High heels will always have their place on the runway and the red carpet, but they’re no longer the only way to step up your game. From pointed flats to sculptural mules, skipping the high heels no longer means sacrificing style. Sometimes, style looks better grounded—literally. So if you’re dressing up but don’t fancy wobbling through the night, here are some foolproof alternatives for high heels that get the job done.
Ballerina flats
Dependable and unbothered. Whether you prefer The Row’s razor-sharp minimalism or Miu Miu’s girlish gloss, these classics are proof that staying close to the ground doesn’t mean sinking into anonymity.
Platform loafers
Equal parts prep and punch. They’ve been stomping around for seasons now, from Prada’s patent renditions to Gucci’s colourful on. They say, “I’m serious, but not about to suffer.”
Kitten-heeled mules
They offer the whisper of a heel, minus the martyrdom. Jacquemus and Bottega Veneta keep the shapes sculptural and the sass intact—ideal for the fashion editor who’s been on her feet since sunrise.
Sneakers
…are still the cheat code. Loewe’s slick leathers and Chloé’s laid-back silhouettes continue to be the go-to when you want polish without pretence. Worn with fluid dresses or a tailored suit, they toe the line between casual and capital-F Fashion.
Kohlapuris
The OG flat sandal. Sleek, hand-stitched, and unapologetically Indian, they’re the kind of shoe that looks just as good at a destination wedding as it does at a Soho brunch.
Mary Jane
Always around, occasionally rebellious. With glossy straps and a side of hardware (thank you, Chanel and Dior), they’re the sensible shoe’s cooler cousin—slightly nostalgic, slightly naughty.
Also read:
Sneaker ballet flats: The trendy lovechild of sport and style
Mesh flats are everywhere—here are the most popular ones to buy
20 fun party flats to help you dance through the season
