These Comfortable Flats Can Handle a Full Day on Foot

A simple ballet flat is the unsung hero in every traveler’s wardrobe. Associate editor Hannah Towey recommends this understated pair from Quince. “I kid you not these ballet flats are more comfortable than my running sneakers,” says Towey. “As the name suggests, they fit like a glove—which means no gaps, eliminating the potential for friction and thus blisters. The 100% Italian cow nappa leather upper is buttery soft and the cushiony insole provides enough support for even my abnormally high arches.” These have become Towey’s go-to shoe for busy days when she’s clocking 10,000+ steps but still wants to look chic.

Mary Janes are a classic for a reason: You can slip them on with nearly any outfit and they’re always in style. Commerce editor Meaghan Kenny calls these all-black Mary Janes the best pair of flats she’s ever owned. “They’re so comfy, easy to slip on and off, and have never ever given me blisters,” says Kenny, who has worn them on her commute to work countless times and all over New York City without missing a beat. “They’re always the pair I recommend to friends who want a comfy yet cute flat.” Kenny says she appreciates how squishy and flexible they are—she can even toss them into an already-full carry-on last minute if need be. And best of all? they’re machine washable.

Made from oh-so-smooth leather with a durable sole, Sabah’s new Flat Babet debuted for summer 2026, and I’ve been absolutely, positively obsessed ever since. Another heater from Sabah, this one stands out for its style and comfort; with my slightly wider, flatter foot, it took just a handful of wears to stretch and mold to my liking. I have it in white, which feels timeless and ’50s-inspired but wonderfully comfortable, though the other colorways are equally stunning (That hot pink! Those bright blues!). They’re remarkably comfortable right out of the box—just note they run one size small in European sizing (so, a 38 fits like a Euro 37 or US 7).

You might’ve seen these Speedcats around town as they’ve been trending quite a bit the past year—and trust me, they are definitely worth the hype. I loved them so much I bought them in a another color (a bright red and this cheetah print you see here). They’re part-Puma sneaker, part-ballet flat, blending support and style into a perfect airport shoe. (For added comfort, pair them with a no-show, thin-layered sock.)

Commerce director Madison Flager waited a long time to jump on the jellies train, but she admits that these unique gems have lived up to the hype so far. This Cushionaire style, which she bought in a tortoise shell color, is super comfortable—only causing a slight bit of irritation on super hot days. They’re also incredibly lightweight, making them a great shoe to slip in your bag just in case.“They offer more support than you might think, and match most any outfit,” says Flager. “They do run a hair big, so if you’re in between sizes, size down!”

Unfortunately, senior commerce editor Hannah Chubb is prone to blisters like no one’s business—so she hadn’t worn flats in years before she picked up this pair of Vionic Mary Janes. “Not only do they not rip my heels to shreds (seriously, a miracle among miracles), but I can walk in them for miles while making any travel outfit look cute,” says Chubb. With an airy design that’s suitable and stretchy for all kinds of wide and narrow feet, it’s an ideal pick or those looking for a simple flat they can trust.

Abigail Malbon, Traveler’s global audience development manager, never used to travel without a pair of sneakers, but since shifting to ballet flats she’s found she has so much more room in her suitcase. “I’ve been on the hunt for the most comfortable and supportive pair, and settled on these Alohas,” says Malbon. “The flexible sole is comfortable for all-day wear, and I wanted a great leather pair that would last more than one season.” Made in Barcelona, she knew these high-quality flats would help her stomp through many city breaks—and that they have.

Recommended by senior features editor Megan Spurrell, M.Gemi’s Una flats scream Italian luxury. The supple black nappa leather wraps the foot in softness, while the almond toe and clean lines create a silhouette that’s both timeless and modern. Built on a lightweight, cushioned sole, this is the kind of shoe you wear when you want feet to stay happy from morning meetings to evening cocktails.

I own these Rothy’s Almond slingbacks in lollipop red, and they feel like the season’s playful power move. Its pointed toe and slingback silhouette bring a sophisticated edge, while that cheeky pop of red naturally electrifies neutral-heavy fall wardrobes. Beyond looks, the recycled fabric and cushy footbed prove that conscious design and comfort can happily coexist. These flats are for the style-savvy who want their shoes to do more than just look pretty. After a year or so of wearing these all across the globe, including on trips to Puerto Rico and Amsterdam. I can confirm they’re extremely comfortable and durable. Other than a few easy-to-wash-off scruffs on the toe area, they are as good as new.

For the second year in a row these gorgeous woven leather flats from Margaux are Kenny’s shoe of the summer. Handmade in Spain, they’re built to last—and according to Kenny, even after two years of wear they look good as new. “I pull these out when I want something slightly more chic than the basic black flat to wear with dresses and silk skirts,” she says. “They’re breathable too, making them suitable for hot and humid city trips.”

Flager has worn these for just about a year now and liked them so much, she purchased a second pair in another color (black for a neutral, red for a pop of color). The buckle strap nods to the retro style, while the square toe keeps things modern. Perfect for those who want the ease of a slip-on with a little extra polish, these flats are a seamless bridge from weekend wanderings to desk-bound work days.

This unique pair comes highly recommended by Spurrell. She’s regularly wearing these around New York City and packing them on all types of trips. The raffia style really gives them some flare, helping you spice up an otherwise simple outfit. This design also makes them incredibly breathable and lightweight, making them safe to wear on warmer days too.

The Sneakerina blends all-day comfort with a fashion-forward edge, so much so that even Charli XCX wore them at Coachella. I own them in the pink peach blush color—much to mimic those of an actual ballerina—that adds a whimsical, flirty vibe to any outfit. The cushioned sole truly feels like walking on a pink plushy cloud, and yet they still offer a decent amount of support—I wouldn’t wear them for a long travel day, but they’re perfect for strolling to the park or farmer’s market. I wear the round-toe version, which is more like a flat rather than a sneaker, and is comfortable for sock-less days, especially when the weather’s not too hot.

While technically a loafer, these printed flats are a favorite of Flager’s for dressing up simple outfits. They’re comfortable, easy to walk in, and have held up well over time (she’s had them for around two and a half years). Like all things Rothy’s, these are machine washable and oh-so-lightweight.