Ballet Flats Don’t Follow Trends—They Endure Them
Ballet flats prove that quiet style still speaks volumes.
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Shoe trends come and go, but ballet flats are a wardrobe staple that will never go out of style. While the polished shoe was, admittedly, a mainstay of some questionable early-aughts attire (often paired with a cut-off skirt, cigarette jeans or any form of those business casual going out ensembles that, for some reason, absolutely dominated fashion), the right ballet flat transcends fashion fads. The balletcore trend, however, has resulted in a renewed appreciation for the humble ballet flat.
Today's ballet flats come in all shapes and sizes. The classic ballet flat is elegant and minimalist, but far from boring. While a traditional leather flat is an essential component of any capsule wardrobe, there are countless elevated and creative takes on the shoe, whether via an unexpected colorway, embellished detailing or unique fabric. Designers play with material and texture, resulting in an array of crochet ballet flats, ladylike Mary Janes, bedazzled mesh and so much more.
Ballet flats can be dressed up or down; you can wear a traditional black leather or perhaps a cream-colored or tan pair every day, and opt for a pair with sparkling crystals or a satiny finish for a more formal occasion. Ballet flats are an easy alternative to sandals in the summer, but they’re also a great transition season shoe, especially in the time inching towards fall, when you might want to stow away those open-toed shoes but aren’t quite ready to pull out the boots just yet, or at the start of spring, when it’s getting warmer but not within open-toe shoe time. Below, see the best ballet flats for every style preference.
The Best Ballet Flats for Women
- The Row Stella Slipper
- Mansur Gavriel Dance Ballerina Flats
- Rothy's The Max Square Mary Jane
- Loeffler Randall Leonie Chocolate Crochet Ballet Flat
- Chanel Lambskin & Patent Calfskin Black Ballerina Flat
- Larroudé Verona Ballet Flat In Black Suede And Black Shearling
- Le Monde Béryl Luna Slipper in Ecru Leather
- M. Gemi The Danza
- Margaux The Demi
- Sarah Flint Sacchetto Ballet Flat
- Vivaia Pointed-Toe Ballet Flats
- Everlane The Day Ballet Flat
- Manolo Blahnik Hangisi Flat
- Madewell The Greta Ballet Flat
- Chloe Marcie Patent Mary Jane Ballerina Flats
- Khaite Marcy Flats
- Miu Miu Satin Bow Ballet Flats
- Tory Burch Ballet Loafer
- Ferragamo Varina Leather Flat
- Prada Leopard Mary Jane Ballerina Flats
The Row Stella Slipper
The Row’s minimalist slip-on ballet flats are crafted in Italy from a smooth nappa leather, with an oval toe and center front seam, along with a flexible rubber-coated outsole. They already look just lived-in enough upon purchase, because it's not cheap to achieve that perfectly disheveled aesthetic.
Mansur Gavriel Dance Ballerina Flats
Add a subtle pop of color to your outfit with these oxblood red shoes, made of 100 percent Italian lambskin leather that molds to the foot for a super comfortable ballet flat. The updated silhouette now features a shorter toe area, creating a more streamlined look.
Rothy's The Max Square Mary Jane
These square-toe Mary Jane ballet flats have a secure and chic strap across the foot. The woven aesthetic adds unexpected texture, while the classic black color ensures you can wear these with pretty much anything. Rothy's is known for making some of the most comfortable shoes out there, and these ballet flats are no different. The shoes are outfitted with the brand's "Love Insole" for extra cushioning and wearability, with rubber sculpted outsoles for even more comfort and stability. Not only are they so easy to walk in without any break-in period, but they’re also made of recycled plastic water bottles, and they’re also machine-washable.
Loeffler Randall Leonie Chocolate Crochet Ballet Flat
A raffia ballet flat without any concern for a rogue toe or two peeking out of the crochet? Say no more. Loeffler Randall's chocolate brown Mary Jane shoes feature an elastic bridge strap, almond toe and a padded footbed, with a ladylike bow detail.
