Flat Shoes Make Their Mark at Cannes: Comfort Finally Walks the Red Carpet

For decades, Cannes Film Festival’s red carpet has been synonymous with glitz, glam—and sky-high heels. But in 2024, the tides have turned: flat shoes are officially in, and they’re stepping into the spotlight with serious style.

A Step Away from Tradition

The fashion world hasn’t forgotten #Flatgate—the 2015 controversy where several women were reportedly turned away from a screening for wearing flats. Though Cannes organizers insisted there was no official heels-only rule, the backlash was swift, sparking debates over gendered dress codes and sparking mini-protests from celebrities.

Julia Roberts went barefoot in 2016. Kirsten Stewart dramatically removed her stilettos in 2018. And Jennifer Lawrence unintentionally reignited the discussion in 2023 when she wore flip flops under her Dior gown due to a last-minute shoe mishap.

Now, Cannes has made it official: elegant footwear is welcome—heels or not.

Celebs Embrace the Flat Movement

This year’s red carpet featured a growing number of A-listers opting for chic, low-heeled looks. Jane Fonda wowed in silver Margaux Mary Janes, Margaret Qualley donned Chanel sequined ballet flats, and directors like Alice Rohrwacher and Molly Manning Walker strutted in Prada loafers. Actor Llúcia Garcia chose simple black ballet flats.

It’s not just a red carpet trend—flat shoes are enjoying a full-blown fashion revival.

The Rise (or Fall) of the Flat Shoe

Long dismissed as dowdy or unglamorous, flat shoes are experiencing a major glow-up. Pop culture has long mocked them—like in Barbie, where flat feet are treated like a diagnosis. Even Sex and the City’s Carrie Bradshaw once fretted about her post-surgery inability to wear heels.

But now? Flat shoes are trending hard. Pinterest reports U.S. searches for “ballet flats” are up 190% compared to last May. Google Trends shows a huge spike in searches for “Mary Janes” too.

Fashion houses are paying attention. Tory Burch recently brought back its iconic Reva ballet flat, which once sold 5 million pairs before falling out of favor during the chunky sneaker craze. Sandy Liang’s satin pointe flats and Alaïa’s $1,350 rhinestone-studded Mary Janes are selling out fast. Miu Miu, a flat-shoe stalwart, currently offers over a dozen styles, priced between $875 and $1,790.

Why the Shift?

According to fashion journalist Mosha Lundström Halbert, practicality and changing work culture are driving the shift. “You used to wear heels to the office—now, thanks to hybrid work, comfort matters,” she explains. Today’s shoppers want stylish options they can wear all day, not just on special occasions.

Spending big on flats feels more justifiable when they’ll see regular wear. And with evolving attitudes about femininity and presentation, the red carpet is becoming a place where real-life style meets high fashion.

“There’s something refreshing about a flat shoe,” Lundström Halbert adds. “It breaks free from the pageantry.”

Fashion’s Final Frontier?

The Cannes red carpet is one of the last holdouts for traditional glamour. But with each pair of elegant flats that glides down the Croisette, it becomes clear: this isn’t just a fashion statement—it’s a cultural one.

Flat shoes are no longer a protest. They’re a powerful choice, showing that comfort, elegance, and individuality can coexist—even in the most glamorous of places.