7 Flat-Shoe Trends Everyone Is Wearing in Europe


As a Who What Wear editor, I study what European girls are wearing all day every day, and something I’ve noticed is that they love flat shoes. The reasons why are fairly obvious—many European cities are very walkable, but the road conditions aren’t always ideal (think old, cracked sidewalks, hills, and cobblestone streets). While ballet flats and Mary Janes are obvious European-girl favourites, I’ve noticed a few other styles they’re gravitating toward lately that are considerably fresher (not that Mary Janes and ballet flats are going anywhere).

From the luxe trainer trend they’re favouring to the specific loafer colour that’s dominating across the pond, these European-girl flats would make great fall shoe purchases no matter where you reside. And in case you are in the market for a new pair of flats, I searched the internet high and low and found the best bets for each trend. Keep scrolling to shop them so we can all catch up with the fashion girls in Europe.

1. Brown Loafers

Style Notes: Sorry, black loafers. Brown is the new It colour for shoes, and European girls are fully on board. They lend a rich, elegant quality to any outfit they’re paired with.

Shop Brown Loafers:

2. Leopard-Print Flats

Anouk Yve wearing a coat and leopard-print flats

Style Notes: All things leopard print are huge in Europe this season, and that includes footwear. A pair of sleek flats is the perfect way to wear the trend.

Shop Leopard-Print Flats:

3. Suede Sneakers

Emili Sindlev wearing suede Miu Miu x NB sneakers

Style Notes: If you want to be comfortable and look chic, a pair of suede sneakers will lend the luxe look you desire. European influencers are embracing designer styles from Miu Miu and Dries Van Noten.

Shop Suede Sneakers

4. Pointed-Toe Slingbacks

Sylvie Mus wearing a white turtleneck and black skirt

Style Notes: Pointed-toe slingbacks are so wildly elegant that you may never feel the need to wear heels again.

Shop Pointed-Toe Slingbacks:

5. Riding Boots

Amaka Hamelijnck wearing riding boots

Style Notes: If English-countryside chic is the aesthetic you’re going for, your next purchase should be a pair of riding boots. (Bonus points given for wearing them with a barn jacket.)