Belle's Current Commuter Flats
Jun 12, 2012
Yesterday, we were discussing stylish flats for work, and I mentioned that I don’t like to commute in my work flats. Sometimes I will, if they’re patent leather or if it’s recess, but I have two pair of nice work flats (one Isaac Mizrahi and one J.Crew) that I don’t want to age before their time. So I will typically buy a pair of flats just for walking the neighborhood, commuting and running errands, so that I don’t trash my fancy flats.
I used to wear Steve Madden Koobbaa flats in matte gold, but he discontinued them. I like metallic commuter flats because they go with anything, so when I saw this pair on sale at the Nordstrom Half-Yearly, I thought I’d give them a try.
Born Canarie Flat in Panna Cotta ($47)
Typically, I would shy away from anything Born. (After all, they make some of the most clunky, chunky, cringe-worthy shoes I have ever seen.) However, I like this pair quite a bit. They’re not the most stylish shoe known to man, but they are certainly chic enough for my commute. They are also padded, which I enjoy. And they’re not too clunky at all.
My one complaint is the ridiculous flower print on the bottom, but I just keep my feet flat on the floor and pretend it’s not there.
I think the best commuter flats are either flesh-toned or metallic so that they can be worn with whatever you’re wearing. They need to be sleek enough that they could pass for “real” shoes–this is where Toms, Keds, flip-flops and the like fail me. And they need to be well-made enough to be comfortable but inexpensive enough that you can pitch them if they wear out or are ruined in a torrential downpour.
P.S. These shoes ran a bit big. Not a full size, not even a half size, but enough that I needed to buy heel inserts to keep them on. Hopefully, they won’t stretch too much and become unwearable.
Have you ever tried Kenneth Cole's Delight flat? They are beautiful!
Unfortunately, it appears that their gold metallic flats are sold out, but there are other options available.
I had a silver/gray pair of DKNY shoes for communting that I wore out. They weren't too stylish but they weren't clunky and they slipped on, which I liked.
Sometimes you can put insoles into cute inexpensive shoes and turn them into comfortable cute inexpensive shoes. Brands that run a little big lend themselves to adding an insole.
I've been hovering over the purchase button on these flats for a week. Question, I can't quite tell if they're a gold-ish or a silver-ish tone. How would you describe their color IRL?
TOMS ballet flats are my go to. They are unsurpassed in comfort and only the small TOMS tag on the heel would give away that they aren't “real” office flats. They also come in many colors and patterns.
Belle (or anyone else for that matter)–what brand of heel inserts do you use? I'm woefully between two sizes (5 and 5.5), and could use a good pair.
I have to say that I bought these same flats and found them extremely uncomfortable. For anyone with wide feet, these are not for you!
Commuter shoes are a lifesaver for my fancy footwear. Those are really cute. Also AK Anne Klein Sport shoes are stylish and very comfy. Also you can't beat Aerosoles ballet flats for comfort and durability. My Boss laughs at me, I have twenty-seven pairs of shoes at work. I am very lucky to have a place to put them. My “work” shoes stay in beautiful condition.
Thanks Belle – I read you all the time, but my question about “commuter flats” was my first comment. And I got a whole post out of it!