Chanel Lambskin & Patent Calfskin Black Ballerina Flat
No one does high-quality ballet flats quite like Chanel, and you simply cannot go wrong with any of the French fashion house’s iconic ballerina women’s shoes. Yes, they’re an investment, but you’ll wear these black ballet flats with a pristine patent leather toe forever.
Larroudé Verona Ballet Flat In Black Suede And Black Shearling
It might still feel like we're in the midst of the dog days of summer, but fall will be here before you know it. It's that time of year you can experiment with different materials and textures—take these classic Mary Jane ballet flats, which you can scoop up in a leather-and-shearling fabrication that screams cozy chic.
Le Monde Béryl Luna Slipper in Ecru Leather
Handcrafted in Italy from a soft, deconstructed lamb leather, these slipper-like flats feature a flat sole and cushioned lining, with subtle pointed vamps. They come in a rainbow of hues, but the white leather feels like the answer to all your transitional weather woes.
M. Gemi The Danza
If you want the look of a ballet flat but worry that the entirely flat sole won’t be the most supportive, consider M. Gemi’s square-toe Danza shoes, which have a hidden wedge so you don't have to sacrifice comfort for some extra height. They come in an array of hues, but the classic leg-lengthening nude leather goes with everything.
Margaux The Demi
Crafted from Italian leather, Margaux’s round-toe classic ballet flats are an immediate wardrobe staple. They come in a plethora of colorways, but if you want something a little different that you can still wear all the time, try the metallic silver—it's neutral, but still feels special.
Sarah Flint Sacchetto Ballet Flat
The mixed suede and patent leather textures give these sophisticated brown ballet flats an elevated edge.
Vivaia Pointed-Toe Ballet Flats
If you want a ballet flat in a color other than black or nude that’s still versatile and somewhat neutral, consider these comfy blue shoes, which have a subtly pointed toe and are up there with the most supportive ballet flats.
Everlane The Day Ballet Flat
Keep it simple with these pretty nude ballet flats, made with a thinner, soft leather that won’t feel too tight on your feet. These are giving true ballerina slipper vibes, but they're far more comfortable than pointe shoes, and even have a cushioned insole.
Manolo Blahnik Hangisi Flat
Swap out your usual uncomfortable heels for these sophisticated satin flats, with dazzling embellishments at the toe. After all, why shouldn't you wear jewels on your feet, too?
Madewell The Greta Ballet Flat
A plush suede is ideal for the change in seasons, and Madewell's mahogany-hued square-toe Mary Jane flats will have you anxiously counting down to the first crisp day of the year. Fitted with an elastic strap and the brand's MWL Cloudlift Lite padding, these offer plenty of cushioning so you can walk around in them all day long.
Chloe Marcie Patent Mary Jane Ballerina Flats
Chloe's T-strap ballet flats exude a retro vibe, but in a decidedly modern way. A round-toe, Mary Jane buckle-strap and flat heel finish out the shoe.
Khaite Marcy Flats
Who says you have to wear heels to be fancy? New York-born brand Khaite's crystal-studded, round-toe black mesh flats instantly spice up any ensemble, adding a sparkly note to your look—perfect for the holidays, or just elevating your everyday jeans and t-shirt outfit.
Miu Miu Satin Bow Ballet Flats
Miu Miu’s logo-emblazoned satin ballet flats have become a classic for a reason, especially for those that don't shy away from an obvious logo. These blush-toned satin shoes are perhaps the most reminiscent of actual ballet slippers, for a very pointe shoe-inspired look.
Tory Burch Ballet Loafer
If you want the polished preppiness of a loafer, combined with the softness of a ballet flat, look no further than these loafer-flat combo shoes, which have a low heel for a little extra height.
Ferragamo Varina Leather Flat
Ferragamo flats have stood the test of time—these preppy, bow-accented shoes are classics, like this pretty pair of nude patent leather ballet flats.
Prada Leopard Mary Jane Ballerina Flats
Step out of your comfort zone and look to something other than a solid-colored pair of ballet flats. A leopard print is a surprisingly neutral option.
