A New Day Flats

Why This Target-Exclusive Brand Became My Go-To for Comfort, Style, and Affordability

As someone who’s been on an endless quest for the perfect flat shoe, I never expected to find my holy grail in the aisles of Target. But here I am, three years and twelve pairs later, completely smitten with A New Day flats. What started as a quick shopping trip for household essentials turned into a revelation that would change my entire approach to footwear.

I still remember that fateful Tuesday afternoon when I wandered into the women’s shoe section, killing time while my prescription was being filled at the pharmacy. My feet were screaming in protest from yet another day in supposedly “comfortable” designer flats that had cost me nearly $200. That’s when I spotted them – a pair of sleek black pointed-toe flats with a minimalist design that caught my eye immediately. At $19.99, I figured I had nothing to lose except twenty dollars and maybe some dignity if they fell apart within a week.

Three years later, that original pair is still going strong, and I’ve become what my friends lovingly call “the A New Day flat evangelist.” Today, I’m sharing everything I’ve learned about these surprisingly impressive shoes, from sizing quirks to styling secrets, because I believe everyone deserves to know about this hidden gem in the world of affordable footwear.

Discovering the A New Day Universe: Styles That Surprised Me

When I first encountered A New Day flats, I had modest expectations. After all, this is Target’s house brand we’re talking about – reliable, practical, but not necessarily exciting. How wrong I was. The variety of styles available completely blew me away, and I quickly realized that A New Day had managed to capture nearly every flat silhouette I could want.

The ballet flat collection forms the heart of their offerings, and it’s where I started my journey. These aren’t your grandmother’s ballet flats – they’ve been updated with contemporary touches that make them feel fresh and modern. The classic round-toe ballet flat comes in an impressive array of colors and materials, from basic black leather to seasonal metallics that add just the right amount of sparkle to any outfit.

But what really caught my attention were the pointed-toe options. As someone who’s always been drawn to the elongating effect of a pointed toe, I was thrilled to find multiple variations within the A New Day line. They offer everything from subtle points that work beautifully in professional settings to more dramatic angular shapes that make a statement. The pointed-toe flats have become my secret weapon for making my legs look longer and my outfits more polished.

The slip-on loafer style was another pleasant surprise. These have a slightly more structured feel than traditional ballet flats, with a defined heel counter and often featuring decorative elements like small buckles or subtle stitching details. They bridge the gap between casual and professional beautifully, making them perfect for those days when you need versatility above all else.

Recently, I’ve noticed they’ve expanded into d’orsay flats – those elegant shoes with the cutaway sides that show off your arch. These have quickly become my go-to for date nights and special occasions when I want something dressier than a basic ballet flat but don’t want to deal with heels.

The Great Target Hunt: Where to Find Your Perfect Pair

Here’s where things get interesting with A New Day flats. Since this is Target’s exclusive brand, you might think availability would be straightforward, but I’ve learned there’s actually some strategy involved in securing the best selection and prices.

Target stores are obviously the primary source, but I’ve discovered that not all Targets are created equal when it comes to A New Day flat selection. The larger format stores, particularly those in urban and suburban areas, tend to carry the most comprehensive selection. I’ve found that Super Target locations often have styles that smaller format stores don’t stock.

The Target website has become my preferred shopping method for A New Day flats, especially when I’m looking for specific colors or sizes. The online selection is typically more comprehensive than what you’ll find in any single store, and I love being able to read reviews from other customers before making a purchase. Plus, if you’re a Target Circle member (which is free), you often get early access to sales and exclusive online deals.

Target’s app deserves special mention because it’s become an essential tool in my A New Day flat hunting arsenal. The app allows you to check inventory at nearby stores, which is incredibly helpful when you’ve fallen in love with a particular style online but want to try it on before buying. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve used the app to locate the last pair of flats in my size at a store across town.

One thing I’ve learned is that seasonal timing matters significantly with A New Day flats. New styles typically arrive in late winter for spring, and again in late summer for fall. If you’re looking for the best selection, these transition periods are when you want to be paying attention. However, if you’re bargain hunting, the end-of-season clearance events can yield incredible deals on perfectly good styles that are simply being rotated out for newer designs.

The Sizing Saga: My Hard-Learned Lessons About Fit

Let me be completely honest about A New Day flats sizing – it’s been a journey of trial and error that’s taught me some valuable lessons. When I first started buying these flats, I made the mistake of assuming they would fit exactly like every other shoe in my closet. This led to some disappointing purchases and a few returns before I figured out the A New Day sizing personality.

