Ask your mother or grandmother about her relationship with high heels, and chances are she’ll say that she’s spent a lot of time in them. In the past, women were expected to do just about everything in their pumps, no matter how badly their feet ached. Now, times have changed, and there’s buzz that the era of heels has ended. As comfort trumps all in fashion (hello, athleisure), sky-high stilettos have found themselves out of popularity.
Earlier this year, Ashley Olsen shared definitive proof that the era of high heels is at an end. “It’s interesting talking to [buyers],” she told Footwear News. “They say that in the past several years, business has shifted to 70% flats.” Ashley herself often chooses low-heeled shoes, opting for everything from Chanel flats to Birkenstock sandals. As customers’ demand for flat shoes grows, it seems that stilettos may be headed the way of the dodo.
Read on for a look at some of Olsen’s best style moments sans heels, and then shop our favorite flat footwear!
On Ashley Olsen: The Row bag.
On Ashley Olsen: Céline sandals.
On Ashley Olsen: Oliver Peoples O'Malley Sunglasses ($450); The Row Two for One Pouch ($1995); Birkenstock Amsterdam Shoes ($100).
Related: 15 Flats That Prove Powerful Women Don't Always Need Heels
On Ashley Olsen: Birkenstock sandals.
On Ashley Olsen: The Row clothing; Chanel flats.
Do you think heels are on the way out? Check out a few of our favorite flats for work!
-
I'm an NYC Shopping Editor—I Can't Stop Thinking About These 31 Rich-Looking Fall Finds From Nordstrom, Zara, and H&MDid I mention they're under $250?
-
I Live in Murray Hill—Here Are the 8 Places I Like to Shop for a Fashionable Fall ClosetStylish sweaters and suedes ahead.
-
Fashionable Clothing Ahead—28 Chic Fall Picks From Zara, Nordstrom, J.Crew, and ShopbopFrom sweaters to jackets.
-
These 32 Chic Zara Fall 2025 Shoe Finds Are the Key to Looking Like a Fashion Person—Good Luck Picking Just One PairPrepare for endless compliments.
-
These 33 New Fall Zara Items Are Giving Off "I'm Chic Walking in a Metropolitan City" EnergyCool, elevated, and forward pieces.
-
People With Impeccable Taste Swear By COS—21 Chic Sale Finds to Take Advantage of Right NowDid you say 25% off? Yes, please.
-
These 32 Elevated Nordstrom and Zara Finds Make Getting Ready So Much Easier (and Chicer)Here's to effortless outfits.
-
If You're Going to Wear Flat Sandals in September, This Is the Exact Outfit to CopyHailey Bieber approved.
