The most coveted shoe styles of late are all a form of ballet flat, from mesh and Mary Jane styles to classic ballerinas. The best designer flats worth investing in transcend trends and seasons, despite their current popularity. Sure, flats are one of the most comfortable footwear defaults for busy days, including weekday commutes and whirlwind weekends. But luxury iterations from the likes of Miu Miu, Alaïa, Khaite, and more brands aren’t just ideal for convenience and practicality’s sake. They make a stylishly nonchalant statement, from rhinestone-studded and sheer designs to ultra-minimalist leather silhouettes and luxe satin.
Trending aesthetics from balletcore to coquette largely explain why flats feel especially fresh, whether they’re a near-literal interpretation of satin pointe shoes or intricately detailed types with whimsical touches. Then, there are those that align more with quiet luxury—timeless flats that will never go out of style—like sleek pointed-toe shapes and versatile leather icons from luxury houses like Chanel and Prada. You might say we’re in the golden era of flats, especially as more options for those seeking specialty fits—like silhouettes for wide feet—abound, making the relaxed look more irresistible than ever. Yes, even the most pared-back and minimal interpretations.
Whether you’re seeking a pair to transition from day to night or one to serve as the focal point of an outfit, scroll to shop the 15 best designer flats topping our lists now, from The Row, Givenchy, Valentino, and more brands.
Related article: The 24 Best Mary Janes To Wear This Season
Best Leather Designer Flats
Marcy Leather Ballerina Flats, $1,055, Khaite at Mytheresa
If you already have your hands on—er, feet in—Khaite’s mesh flats, invest in this leather pair next.
Sizes: 6–11
Materials: Leather
Best Slingback Designer Flats
GG Slingback Ballet Flat, $1,500, Gucci
Embrace the ’90s feel of these mesh and crystal slingback flats.
Sizes: 4–12
Materials: Mesh with crystals, suede trim, and leather soles
Best Satin Designer Flats
Satin Ballerinas, $1,470, Miu Miu
Get your luxury balletcore thrills in Miu Miu’s iconic satin flats.
Sizes: 4–12
Materials: Fabric upper, fabric and leather lining, leather sole
Best Square-toe Designer Flats
Eva Two Leather Ballet Flats, $1,409, The Row at Mytheresa
The square toe on these delectable brown ballerinas? Too good.
Sizes: 5–12
Materials: Leather
Best Embellished Designer Flats
Photo: Mytheresa
Crystal-Embellished Leather Ballet Flats, $1,325, Alaïa at Mytheresa
Alaïa’s flats are impossible to keep in stock, so better grab this new-season pair, detailed with crystal embellishments, fast.
Sizes: 5–12
Materials: Leather with crystals
Best Mesh Designer Flats
Mesh Mary Jane Ballerina Flats, US$503.61, Le Monde Beryl at Net-a-Porter
Le Monde Beryl is synonymous with minimal Mary Janes. Add to your collection with this au courant mesh pair.
Sizes: 6–11
Materials: Sheer mesh with calf leather trim
Best Ankle-strap Designer Flats
Rockstud Embellished Mesh Ballet Flats, $1,670, Valentino Garavani at Mytheresa
We can’t talk about designer flats without mentioning Valentino Rockstuds. This new-season ankle-strap pair is high on our list.
Sizes: 4–12
Materials: Leather and rubber
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Best Chanel Designer Flats, Chanel
Chanel Ballet Flats
No flat is more iconic than Chanel ballerinas. Ensure yours stand out this season by opting for this boldly saturated pair with ankle embellishments.
Materials: Lambskin, metal, and imitation pearls
Best Suede Designer Flats
Maysale Suede Ballet Flats, $1,015, Manolo Blahnik at Mytheresa
Lean into the stealth wealth aesthetic with Manolo Blahnik’s iconic buckle flats in sumptuous brown suede.
Sizes: 5–12
Materials: Suede and leather
Best Black Designer Flats
Photo: Ssense
Calfskin 4G Ballerina Flats, US$750, Givenchy at Ssense
A black flat that is anything but boring. Even better, you can channel your inner Black Swan in this modern, pointe-shoe-esque silhouette.
Sizes: 6–12
Materials: Leather
Best Velvet Designer Flats
Bow-Detail Velvet Ballet Flats, $629, Giambattista Valli at Mytheresa
The ultra-femme aesthetic continues into 2024, making this bow-adorned velvet pair of Mary Janes a must-have.
Sizes: 5–11
Materials: Velvet with rubber soles
Best Ballet Designer Flats
Photo: Prada
Nappa Leather Ballerinas, $1,520, Prada
A reliable, nude ballet flat is essential. What better default than this pair by Prada?
Sizes: 5–12
Materials: Leather
Best Elasticised Designer Flats
Photo: Farfetch
Logo Charm Ballerina Flats, $676, JW Anderson at Farfetch
Second-skin silhouettes like this elasticized design by JW Anderson are another major It shape. Let’s hear it for nostalgia.
Sizes: 5–10½
Materials: Leather with gold-tone hardware
Best Pointed-toe Designer Flats
Grommettine Bicolor Buckle Ballerina Flats, US$696, Roger Vivier at Net-a-Porter
Roger Vivier’s pointed-toe flat gives a sharp new meaning to denim days.
Sizes: 5–12
Materials: Denim and leather
Related article: The Best Designer Heels For Women Have Range
Best Metallic Designer Flats
Metallic Leather Ballet Flats, $1,250, Brunello Cucinelli at Mytheresa
These metallic square-toe flats bring the ’80s power. Style them with tailoring for polished impact.
Sizes: 5–11
Materials: Leather
This article originally appeared in Harper’s BAZAAR US.