For Sarah Flint, it’s always been about style without sacrifice. Fed up with having to choose shoes that were either elegant or utilitarian, she founded her eponymous brand in 2013 at age 25 to provide classic looks that are also pinch-free. Turns out, her line was just what other women were waiting for—the designer’s shoes have been spotted on everyone from Halle Berry and Cindy Crawford to Meghan Markle and Amal Clooney. Flats, pumps, sandals, and boots deliver big on sophistication and function, making them smart picks for traveling whether locally or abroad.
Having studied at Parsons, FIT, and famed Milanese shoe academy Ars Sutoria, and done internships at Proenza Schouler and Diane von Furstenberg, the entrepreneur is committed to quality, comfort, and design in equal measure. While in Milan, she learned alongside craftsmen and factory workers whose families have been making shoes for generations, teaching her the importance of artisanal craftsmanship and expert manufacturing. Now, she partners with highly experienced, knowledgeable artisans in Italy. She also sources leathers from local Italian tanneries and specialty jacquards from renowned mills like Stephen Walters in England. “I love to travel to material fairs to find rare and vintage fabrics,” she says.
Much like her Italian mentors, Flint also obsesses over fit and construction in order to make the most comfortable, durable shoes possible—all while keeping things stylish. Manufactured in the same factories as top luxury brands, Sarah Flint shoes include details that make them cozy and durable, like leather that stretches with wear, molding itself to the shape of your foot for maximum support.
Additionally, everything from ballet flats to the Perfect Dress Bootie—a new ankle boot available in black or taupe suede that pairs well with fall dresses—features a wider toe box to prevent crunching, plus a proprietary rubber sole for added grip and ease, and anatomical arch support. Her pumps even feature six millimeters of padding to cushion the foot and a steel rod in the center of the heel to stabilize the shoe, making it less likely to snap under pressure. As for the designs, “I’m often inspired by my travels—the distinctive architecture, interiors, and colors of different destinations,” she says.
Captured at La Mirande on Feb 07, 2020 by Stacie Flinner Photography.
Stacie Flinner/Photo: Stacie Flinner Photography
Handcrafted in the Amalfi Coast with a lightweight, breathable full leather outsole and soft cotton ties that never cause friction, her gladiator-style Grear sandals are as practical and chic for exploring ruins in Athens as they are for biking to a black-sand beach in Santorini. Alternatively, the Perfect Emma Pump—designed with an inset block heel for height and length without the heaviness—would do well when shopping in Paris or out for a night on the town in New York.
As such, Flint recommends her shoes be among the first things you pack when preparing for a trip. “They are both stylish and comfortable,” she says. “You can easily wear them during a long day sightseeing and then go straight to a nice dinner. Each shoe also comes with its own dust bag, which really comes in handy when packing.” She adds, “When I’m on vacation, I’m usually walking for most of the day, so I need to be sure I have comfortable shoes. I want to feel really immersed in the location and take in all the sites—not worry about blisters or be distracted by aching feet. A certain pair of shoes can really make or break a day.”
So far, she’s brought her shoes everywhere from Italy to the British Isles. “I love visiting Italy to watch my designs come to life—and to eat copious amounts of pasta. I also have a soft spot for the UK, especially the English and Scottish countrysides in summer,” she says. When it’s safe to travel again, she’s planning on bringing them to Yorkshire. “I’m looking forward to finally getting married there in 2021!”
To get ideas for your own post-pandemic trip—and which Sarah Flint shoes to bring with you—take her quiz and get busy planning in style. Thanks to her direct-to-consumer model, which cuts out the middleman to avoid retail mark-ups, you can scoop up your favorite pair—and not think twice about splurging on a ticket to show them off somewhere fabulous.
