Flat Shoes
Who doesn’t love a pair of stylish and easy-to-wear flats? It doesn’t matter whether you’re tall or petite. We’re sure you’ve got a pair or two (or three!) of comfortable and cute flat shoes in your shoe closet.
Women’s flat shoes are universally loved for the comfort they bring to any outfit and outing. Heels may give us that extra oomph and lift, but it comes at a cost — our foot health, to be exact.
Many foot health concerns, from bunions and plantar fasciitis to general foot pain, can be traced back to wearing high heels for extended periods.
Flat shoes are a staple for running errands or spontaneous outings with friends. Depending on the style and type of flats you wear, you can even wear them to more formal occasions, like dates and company events.
It’s safe to say that living life on the flats lane won’t hurt anyone — especially when you’re wearing one of our extra cushioned and supportive KURU flat shoes.
What are Flat Shoes?
Flat shoes are undeniably one of the most comfortable shoes available. They are also one of the most versatile footwear.
Since the only real requirement for flat shoes to be considered as such lies in its sole, there is an incredible variety of styles and types of flat shoes. Your flats can also be leather shoes, canvas shoes, or mesh shoes — if that is the material used for the uppers.
Perhaps the most iconic or well-known example of flat shoes areis ballet flats. First designed in 1956, they have since become timeless, go-to footwear for women around the world.
Flat shoes for women can either be completely flat or have a negligible “heel” to add a small amount of support. Examples of completely flat dress shoes, with a small amount of heel, include oxfords, loafers, and Mary Janes.
It’s important to note that just because the soles are flat, it doesn’t necessarily mean the insides are flat as well. Although this may be true for sandals and most flip flops, it is not true for many flat slip-ons, oxfords, and sneakers (yes, sneakers can also be flat shoes!).
Types of Flat Shoes
There are so many options for flats out there, we’re breaking down our favorites!
- Ballet flatsAlso called doll shoes, these are flat shoes designed to resemble pointe or ballet shoes.Ballet flats
- OxfordsHistorically made for men, Oxfords are flat leather shoes that have a closed lacing system.Oxfords
- MoccasinsFlat shoes are made with soft leather or suede uppers and have visible stitching.Moccasins
- LoafersThese shoes look similar to moccasins but are typically made of harder leather, have less visible stitching, and have very low, broad, and flat heels.Loafers
- DocksidesAlso called boat shoes, these flats are similar to moccasins and loafers. The main difference is they have non-marking rubber soles to prevent slips.Docksides
- Mary Jane flatsThese are flat, low-cut shoes that feature a buckle strap across the top of the foot.Mary Jane flats
- D’Orsay flatsSimilar to ballet flats, this type of flat reveals the arch of the foot. They either have one side, usually, the inside or both sides cut out.D’Orsay flats
- SandalsThese are open-toed and flat-soled footwear commonly held together by strips of leather or other fabric.Sandals
How To Pair Your Flats
Wondering how to style your flats? Our KURU gurus outline the best ways to wear them below.
Flat shoes are incredibly versatile. They come in a wide range of colors, types, and materials. This lets you experiment with them and find your style.
Women’s flat shoes look amazing when worn with casual knee-length skirts and a shirt, shorts and a tank top, or leggings and an oversized hoodie.
There are only two hard rules we would give you when it comes to styling women’s flat shoes are about pant length and sock choice (or lack thereof).
If you’re wearing pants, long skirts, or dresses, make sure the hem doesn’t touch the floor. Try to keep the length at least half an inch away from the ground. This will help you avoid unnecessary tumbles after snagging your shoes on the hemline.
For a chic, modern, and streamlined look, we recommend pairing your flats with pants that taper and stop at or just above your ankles.
Here at KURU, we are firmly on Team Socks. Just because you’re wearing flats doesn’t mean you don’t have to wear socks. That’s what low socks and invisible socks are for, after all. Socks add another layer of cushioning and may help prevent abrasions, redness, and soreness when wearing flats.
