If you can live every day of your life in heels, more power to you – I wish I had that type of devotion and/or foot structure. If you occasionally take a break from your stilettos, though, then you’ve probably experienced the irritation of looking for stylish, functional flats that life up to both your aesthetic and comfort standards.

Sometimes I think it’s actually easier to find a high heel that doesn’t pinch or rub than it is a flat, merely because of how your feet are positioned in both types of shoes. So before you begin next season’s journey to find shoes without a heel that don’t make you feel like a schlub, here are four excellent places to start.

In any conversation about chic shoes with no heels, the Christian Louboutin Pigalle Flat has to be the starting point. The shoe’s simple lines and classic shape lend it to a multitude of styles, all the way from plain leather to stud- and glitter-covered versions. This one in particular walks a fine line between glamour and neutrality. $575 via Saks.

Jimmy Choo isn’t known for its flats, but the Jimmy Choo Witty Ballet Flat provides a nice combination of fashion and function – the bold, patterned upper is grounded by a mostly hidden rubber sole for a bit of traction in less-than-ideal walking conditions. $395 via Saks.

Of course, we’d be remiss if we didn’t include the Prada Leopard Ballet Flat to represent the season’s biggest trend, but this shoe has more going for it than just the print. I often find that my favorite ballet flats have a bit of stretch around the opening to help them conform to my foot, which reduces the likelihood of those horrible back-of-foot raw spots. $695 via Neiman Marcus.

You heard it here first: moccasins are making a comeback. The Lanvin Bow Tie Buffalo Moccasin is made of unbelievably soft leather and finished off with Lanvin’s signature grosgrain ribbon. You’ll never want to take these off of your feet. $565 via Neiman Marcus.