The 18 Best Ballet Flats That Transcend Shoe Trends

I couldn’t help but feel validated when designers from Miu Miu to Tory Burch began reviving ballet flats through their runway collections. While I’ve worn my best ballet flats on a near-daily basis since the late 2010s, the greater trend cycle hasn’t always agreed with my footwear choices. (Even though my preferred pair is vintage Chanel.) For the past two years, however, fashion has come back around to what I’ve always known: The best ballet flats are an absolute staple.

Today’s reigning ballet flat isn’t just an homage to the history of dance, with leotard-pink leather and elastic straps. While a few designers have based their pairs off of pointe shoes—ribboned styles from Repetto and Miu Miu come to mind—others have taken the comfortable flats in edgier directions with crystal embellishments (Khaite) and netted exteriors (Alaïa). Then there are the minimal versions worn by modern style icons like Elsa Hosk: plain black leather with a little elastic strap and a curved toe, as chic with a linen summer dress as a pair of wide-leg jeans.

With so much versatility and variation, Bazaar senior fashion and accessories editor Jaclyn Alexandra Cohen said the best ballet flats always outlast fleeting shoe trends. "Ballet flats are both elegant and comfortable—they quite literally tie your look together with a bow," she told me.

Of course, not every pair will last through years, even decades, of outfits and cultural style shifts. Sarah Flint, the designer behind a namesake line of comfortable flats and heels, said fit and materials are the top two components of any ballet flat worth wearing through it all. Across designers, look for soles padded with memory foam and a toe box with plenty of wiggle room. As for materials, it can depend on the season: Transparent mesh and fishnet are suited to sweltering summer days, while heavier leathers and velvet are essential for fall.

Whichever specific version suits your personal style, know this: The 18 best ballet flats ahead aren’t going away anytime soon.

Related article: The 11 Best Comfortable Flats To Wear Instead Of Sneakers

Shop the Best Ballet Flats of 2023

BEST ALL AROUND BALLET FLAT

Mansur Gavriel Dream Ballerina

Start with an understated ballet flat that Cohen calls a capital-C classic. It's made with the same soft leather as Mansur Gavriel's signature handbags—meaning it takes fewer wears than the average flat to conform to your foot.

Cohen owns four pairs, and wears this black style the most often: "It's an effortless staple that looks chic with an oversized wide-leg trouser, monochromatic t-shirt, and a menswear inspired leather belt. It’s a uniform you cannot go wrong with," she says. Five-star reviewers agree that these flats are as comfortable as they are gorgeous.

Sizes: EU 35–42

Colours: Black, sand, dark navy, glitter, poppy, cherry, and more

What reviewers are saying: "I adore these flats! These molded to my feet immediately and are comfortable for all-day wear. I wear them with dresses, pants, work, weekends. Love them."

BEST SATIN BALLET FLATS

Loeffler Randall Leonie Ballet Flat

This pair has everything necessary for a timeless pair of ballet flats: rich, smooth satin, a comfortable elastic strap, and a demure bow detail. It's elegant in its simplicity—and it goes with absolutely everything.

Sizes: 5–12

Colours: Terracotta, black, white, blue, butter, and more

What reviewers are saying: "They’re butter soft, so adorable, and so comfortable. My coworker got the same ones after she saw mine." (Note: Review collected from Nordstrom.)

BEST FORMAL BALLET FLAT

Chanel Ballet Flats

A true ballet flat connoisseur may have Chanel's cap-toe ballet flats in her closet already (or at least have them on her wish list). Allow us to upgrade that collection, real or imagined, with the house's latest tweed ballet flats. The subtle shimmer details transform this pair from a classic flat to wearable art. Stick to ankle-skimming pants or midi skirts to let these really shine.

Sizes: Available upon request

Colours: Navy tweed, printed denim, check tweed

BEST POINTED-TOE BALLET FLATS

Sarah Flint Natalie Flat

Flint calls the Natalie pointed-toe flat her all-time favorite. "They strike just the right balance between casual and polished," she tells us. "I love how the Natalie’s pointed toe adds a streamlined element to any outfit, and creates a sophisticated yet effortless look." Reviewers love the way these flats look just as much—and even suggest ordering them in more than one color.

