5 Flat Shoes Set To Lift Your Style In 2022

Whether the shoe is padded out with pillowy straps, a chunky sole or a combination of both, puffy cloud-like slides are a step up from the sportier styles we’re used to, adding a striking contrast to the slinky silhouettes of our summer dresses and airy linen separates. We love the Paris slides by Alias Mae, and given that they’re sold out in most sizes it’s safe to say we’re not alone! Save yourself the heartache and add AERE’s Padded Knot Leather Slides to your bag ASAP. 

Similar to spongey slides except more minimal and streamlined, leather and leather-look slip-ons are a sophisticated flat shoe option to team with soft tailoring for work and can even add a little oo-la-la to denim and day dresses. Look to slender straps, metal embellishments and textural manipulation like braiding for that touch of luxury.

A forever favourite, Birkenstock sandals are set to be one of our bestsellers in 2022. The classic Arizona design isn’t going anywhere, so keep yours in play if you’ve already invested in a pair, or shake things up with a new colourway or fabrication. We’re also welcoming the soft wide straps of the Kyoto range and thong-like Gizeh sandals into our rotation as well. And if you want to feel extra boujee, the Birkenstock x Proenza Schouler styles are worth adding to Wishlist. 

Yup, even humble Havaianas can be paired with a puff-sleeve dress and still look chic. Our thoughts on thongs have come a long way over the last couple of years and brands like AERE are giving the iconic Aussie slipper an even more elevated treatment with smooth leather finishes that pair perfectly with cut-out dresses and separates.  

Strap in – Teva has paved the way for velcro fastenings to be deemed more than a purely functional feature but also a fashion aesthetic and footwear brands are following suit with either similar strappy designs to Teva’s Universal sandals or a hybrid blend of the puffy cloud slide trend. The outcome: flat shoes that are adjustable, a little bit ugly but also an undeniably cool way to complete an all linen outfit.