Picture this: You’re going on vacation to Paris. You’ve picked out a few stylish\u00a0dresses,\u00a0so that you blend in seamlessly with Parisians. You’ve even read “How to Be Parisian<\/a>,” just in case.<\/p>\n Do you wear sneakers or flats? And is it possible to mix comfort and style?<\/p>\n For years, I avoided wearing flats on vacation. Sure, they’re perfect for errands and school runs, but they are pain magnets when you’re\u00a0walking for miles.<\/p>\n One time, against my better judgment, I wore an old pair of flats, in Rome. Always dependable, I found myself grabbing them, as I rushed out the door. Unfortunately, they had little to no support.<\/p>\n Let’s just say, I quickly realized Rome has thousands of cobblestones<\/a>. My feet felt every single one of them, up close and personal. At some point, I walked barefoot when no one was looking.<\/p>\n After that trip, I figured sneakers would be the only way forward. But, I still wanted to wear flats with my wrap dresses, and most sneakers looked too touristy. I can’t always pull off the sneaker-dress combo.<\/p>\n After a few duds, I found a few pairs of flats, that mix\u00a0comfort, and style.<\/p>\n The key, I found, is to wear breathable materials, such as leather or cotton, with a sturdy rubber sole.<\/p>\n Here are nine pretty (and practical) flats I love…<\/p>\n Clarks Women’s Danelly Alanza Flat<\/span><\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n No products found.<\/p>\n These made my outfits look a touch more dressy and stylish. \u00a0Easily wearable with different outfits, the muted colors seem to go with everything. And, they’re leather, which I love.<\/p>\n The sole was thick and intentional, with good grip and shock absorption.<\/p>\n Aerosoles Women’s Drive in Penny Loafer<\/span><\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n No products found.<\/p>\n It’s all in the name – Aerosoles. They are one of my go-to brands for style and comfort. You’re getting a pretty leather shoe, but it’s also practical.<\/p>\n This sole seems to absorb everything, so walking in the city is easily done.\u00a0The bottom of the shoe has these tiny diamond shapes, that distribute the little shocks you get from walking over bumpy ground.<\/p>\n These were comfortable right out of the box. They’re magical, in my eyes.<\/p>\n Clarks Women’s Feature Fest Mary Jane Flat<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n No products found.<\/p>\n These are supportive, but don’t scream “comfort shoes”. They are elegant and so comfy. The strap kept my foot from moving around, even when walking on uneven surfaces.<\/p>\n I even sprinted in these, when I chased after the kids.<\/p>\n The leather material, molded to my foot after a few wears. The toe area was spacious and my toes did not feel tight.<\/p>\n I walked for miles in these, without a blister in sight.<\/p>\n Clarks Women’s Medora Elie Mary Jane Flat<\/span><\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n No products found.<\/p>\n Did you notice the gold flecks in the rubber sole? That’s probably my favorite bit.\u00a0I get asked all the time, where I got them.<\/p>\n I have far too many dark-colored shoes, so I gave these a spin. The styling is pretty minimal, so the color doesn’t look too quirky.<\/p>\n And if you don’t usually wear bright lemon yellow (doesn’t everybody?), it also comes in black and\u00a0deep red.<\/p>\n They have a little lift, but they’re basically still flat.<\/p>\n And if you’re worried about slipping in flats, don’t worry, because these are very grippy. No slips here. The elastic band keeps your foot snug, but also allows for any swelling or active walking.<\/p>\n Josef Seibel Women’s Pippa<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n No products found.<\/p>\n I first learned about Josef Siebel shoes, on a trip to London. \u00a0I was walking in East London, when I walked past a gorgeous display of shoes in the window.<\/p>\n Being in England, a few brands were new to me. After trying a few pairs, I left with a lovely\u00a0pair of Josef Siebel flats.<\/p>\n They’re still in great shape, after a few years of wear. Knowing they will last me for years, makes them eco-friendly, which is a bonus.<\/p>\n Although they cost a little more, you get what you pay for – European craftsman\u00a0quality. The company has been in Europe for over 130 years and are still family-owned.<\/p>\n The look of this shoe is classic and very Audrey Hepburn. \u00a0The other available colors, are just as wearable, and can be paired with dresses or jeans.<\/p>\n I like the elastic trim that runs along the top edge. \u00a0It is stretchy, but also adds some stability to the shoe. My foot doesn’t flop out, as it does with some other ballet flats.<\/p>\n The shoe is fully\u00a0made of leather, so again very comfortable and breathable.<\/p>\n The insole is very soft and is “dual air-reaction,” according to their website. Translation: It’s like walking on clouds.<\/p>\n I kind of forgot I was wearing them, to be honest. They fit like a glove.<\/p>\n Just make sure you look up your European\u00a0size-equivalent,\u00a0because the sizes are European.<\/p>\n No products found.<\/p>\n These are so fun to wear. I like the black, but they also come in pale, neutral colors.<\/p>\n These remind me of a very expensive pair of Chloe flats, I was once lusting after. Luckily, I can copy that style, without the price tag. My wallet (and husband), are very pleased.<\/p>\n Usually, ballet flats have a thin leather sole, that although pretty, is not practical for heavy walking.<\/p>\n The nice thing about these ballet flats, is that they have been adapted for walking for\u00a0hours in the city, and have a rubber sole.<\/p>\n Overall, they feel sturdy, while retaining its feminine style. The zipper at the back adds another detail to an already chic shoe.<\/p>\n It was comfy, right out of the box.<\/p>\n Skechers Sport Women’s EZ Flex Flighty Majesty Slip-On Flat<\/span><\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n No products found.<\/p>\n These combine comfort with a hint of femininity. I love the breathability of the lace material.<\/p>\n Like most Skechers, these are very lightweight and easy to wear from the beginning.<\/p>\n There are many color options, so you can’t go wrong.<\/p>\n I always like a supportive, but flexible sole, and these tick both those boxes.<\/p>\nL O A F E R S<\/strong><\/h3>\n
M A R Y \u00a0J A N E S<\/strong><\/h3>\n
B A L L E T<\/strong><\/h3>\n
\u00a0AK Anne Klein Sport\u00a0Itcanbe Leather Ballet Flat<\/span><\/strong><\/a><\/h3>\n
S P O R T Y<\/strong><\/h3>\n