Sizes: US 4–13

Colours: Black, brown, white, gunmetal lamé, and more

What reviewers are saying: "I am definitely a Natalie and purchased my fourth pair recently. Not only are they comfortable, they are effortlessly elegant and enhance my sartorial choices, just like all Sarah Flint shoes!"

BEST AFFORDABLE BALLET FLATS

Everlane The Day Ballet Flat

Everlane's ballet flats, made from recycled leather, have all the quality you want from a luxury pair in an under-$150 package. Features that have convinced other shoppers to buy multiple pairs include the cushioned insole and sleek square toe.

Sizes: 5–11

Colours: Pale pink, black, canvas, snake

What reviewers are saying: "I love these shoes! No break-in period – I got them before a trip to Italy and ended up wearing them every day. The color is beautiful. Get so many compliments on these."

BEST PATENT LEATHER BALLET FLAT

Repetto Cendrillon Ballerinas

Don't go anywhere else for your Parisian ballerina flats. Repetto's pair in striking red patent leather is the only option: The style was originally designed for Brigitte Bardot. As for how to wear it, Cohen suggests pairing this shoe with cool vintage jeans and a Brenton stripe long-sleeved t-shirt.

If you'd rather try a pair that's more aligned with a mirrored dance studio than a brisk walk along the streets of Paris, Repetto recently released ballet flats with ribbon laces. Elsa Hosk owns them in pink.

Sizes: US 3–11

Colours: Red, black, white, brown, pink, and more

BEST RUNWAY BALLET FLATS

Miu Miu Satin Ballerinas

The same label that debuted fashion's favorite micro mini skirt is also home to some of the best runway-approved ballet flats. Miu Miu's catwalk interpretation of the style includes premium leather or satin, a rounded toe, and a logo-printed strap to show your designer loyalty. Take the collection's styling cues and wear them with slouchy socks and academic tailoring. (That's exactly how I wear mine, to the tune of endless compliments.)

Sizes: EU 5.5–10.5

Colours: Black, white, cocoa, orchid satin; black, pink leather

MOST COMFORTABLE BALLET FLATS

Margaux The Demi Flat

The wisdom of the crowd will lead you directly to Margaux's ballet flat and hundreds of reviewers singing its praises. This ballet flat, available in 15 different colors and fabrications, is worth ordering twice. It's soft and unstructured, with a padded sole and blister-proof lining.

Sizes: US 3–14; Medium, wide, and narrow widths

Colours: Cerulean, black, gold, silver, dove, and more

What reviewers are saying: "I was so surprised when the shoes actually fit!! They were narrow and oh joy, they did not fall off my feet. I love the beautiful leather and the comfort of these shoes."

BEST GOING-OUT BALLET FLATS

Khaite Marcy Crystal-Embellished Mesh Flats

The days when party dressing required sky-high heels are over. Still, you can have a little fun with your comfortable flats. This mesh pair from Khaite has low-to-the-ground soles and a precisely placed upper that feel good for hours—plus all-over crystal embellishments to set the party mood. Go on, stay out all night in this pair.

Sizes: 6–11

Colours: Black, cream

BEST BALLET FLATS ON AMAZON

See by Chloé Jane Point Ballet Flats

After sifting through many, many ballet flats on Amazon, I came across this highly-rated pair from See by Chloé. The ruching and scalloped edges, along with the neutral leather, will look excellent with a patterned fall maxi dress.

Sizes: 5–11

Colours: Biscotto, black

What reviewers are saying: "Five stars."

BEST TWO-TONE BALLET FLATS

Tory Burch Runway Ballet

If you want to lean all the way into ballet studio influences, but still have a runway-approved look, Cohen suggests this charming Tory Burch pair. The cap-toe and delicate strap will look so graceful under an A-line skirt or a voluminous mini dress.

Sizes: 4–13

Colour: Red

What reviewers are saying: "Not only are these ballet slippers fabulously comfortable, there are the first new look in the popular flat in many years. Putting the toe shoe toe on slippers you and I can wear was sheer genius. It is a totally new look that is so welcome in the boring world of ballet flats that look the same every year."

