The best flat shoe styles for winter

Life's too short to wear uncomfy shoes. Try these chic flat styles for the office, after work drinks and everywhere in between.

Flat boots and comfy sneakers

For ultra comfortable shoes head to Bared Footwear in Manchester Lane. A podiatrist created the brand to ensure good alignment and soft cushioning were a top priority. This unique boot captures all the biggest trends of the season – lace-up detail, flat sole and military details. Prefer a comfy sneaker? Grab a pair from Bared's stunning limited-edition collab with Children's Ground. $50 from every Rachael Sarra sneaker sold goes towards empowering First Nations communities.

Melbourne cult-classics and new faves

If there was a brand that screamed Melbourne style, it might be Dr Martens. Opt for a pair of the Doc originals. Made with smooth durable leather and a look that goes with everything. Or elevate your look with the Wanama Quad Cheslea boot. Country and western meets '80s gothic subculture. The white embraided detailing on these beauties is so cool. Find them at Melbourne Central.

Bubble sole loafers

Bring a little levity to your winter wardrobe with these puffy soled loafers. ELK's classic Vinna style come in tan or green with an EVA foam bubble sole for all-day comfort. Made from buttery soft leather and sporting a fun fringe detail, they can dress up a pair of jeans or your fave winter dress.

Ballet flats for the modern era

Say goodbye to those little bows and cheap elastic for good. Today's ballet flat is chic, minimal and comfy enough to get you from dusk to dawn. We rate the Casi Myra from Camper, made from leather and recycled materials. Peter Sheppard also has the perfect waterproof sneakers for your rainy day commute. For proper ballerina-core slippers try Incu. You'll dance all night in styles from Ganni, Hereu and A.P.C.

Minimalist sneakers

What's so great about neutral sneakers? Well for starters, they go with just about everything. Better still, this New Balance pair is made up of more than 50 per cent recycled content and leather. That means less water and energy waste, score! Find it alongside heaps of other minimalist fits at Assembly Label in QV Melbourne.

Ergonomic rubber Birks

Step away from standard winter shoes with this chunky waterproof slide from Birkenstock. They're made from rubber, but hiding inside is an ergonomic cork foot-bed. These chic beauties can be found in-store at Incu. Bit cold to bare your heels? Laneway boutique Kinki Gerlinki has fun socks in bright colours and bold prints to keep you warm.

Slip on flatform sock boots

Head to Radical Yes to join the flat shoe revolution. Described as their ‘most comfortable shoe’, the black neoprene Sunny boot is sporty and luxe in equal measure. The ankle hugging design creates a sophisticated silhouette, while the trainer sole means you can run around all day – blister free.

Cool-girl Mary Janes

Equal parts edgy and sweet, Alpha60's Vida shoe is a new take on the Mary Jane. Slide into a fresh pair for that classic back-to-school vibe. Simple details like the leather piping, thick straps and stud closures up the cool-factor. They come in black or a beautiful deep ox blood leather.

Melbourne-made staples

Local brand Kuwaii always nails Melbourne’s sense of style, and the classic platform Darby shoe is no exception. They're made in Melbourne from at least 100 per cent upper leather and reinforced with orthopaedic grade features. Be sure to check out their range of funky socks too.