Barbie Can Finally Wear Flats! Let’s Kick Off (Pun Intended) Her New Footwear Wardrobe in Style

One thing you probably remember from playing with Barbie dolls as a kid is that, while there were unlimited outfits to dress her in (just consider the plethora of careers she’s had to dress for alone!), but there was one thing that always fell flat (so to speak): Her shoe collection. Sure, her heel game has always been strong, but there was never an option to put her in comfortable flats. And while she would have fit right in at Cannes, the poor girl’s feet have to be aching from 50+ years of perpetually standing on her tippy-toes. Well, that’s about to change — and we’re stepping into get her the on-trend flats she’ll need for her new shoe wardrobe.

Mattel/Getty

After 56 years, Barbie’s finally ditching the pumps for comfy (yet still totally chic) flats. Mattel’s Barbie Fashionistas line is creating adjustable ankles so Barbie can give those for-heels-only formed feet a rest. (The line will also incorporate 14 different “facial sculpts,” eight skin tones, 18 eye colors and 23 hair colors — they’re all about representing real-girl street style.) In honor of Barbie’s upcoming shoe shopping spree, we’re helping her out with seven new shoe options that would work perfectly with her distinctive style (and look right at home in her dream closet).

Courtesy Nordstrom; Loeffler Randall

Brittany Talarico, Style News Editor: Barbie is unapologetic when it comes to her style, so she can totally pull off a a pair of wing-embellished sandals like this Ancient Greek style. Plus, they’re pink, girly and will look great with most of her colorful wardrobe. (And because Barbie’s an inspiration to us all: I might try to brave a pair at the Jersey Shore this summer, with B as my muse.)

Alex Apatoff, Senior Style Editor: I love heels as much as the next person, but the day after my own heels-wearing experience at Cannes, I was right back in my favorite slides. And since I can only imagine how much Barbie’s feet hurt after 56 years into those pink plastic pumps, I’m recommending my comfiest pair — the silver Loeffler Randall slides I brought with me to the film festival. Ken’s going to be so envious.

Courtesy Seychelles, Steve Madden

Sarah Kinonen, Editorial Assistant: Now that Barbie has welcomed flats into her shoe wardrobe (it’s about time, girl!), I’d love to see the woman with all the jobs sport these adorable floral-printed flats from Seychelles. Not only are they pretty and classic (right up Barbie’s alley), but they’re also extremely comfortable — something we all look for in a decent pair of shoes. And with the striped print, Barbie can slip them on (on her way out of her Malibu mansion, of course) with just about any look — a denim dress, white jeans, etc. But I’m sure with a well-stocked wardrobe like hers, she’ll have no problem finding something to pair with them.

Colleen Kratofil, Style Writer/Reporter: These Steve Madden loafers are called “Purfect” for a reason: they go with just about any summer outfit. They would look equally cute for a pool day with Skipper or if she’s heading into the office on one of her “Entrepreneur Barbie” days. The espadrille-style sole is laid back, but the metallic cap toe gives it just the right amount of shine. (I’m ditching my heels, just like Barbie, for this comfy shoe swap.)

Courtesy American Eagle, Rochas

Lindsay Schallon, Senior Style Editor: Barbs is quite the jet-setter, so she needs some cute, comfy sandals she can just slip on and go. These neutral AEO slides go with everything. But don’t take my word for it. Imagine them with this outfit she wore in Brooklyn, this one from Palm Springs and this one from Milan.

Jackie Fields, Beauty Editor: A flat that would befit Barbie is surely Rochas’s mint slingback. The pastel shade fits her playful personality while the snakeskin provides the pointy shoe with a hint of sexiness.

Courtesy Vans

Andrea Lavinthal, Style and Beauty Director: I’m obsessed with Vans Classic Slip-Ons and have more than a dozen pairs in my closet to prove it. I’ve been wearing this metallic leather style with everything, from jeans and shorts to skirts and even dresses. After decades of wearing heels, I’m sure Barbie would appreciate the comfort and versatility of my favorite kicks.

Are you excited Barbie can now wear flats? What’s your go-to shoe? Sound off below.

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