – and although i’d love a pair of Kirkwoods, the Steve Maddens will do just fine:) Must keep an eye out for these! May I say I appreciate the quiet elegance of your blog – many of the over- 40 and over -50 blogs are so cheesy, busy and full of nonsense and affirmations. Don’t need or want that stuff:) Thanks for doing what you do!

  2. I just purchased the Fly London ‘Sly’ boot in pewter – pointy boots with a 1″ heel. Wearing them today is like wearing a pair of slippers! Love the comfort.

    Really want to try a pair of the Paul Green boots next. They would suit my style to a T. Do you find them true to size?

  3. I so admire your interest in shoes as I know they really add to any ensemble. For some reason, I just can’t get my interest up! I need some new shoes. I think my issue is being too practical and thinking that every shoe I own needs to potentially go with most everything! I do buy high quality though and maybe it’s the prices that get to me. I am not a fan of menswear style shoes for me, but admire them on others. I’ll be perusing your examples today.

  4. I love wearing flats or shoes with a low heel. My favourite shoes are black pointy toed Weitzman patent flats…they are vintage now but have kept their shape and look great. The Amalfi are a close second and they look like a pair of Ferragamo’s in black again….looking to add a pop of colour in some new flats very soon but they will probably be reasonably priced.

  5. Nice selection! I like ballet flats that aren’t completely flat, since my arches are freakishly high. Love the look of feminine driving moccasins, preferably suede. Would wear with very opaque tights and skirt. Also like loafers, if the vamp isn’t too high…

    Shoes are very relevant for me now, as my next foot surgery is scheduled within 48 hours! Had left foot done twelve years ago; now right foot. Have multiple wonky issues, but luckily surgery has so far addressed them quite well…. The downside of having foot problems is it can make heels problematic. I can tolerate them for restricted periods– dinner out with hubby, church, etc. Very pointed shoes, either flat or high, are no longer my friend though! Hurts just to look at them, unfortunately.

  6. I love the new wave of flats with style. My favorite is AGL. Soft as butter but great for walking. They are a breath holding cost, but worth the splurge in style, comfort and quality.

  7. I can’t wear pointy shoes either. My feet are wide in front and average in back, plus a bit of arthritis. I love the Danskos; they aren’t heavy-looking as many Danskos (which are good-quality shoes) tend to be. Of course I adore the Ferragamos, but they only have the black in the wider width, and if I were to splurge like that, it would be for purple shoes!

  8. Officially lost my mind over those Loeffler cut-out oxfords. Fortunately they stop one size short of my 10. Have Italian loafers identical to the Everlane, great versatile shoe.

  9. Best flat shoes I ever bought: Sperry calf hair, leopard pattern loafers with a black patent accent. I saw them in a magazine ad and had to have them. Finally hunted them down, and they are still my favorite shoes. So comfortable, and I get compliments every time I wear them.

  10. I love those Kirkwood shoes, I would pick those over the Steve Maddens! I have been loving my Anne Klein faux patent leather loafers as well as my Charlotte Olympia kitty shoes, both flats!

  11. My faves are oxfords, followed by a almond-toe shaped flat with a one-inch to 1 and a half inch heel. Pointy and completely flat are uncomfortable. I have a pair of Paul green boots and they are fabulous (nordstrom rack is a good source for discounted PG shoes). I also like ankle straps and can wear them but they can verge on little-girlish if the toes are too round.

  12. What fun seeing so many cute flat and low heeled shoes in one post! My knees insist on flats/lower heeled shoes. It’s good to see so many cute ones are out there right now.

  13. Although I like some Steve Madden styles and I prefer getting a less expense pair, there just is no contest between these two. The Steve Maddens are overdone, cheap looking, and look like clown shoes. I am sure there exists a better substitute in that you do not need to try to replicate every detail.