Sarah Flint Shoe Review: Summer Shoe Edit

I’ve been a fan of Sarah Flint shoes for years—beautifully made, thoughtfully designed, and built for comfort. I recently met Sarah at a Boston pop-up on Newbury Street, and she’s as smart, warm, and creatively driven as her work suggests. A local talent from Lincoln, Massachusetts, she studied at FIT in New York and did intensive ‘shoe’ training in Italy. She launched her line at age 25 (bold move)—and never looked back. Her mission is clear: make beautiful shoes that are actually comfortable. And I can relate: while we all love stylish flats and fun heels, who can take the pain or the blisters?

Before I dive into a Q&A with Sarah below—where we talk about my two favorite things, design and business—I wanted to share a few of my current favorite styles and give a true Sarah Flint shoe review, photographed right on the floors of my daily life. These are shoes that show up: site visits, client meetings, showroom days—stylish, walkable, and built for the kind of work I actually do. The best part, Sarah was generous enough to offer a discount code – SF-SCALES25 – for any shoe purchased on her site, note the $250 minimum for the code to activate.

Sandal Basics, Covered

First up, the Grear Sandal in White Vachetta. It’s a flat lace-up sandal handcrafted in Italy’s Amalfi Coast. The Grecian style lace-up feels right at home in my closet—anything Mediterranean-inspired is always welcome. The curled detailing is interesting but subtle. Photographed on unglazed terracotta herringbone tile—both simple, both classic.

Next, the Mirjana Sandal in camel vachetta (though it’s beautiful in white and gold too). It’s a breezy slide featuring an intricate, interwoven bow. Easy on, easy off; but it feels elevated—not just another basic flip flop. It pairs perfectly with a simple silk pants, making me feel put together even when the effort is minimal. The signature reverse bow adds just enough detail to make it special, never overwhelming. Another staple, photographed on a pastel-toned marble tile with a geometric pattern—soft pinks mixed with a range of white to grey.

Lastly, a little heel—little being the key word. The Perfect Block Sandal 30 gives my 5’5″ frame a subtle boost. Part of Sarah Flint’s ‘Perfect Collection’, this sandal is made for all-day wear, with a small block heel, built-in arch support, and adjustable ankle straps. And before you think this is just a bridal shoe, know that I pair it with ripped jeans and peasant blouses all the time—an easy outfit for drinks with friends or a date night. Photographed on Mediterranean-inspired hexagon tile in blues, greens, and neutrals.

These three staples have been added over the course of a few years—not all at once; I’m not casually tossing new shoes into my closet every season. Since they’re part of Sarah’s core collections, they’re available year after year—a true testament to the timelessness of her designs. Even better, I scored each pair on sale, which only makes me love them more. And if you’re sick of scrolling, here is the discount code again: SF-SCALES25.

Everyday Flats

We all live with the reality of dressing for work. For me, that means construction sites, showroom visits, client meetings, and lots of time in the car. My days can take me just about anywhere—not just an office. But even with that kind of schedule, it’s still possible to look good in a great pair of flats; here’s a collection of Flint’s flats that take me in and out of my car every day, as I meander my way through life as an interior designer in New England.

The newest addition to my closet: the Stella in cherry croc-embossed calfskin. It’s a slingback that slips on and off easily, but the leather is sturdy and the strap stays put. I love the V-shaped topline—sexy toe-cleavge is always a good idea; my most sophisticated flats, and the red really pops. Below foot, an oh-so-New York tile moment: 2×2 black and white, chosen to remind a client of her early days in NYC—a classic checkered pattern that nods to pre-war apartment style.

Next up, the Sacchetto Ballet Flats in petal nappa and patent leather, I love the mix of matte and shiny materials. The cap toe feels timeless and chic and abit ‘Chanel’, and the soft blush color is a nice change from the usual neutrals. I got these on a major sale—they may not be available anymore, but they’re a great example of Flint’s design sensibility. A playful white and grey geometric pattern is underfoot, featured in a kids’ bath we designed.

Lastly, the Natalie Sling in seafoam raffia. This colorway isn’t available in raffia anymore, but the Natalie Sling itself is part of Flint’s standard collection (and her favorite shoe). It’s a modern take on a ballet flat with a slingback strap, an asymmetrical bow. And each season, they offer a special material choice (like blue raffia)—something unexpected that sets the style apart. Underneath, a 3/4″ square marble mosaic

All together, these flats are comfortable, low-maintenance, and add just the right amount of “design” to even the simplest outfit. This Sarah Flint shoe review highlights the pairs I actually wear—because these days, I’m usually in jeans and a white tee, letting the shoes do all the work. If these exact versions aren’t available, you can almost always find them in updated colorways. Saving you the scroll: SF-SCALES25.

Perfect Emma Sling 50

I’m closing out this post with the best part—saving the best for last, as they say. In talking with Sarah, she shared an interesting peek into her business. I mentioned that some of my favorite shoes of hers are the really unique ones—the overly creative designs that don’t look like anything else on the market. But the reality is, most people need basics. Shoes that go with everything, that carry us from work, to dinner, to everything in between.

