It is no surprise that classic ballet flats have been around for nearly 70 years. The style was inadvertently created by iconic actress and pioneer of French style Brigitte Bardot, who requested a pair of shoes as "lightweight and flexible as true ballet slippers" from designer Rose Repetto back in 1956, according to Repetto's former CEO Jean-Marc Gaucher. Today, the style remains as enduring as ever. It offers a sense of ease and comfort that other trending shoes may not be able to provide. (I'm looking at you, sculptural heels!)
Despite being considered a classic to many, the shoe style goes through its own trend iterations just like every clothing item. Brands like Miu Miu and Alaïa have released their own takes on the style, the former sticking with the satin roots of ballet and the latter going in a more statement-making direction by using cutouts and embellishments. Whether you're interested in trend-forward styles or would rather stick to the classics, there's a pair of ballet flats for everyone. Even our most heel-obsessed editor finally gave in and purchased the Miu Miu version.
I took it upon myself to source the best ballet flats on the market right now. These styles hail from legacy brands like Miu Miu and Chanel as well as affordable retailers like Zara and J.Crew. No matter your preferred price point, these picks are stylish enough to wear for years to come.
Top Ballet Flats
- Best Flats Overall: J.Crew Andi Flats ($160)
- Best Designer Flats: Miu Miu Ballet Slipper Flats ($950)
- Best Affordable Flats: Zara Patent Effect Ballet Flats ($50)
- Best Mary Jane Ballet Flats: Vibi Venezia Timeless Velvet Mary Janes ($165)
1. J.Crew Quinn Flats
J.Crew gets a lot of attention for its polished tops and prep-adjacent trends, but I think its shoe selection is highly underrated. Although a small selection, it is mighty. I own the Andi ballet flats in two colorways (red and gold) and have raved about them to everyone I know. They fit snugly at first, but with enough wear, they stretch and really mold to your feet. Many J.Crew customers clearly agree, with five-star ratings filling up the pages of reviews. I walked (and biked!) all around Copenhagen with them and would gladly do it again. I usually opt for sneakers on vacation but am happy knowing I can trust these flats when I want to switch things up.
Best Ballet Flats Overall
Size range: 5-12
Colorways: 4
Material: Suede
2. Le Monde Beryl Stella Mary Jane Flats
While ballet flats themselves aren't new, Miu Miu deserves credit for rekindling the trend with its satin ballet slippers last fall. The brand has also introduced leather versions, reminiscent of its 2016 collection.
Size range: 35-42
Colorways: 3
Material: Leather
3. Margaux Demi Ballet Flats
The Demi Flats shot online shoe brand Margaux up to fame. It's an archetypal ballet-flat style, and two of our editors were quick to share their rave reviews on the shoes. "I've been a strict heel person for years, even wearing kitten-heel styles during the pandemic, so when the ballet-flat trend surfaced (thanks, Miu Miu), I admittedly wasn't all that interested for myself," said editor Eliza Huber of the style. These, however, quickly changed her mind. "It wasn't until I needed a pair of shoes that worked with some slightly too-short (and therefore calling for a pair of flats) trousers that my mind began to shift about them. Specifically, I brought out a pair of brown suede Margaux flats that I'd gotten about a year before that. I wore them that one time and genuinely have barely taken them off since. They're definitely my most-worn shoes of the summer, with something like 500,000 steps of use and by far the most comfortable dressed-up footwear option in my collection," she explained.
Senior market editor Judith Jones also became a big fan of the shoes after she bought them at a suggestion from Harling Ross. "I'm still shocked at just how beautiful the quality is. Not to mention they're super comfortable and ultra versatile. I own a tan pair but can't wait to get more in different colors," she said.
