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The right flat shoes are comfortable to walk in, long-lasting, made more sustainably, and fit in with your personal style. Here are 11 options, including vegan flats, from top-rated brands we think you’ll love.
What makes the best, more sustainable ballet flats?
Mesh flats and Puma’s Speedcat ballet sneakers may be trending in 2026, but flats have long been a mainstay on the footwear roster. From ballerinas to mules, this type of shoe can be practical, great for walking in, good for the office, and can be dressed up or down depending the on the design.
But, as with every other category in fashion, there are some sustainability issues to be mindful of. Notably, the materials used: ideally, brands avoid animal-derived materials like leather and suede entirely, but if they do use it, check the material has been sourced more responsibly and certified with the likes of the Leather Working Group. And if you’re looking for vegan flat shoes, keep an eye on how the materials used are made, since many leather alternatives are derived from fossil fuels. Will’s Vegan Store, featured in this round-up, uses a bio-oil-based material along with recycled natural rubber (rather than synthetic rubber) for its flats.
Another great way to find stylish and more ethical flat shoes is to shop them secondhand on the likes of Vinted, eBay, or your local thrift shop. If you do need something new, though, then check out our list below, which features brands that’ve been independently rated “Good” or “Great” against our world-leading fashion sustainability methodology.
Expect braided styles, vegan ballerinas, smart loafers, ballet sneakers, and classic minimalist flats.
