18 Fancy Flats That Are Making Me Consider Giving Up High Heels for Good

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For years, the sculptural arches of high heels have held me in a hypnotizing chokehold. I’ve traipsed all over New York City in slingbacks, mules, pumps—you name it. I’ve even led an entire debate arguing why stilettos reign supreme over flats. But, my, oh my, how the tables have turned. I can’t believe I’m writing this, but the spellbinding effect of the almighty stiletto is slowly starting to subside, thanks to a crop of undeniably fancy flats.

I recently invested in Saint Laurent’s Blade flats, and when I say they’re one of the best purchases I’ve made, that’s an understatement. Not only are these elevated flats comfortable and decked out with a shiny patent leather and ritzy cable-link chain, the exaggerated pointed toe is as sharp as any pump. Even my colleague mistakenly assumed they were high heels when she saw the sharp pointed toe peeking from the hem of my maxi skirt.

Saint Laurent isn’t the only label converting high-heel addicts with fanciful flats. Prada sent models down the runway in a sure-to-sell-out floral-adorned design, and Tory Burch tapped into surreal brilliance with a pierced creation worn by models in the fall 2023 show. And the list of gloriously designed flats continues to expand, from the runway and into the stores. Labels like Khaite and Alaïa are just two of the many brands that are turning high heel devotees like me into newborn flat wearers. But you’ll have to move fast if you want to get your hands on any of the breathtakingly beautiful flats mentioned here. As expected, they are constantly selling out. And with fall right around the corner, the demand is sure to only spike. If you move quickly, you can shop for a pair of the coveted fancy flats below. I certainly am grabbing another pair to add to my collection.