The further we move into winter, the lower my tolerance for discomfort drops. As such, from October until March, you’ll most likely find me in jeans, leggings, or soft, loose trousers and comfortable shoes. As content as I am in this enduring state of coziness, I sometimes concede that it’s nice to feel a little more put-together across the week or on special occasions. As such, I’ve been on the lookout for sleek, almost-flat shoes to revive my winter outfits without sacrificing the comfort I’m working to maintain.

Rochelle Humes wears pointed toe flats, black jeans, a taupe trench coat, and gold earrings.

Rising above the rest are the sleek pointed-toe, nearly-flat shoes I’ve seen on so many fashion people recently. Used to elevate their baggy jeans or comfortable leggings, these are exactly the kind of shoes I’m happy to put my money behind this season. Getting its sophisticated energy from its chic pointed-toe design, the simple trend employs a timeless silhouette void of excess frills and embellishments, making it a classic buy you can reach for season after season. Most commonly accompanied by a very low block heel, these shoes have the slight elevation needed to take the pressure off the heel of the foot.

Influencer wears pointed toe flats, black leggings, a brown blazer, and a black tote bag.

I already spotted these shoes on Rochelle Humes, who is always a good temperate check on the new trends set to ripple out across the season. I suspect it won’t be long until we see these shoes out en masse. They’re an alternative that’s proving just as sought after as loafers, but they do feel distinctly different, so there’s most likely a place in your footwear rotation for both. I’m nothing if not diplomatic.