In my experience, A New Day flats tend to run slightly large, particularly in the ballet flat styles. I typically wear a size 8.5 in most brands, but I’ve found that a size 8 works better for me in most A New Day styles. This seems to be consistent across different materials and styles within the brand, which suggests it’s an intentional design choice rather than inconsistent manufacturing.

The width situation is where things get a bit more complex. Most A New Day flats are designed with a medium width in mind, and I’ve noticed they tend to be fairly accommodating for people with slightly wider feet. However, if you have genuinely wide feet, you might find some styles a bit snug, particularly the pointed-toe options where the toe box naturally narrows.

Unfortunately, A New Day doesn’t currently offer wide width options, which is honestly my biggest complaint about the brand. As someone who occasionally needs a wide width depending on the style and material, this limitation has kept me from purchasing certain designs that I absolutely loved. I’m hoping this is something Target will address in the future, as it would make their flats accessible to an even broader range of customers.

Material affects fit significantly with A New Day flats. The synthetic leather styles tend to have less give than genuine leather options, so if you’re between sizes, I’d recommend sizing up in the synthetic materials. The fabric flats, which they offer seasonally, tend to be the most forgiving in terms of fit and often accommodate a range of foot shapes comfortably.

My advice? If you’re ordering online, take advantage of Target’s generous return policy to order two sizes if you’re uncertain. I’ve done this multiple times, and it’s saved me from missing out on styles that I ended up loving once I found the right size.

Material Matters: What Goes Into Making These Affordable Gems

One of the things that initially surprised me about A New Day flats was the variety of materials used in their construction. For a budget-friendly brand, they’ve managed to incorporate a diverse range of materials that serve different purposes and price points within their line.

Synthetic leather makes up the bulk of their offerings, and I have to say, the quality has impressed me consistently. The synthetic leather used in A New Day flats has a supple feel that doesn’t feel cheap or plastic-like, which was my initial concern when I first picked up a pair. It’s durable enough to withstand daily wear while maintaining its appearance, and it’s easy to clean – a major plus for someone like me who tends to be hard on shoes.

The genuine leather options represent the premium end of the A New Day flat spectrum, and they’re worth every extra penny. These typically retail for around $10-15 more than the synthetic versions, but the difference in quality and comfort is noticeable immediately. The genuine leather styles tend to mold to your feet better over time and generally have a more refined appearance that works beautifully in professional settings.

Fabric flats appear seasonally and have become some of my favorite warm-weather options. These are typically made from canvas, denim, or seasonal materials like espadrille-style jute. They’re incredibly lightweight and breathable, making them perfect for summer days when synthetic or leather materials might feel too heavy or warm.

What really impressed me was discovering that A New Day offers vegan leather options clearly labeled as such. As someone who’s become more conscious about ethical fashion choices, I appreciate that they’ve made an effort to provide alternatives for customers who prefer to avoid animal products. The vegan leather styles I’ve tried have been surprisingly durable and comfortable.

The construction quality across all materials has been consistently solid in my experience. The stitching is neat and secure, the soles are properly attached, and the overall finishing touches show attention to detail that you don’t always see at this price point. I’ve had pairs last well over a year with regular wear, which I consider excellent value for money.

The Price Point Sweet Spot: Understanding A New Day’s Value Proposition

Let’s talk numbers, because the cost of A New Day flats is arguably their biggest selling point. With regular prices ranging from $19.99 to $34.99, these flats occupy a sweet spot in the market that’s affordable enough for impulse purchases but substantial enough to feel like a real investment.

The basic ballet flats and slip-on styles typically retail for $19.99 to $24.99, which is remarkable considering the quality you’re getting. I’ve paid three times this amount for flats from department store brands that didn’t last as long or feel as comfortable. At this price point, I can afford to have multiple pairs in different colors, which means I always have the right flat for any outfit.

Premium materials and special details push prices into the $29.99 to $34.99 range. This includes genuine leather options, flats with decorative hardware, and limited-edition seasonal styles. Even at the top of their price range, A New Day flats cost less than what I used to spend on a single pair from other brands.

The sale frequency is another huge advantage of shopping A New Day flats. Target runs promotions on their house brands regularly, and I’ve learned to time my purchases around these sales. The most common deals I see are 20% off all A New Day items, which brings even the premium styles down to incredibly reasonable prices. End-of-season clearances can be even more dramatic, with prices sometimes dropping to $10-15 for styles being discontinued.

I’ve also noticed that Target Circle offers frequently include A New Day products. As a Circle member, I get personalized deals that often include percentages off or buy-one-get-one offers on shoes. These targeted promotions have allowed me to build my A New Day flat collection without breaking my budget.