Best Classic Ballet Flats
Size range: 3.5-14
Colorways: 12
Material: Italian leather
4. Sam Edelman Kassi Flats
"I'm not usually a big fan of ballet flats, but I decided to try on Sam Edelman's Kassey flats, mainly because, unlike traditional ballet flats, they have a heel, which I need given my five-foot stature. Anyway, I'm glad I found them—these are some of the most comfortable shoes I own, even more so than some sneakers. They look chic with their modern square-toe shape and sleek silhouette, but it's really the supple leather that sets them apart. The buttery-soft material gently supports my feet, offering flexibility and ease of movement. I wore them for over 10,000 steps in a single day and could have easily done 10,000 more without any blisters or discomfort." — Nikki Chwatt, associate fashion editor
Size range: 5-12
Colorways: 6
Material: Leather
5. Vibi Venezia Mary Jane Ballerina Flats
“These are the most comfortable flats I’ve ever worn. The soles are soft and the shoe is so lightweight. I find that the velvet style adds a really nice texture to any outfit, so naturally I need every color now. — Lauren Eggertsen, editorial director
Best Ballet Flats with Hardware
Size range: 5-11
Colorways: 2
Material: Faux leather
When I first spotted these flats on my TikTok feed, I was intrigued by the slipper-like silhouette. Our associate director of fashion news, Erin Fitzpatrick, was quick to share her love for the shoes when she found out I was writing this story. "I absolutely love these comfortable flats. The fabric of my pair is super-soft terry cloth, and the shoes feel like walking on a cloud. I was able to wear these for an entire day right out of the box—no breaking in necessary and definitely no blisters," she raved.
Best Velvet Ballet Flats
Size range: 5-12
Colorways: 1
Material: Velvet
6. Loeffler Randall Leonie Ballet Flats
Made from Italian leather, Loeffler Randall's ballet flats remind me of the luxury-label options at a fraction of the price. Based on reviews, it's been recommended by customers with wide feet to go up half a size, and those with narrow feet should stick to their regular size. One Nordstrom reviewer called them "buttery soft, adorable, and so comfortable."
Best Lightweight Ballet Flats
Size range: 5-12
Colorways: 3
Material: Leather
7. Steve Madden Leni Flats
Although they come at a hefty price point, The Row's ballet flats don't have a single bad review (that I can find, at least). They feature a barely there sole and buttery-soft leather and come in a few muted shades. According to The Row expert Neelam Ahooja, they fit true to size. They are more delicate than the others in this roundup, so they shouldn't be the ones you reach for when you'll be walking miles.
Best Luxury Ballet Flats
Size range: 5-12
Colorways: 12
Material: Suede, leather, pony hair
8. Dear Frances Balla Mesh Flats
If your social media algorithm is in tune with mine, you might have been seeing these mesh ballet flats all over your feed recently. (The toes are out this summer!) Based on reviews, many customers did have some issues with sizing, with many suggesting that they run big, and those with wider feet have a better fit when going a size up. However, after finding the perfect size, they had nothing but glowing reviews. One reviewer posted on the brand's site, "I was afraid the edging of these would dig into my heels. Nope. I was afraid the soles would be too thin and hurt my legs walking around on concrete. Nope. These are comfortable and sexy. I generally would never buy shoes blind off the internet, and I did need to exchange them for a half-size smaller, but these shoes are amazing. So happy I bought them, and I have no remorse at all."
Best Mesh Ballet Flats
Size range: 6-12
Colorways: 5
Material: Mesh
9. Quince Italian Leather Handwoven Square Toe Ballet Flats
Designer-looking woven flats made out of Italian leather for under $100? Of course, I had to get my hands on them. They are super soft, comfortable, and elevate any look. I'm now considering getting them in the camel color as well. — Jenn Camp Forbes, senior shopping editor
Size range: 5-10
Colorways: 3
Material: Woven leather
What should I look for in ballet flats?
When choosing the best ballet flats, here’s what to consider:
- Material: The material of your ballet flats plays a key role in their durability and comfort. Opt for soft, luxurious, and long-lasting materials like leather and suede to ensure your flats stand the test of time.
- Price: Before shopping, set a budget to help streamline your choices and save time. Great options can be found for under $50, though they may not offer the same durability or comfort in the long run. Designer flats, typically priced at $150 and up, often feature superior materials, exceptional comfort, and lasting style, but the higher cost may not always be worth it for every shopper.
What's the best way to style ballet flats?
Ballet flats are among the most versatile shoes, effortlessly complementing any outfit and fitting nearly any occasion. Whether you're enjoying brunch with friends in a casual denim ensemble or heading to the office in trousers and a blazer, ballet flats are the perfect finishing touch for every look.