4 spring shoes that are great alternatives to flats

For when you want to be comfortable without going fully flat.
zapatos primavera comodos tacon comodo
Edward Berthelot/Getty Images

Shopping for new spring shoes this weekend? Flats are dominating the world right now (just look at all the ballerinas, loafers, boat shoes and more taking over the streets) and we get it, most fashion savvy girls just want to comfortable (don't we all?). While there are plenty of chic options that could take you from the office to drinks with friends, sometimes we all just need a little lift to go with our extra-long linen trousers or floaty skirt.

But heels don't necessarily have to equal uncomfortable. Gone are the days of sky-high stilettos as designers from the runway to the high street are embracing kitten or block heels that give us that boost without sacrificing comfort.

Some might even argue that wearing a small heel could be more comfortable than flats with no support, so really you could be doing your feet a favour.

So if you're looking for some spring shoes to add to your flats collection, check out these chic heel trends that are equally appropriate for summer.

1. The slingbacks

Slingbacks have long been a fashion girl's favourite as they provide a little more support than a pump (no one likes to have their heels falling out on the tube) but also give off that elongating silhouette and little bit of height. In a fun hue, they could also add a splash of colour to any T-shirt and jeans look.

zapatos primavera comodos tacon comodo

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Edward Berthelot/Getty Images
zapatos primavera slingbacks pull bear
© Cortesía de Pull&Bear

Pull & Bear Heeled slingback shoes

zapatos primavera slingbacks zara
© Cortesía de Zara

Zara Leather Slingback Shoes

zapatos primavera slingbacks aeyde
© Cortesía de Aeyde

Aeyde Catrina Leather Slingback Pumps

2. The Schoolgirl Shoe

We're talking about the ballerinas with heels. Don't want to give up your ballet flats? No problem. There are plenty of heeled options that offer the same level of feet-hugging comfort while providing that little lift. They're also great with socks and mini-skirts if you're keen into the preppy, schoolgirl aesthetic beloved by our favourite celebrities like Hailey Bieber.

Image may contain Clothing Footwear Shoe Skirt High Heel Accessories Bag Handbag Person Teen and Miniskirt

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Jeremy Moeller/Getty Images
zapatos primavera babies bailarinas tacon zara
© Cortesía de Zara

Zara Embossed Block Heels

zapatos primavera babies bailarinas tacon rouje
© Cortesía de Rouje

Rouje NICOISE pumps

zapatos primavera babies bailarinas tacon aeyde
© Cortesía de Aeyde

Aeyde Aline Leather Mary-Jane Pumps

3. The Kitten Heel

They could be sandals or closed-toe shoes but the key to comfort is often in the heel. Shoes no higher than 6cm are usually still manageable enough to walk a whole day in, but where possible choose a pair that has a slightly thicker base so you don't get them stuck in nasty crevices between cobblestones. A tiny kitten heel is not only easy to wear but goes with just about anything.

Image may contain Clothing Footwear Shoe High Heel Skirt Accessories Bag Handbag Person and Teen

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Edward Berthelot/Getty Images
zapatos primavera kitten heels sandalias mango
© Cortesía de Mango

Mango Zebra-print fur sandals

zapatos primavera kitten heels massimo dutti
© Cortesía de Massimo Dutti

Massimo Dutti High-heel shoes with criss-cross straps

zapatos primavera kitten heels destalonados augusta
© Cortesía de Augusta

Augusta Camila Pumps in Vanilla croc-effect Leather

4. The Espadrilles

No other shoe says beach holiday like the espadrille. The iconic Spanish shoe is beloved for its summery texture but also great comfort as the block heel provides ample support so you can be sure to dance the night away at your best friend's garden wedding, no problem. We also love how some lace-up versions add a bit of detail when worn with a knee-length dress, making them the perfect spring shoes.

Image may contain Person Walking Clothing Footwear Shoe High Heel Adult Pedestrian and Sandal

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Image may contain: Wedge, Clothing, Footwear, Sandal, Shoe, and Sneaker

Sezane Diane Espadrilles

zapatos primavera alpargatas cuña media midi atadas castañer
© Cortesía de Castañer

Castañer Carina Espadrilles

Cuña: 7 cm

zapatos primavera alpargatas cuña media midi sandalias mango
© Cortesía de Mango

Mango Lace-up espadrilles

Cuña: 7.5 cm

This story originally appeared on Glamour Spain.