The Anti–Ballet Flats French and Italian Brands Are Currently Smitten With

Look around: Brands are on a comfort kick, and the consumer is aligned (or vice versa). The ballet flats trend quickly caught wind, but past that, other flat shoe trends are just as chic, elevated, and trend-forward. French and Italian houses are designing a slew of variations of beloved silhouettes that marry comfort and sophistication in their aesthetics, with one style in particular gaining some serious traction among fashion people: flat mules.

Forgoing a heel doesn't mean you've lost the elevation (no pun intended) of a sleek pair of mules. Luxe materials like suede, nappa leather, and satin guarantee that the quality of a mule is maintained, no matter the heel height (or lack thereof). Slipper-like styles are leading the charge, with Laura Harrier, Kendall Jenner, Dakota Johnson, and more A-listers donning versions by French shirtmaker Charvet, as well as The Row. Italian labels like Prada, Miu Miu, Loro Piana, and Gucci are, too, getting on board with the flat-mule movement, crafting pairs out of everything from sumptuous satin to brushed leather. The resulting look? Elegance with none of the pain of a stiletto.

Some, like Charvet's slippers, aren't meant for outside use (though that hasn't stopped the likes of Harrier and Johnson), while others have been constructed to only look like house footwear, with proper soles to make them suitable for the elements. Style them with jeans or trousers for a casual ensemble, or take your favorite white A-line skirt or midi dress for a spin with a slightly dressier pair by Prada. If they have an itty-bitty heel, don't fret. I won't tell if you won't.

Scroll down to shop 2025's chicest flat mules.

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