Buy online, pickup in store has saved me money on shipping multiple times, and Target’s price matching policy means you can get the best deals even if you find them at a competing retailer – though honestly, given that A New Day is exclusive to Target, this is more relevant for comparing similar styles from other brands.

All-Day Comfort: The Real Test of Any Flat

Here’s where A New Day flats really shine – in the comfort department. As someone who’s on her feet for most of the workday, comfort isn’t just nice to have; it’s absolutely essential. I’ve been pleasantly surprised by how well these affordable flats have performed in real-world comfort scenarios.

The cushioned insoles in most A New Day flats provide more support than I expected at this price point. They’re not as luxurious as the memory foam insoles you might find in higher-end comfort brands, but they’re substantial enough to make a difference during long days. The padding is particularly noticeable in the heel and forefoot areas, where you need it most.

Arch support is admittedly minimal in most styles, which is fairly typical for ballet flats across all price ranges. However, I’ve found that the overall foot bed design in A New Day flats provides better stability than many comparable options. The slight contouring helps prevent your foot from sliding forward, which is a common problem with very flat shoes.

The toe box comfort varies by style, as you’d expect. The round-toe ballet flats are the most accommodating and comfortable for all-day wear, while the pointed-toe styles are better suited for shorter wearing periods or special occasions. I’ve learned to choose my A New Day flats based on my planned activities for the day.

Break-in periods are generally minimal with A New Day flats, which is a huge advantage. Most pairs feel comfortable right out of the box, though the genuine leather styles do improve with wear as they conform to your feet. I rarely experience blisters or hot spots with new pairs, which has unfortunately been common with other brands I’ve tried.

Sole cushioning has improved noticeably in newer A New Day flat styles. The latest designs feature slightly thicker soles with better shock absorption, making them more suitable for walking on hard surfaces like concrete and tile floors. This upgrade has made a significant difference in my comfort level throughout long workdays.

Professional Appeal: Making A New Day Flats Work-Appropriate

One of the questions I get asked most often about A New Day flats is whether they’re suitable for professional environments. Having worn them to everything from client meetings to industry conferences, I can confidently say that the right styles absolutely work in professional settings.

The pointed-toe options in black or brown leather are my go-to choices for the office. They have a polished appearance that pairs beautifully with dress pants, pencil skirts, and professional dresses. The clean lines and minimal detailing mean they don’t distract from the overall outfit while still adding a touch of sophistication.

Color selection plays a crucial role in professional appropriateness. While A New Day offers flats in fun colors and patterns, I stick to classic neutrals like black, brown, navy, and nude for work environments. These colors are versatile enough to work with multiple outfits and won’t raise any eyebrows in conservative professional settings.

The construction quality of A New Day flats holds up well to the scrutiny that comes with professional wear. The stitching is neat, the materials look intentional rather than cheap, and the overall finish is clean and polished. I’ve received compliments on my A New Day flats from colleagues who were surprised to learn they came from Target.

Comfort during long work days is where A New Day flats really prove their worth in professional settings. Unlike some dress shoes that look great but become torture devices by mid-afternoon, these flats maintain their comfort throughout extended wear periods. This means I can focus on my work rather than counting down the hours until I can change shoes.

Versatility for different professional environments is another strength. The same pair of black pointed-toe A New Day flats that works for a corporate office also transitions beautifully to business casual environments, client dinners, and networking events. This versatility makes them an excellent investment for professionals who need shoes that can adapt to various settings.

Style Comparisons: How A New Day Stacks Up Against the Competition

Having tried flats from brands across the price spectrum, I’m often asked how A New Day flats compare to other options in the market. It’s a fair question, especially since many people are skeptical about whether a Target house brand can really compete with established footwear companies.

Against other budget brands like Payless (when it was still around) or Walmart’s house brands, A New Day flats are clearly superior in both quality and style. The materials feel more substantial, the construction is more careful, and the design aesthetic is more contemporary and refined. At similar price points, I haven’t found anything that matches the overall value proposition of A New Day flats.

Compared to mid-range brands like Born, Naturalizer, or Clarks, A New Day flats hold their own surprisingly well. While they may not have the advanced comfort technologies or premium materials of these established brands, they offer 70-80% of the comfort and style at 30-40% of the price. For occasional wearers or budget-conscious shoppers, this represents excellent value.

Against designer or luxury brands like Tory Burch, Cole Haan, or Ferragamo, the comparison becomes more complex. Obviously, A New Day flats can’t match the premium materials, advanced construction techniques, or prestige factor of luxury brands. However, for basic black ballet flats or pointed-toe styles, the visual difference is often minimal, especially in professional settings where shoes aren’t the focal point of an outfit.

