Flat shoes for women, moccasins and ballet pumps

Which flat shoes for women to choose?

Flat shoes for women stand out by their fastenings and styles, from the most formal to the most casual.

• The loafer is easy to slip on without laces; in smooth leather, it dresses up office trousers, while in suede it complements jeans.
• The ballerina, thin and lightweight, elongates the leg and is worn with a dress, a skirt, or short trousers.
• The derby and the oxford, with laces, take inspiration from men's dress shoes and offer a structured look.
• The slide, with a wide strap, is perfect for the beach, holidays, or at home.

How to find elegant flat shoes?

Elegant flat shoes focus on finesse: smooth or patent leather, an elongated shape, a slightly pointed or almond toe, and a thin sole or a small heel of a few centimetres. A moccasin with a snaffle or a pointed ballerina can be just as dressy as a high heel.

Black and navy remain the easiest shades for the office; beige and camel lighten a bright outfit, and a metallic touch can make a pair of flats more suitable for an evening out.

How to choose comfortable flat shoes?

A completely flat shoe does not support the arch of the foot: for long walks, choose a comfortable flat shoe with a slight heel, a cushioned sole, and a heel counter that holds the heel in place. An anatomical sole, which follows the shape of the foot, also eases the strain of long days on your feet.

Soft leather moulds to your foot and prevents chafing, while a too-thin ballerina can tire your feet on hard surfaces. If you wear orthotic inserts, opt for a derby or a loafer with a removable insole.

Leather, suede or fabric: which material to choose?

Leather flat shoes are the most durable: smooth leather is easy to clean and withstands a downpour, while patent leather shines and looks more dressed up. Suede gives a softer appearance but requires waterproofing.

Canvas and lightweight materials are suitable for summer when your feet need air. Foam or rubber slides, which are waterproof, can be rinsed off with fresh water after the beach.

How to wear flat shoes?

With women's trousers, show off your ankles: straight or cigarette trousers that cut just above the ankle showcase a loafer or ballerina. With wide trousers, choose a derby with a thick sole to prevent the hem from dragging.

With a midi or long dress, a ballerina or a slim moccasin lightens the silhouette. For a wedding or an outdoor ceremony, a patent or metallic leather ballerina replaces the heel without sinking into the grass.

Which flat shoe brands to choose?

These flat shoe brands each have their own expertise, from anatomical comfort to characterful loafers.

• The anatomical sole of Birkenstock, a German brand, goes beyond just the Arizona and Madrid sandals: it can be found in slides and enclosed styles.
• Ilse Jacobsen, a Danish brand from Hornbæk, is known for its rubber boots and rainwear; its Tulip model, perforated and laceless, has become its signature flat shoe.
• Tamaris, a German brand, features many of its models with patented comfort technologies, which are appreciated when wearing flat shoes all day long.
• The first success of Steve Madden, a New York brand: a variant of the ballerinas, a flat shoe.
• Kleman, a French brand, manufactures its derbies in leather with rubber soles in the Loire region.
• Geox, an Italian brand, built its reputation on a membrane that allows perspiration out while stopping water from entering.

What types of flat shoes can you find here?

Each type of flat shoe has its own page, making it easy to find the model you're looking for.

• The women's loafers include the laceless models in smooth leather or suede.
• The ballerinas comprise the finest and most feminine flat shoes.
• The derbies and oxfords group together the lace-up city shoes.
• The slides feature wide strap models for summer and home.

When to find flat shoes at a reduced price?

Loafers, derbies, ballerinas: flat shoes on sale can be worn in any season, so there's no bad time to take advantage, from Black Friday to summer sales.

During sales, check the women's shoe sales page; in November, check the Black Friday page; between the two, explore the Promotions page, where discounted models remain. Fast delivery and guaranteed best price.

Frequently asked questions

Are flat shoes bad for your back?

A completely flat and thin shoe, worn all day, does not absorb shocks or support the arch, which can tire the feet and back. A slight heel of a few centimetres and a cushioned sole distribute the weight better.

How to prevent ballerinas from slipping off your heel?

Stick a gel heel pad inside the back of the shoe, or opt for a ballerina with a strap or elastic for support. A ballerina that slips is often too big by half a size.

How to break in new loafers?

Wear them for a few hours at home with thin socks, and apply a leather cream that nourishes and softens it. An adjustable shoe stretcher, left overnight, can slightly widen the leather in tight areas.

What flat shoes to wear in winter?

In winter, prefer lace-up derbies or leather loafers, with a thick rubber sole to insulate from the wet ground. Worn with thin socks or tights, they can replace ankle boots in dry weather.

How to care for patent leather shoes?

Wipe the patent with a slightly damp soft cloth, then polish it with a special patent product or a drop of makeup remover. Store pairs separately: patent leather can mark when in contact with another shoe.