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

Flat boots

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. This unique boot captures all the biggest trends of the season – lace-up detail, flat sole and military details. Prefer a comfy sneaker? Grab a pair from Bared's stunning limited-edition collab with Children's Ground. $50 from every ‘Whimbrel Caitlyn Davies’ sneaker sold goes towards empowering First Nations communities.

A pair of black sneakers with pink hued dot paintings on the side.
Bared Footwear's collab with Children's Ground

Marimekko sneakers

The print lovers at Marimekko have always delivered fun into our wardrobes, and their latest take on the sneaker is no exception. The signature daisy print is splashed across a range of colourful sneakers. Pair them with a sleek jumpsuit for a casual office look, or jeans and a jumper to bring a little colour to your weekend.

Bubble sole loafers

Bring a little levity to your winter wardrobe with these puffy soled loafers. ELK's classic Vinna style come in tan, green or black 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 your fave winter dress.

A pair of brown loafers with a fringe detail on the front and puffy white soles.
Vinna loafers. 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 bright red Casi Myra from Camper, made from 20 per cent recycled materials. Peter Sheppard also has a cute wavy suede pair in store. For proper ballerina-core slippers try Incu. You'll dance all night in styles from Ganni, Hereu and A.P.C.

Minimalist sneakers

What's so great about neutral sneakers? Well for starters, they go with just about everything. Better still, this New Balance pair is made entirely with raw, undyed materials. That means less water and energy waste, score! Find it alongside heaps of other minimalist fits at Assembly Label in QV Melbourne.

A pair of suede New Balance sneakers in neutral grey fabric with a treaded rubber sole.
Image via Assembly Label website

Ergonomic rubber Birks

Step away from standard winter shoes with this chunky waterproof slide from Birkenstock. They're made from rubber, but hiding inside is an ergonomic cork foot-bed. These forest green beauties can be found in-store at Incu. Bit cold to bare your heels? Laneway boutique Kinki Gerlinki has fun socks in bright colours and bold prints to keep you warm.

Slip on flatform sock boots

Head to Radical Yes to join the flat shoe revolution. Described as their ‘most comfortable shoe’, the black neoprene Sunny boot 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
Radical Yes

Cool-girl Mary Janes

Equal parts edgy and sweet, Alpha60's Aya shoe is a new take on the Mary Jane. Slide into a fresh pair for that classic back-to-school vibe. Simple details like the leather piping, thick straps and stud closures up the cool-factor. They come in black or a beautiful deep ox blood leather.

Melbourne-made staples

Local brand Kuwaii always nails Melbourne’s sense of style, and the mini platform Darby shoe is no exception. They're made in Melbourne from at least 50 per cent deadstock leather and reinforced with orthopaedic grade features. Pair with a boucle mini, or anything really. They'll be the workhorse of your wardrobe.

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