Comfort comparisons reveal interesting insights. While A New Day flats don’t have the advanced cushioning systems of brands like Vionic or the orthopedic features of brands like Dansko, they’re surprisingly comfortable for their price point. For people without specific foot issues, they often provide adequate comfort for daily wear.

Durability testing in my personal experience shows that A New Day flats last longer than you might expect for the price. I have pairs that have lasted over two years with regular wear, which compares favorably to mid-range brands and far exceeds what I’d expect from other budget options.

Durability Deep Dive: The Long-Term Performance Reality

Durability is where my relationship with A New Day flats has been most thoroughly tested. After three years and multiple pairs, I have a realistic understanding of what to expect in terms of longevity, and the results have been largely positive with some important caveats.

Sole wear is typically the first sign of aging in A New Day flats, which is pretty standard for shoes in this price range. The rubber soles are adequate for normal walking but will show wear if you do a lot of walking on rough surfaces like concrete sidewalks. However, I’ve found that they last significantly longer than I initially expected – my most-worn pair has been in regular rotation for over two years and is only now showing significant sole wear.

Upper material durability varies by the material chosen. The synthetic leather options have proven remarkably resilient, maintaining their appearance and structure well beyond what I anticipated. The genuine leather styles show normal aging patterns – they develop character and patina over time but remain structurally sound. Fabric options are naturally less durable but are typically positioned as seasonal styles anyway.

Construction integrity has been consistently impressive. I haven’t experienced any issues with seams coming apart, soles separating, or other structural failures that would make the shoes unwearable. The stitching has held up well even in pairs that I’ve worn heavily, and the overall build quality seems designed to withstand regular use.

Color retention is another area where A New Day flats have exceeded my expectations. The black pairs, in particular, have maintained their color well without fading or developing the grayish cast that some budget shoes develop over time. Even lighter colors like nude and tan have held their appearance better than I expected.

Weather resistance is admittedly limited, as these are not designed to be weather-proof shoes. However, they handle light rain and normal moisture better than many flats I’ve owned, and they clean up well after exposure to wet conditions.

The Color Palette: Exploring A New Day’s Seasonal Spectrum

The color variety in A New Day flats has been one of the most delightful aspects of collecting these shoes over the years. Target does an excellent job of balancing classic, versatile colors with trendy seasonal options that keep the line feeling fresh and current.

Core neutral colors form the foundation of any A New Day flat collection. Black, brown, nude, and navy are almost always available and represent the workhorses of the line. These colors are refined and versatile enough to work with virtually any outfit, making them essential for building a functional shoe wardrobe. I probably own three or four pairs in black alone because they’re so universally useful.

Seasonal color introductions are where A New Day flats really get exciting. Spring typically brings pastel options like soft pink, mint green, and lavender, while fall introduces richer tones like burgundy, forest green, and cognac brown. Summer often features bright, fun colors like coral, turquoise, and sunny yellow that can completely transform a simple outfit.

Metallic options appear regularly and have become some of my favorite statement pieces. The rose gold and silver ballet flats are perfect for adding a subtle sparkle to evening outfits, while the bronze and pewter options work beautifully with fall color palettes. The metallic finishes are well-executed and don’t look cheap or overly flashy.

Pattern and texture variations occasionally appear in limited runs. I’ve seen leopard print, snake print, and other animal patterns, as well as interesting textures like quilted or perforated leather. These special editions are fun for adding personality to basic outfits, though they tend to sell out quickly when they appear.

Color matching strategies I’ve developed over time help me get the most versatility from each pair. Nude flats in a shade close to my skin tone work like magic for elongating legs and creating a seamless look with dresses and skirts. Navy flats serve as an excellent alternative to black when I want something that feels a bit more relaxed but still professional.

Sustainable Style: A New Day’s Environmental Considerations

As I’ve become more conscious about the environmental impact of my fashion choices, I’ve paid closer attention to A New Day’s approach to sustainability. While the brand doesn’t position itself as primarily eco-focused, there are some positive developments worth noting.

Vegan leather options represent one clear step toward more sustainable practices. By offering alternatives to traditional leather, A New Day provides options for consumers who want to reduce their environmental footprint or avoid animal products. The vegan leather styles I’ve tried perform well and are clearly labeled, making it easy for conscious consumers to make informed choices.

Packaging improvements have been noticeable over the past couple of years. A New Day has reduced packaging waste by eliminating unnecessary plastic components and using more recyclable materials in their shoe boxes and protective materials. While there’s still room for improvement, the trend is moving in the right direction.

