We’re tired of trainers: these 10 smart, comfortable flats for women are perfect for long travel days

You’d be forgiven for thinking a pair of leather loafers for under £60 might be questionable in terms of quality (as I did), but you’d be wrong. The classic suede loafers from Marks and Spencer went viral when they were released in early 2025, requiring the brand to restock the shoe a few months later after completely selling out. The hype was indeed real, with shoppers reporting the real suede leather was incredibly soft and comfortable. Our commerce editor Sarah Bannerman can attest to their effectiveness, having bought not one but two pairs because she loved them so much.

Editor review: When these Marks and Spencer loafers first went viral I was immediately invested. So much so, in fact, that I set the alert on my phone for when they came back in stock. Luckily, they were worth the obsession, as not only do I love the way they look (the easiest pair of shoes to style with jeans and a colour-pop sock in autumn) but they’re also exceptionally comfy. The suede is supple but hasn’t overstretched and the sizing seems completely accurate – not always a given! Sarah Bannerman

Puma’s famous sneaker, ballet flat hybrid became an instant cosmopolitan style statement when they launched in 2000. Today, there is a refreshed appeal in shoes that feel lighter, cleaner, and more understated in an outfit. And as ballet flats return and vintage-inspired sneakers dominate, the Speedcat’s supportive, athletic-inspired essence endures. As a comfortable travel shoe, these hit the brief in terms of support as well as style.

Editor’s review: The Speedcat Ballet flats are one of the most packable shoes I own, taking up little space and weight in a carry-on – far less than any lightweight trainer in my wardrobe. They’re easy to slip on and off, lightweight enough for long travel days, and airy enough that they never feel bulky or restrictive, even in warmer weather. At the same time, they (refreshingly) don’t sacrifice support, and I’ve found that many shoes in the sneakers category feel more like ballet flats than actual sneakers. Jessica Chapel

The Birkenstock Boston, originally named the ‘Kork-Clog,’ was one of the first suede and cork (as opposed to wooden) clog styles designed in the mid-1970s. Today, the shape aligns with a practical but minimal aesthetic that has defined airport chic. It is arguably the most comfortable shoe on the market as well as the easiest to slip-on. Their main downsides are they’re less than ideal if you’re needing to move quickly, and they need to be sprayed with a decent suede protector the second you unbox them if you want them to stay looking pristine.

Editor review: I think at this point the whole Condé Nast Traveller team owns this shoe in varying shades. They are so comfortable, so easy to walk in and also the perfect transeasonal shoe. Personally they’re my current go-to shoe for wearing – with cosy socks – on a long haul flight. Lauren Burvill

These lightweight Mary Jane flats are comfortable enough for all-day wear. They feature a knit upper made from recycled materials and an adjustable strap that offers enhanced arch support. These light-as-air flats are machine washable and have earned themselves hundreds of positive reviews.

Editor review: I’ll admit at first these shoes did give me blisters on the back of my heels, so I wouldn’t recommend packing them without wearing them-in first. But once the knitted fabric softened slightly, they’re a great lightweight shoe to wear out and about. Because of the soft fabric they don’t take up much room when packed in a suitcase either, so I often pack them and wear them out in the evenings when travelling. Lauren Burvill

Gucci’s Jordaan loafers are a modernised version of the Italian brand’s 1953 Gucci Horsebit loafer, made in the house’s factory in Italy using seven pieces of leather. While slightly slimmer than the original, the leather loafer still features a classic and timeless look that truly suits all ages, genders and styles.

Editor review: They’re the most expensive shoes I own but also the ones I wear the most. Not only are they incredibly walk-all-day comfortable, but they elevate the most basic outfits. If I’m on a city break and set for a day of exploring, I’ll wear a simple t-shirt, jeans, a black belt and these loafers and I feel comfortable and put together. Lauren Burvill

French heritage ballet shoe maison Repetto is famous for hand making dance shoes for Parisian ballet schools and transforming them to fashion forward shapes worn by models (Kaia Gerber), creative tastemakers (Serge Gainsbourg) and celebrities (Olivia Rodrigo) around the world. The quintessential style is known as the ‘essential Cinderella’ or Cendrillon in French, famed for its flat sole and delicate bow over the toes (originally created at the bequest of Bridgitte Bardot) and now comes in 26 colours.

Editor’s picks: Repetto are my absolute favourite brand for ballet flats. I wear my navy pair almost everyday with jeans, dresses and even denim cut offs. Harriet Elton

A collaboration between Birkenstock and Repetto, featuring three styles, in two colourways, each from the Repetto archive, all lined in a Vichy-check, also known as gingham, which is a signature motif from Repetto and oozes summer European chic. The Scala is a new style but very evocative of the Boston with its round covered toe and backless clog style heel. Repetto have added two narrow top straps with tiny silver buckles and a delicately laced bow synonymous with their Cinderella flats.

Editor’s review: I have been lucky enough to prance around in a pink pair, receiving praise from colleagues and family alike for their refined design – where the clunky has become dainty. They look fun paired with a vibrant summer dress like this one from Pink City Prints for the office or market days in the south of France. Harriet Elton

Mary Janes are a classic for a reason: They help complete any outfit and look chic and effortless doing it. These are a year-round go-to for US commerce editor Meaghan Kenny. Not only do they look good, but they feel good, too. They’re designed with Rothy’s signature soft, machine washable material that she’s quite familiar with already. According to Kenny, they are the best by far, and the most comfortable flat she’s ever tried — with not a blister in sight! She wears these to work, to dinner, to museums, and everywhere in between.

Similar to the Puma Speedcats, Onitsuka Tiger have taken their beloved Mexico 66 trainers (one of our top picks for the most comfortable trainers) and made them into a sneaker-ballet shoe hybrid with some sweet-scallop details added to the signature tiger stripes. While they come in a range of colours, the shade to go for is that eye-catching shade of yellow.

Classic with a sweet tie twist, the Rosalind ballet flat by Alohas is quickly becoming a fashion it-girl favourite for being equal parts comfortable and chic. Featuring an elasticised back and flexible soles, the shoe comes in 19 different shades as well as a mix of leather and vegan options.