So, you’re hesitant about flat shoes.

Maybe you’ve heard they are not good for your feet, or that you absolutely need arch support. It would be pretty wild if our feet couldn’t support themselves naturally — like the rest of our body does, right? But don’t worry, we’ll get into that😉

Hi, my name is Lisa, and I developed the leather shoe and accessories brand Womads. I purposely designed our shoes to be flat, something that shocks a lot of people on the internet. 

First, let's clarify the difference between types of "flat" shoes. There's "flat" in the sense of zero-drop, or zero height difference between the toes and the heel (barefoot shoes have zero-drop). And then there's "flat" insoles, as in shoes without arch support—like Womads.

Womads aren't technically zero-drop (barefoot enthusiasts would likely say Womads have a slight heel and they aren’t wrong😉), that small heel is actually intentional.

It serves two purposes:

1. It enhances the overall look and style of the shoe.
   

2. It provides a more familiar and comfortable feel for most people, who may find true zero-drop shoes a bit too extreme.

Is Arch support necessary? Challenging traditional footwear.

So basically our natural foot arch is already designed to support itself. When we force it to start relying on support that isn't necessary our muscles start to weaken. 

Arch supports can actually limit motion, reducing shoe flexibility and can potentially lead to other problems like tight calves, knee pain, or imbalanced posture.

Using arch support when it’s not necessary is like wearing reading glasses when you don’t need them—it might not cause pain immediately, but it’s also not helping anything. A big reason why Womads are flat is because I wanted to prioritise keeping the feet healthy by helping them maintain those muscles. 

We focus on letting the foot function naturally instead of trying to "correct" it because it simply doesn’t need correcting. 

And of course shoes are not a one shoe fits all, some people do need arch support because their feet may be weakened and have a specific foot condition. If that's you, and you're interested in Womads shoes, I recommend buying a little arch support insert on Amazon to stick into your shoes. And as always if you worry about your foot strength and what is best for you, consult with your doctor. 

The Pros of Flat Shoes

Natural Movement

Natural movement is, well, naturally good for your feet. Flat shoes with flexible soles offer more room for movement, allowing your feet to move more freely throughout the day. Our natural foot's arch is designed to flex and adapt. Shoes with arch support actually need thicker padding which will start to restrict movement. 

One of my favorite features of Womads is their strategic design that supports unrestricted movement. They adapt to how you move rather than limiting your range of motion.

Improved Foot Health

When designing Womads to be flat, foot health was a primary consideration. Flat shoes allow you to distribute your weight evenly across your feet, improving stability and comfort. The flat insoles also provide better ground feel and sensory feedback, which enhances balance and spatial awareness.

Protection from Bunions and Calluses

If you're concerned about bunions and calluses, flat shoes are an excellent choice. These painful conditions often develop when shoes force your weight forward and compress your toes—common problems with pointed heels and narrow toe boxes.

Flat shoes with a wider, more natural shape help prevent these issues by giving your toes proper room to move. Womads take this further with their soft, unreinforced leather construction that stretches and molds to your unique foot shape, eliminating uncomfortable pressure points.

Breathability is another key advantage of Womads. Unlike plastic or heavy materials that trap moisture and heat, our shoes allow proper airflow to keep your feet comfortable and healthy throughout the day.

Timeless Style

Flat shoes are also timeless. They’re simple, versatile, and easy to dress up or down for almost any occasion. You won’t sink into grass, and you’ll have better stability thanks to the even weight distribution. Our Oxfords are the perfect closed toe option for work and cooler climates.

When it comes to shoe comfort, as well as style it’s important to consider the materials they’re made from. Are they made from high-quality leather? Is the shoe breathable and flexible? There are several features to look for that help support your foot.

How do you feel about flat shoes?

Our feet are naturally designed to be strong and support themselves—that’s why they’re shaped the way they are. No arch support actually helps maintain that design while protecting your feet from the ground.

Remember shoes are just another way to express yourselves, pick what works best for you since you are the one wearing it. Choose colors that make you happy and choose material and brands that align with you. 

For more about all things shoes follow us on social and to pick up your pair of Womads head to our site here.