I’m 5′10″ — Here Are the Flats I’d Wear to Go Out
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I am five-foot-ten barefooted and hair flattened. For me, heels present an undesirable center-of-gravity issue — rather than strut, I teeter. My legs are already long and wobbly to begin with, and my nights in heels often end with me limping my way home early, songs left undanced. Of course, taller girls than me rock heels, but something should be done for those of us who are less graceful.
No matter your height, heels can come with a nasty list of side effects: blisters, squeezed toes, throbbing heels, limited choreography, and, of course, falling. Butsneakers— often a Gen-Z choice over heels — too easily abandon the glamour of a going-out look. Personally, I don’t want to put on my Saturday-night best, whether that’s a silky top or a blazer or some iteration of leather, only to pull on my everyday Sambas. And so: going-outflats. As in an option that fills the shoes (sorry) of a pointy-toed heel or a towering black boot but is a little more dressed up than your standardballet flat. An option that is not a compromise, but superior for its mobilityandstyle. Here, I’ve found pairs that satisfy those specs — from a Prada-esque satin style to some ’90s grunge-looking brogues.
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These Cos square-toe beauties are severely sleek — hot and decidedly unbothered. They remind me of The Row’s square-toe flats without the whopping $890 price tag.
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I love Miista’s brogues for their sturdiness and their unique zipper closure. They look like they walked the streets of Soho in the 1990s, gallery hopping on the feet of some grungy creative. Lean in to the grittiness or pair these with something flouncy for some contrast.
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It wasn’t so long ago that Ganni’s buckle flats were just about everywhere. This Steve Madden pair updates the familiar favorite with studded leather and buckles that wrap around the ankle for maximum security and support.
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My list would not be complete without some sort of pointed toe. These Zara slingbacks promise the same elongated-leg illusion as your favorite pair of heels.
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These Madewell slingbacks have insole padding, and the green color is especially striking (not to mention that they look a lot likePrada’s satin mules).
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These lace-up flats are for both the sporty girls and the Chloé fans.
Editor’s note: Sizing is currently limited.
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You might have spotted these shoes on fashion influencer Mandy Lee’s Instagram — they headlined her video called “shoes for freaks,” and for good reason. They are weird and open up a whole world of sock (or not) styling options. And while Margiela’s Tabi made showing some big toe mainstream, the pinky toe — which is on full display with these — still holds some intrigue. Wear them with courage and a pedicure.
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Camper’s Casi Myra shoe resemble Martiniano’s “glove shoes” for a fraction of the cost. They are made with a sumptuous leather that reaches up near the ankle, fitting your foot in a soft mold. They fit, well, like a glove.
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This flat is called the “Italian Summer Mary Jane,” but to my eye it looks much more like a New York–night-out shoe. Pair these with a similarly glinting stack of gold and silver bangles climbing up your forearm.
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