I Walked 13,000 Steps in These Comfy Mary Jane Flats

Sure, sneakers may be the practical choice for long vacation days, but frankly, I’ve gotten fed up with wearing them on every trip. As someone who prefers to dress up while traveling, they aren’t always the right vibe for my outfits. That’s why I set out on a mission to find a comfortable, fashionable travel shoe that isn’t a sneaker before my Euro trip this summer.

After countless online orders gone wrong, I discovered the ultimate travel flat in an unlikely place: the New York City subway. When I spotted a woman wearing a pair of tan woven Mary Jane flats on my train, I knew instantly that they would fit the criteria for my upcoming trip. Not only were they sleek and stylish, but the woman appeared to be commuting to work, which signaled to me that the flats were probably comfortable, too. A little internet sleuthing (as an avid shopper, I’ve become a pro at this) led me to Birdies’ Hummingbird Mary Jane flats.

Birdies The Hummingbird Mary Jane

It makes sense that someone would choose a pair of Birdies for walking around New York City—after all, the brand is known for designing flats that feel like slippers. The Hummingbird Mary Jane flats have pillow-like footbeds, which made them comfortable to wear straight out of the box. I immediately started swapping my usual ‘dressy’ sneakers for these flats, and was impressed at how supported my feet felt in them. In the past, I’ve found flats to be flimsy or too thin, but these Mary Janes have a substantial feel, thanks to Birdies’ signature 7-layer cushioned arch support and use of high-quality materials, like leather and handcrafted raffia.

After just a few wears, I decided to pack my Hummingbird Mary Jane flats for a 10-day trip to Spain. I’d be visiting Mallorca and Madrid, meaning I had to prepare for both a beach and city vacation in one suitcase. Space was limited, but I knew these shoes would be on heavy rotation due to their style, comfort, and versatility. 

Birdies The Hummingbird Mary Jane

It wasn’t long after landing in Spain before I found myself reaching for these flats. I stayed in Marriott’s Club Son Antem, an expansive resort with 680 acres of spread-out property to check out. My Birdies Hummingbird flats proved to be so comfortable during my stay, that I consistently reached for them over more ‘practical’ options I had packed, including sneakers and flip-flops. 

But the real test of comfort came when I arrived in Madrid, where I planned to explore the city on foot. I walked through El Retiro Park to Plaza Mayor and Puerto del Sol, racking up over 13,000 steps on a sweltering 100-degree day. Thanks to their soft footbeds and mesh fabric linings, these flats kept my feet feeling supported and cool all day. Plus, the elastic band offered flexibility and movement while ensuring my foot never popped out while walking. My only complaint? The shoes did eventually begin to rub on my heels—but this only happened after walking 10,000 steps. Still, I would recommend carrying blister blockers with you while breaking them in. 

I also appreciate how seamlessly these ballet flats can transition from day to night. They’re available in multiple colors and fabrics, including velvet, raffia, and denim, but I opted for the Tan Openweave as a match-everything neutral for summer. By day, I paired them with everything from a gingham skirt to denim shorts, but they were also fashionable enough to pair with flowy maxi dresses for nights out in Palma. 

Birdies The Hummingbird Mary Jane

It’s no wonder shoppers are calling these flats the “most comfortable pair of shoes ever” in the review section. While they’re a bit of a splurge at $160, the price tag feels warranted due to their high quality. “They are right-priced, wonderful comfort, and stellar in design and appeal,” attested one shopper. An Amazon shopper also chimed in on their comfort, sharing that “the cushioning inside makes them incredibly comfortable for all-day wear, and the fit is just right.” 

Like me, many reviewers also appreciate the versatility of these ballet flats. One five-star reviewer who called them “a must-have addition to any wardrobe” wrote that they wear them while running errands and for casual outings. “[They] can be worn as casual or formal wear, but either way, they were made for comfort,” another shopper wrote.

Whether you’re looking for a comfortable travel shoe that isn’t a sneaker or just want to dress up your vacation looks, you can’t go wrong with these Birdies Mary Jane flats. But if you’re still on the hunt for the right style for you, read on for similar picks that combine fashion and function—starting at $20.  

More Comfy Ballet Flats to Shop:

Dream Pairs Mary Jane Ballet Flat

Amazon Essentials Mary Jane Ballet Flat

Dolce Vita Aileen Mary Jane Flat

Naturalizer Kelly Flat

Steve Madden Zarah Mary Jane Flat

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