Durability as sustainability is an angle that doesn’t get discussed enough in fashion. Because A New Day flats last longer than you might expect for their price point, they potentially reduce the need for frequent replacements, which means less waste over time. My longest-lasting pair is approaching three years of regular wear, which is impressive for a $20 shoe.

Local manufacturing isn’t something A New Day emphasizes, and like most affordable fashion brands, production likely occurs overseas. However, the fact that these are sold exclusively at Target, which has extensive distribution networks, potentially reduces some transportation-related environmental impacts compared to brands that require separate shipping and distribution chains.

End-of-life considerations are worth thinking about. When A New Day flats do eventually wear out, the materials can typically be recycled or disposed of responsibly, particularly the all-synthetic versions that don’t contain mixed materials that are difficult to separate.

Styling Secrets: Maximizing Your A New Day Flat Wardrobe

Over the years, I’ve developed a system for styling A New Day flats that maximizes their versatility and helps me create polished looks across different occasions and seasons. The key is understanding which styles work best with different types of outfits and having a strategic approach to building your collection.

Professional styling starts with having at least one pair in black and one in brown or nude. These neutral colors work with virtually every professional outfit and provide the foundation for a work-appropriate shoe wardrobe. I pair black pointed-toe flats with black dress pants and skirts for a streamlined, elongating effect, while brown or nude flats work beautifully with lighter-colored clothing and create a softer, more approachable professional look.

Casual weekend styling is where you can have more fun with colors and patterns. I love pairing bright or metallic A New Day flats with simple weekend outfits like jeans and a sweater or a casual dress. The flats add a polished touch that elevates basic casual pieces without feeling overdressed for relaxed activities.

Dress and skirt combinations work particularly well with A New Day flats. Ballet flats create a classic, feminine silhouette with A-line dresses and skirts, while pointed-toe styles add sophistication to pencil skirts and sheath dresses. I’ve found that choosing flats in a color that either matches or complements the outfit creates the most polished look.

Seasonal styling strategies help keep outfits feeling current throughout the year. In spring, I pair pastel flats with light sweaters and cropped pants. Summer calls for bright colors with sundresses and shorts. Fall is perfect for rich, deep-toned flats with boots and cozy layers, while winter works well with darker neutrals that complement heavier fabrics and coats.

Proportional considerations matter when styling flats. Because flats don’t add height, they work best with clothing proportions that don’t overwhelm the foot. I avoid very wide-leg pants with flats, preferring straight-leg or slightly tapered styles that maintain a balanced silhouette from head to toe.

The Verdict: Why A New Day Flats Earned Their Place in My Closet

After three years of testing, wearing, and thoroughly evaluating A New Day flats, I can honestly say they’ve exceeded every expectation I had when I picked up that first pair on a whim. They’ve proven that affordable doesn’t have to mean sacrificing style, comfort, or quality – at least not to the extent that many of us assume.

Value for money is where A New Day flats truly excel. At $20-35 per pair, they deliver comfort and style that competes with shoes costing two or three times as much. For someone building a shoe wardrobe on a budget or looking for reliable everyday flats without a significant investment, these shoes represent exceptional value.

Versatility across occasions has made them indispensable in my daily life. I can wear the same pair of black pointed-toe A New Day flats to work meetings, dinner dates, and weekend errands without feeling inappropriately dressed for any of these occasions. This versatility reduces the need for multiple pairs of shoes and simplifies getting dressed.

Comfort for real life means I can focus on my activities rather than counting down the minutes until I can change shoes. While they may not have all the advanced comfort features of specialized comfort brands, they provide adequate support and cushioning for normal daily activities.

Style that doesn’t compromise ensures that choosing affordable shoes doesn’t mean sacrificing appearance. The clean lines, quality construction, and contemporary design aesthetic of A New Day flats mean they look intentional and polished rather than like obvious budget choices.

Accessibility and availability through Target’s extensive retail network and online presence make these shoes easy to find, try on, and purchase. The generous return policy reduces the risk of online purchases, and the frequent sales and promotions make building a collection affordable.

Looking ahead, I hope Target continues to expand and refine the A New Day flat collection. Adding wide width options would make these shoes accessible to more people, and continued improvements to comfort features would make them even more competitive with higher-priced alternatives.

For anyone still on the fence about trying A New Day flats, my advice is simple: pick up a pair in a neutral color and give them a try. At their price point, you’re risking very little for the potential of finding your new favorite everyday shoe. I’m confident that, like me, you’ll be pleasantly surprised by what this unassuming Target brand has to offer.

The fashion world loves to tell us that quality requires significant investment, but A New Day flats prove that sometimes the best solutions are hiding in plain sight, waiting for us to give them a chance. My closet – and my feet – are grateful that I did.