The more creative, statement shoes are often saved for special occasions. People aren’t buying those every season—we all have to be practical. So she’s focused much of her business on the everyday basics, like the ones I’ve listed above. And believe me, they’re worth it.

That said, she still indulges her creative side each season. Every collection includes one or two shoes that are truly different—made for fellow creatives with a thing for shoes, the kind you don’t see everywhere. This season, it’s an embroidered version of the Perfect Emma Sling 50.

Here’s why they’re amazing: first, the craftsmanship. I always appreciate hand-made embroidery done well. Second, the fabric selection—neutral linen ground is a true staple and just feels luxurious. And third, the versatility. Even with a covered toe, these feel right for spring and summer, and I would absolutely wear them through September and October in New England. They’re elegant with a simple jeans-and-button-down look, but special enough for a formal event. My splurge of the season, making the code (SF-SCALES25) all the more welcome.

Sarah Flint Shoe Review

Anything creative inspires me—whether it’s photography, travel, or even a beautifully designed pair of shoes. The big takeaway from this post: Invest in good shoes—great shoes. Ones that let you dress simpler, without overthinking it.

I’ll take ripped jeans, a simple tee, and a button-down any day, paired with a standout pair of shoes. I’m no stylist, but I can attest to the ease of not having to plan a full outfit. How many times have we all stressed trying to find the “perfect” thing to wear, even for the most mundane outings? Having the right shoes—designed well and actually comfortable—makes everything easier. And it makes investing in Sarah Flint’s shoes all the more worthwhile.

And now, a fun Q&A with Sarah—covering equal parts design and business:

Q&A with Sarah Flint

Q: How has growing up in New England shaped your aesthetic or approach to business?

A: Growing up in New England instilled in me an appreciation for timeless style, heritage, and quality. There’s a quiet elegance to New England—an emphasis on practicality, polish, and tradition—that has always stayed with me and naturally influenced the way I design. That sensibility is very much a part of the Sarah Flint brand: classic with thoughtful, subtle detailing.

Q: Do you design with a specific woman or lifestyle in mind? We’ve all read about having an ‘avatar’…

A: I don’t design for one woman—I design for many women who share a common value: they refuse to compromise on either style or comfort. She might be a mom on the school run, a CEO heading into the boardroom, or someone packing for a bucket-list trip to Italy. She wants shoes that work as hard as she does—and still make her feel beautiful.

Q: What’s one detail in your shoes most people don’t notice—but that you obsess over?

A: One detail I obsess over is the hidden anatomical arch support. It’s something you can’t see from the outside, but you absolutely feel. We work with Italian factories to engineer comfort features without compromising the silhouette—so our shoes feel just as luxurious on the inside as they look on the outside.

Q: How do you balance staying classic vs. staying current?

A: I always begin with a foundation of classicism—shapes, proportions, and materials that feel timeless—but then I update the details. It could be a slightly modern toe shape, a new colorway, or unexpected brogueing. I want our customers to feel like they’ve invested in something that will still feel relevant five or ten years from now.

Q: You started your company at 25—what gave you the confidence to take that leap?

A: I think the combination of passion, naïveté, and sheer grit gave me the push. I believed so deeply in the idea that women shouldn’t have to choose between beauty and comfort.

Q: What advice would you give to someone launching a creative business today?

A: Find your unique point of view and be relentless in protecting it. There are so many brands out there, but authenticity and consistency will set you apart. Also—surround yourself with people who believe in your vision and complement your skill set.

Q: What advice would you give to someone launching a creative business today?

A: Shifting from wholesale to direct-to-consumer early on was a major risk, especially at a time when department store exposure still carried weight. But it allowed us to own our customer relationship, better control the brand experience, and survive through the pandemic when retail shut down.

Q: How do you recharge creatively? You mentioned vintage shops in France and Europe.

A: Yes, I love hunting for vintage in Europe—Paris flea markets, tucked-away shops in Florence. I find so much inspiration in old-world details: embroidery, buttons, broguing, heel shapes. There’s a kind of storytelling in vintage fashion that I try to channel into my own designs.

Q: What’s one destination that always inspires your collections?

A: Italy will always have my heart. Not only do we produce our shoes there, but I’m endlessly inspired by its artistry, architecture, and landscape. Whether it’s the tiles in Capri or the leather markets in Florence, there’s beauty around every corner.

Q: What’s your go-to shoe for Spring Summer in Boston?

A: The Natalie flat is always a staple, but I especially love wearing a fresh ballet flat or our Grear sandal once the weather warms up. They’re elegant but easy—and perfect for everything from errands on Newbury Street to dinner on the Cape.

Q: Which of your shoes do you wear the most?

A: The Emma Pump and the Natalie Flat are my most-worn styles. The Emma is the ultimate workhorse heel—it’s polished, comfortable, and goes with everything. The Natalie is my everyday go-to.

Q: Heels, flats, or sneakers—what’s your day-to-day vibe?

A: Flats most days—especially when running between meetings or chasing after my kids—but I’ll pull out a heel when I want to feel especially polished or powerful.