For the longest time, I could not seem to find a dressy pair of shoes to wear to the office that wouldn’t destroy the backs of my heels. From loafers to slingbacks to ballet flats, every pair of shoes I bought would slip or rub uncomfortably against my heels (or worse, cut them) and leave me with blisters, blood and major annoyance, no matter what I tried. So you can imagine how low my expectations were when I bought these Amazon Essentials ballet flats on sale a few months ago — but to my surprise, they became my favorite pair of flats to date.I actually managed to get these knit ballet flats on sale for a whopping $7(!), but even at the current price just over $21, I think these are still absurdly affordable and worth the buy. The flats are made with a knit upper, leather heel lining, faux leather insole and rubber outsole. The knit material is really what caught my eye: I was hoping that its softness would be comfortable against the backs of my feet, and I was luckily right.Slipping the shoes on, they almost feel like nothing — the upper contours around the curve of my ankle and doesn’t rub when I walk. They also stay in place without slipping on and off, another shoe problem I often have. My daily commute is about 20 minutes each way, all of which is walking on pretty flat ground, and I’ve done it there and back multiple times without any issues. They’ve also been great walking around the office, including up and down stairs. The insole is thin and not very supportive, but it honestly doesn’t feel much different from other ballet flats I’ve tried.I also like the look of them, particularly with the fun leopard print I chose. They absolutely appear more expensive than they are, and I’ve gotten compliments on wearing them, which feels great because they couldn’t be easier to slide on. The knit also gives the shoes some breathability, ideal for hot summer days.The flats come in a bunch of other colors and women’s sizes 5-15, including half sizes and wide sizes. Just note that on the product page, some of the colorways are knit and others are faux leather. I can only personally speak to the feel of the knit flats, but given the average 4.3 stars across more than 91,000 ratings, I would assume the other ones are similarly soft against the feet. In fact, one reviewer of the black faux leather style wrote, “These are the most comfortable ballet flats EVER! I was hesitant because almost all flats I get rub my heel or don’t have any cushion. Not the case with these.”Erica Kam/HuffPostMy knit flats in leopard print.Now, these shoes are not pretending to be something they aren’t. I have no delusions that they’ll last me forever, or that I could walk for long periods or on majorly uneven ground in them. This is true of almost all ballet flats, however, and I personally needed a casual-dressy office shoe more than I did a pair of walking shoes. My feet are also much more tolerable of a thin, flat sole than they are of blisters along the toe or heel. Your mileage may vary here.Regardless, for the price, and given my years-long search for flats that sit comfortably along the backs of my heels, I’m extremely happy with them and plan to one day buy them in multiple colors.I’m not alone, either; others are also snatching these up in twos or threes. One shopper said, “I’m obsessed with these flats and I need them in every color. They’re cute, comfier than slippers, and you can’t beat the price. They look great for work and play. I also think that the knit material allows for better airflow, resulting in less funk. All around win for me. After my first pair, I ordered an identical second pair plus two additional colors.” Another called the flats “true to size, they fit great, they are very attractive and go with any outfit. The price can’t be beaten for the quality of the shoes. I have them in several colors.”If you’re like me and have been fighting a battle against shoes you can dress up without destroying your feet, give these a chance. At just over $20, you don’t have much to lose, but these could make a major difference in your wardrobe — and your comfort.See some more promising reviews from shoppers who own these ballet flats: “I LOVE these flats! They are so comfortable. Not too tight or loose. I have a wide foot and they fit perfectly. The knit is breathable and my feet don’t get too hot. Perfect for casual or dress up. Perfect for work. I have several colors in this flat because I love them so much.” — A. Blair “I was pleasantly surprised by these flats. They are comfortable right out of the box with no break-in period needed. The cushioning provides good support for walking and standing throughout the day, and the fit is true to size. I love that they look polished enough for work but are also comfortable enough for everyday wear. The quality feels great for the price, and they pair well with both dress pants and jeans. If you’re looking for an affordable, versatile flat that doesn’t sacrifice comfort, these are a great option.” — mlowes “One of the most comfortable pairs of flats I have ever owned and so surprised because of the affordable price. Even when I got them dirty I was able to put them in the washer and they came out exactly the same. They didn’t get tighter and shrink or mess up the material. They were brand new. Hoping the other colors in my size become available.” — Veronica Martin “I bought two different colors of these shoes because I love them so much! Looks great for the office but as comfortable as slippers!!” — Amazon Customer Want comfortable flats with more arch support? Check out these options, curated from a list by the HuffPost Shopping team:VivaiaVivaia Margot square-toe v-cut flatsAvailable in several colors and patterns, these truly lightweight flats have a square toe, a V-cut upper silhouette and soft, flexible and subtly ribbed fabric made from recycled plastic bottles. Best of all, the springy insole and sturdy rubber outer sole make them great for long walks or days spent standing.HuffPost shopping writer Lourdes Avila Uribe owns a pair and said, "I wore my them on a nearly two-mile walk to the office this week and found that I had a bounce in my step the entire way, and I didn’t even need to break them in first. The arch support couldn’t be better, and my ankles felt secure and steady the entire journey without chafing or the creation of any blisters."Promising review: "I'm glad I finally tried this brand. I needed black flats that are comfortable with some arch support.These are perfect for my needs. I can wear them all day and walk distances. They have a squared off toe, which makes them more comfortable than the pointed shoes that I have. And they are lightweight and washable! I will buy this brand again." — LASNaturalizer Vivienne ballet flatAlong with built-in arch support, these flats have Naturalizer’s Contour+ technology, which means they have a cushy sole that’s anatomically sculpted to follow the natural contours of the foot. Get them in sizes 5-13 (but check to make sure your preferred style and color combo is available).Promising Amazon reviews: "I stand on my feet for majority of the day at work. At least 6 hours with some breaks in between. These are super comfortable and probably the best flats I have ever bought since they are supportive and soft at the same time. I have even removed the inserts to put in other pairs of my flats and this helps the comfort of my other shoes. I have these in multiple colors and they wear very well. They still look new after many wears!" – Leanne Butler"I am wary of flats as they can have little support and run either too wode or too narrow, resulting in blisters and sore feet, BUT these flats are truly comfortable after only an hour or two of breaking in around the house! Extra points for looking cute and not “orthopedic”. – Kindle1Skechers Cleo honeycomb flatSkechers is known for its comfortable shoes, and these seamless knit flats, available in sizes 5-11, are no exception. The soft and stretchy knit upper and air cooled memory foam insole are just added bonuses.Promising Amazon reviews: "I needed a pair of slip on quick flats that would go with summer dresses I have. I have expensive sandals and wedges but sometimes I just need to run to the store or mailbox quickly. I have always liked how Skechers fit my feet so I was confident these would fit fine. I was pleased immediately when I tried them on. They are certainly the most comfortable and supportive flats I've ever had." – Charlotte B"Love these shoes. Wanted a comfortable pair of shoes that I could get around in all day with excellent support. This shoe meets all of my needs and manages to look classy at the same time. Love them!" – Chipper