BEST METALLIC BALLET FLATS

Jimmy Choo Elme Flat

Jimmy Choo gets the first and last word in statement ballet flats for fall. This gold standard pair comes in a shiny metallic leather with delicate pearl and crystal embellishments on the ties. They can function as a shimmery alternative to a neutral-hued flat with jeans and a blazer, or function as a true statement shoe with a great fall dress.

Sizes: 34–43

Colours: Gold, black, white

BEST MESH BALLET FLATS

Dear Frances Balla Mesh

Dear Frances had designed a transparent mesh ballet flat before the style became the footwear trend du jour. As the general look has become more popular, insiders continue coming back to Dear Frances' pairs for their lightly cushioned soles and gently curved toe box.

Sizes: EU 35–42

Colours: Black, white

What reviewers are saying: "The Balla Flats are not only super chic and go with everything, they are also super comfortable! The cushioned sole makes you feel like walking in clouds! However, If you have wider feet, I would recommend to size up! For my normal feet the fit is perfect!"

BEST KNIFE BALLET FLATS

Saint Laurent Silvana Slingback Ballet Flats

These Saint Laurent flats mean business, from the pointed toe box to the '80s chain embellishment. While they're sharp enough for big meetings and important deadlines, they're still comfortable enough to wear on your commute with the easy slingback strap and padded insole.

Sizes: 5–11

Colour: Black

BEST WOVEN BALLET FLATS

Alaïa Ballerinas in Fishnet

From Jennifer Lawrence to Sofia Richie Grainge, dozens of fashion insiders have spent summer 2023 in these black fishnet flats. While the open-toe design has a distinctly summer vibe, the addition of a silver buckle ensures these shoes can stay in rotation through the start of fall. Keep tabs on this link—while the flats are sold out now, they may go back into stock soon. (Or, a luxury sourcer can conjure up a pair for you.)

Sizes: 5–11

Colour: Black

BEST CULT FAVORITE BALLET FLATS

Maison Margiela Tabi Ballerina Shoes

From boots to heels to, now, ballet flats, Maison Margiela's Tabi line is a favorite for in-the-know fashion obsessives. The silhouette references shoes and socks characteristic of 15th-century Japanese workers. Prepare for the uninitiated to ask if they're comfortable; you'll say, "Yes."

Sizes: US 5–11

Colours: Pink satin, black leather, white leather, and more

BEST HYBRID BALLET FLATS

Larroudé Blair Flat Mule

From underneath a summer maxi skirt or fall wide-leg denim, these flats will look just like a classic patent pair of Mary Janes. You'll know that they're actually mule with a comfortable padded insole and a slip-on design that will never, ever hurt your heels to wear.

Sizes: 5–11

Colours: Black, raffia, tan

BEST SKIN-TONE BALLET FLATS

Rebecca Allen The Skim Flat

Rebecca Allen's "Skim" silhouette has all the hallmarks of the best ballet flats, including a cushioned memory foam sole and a breathable lining. The range of hues available sets these pointy-toe ballerinas apart from other styles, with nudes calibrated to match all sorts of skin tones equally.

Sizes: US 6–11

Colours: Black, Nude I–Nude IV

What reviewers are saying: "Can’t express how much I love these shoes! I need another pair in black that’s how much I wear them! Super comfy and stylish."

Are ballet flats in for 2023?

While we never want to call an item "in" or "out"—style is eternal! And subjective!—ballet flats are certainly returning in a big way this year. Classic, bow-topped styles are still dominating at several footwear brands, while designers including Miu Miu and Tory Burch are offering playful updates to pointe shoes with square-toe, ribbon-adorned ballet flats. Here's one way ballet flats appeared in New York Fashion Week street style in a recent season—and definitely didn't look out of place.

How should I style ballet flats?

The ways to style ballet flats are almost endless. Ballet flats have a naturally romantic look, so they're tempered perfectly to flowy dresses and simple jeans-and-a-tee outfits alike. For something edgier, copy this Copenhagen Fashion Week showgoer by contrasting the shoe's sweetness with slinky knit cutouts and a leather trenchcoat.

This article originally appeared in Harper's BAZAAR US.