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13 Work Flats to Carry You From the Train to the Boardroom
Stylish, versatile, comfortable
Every professional needs a pair of go-to work flats she can slip on for a busy day ahead. The best work flats are stylish enough to instantly elevate a look while being versatile enough to pair with a calf-grazing shift dress or tailored trousers, and most importantly— they are comfortable.
Shop the Best Work Flats for 2025
When looking for the perfect work flats, fit is key. Natural materials, like leather and suede, mold to feet over time, creating a custom fit, while mesh and nylon offer breathability and water-resistant protection for days when the forecast is a little unpredictable. (That said, don’t let a little rain keep you from wearing your favorite leather ballet flats—just spray them with a shoe protectant first). The shoes you can walk a mile in—or, at least feel like you could—from the start of the day all the way to the end, especially when swelling takes over, are the shoes that should make the cut.
Below, Bazaar editors share their favorite work flats, from sleek ballet styles to statement loafers that can handle everything from cross-city commutes to 8+ hour work days. These shoes will ensure you kickstart your days in the utmost comfort and style.
“I love a dainty little shoe but I am also a practical shopper—if the shoe won’t last a trip on the train or a spontaneous walk across the city without turning into a mess of scuffs and ruined soles, they won’t do. These elegant flats are made from smooth nappa leather and feature a small heel for a little extra height that’s comfortable enough to walk on for hours (the cushy insole also doesn’t hurt). I wear them at least once a week for in-office meetings and market appointments—with socks, tights, even barefoot, when the sun decides to grace us.” —Michella Oré, fashion commerce editor
Material: Nappa leather
Sizes: 35-44
Colors: Black, black patent, white, blue
“If you know me, I tend to steer far away from wearing high heels at the office—they’re just not for me. I love a practical, comfortable shoe at work— whether that’s a boot, loafer, or flat. These Celine Mary-Jane patent flats are my favorite pair. Admittedly, I bought them on a whim during fashion week one season, but they’re my most practical impulse buy to date. The patent leather and gold hardware add a bit of polish to my everyday uniform. The best part? They’re supremely comfortable.” —Julie Tong, senior commerce content lead
Materials: Calfskin, lambskin lining
Sizes: 35-41
Colors: Black
A hybrid loafer-mule (the soft, back heel can be collapsed to create a slide), these snakeskin-effect flats are 100% chic. Pair them with a low-slug barrel-leg jean or a tapered dress pant for instant polish.
Materials: Italian embossed calfskin
Sizes: 35-42
Colors: Burgundy cobra, black, black suede, chocolate suede
“Bode loves revisiting the past to create pieces that feel both nostalgic and incredibly fresh. Case in point, these ballerina flats were inspired by a pair of Mary Janes from the 1960s. Crafted in Italy from smooth leather, the bow tie closure will make sure your fit is secure while offering a whimsical flair to every look. I like to wear them with vintage 501s, with an accent sock underneath.” —Lynette Nylander, executive digital director
Material: Leather
Sizes: 36-47
Colors: Black
“I tend to gravitate toward black shoes because they manage to look elevated while disguising unknown grime accumulated from navigating New York City. But as much as I love an unfussy, put-together look that can be achieved with minimal thought and effort, there's a special place in my heart for those head-turning statement pieces. The Nico flat is available in black—which I seriously considered— but the camel brown was just too striking to pass up. It's seriously so beautiful in person. I love how the gold, textured buckle balances the soft velvet upper. I foresee them getting a lot of wear on the days when I have to head from the office straight to a dinner or cocktail event.” —MO
Material: Synthetic
Sizes: 5-11
Colors: Camel brown velvet, black suede
“For the record, I was sporting these studded Tory Burch ballet flats far before Jennifer Lawrence was spotted wearing them! Truly though, these are the most comfortable pair of flats I own and I love that even with the allover studded embellishing they still go with any outfit you can imagine. I often pair them with blazer suits and sweaters and baggy jeans, but really bring them out anytime I just can’t bother heels but still want to feel dressed up. The stretchy back of the shoe is key, meaning there’s virtually no need for break-in time and you can say adios to blisters.”—Bianca Betancourt, culture editor
Materials: Leather, metal studs
Sizes: 4-13
Colors: Perfect black
“One of my all-time favorite tried and true outfit combos is a Mary Jane ballet flat with a pair of jeans. I love this Reformation pair for its fun spin on the classic style—the edgy chunky buckle detail—and it’s the perfect shade of cherry red for a pop of color. The leather is buttery soft, and I can walk in them for hours.” —Olivia Alchek, senior designer
Materials: Leather
Sizes: 5-11
Colors: Brick red leather, black, leopard mesh, and six more
“I have these in two colors, black and animal print. They are so comfortable and well-made. I've worn mine to death and they still look brand-new—they’re a must-have for commuters!” —Jenna Rosenstein, beauty director
Materials: Leather
Sizes: 5-11
Colors: True black, dark plum, chocolate raisin and six more
“It's hard to go wrong with a good flat, and this square-toe pair from Cos seamlessly pairs with just about everything in my closet. I typically don’t opt for patent leather shoes, but since these have a crinkly finish, they have a slightly worn-in look that nicely doesn't make them seem too precious.” —Tiffany Dodson Davis, beauty commerce editor
Materials: Leather
Sizes: 5-11
Colors: Black
“Mary-Janes are always a go-to classic when it comes to flats I gravitate towards for work. They’re polished and make tailored trousers feel less precious, or elevate a vintage jeans look with a sweater. They also have a range across seasons, and look coolest on colder days with gray cashmere socks.”—Jaclyn Alexandra Cohen, senior fashion & accessories editor
Materials: Lamb leather
Sizes: 6-12
Colors: Black, silver, custard, and 31 more
“There’s no shoe more versatile than a black ballet flat, and oftentimes there’s no shoe more boring, too. This version from Tory Burch pulls off versatility and adds quirk; the boxy pointe-shoe inspired toe keeps everything from looking too prim. They are also exceedingly comfortable and required zero breaking in. A huge plus for any city-dweller who commutes by foot and public transportation like I do.” —Leah Chernikoff, executive editor
Materials: Leather
Sizes: 5-12
Colors: Perfect black, new ivory, ruby, and two more
Loafers and offices go hand-in-hand. They just look so smart and capable. But if you're looking for a pair that stands out from the rest, a two-tone style like this one from Mango, will make sure you get the approval of your boss and the professionals who are proof that your style doesn't have to suffer as you advance your career.
Materials: Leather
Sizes: 5-10
Colors: Black
These patent-leather flats come in five, neutral and versatile colors but the (very) on-trend burgundy might be the best. The dark shade can easily work for outfits that need to transition from day-to-night without time for a quick stop home while the mini block heel and buckled strap elegantly frame the foot for an elevated effect that’s perfect for the office or an evening cocktail.
Materials: Leather upper, fabric lining, thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) sole
Sizes: 5-11
Colors: Dark red patent, black, black patent, and two more
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