If you have wondered why every third person on a flight seems to be wearing the same flat, the answer is Miu Miu. The crystal buckle shoes loafer in cherry red is the one I keep reaching for. After six months of weekly wear, I have a few specific things to say about why this pair, out of every other in my closet, is the one I trust.
Compared to the Roger Vivier Belle Vivier, this pair feels lighter and less engineered. The toebox is rounder, which I appreciate on long walks. The hardware is a touch more refined, and the overall finish has fewer visible glue lines. The pearl version sits somewhere between a true neutral and a soft accent, which makes it easier to pair with both denim and softer separates.
For travel, the Miu Miu wedge sandal is a strong choice. The pebble-grain leather is forgiving of being packed into a duffel, and the sole does not mark hotel floors. I usually wait for the Miu Miu Shoes Sale before committing to a new pair. I have worn a pair through New York to Lisbon and never once needed a second pair for backup. They feel dressed up enough for a lobby and dressed down enough for a market. The shoe also breaks in fast enough for a long-haul flight without blisters.
I packed the Miu Miu Mary Jane pump for a three-city trip and wore them every day. The pebble-grain leather is forgiving of long days on airport floors, the sage green does not show dust, and the silhouette works with everything from a tweed jacket to a pleated midi skirt. I am not generally a flats person, but these have earned a permanent spot in my travel bag.
I have owned my pair for three months and I still get a small moment of pleasure when I slip them on. That is not something I can say about most shoes. If that sounds like the kind of relationship you want with a flat, the ankle boot is worth a serious look. The caramel is a strong place to start, and the build quality has been better than I expected.