Styling Flat Shoes for Formal Occasions
Look at it this way, if celebrities can wear flats on the red carpet, there shouldn’t be anything to stop you from wearing them yourself and staying comfortable at formal events.
Just be sure to match your flats with your outfit and the occasion itself. Your formal black flat shoes would be perfect for a formal job interview but might not fit the bill for a formal evening dinner where you’re wearing a long dress.
In general, avoid thick-soled flats for formal occasions. If you’re breaking this rule, try to stick to Oxfords or brogues and only when you’re wearing pantsuits. Wearing these types of flats with skirts, especially shorter ones, can still give off a casual vibe.
Here are a few other tips for choosing flat shoes for formal occasions:
- If you prefer to play it safe, stick to neutrals, like black, white, and nude flat shoes, for formal work events.
- If you’re more confident and daring, you can pair monochrome pants suits or pencil skirts and blazer combos with bold leopard print ballet flats or a bright colored one.
- For weddings, church events, and similar “dressy” events, go for flat shoes that are made of lace, have some sheen or sparkle, or have classy and minimal embellishments.
Basic Shoe Care for Your Flats
Taking proper care of your flat shoes will ensure they last longer and stay in style! learn how to clean and store your flats with these simple tips.
How To Clean Your Flats:
How you clean your flat shoes will largely depend on the material used to make the uppers. Some fabric flats may be safe to put in the washer, but be sure to check the manufacturer or brand’s care instructions first.
In general, you can simply use a mild soap solution, an old toothbrush, and towels. Some flats, like ones made of patent leather, can easily be cleaned with just a damp cloth or paper towels.
For leather flats, use a horsehair brush to get rid of any dust, dirt, and dried mud. After that, wipe away any other stains using a damp, clean cloth or use saddle soap or a mild soap solution. Check out our Experts Page on Leather Shoes for more detailed care instructions.
For fabric and mesh flats, you can use a toothbrush and a mixture of gentle detergent and water to wash away stubborn stains. Be extra careful when brushing lace flats or ones with crystals and other embellishments. We also have Experts Pages on Mesh Shoes and Canvas Shoes with more detailed cleaning instructions and tips.
How to Store Your Flats Properly:
- Always brush away any dirt and clean the shoes before storing them.
- Use a shoe tree or balled-up paper to prevent the uppers from getting flattened.
- Use mothballs or other moisture-absorbing products to keep the shoes dry and moisture-free.
- For leather flats, make sure to condition the shoes before storing them.
- If possible, store your shoes in a climate-controlled environment that is away from direct sunlight.
FAQs
What are flat shoes?
Simply put, flat shoes are footwear that do not have high or elevated heels. This term applies to both closed shoes, like moccasins, or open ones, like sandals.
Shoes that have a very low or negligible heel, like ballet flats that have a quarter of an inch or fewer heels, can still be considered flat shoes.
What looks good with flat shoes?
Almost anything, to be honest. Flat shoes look great plain and can fit both casual and formal styles. Here’s our quick guide and style recommendations for different looks.
– For brunch with friends: denim shorts, loose casual button-down shirt, and flat sandals, oxfords, or moccasins
– For a post-gym outfit: joggers or sweatpants, loose off-shoulder long-sleeved top in the same color, and ballet flats in a contrasting color or bold pattern
– For a business casual ensemble: black leggings, black shirt or blouse, white or cream blazer, and neutral ballet flats or flat dress shoes
– For a dressy outfit for dinner events or parties: sparkly cocktail dress, matching clutch, and pointed lace ballet flats with some crystal embellishment
Can flat shoes be formal?
Yes, they can be! It all depends on the style and materials you choose.
Premium fabric and material for uppers help give your flats a more formal feel. A great example is leather and patent leather flat shoes.
Color can play a part in making your flat shoes fit a formal look better. Neutral colors, like black, white, and nude, give off a more formal vibe than most colorful shoes. That’s one of the reasons why black flat shoes are one of the most recommended footwear for formal job interviews.
