Sarah Flint

About Sarah Flint

Sarah Flint, Inc. operates as a direct-to-consumer luxury footwear brand, centered on the principle of providing style without sacrificing comfort. The company was established in 2013 by Sarah Flint, who also serves as the creative director and executive chairman. Her journey into footwear design was influenced by her grandmother, an artist in Paris, and a personal frustration with the lack of comfortable luxury shoes. Before launching her brand at the age of 25, Flint studied accessories design at the Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT) and patternmaking at Arsutoria in Milan, gaining technical expertise. She also interned at Proenza Schouler and Diane von Furstenberg.

The company’s business model shifted from wholesale to 100% direct-to-consumer (DTC) in 2017. This strategic pivot allowed the firm to offer its products at a lower price point, typically 40-50% below traditional retail, by eliminating the wholesale markup. Revenue is generated through sales on its e-commerce platform and at its physical retail locations. The brand has opened stores in cities like Nashville and Dallas. A key milestone was the massive surge in demand for the "Natalie" flat after Meghan Markle wore them in 2017, leading to a 25,000-person waitlist and a 200% growth in overall business in 2018. The company has successfully raised $47 million in funding from investors including Polaris Partners and Capstar Ventures.

Sarah Flint's product line includes a variety of shoe types such as pumps, flats, sandals, boots, and loafers, and has expanded to include accessories like scarves and belts. A primary feature of the footwear is the integration of comfort-focused elements, such as anatomical arch support, extra foot padding, and wider toe boxes. All shoes are handcrafted in family-owned Italian factories, many of which also produce for other top luxury names, ensuring high-quality materials and construction. The company emphasizes sustainability by using plastic-free packaging, water-based glues, and sourcing leathers from tanneries with strict environmental guidelines. To further engage its community, the brand launched "Sequel," a customer-to-customer resale marketplace for pre-loved Sarah Flint shoes.