Life's too short to wear uncomfy shoes. Try these chic flat styles for the office, after work drinks and everywhere in between.

Statement flats and comfy sneakers

For ultra comfortable shoes head to Bared Footwear in Manchester Lane. A podiatrist created the brand to ensure good alignment and soft cushioning were a top priority. These trending ballet flats in leopard satin pair perfect with the autumnal tones of the season. Prefer a comfy sneaker? Pick up a pair from Bared's 90's-inspired Amakihi line and style them with crew socks for a comfy yet elevated casual look.

Person wearing leopard print ballet flats and blue jeans.
Palmchat Leopard Print Satin Ballet Flats. Image via Bared Footwear website.

Melbourne cult-classics and new faves

If there was a brand that screamed Melbourne style, it might be Dr. Martens. Opt for a pair of the Doc originals. Made with smooth durable leather and a look that goes with everything. Or elevate your look (literally) with the Jadon III Arcadia's in a deep cherry red. The platform boots have a revamped design with a high-shine leather that naturally patinas. Find them at Melbourne Central.

Bubble sole loafers

Bring a little levity to your autumn wardrobe with these puffy soled loafers. ELK's classic Vinna style come in green or rich tan with an EVA foam bubble sole for all-day comfort. Made from buttery soft leather and sporting a fun fringe detail, they can dress up a pair of jeans or give a pop of colour to your fave autumn fit.

A pair of green loafers with a fringe detail on the front and puffy white soles.
Vinna Chunky Leather Loafer. Image via ELK website.

Ballet flats for the modern era

Say goodbye to those little bows and cheap elastic for good. Today's ballet flat is chic, minimal and comfy enough to get you from dusk to dawn. We rate the Casi Myra from Camper, made from leather and recycled materials. For proper ballerina-core slippers try Incu. Or dance all night in chunky styles from Ganni.

Minimalist sneakers

What's so great about neutral sneakers? Well for starters, they go with just about everything. This New Balance pair is an OG re-issue with durable cushioning for everyday wear and sleek reflective accents. Find it alongside heaps of other streetwear kicks at Up There on Flinders Lane.

Grey suede sneakers with white laces and a grey 'N' on the side.
New Balance 996 Cool Grey. Image via Up There website.

Ergonomic suede Birks

Step into comfort with the gold standard of slip-on slides. The Birkenstock Bostons are a best-seller for a reason. Made from 100% natural suede and supported by an ergonomic cork footbed. Find them in-store at Incu. Bit chilly to bare your heels? Laneway boutique Kinki Gerlinki has fun socks in bright colours to keep you warm.

Slip-on flatform sock boots

Head to Radical Yes to join the flat shoe revolution. Described as their "most comfortable boot ever", the black neoprene Sunny 2.0 is sporty and luxe in equal measure. The ankle hugging design creates a sophisticated silhouette, while the trainer sole means you can run around all day – blister free.

A person wearing a black sock boot putting their foot on the arm of a chair.
Sunny 2.0 Neoprene Pull-on Boots Black.

Cool-girl Mary Janes

Equal parts dainty and punk, John Fluevog's Pina is a fun take on the Mary Jane. Slide into a fresh pair and head into town. Edgy details like metal buckles, spike studs and rings up the cool-factor. While the cute cotton bow ties it all together. Get them in classic black or the bold red and black pony hair.

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