The days of having to wear heels to the office are long gone. You don’t have to live in discomfort from 9-5 every day, especially when your place of business has a dressy casual dress code. If you’re looking for women’s dress shoes that are comfortable, functional, practical, and stylish, look no further than flats.
You might already have a few pairs of flats that you wear when you’re running errands or out with friends. But, finding comfortable dress flats for the office can make the work day just a little bit better.
Thankfully, there are plenty of options out there, so you can actually enjoy your office shoes rather than fantasize about stepping out of them the second you get home.
Birdies
Birdies top this list for several reasons. First, they come in a variety of colors and styles, so you can choose a pair for nearly every office outfit. What makes them so comfortable? They feature a seven-layer footbed to help with arch support, reduce pressure on the heel, and provide comfortable cushioning that allows your feet to breathe.
You can slide in and out of your Birdies with ease. They’re soft and stylish, and you’ll probably wear them far more often than just to work.
Still not convinced? Our own Editor-in-Chief Shea Simmons swears by them and has them in leather, woven, and velvet!
Vionic Women’s Minna
If you struggle with heel pain and find yourself rubbing your feet to alleviate the discomfort every day, you might want to consider the Minna dress flats by Vionic.
These flats are 100% leather but feature a removable microfiber insert designed to add more comfort. They also use technology designed to help with overpronation, which can reduce heel pain and improve the way you walk. Plus, with so many cute colors and designs, it’s easy to find a pair or two that fits your personal style.
Amazon Essentials Women’s Belice Ballet Flat
If you’re sticking to a budget but don’t want to sacrifice comfort, stock up on the Belice ballet flat from Amazon Essentials. These flats come in a variety of colors and have tens of thousands of reviews—many touting how comfortable and stretchy they are.
The flats have a lightly padded insole and a heel pillow that helps to alleviate pressure. Plus, they are available in regular or wide sizes, so you can find a fit that fits your needs. They’re the perfect simple flats for work or for running errands.
Lucky Brand Emmie Flat
You might have a few Lucky Brand clothing items in your closet, but did you know they actually make women’s dress shoes, too? The Emmie flat is perfect for the office, coming in a variety of colors and patterns. But you won’t just look cute while wearing them. You’ll feel good, too!
The Emmie flat has a lightly padded footbed and flexible rubber sole, so you can slip them on easily and stay comfortable all day. Most people suggest ordering at least one-half size up for maximum comfort and a perfect fit. But, if you’re willing to spend a bit extra on style and comfort, these are well worth it—especially when you’re trying to capture a vintage look!
CLIFFS BY WHITE MOUNTAIN Women’s Clara Ballet Flat
If you’re looking for classic office shoes that are both comfortable and stylish, the Clara ballet flat is the way to go. These dress flats come in a variety of colors, many with a subtle material design on top that adds an extra touch of class and intricacy.
From a comfort level, the Clara flats feature a memory foam cushioned insole, extra arch support, a perforated support pad, and a flexible outsole that makes them easy to slip on and off.
DREAM PAIRS Women’s Ballet Flats
Sometimes, basic is best. If you want to look presentable in the office but tend to struggle with foot pain, the women’s ballet flats by DREAM PAIRS might be the solution. These flats feature a low wedge heel that provides more comfort and stability.
They also have extra arch support to alleviate foot pain. Finally, they feature a latex sole that allows your feet to “breathe” and a skin-friendly lining that won’t cause itching or irritation on your bare skin.
FEVERSOLE Patent Ballet Flat
These women’s dress shoes by FEVERSOLE feature a 5mm memory foam cushion insole, allowing greater flexibility, support, comfort, and breathability throughout the day. When you’re sitting at a desk for hours or going from meeting to meeting, that small addition can make a big difference in how your feet feel.
The exterior is flexible, so you can slip in and out of the flats easily without worrying about them digging into your skin.
You can enjoy these flats in a variety of colors, and thanks to the memory foam interior, they’ll quickly feel like a custom-fit shoe after wearing them a few times.
LONDON FOG Women’s Baden Ballet Flats
According to LONDON FOG, you can wear these flats all day at work and not even know they’re on. If that’s not an advertisement for superior comfort, we aren’t sure what is.
But what makes these ballet flats so comfortable? It’s largely the padded insole, allowing more “cushion” with every step you take. They also have a breathable thermoplastic sole that will move with you instead of digging into your foot. Plus, London Fog has been a trusted brand name for over 90 years. You can rest assured you’re getting a quality product that will last a very long time.
Office shoes don’t have to be uncomfortable, and you don’t have to submit yourself to wearing heels every day. Give some of these dress flats a try, especially if you struggle with discomfort or foot pain after a long day at the office. They’re perfect for the season, and you just might find yourself wearing them outside of work, too!