Flat dress shoes also fit other formal occasions, such as company dinners or even weddings. Jewel embellishments and delicate lace material give flat shoes a luxurious and high-end feel fit for such occasions.
Can you wear flats on an interview?
You most definitely can! Many experts and career coaches advise women to wear black, white, or nude flat shoes. Women’s dress shoes—flats and otherwise—immediately look more formal when in neutral colors and little to no-frills or adornments.
If you prefer to wear bolder colors, such as red flat shoes, try to choose ones that are plain or have a simple design. Most of all, make sure they go well with the rest of your outfit.
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Key Considerations Before Making Your Purchase
Wondering if flat shoes are the right addition to your wardrobe? Here’s what you need to think about before making a purchase.
- Fit shoes on both feetMake sure to fit the shoes on both feet. Most of us have one slightly larger foot, so you need to make sure it fits the shoe.Fit shoes on both feet
- Measure feet at the end of the dayMeasure your feet or try on potential shoes at the end of the day. This is when your feet are the largest so it’s best to accommodate this size, rather than the smaller one during the morning.Measure feet at the end of the day
- Avoid pointed flatsTry to avoid pointed flats for a more comfortable fit. These can cause your toes to be crammed inside to fit the shape.Avoid pointed flats
- Look for wider toe boxesLook for women’s flat shoes with wider toe boxes.Look for wider toe boxes
- Look for arch supportIf you plan on wearing the flat shoes for a long period, make sure they have proper arch support and a soft insole.Look for arch support
- Walk around in themWhen buying shoes, walk around in them for a couple of minutes to get a better feel of how the overall fit.Walk around in them
Three Layers of Support
At KURU, we pride ourselves on our unique approach to shoe design. We believe that shoes should be shaped to fit the natural contours of your feet, which is why we create every pair in three distinct support layers, not just an insole.
Our revolutionary ergonomic design starts with a curved footbed and adds unparalleled triple-layer support that includes shock-absorbing KURUCLOUD, heel-cupping KURUSOLE, and arch-supporting ULTIMATE INSOLES. The result? Shoes that are so comfortable you’ll stop thinking about your feet.
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KURUSOLE
Our patented KURUSOLE protects your heel with each step. Gently wrapping around the heel and extending to the arch of your foot, the …Show More
Our patented KURUSOLE protects your heel with each step. Gently wrapping around the heel and extending to the arch of your foot, the KURUSOLE dynamically flexes with each step to protect your heel and hold the fat pad in place. This technology redirects stress, reduces foot pain, improves alignment, and encourages a healthy gait.
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KURUCLOUD
Experience the smoothest stride while walking with the KURUCLOUD midsole. As the base layer of our three-part technology, …Show More
Experience the smoothest stride while walking with the KURUCLOUD midsole. As the base layer of our three-part technology, KURUCLOUD’s proprietary blend of high-grade, lightweight EVA foams ensures shock-absorbing support with every step. This support helps relieve pressure and offers a soft cushion for maximum comfort that makes you feel like you’re walking on clouds.
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ULTIMATE INSOLE
Last but not least in our three-part technology is ULTIMATE INSOLE — the linchpin in all KURU footwear. This technology offers superior cushion and …Show More
Last but not least in our three-part technology is ULTIMATE INSOLE — the linchpin in all KURU footwear. This technology offers superior cushion and supports similar to expensive orthotics without requiring additional purchases. The ULTIMATE INSOLE is made of dual-density polyurethane foam. This allows it to support and mold to the shape of your arch for custom, personalized comfort in every KURU shoe.
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KURUSOLE
Our patented KURUSOLE protects your heel with each step. Gently wrapping around the heel and extending to the arch of your foot, the KURUSOLE dynamically flexes with each step to protect your heel and hold the fat pad in place. This technology redirects stress, reduces foot pain, improves alignment, and encourages a healthy gait.
Our Secret
What makes KURU different? Every KURU shoe comes with built-in patented KURUSOLE tech—a foot health game changer.
While other shoes are flat on the inside, KURUSOLE is shaped like your foot to hug and prevent fatigue and pain.
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