As an editor, I’ve found myself in countless rooms with elegant dress codes. But let me tell you, those rooms are rarely a hop, skip, and jump from the car. Instead, they’re 10,000 steps away, with dimly lit hallways and marble floors just waiting to sabotage your heels. Somewhere in the middle of one of those never-ending walks, it hit me–why are we still forcing ourselves to equate elegance with aching feet?
Heels have had an unreasonably long reign as the only go-to symbol of being “put-together”. For many, they’re a staple of feeling powerful—and who can argue with the power of a great pair of stilettos? But let’s not ignore the flip side. Not everyone finds heels comfortable, and for some, wearing them through long events can feel like a test of endurance.
Somewhere between Audrey Hepburn making kitten heels iconic and Carrie Bradshaw waxing poetic about her Manolos, we all bought into the myth that beauty equals pain—literal, excruciating, soul-crushing foot pain. And for what? To wobble our way into events, grimacing behind our best smile, while secretly wondering if anyone would notice if we whipped out a pair of flats?
In 2024, fashion has moved on, and thankfully, so have our options. Brands like Flabelus and Telero are creating footwear that ticks all the boxes—sleek, versatile, and comfortable enough to carry you from a gala dinner to an afterparty. And let’s not forget balletcore, which has made satin flats and chic slip-ons the new go-to for anything from formal soirées to casual-chic gatherings.
Heels will always have their place, sure, but they’re no longer the only option for looking polished. With these alternatives, you can step into any dress code—pain-free and perfectly put together. Honestly, what’s more elegant than that?
Here are some brands to keep on your radar for those days when you’re ready to ditch the heels:
Telero
Born from Emilia Macchi’s love for Venice, Telero elevates everyday fashion with handcrafted Friulane slippers that are equally comfy and chic. Inspired by her summers in the magical Venetian city, Emilia’s designs brings Italian craftsmanship to the UAE. Each pair is thoughtfully created to be versatile enough for any occasion—whether you’re brunching in Dubai or attending an evening event.
Flabelus
You can walk in the footsteps of literary legends—literally. Flabelus, born in 2020, takes the classic Spanish espadrille and reinvents it for today’s fashion-forward. Each pair is named after a literary figure, from Hemingway to Austen, giving these shoes a story all their own. Expertly crafted in Spain, Flabelus marries traditional espadrille techniques with bold colours and luxe textures.
Scarosso
If you’re into shoes that carry a history spanning decades but are still designed with today in mind, Scarosso is where your search ends. Handcrafted in Montegranaro, Italy—a town synonymous with shoemaking—these are wardrobe staples and a statement. Over 40 years of artisan expertise go into every pair, ensuring they don’t just look the part but genuinely feel premium. With everything from locally sourced leather to hand-stitched detailing, Scarosso shoes promise style that lasts, comfort that feels custom, and the kind of quality that makes settling for anything else seem downright unreasonable.
