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Nov 06, 2024

17 Best Ballet Flats, According to Fashion Editors 2024 | Glamour

All products are independently selected by our editors. If you buy something, we may earn an affiliate commission. Make no mistake: While they’re trendy in 2024, the best ballet flats are as much

All products are independently selected by our editors. If you buy something, we may earn an affiliate commission.

Make no mistake: While they’re trendy in 2024, the best ballet flats are as much timeless capsule wardrobe essentials as your favorite white sneakers. They’re endlessly versatile and add polish to every outfit—autumnal dresses and jeans very much included. We’ll be the first to admit that certain pairs leave plenty to be desired, though, which is why we turned to our editors and style experts to recommend the ones they've walked miles in.

Any pair of ballet flats can be styled well for work and beyond, but we’re noticing a few major shoe trends right now. Red ballet flats are everywhere, and Madewell and Matisse have you covered with cherry-red picks that look great with faded denim. And thanks to labels like Alaïa, Miu Miu, and The Row, Mary Jane flats are popular for fall and winter; you can find the look everywhere from Amazon to Reformation. And while colder temps may have us retiring our mesh flats, tried-and-true leather options in glove silhouettes are everywhere and on point.

Ready to add some classic elegance to your shoe rotation? These are the most comfortable ballet flats to wear right now, according to Glamour editors and reviewers.

How to style ballet flats

The best part about ballet flats is that they work well with both dresses or skirts, but they also pair perfectly with any type of denim. Wear them with skinny jeans, a la Audrey Hepburn, or trendy wide-leg jeans for any edgier vibe.

How to pick the right ballet flats

If you’re shopping with a specific season in mind, consider the materials: A suede or leather style is great for fall and winter, whereas in spring and summer, you’ll likely want to reach for something more breathable (like mesh or raffia) that won’t give your heels blisters. If you’re flat-footed or need additional arch support, look for a pair with cushioned insoles and elastic or adjustable Mary Jane straps. And if you have narrow or wide feet, your best bet is a pair of shoes in extended widths or half sizes.

Are ballet flats in style in 2024?

Ballet flats are absolutely in style this year, and while every color and material has its place, we’ve noticed a huge rise in red ballet flats—often in leather or mesh—to add a pop of color to otherwise neutral palettes. (Dakota Johnson did it best.) Silver and other metallic finishes are also popular, thanks to the popularity of Simone Rocha’s shiny flats.

Mary Jane options are also super-popular right now, as are picks at both ends of the “look at me” spectrum; on the one hand, Ganni’s decked-out buckle flats (plus their many dupes) are everywhere, meaning that multiple straps and grommet details are extra-hot. On the other, minimalist glove flats are fashion-insider faves. The takeaway? Pick any pair that speaks to you, and style them intuitively.

Everlane

This everyday flat is a favorite of Glamour’s commerce director Brie Schwartz because they’re extremely comfortable and minimalist, yet still stylish. “I’ve been wearing ballet flats consistently for over 20 years so it’s no exaggeration when I say I’ve tried dozens of pairs, and these flats from Everlane are amongst the most comfortable,” she says. While Schwartz typically prefers a round toe to the square, she thinks these feel a bit more fashion. “There’s absolutely no break in period, which is often the trouble with ballet flats that almost always rub at the back of the heel, but I’ve never blistered with these. The toe box is also super soft and supple (with a few other pairs on this list, I’ve found the harder toe box painful) and I’ve walked miles in them in NYC without any pain.”

Steve Madden

Kilkeary is also a fan of this slingback lacy ballet slipper. “The trendy pointy toe is more comfortable than it appears and it looks elegant on the foot. I love wearing them with flared jeans because the lace tips look so cute popping out at the bottom.”aaa

J.Crew

Prefer a traditional rounded-toe style that’ll last you through many trend cycles to come? These leather flats come in two simple shades (black and blush) and feature a classic bow, a slightly raised vamp, and full toe coverage. “These are among the most comfortable shoes I own, which has made them a total go-to,” says Elizabeth Siegel, the deputy beauty director at Allure. Dress them up for special occasions with a midi or down for everyday wear with jeans; either way, reviewers say they are not a want but a need.

Madewell

Madewell’s ever-popular slip-on ballerinas score major points in the style department—look at that perfect tomato red finish that’s just the right stylish touch for 2024. But they’re also comfortable enough to be all-day ballet flats, according to Glamour commerce editor Malia Griggs, who opted for a red pair like so many celebrities have in recent months. (Rhinestones are also available, should you want to go even more party-ready.) Add sustainably sourced leather and an elastic strap, and you get the shoe of the moment. “I love these shoes. They are surprisingly comfortable! They don’t rub my ankles or the top of my foot,” one Madewell reviewer says. “The sole has a good amount of softness to it and the leather is soft. I found them to run a little large. Since I do not have a very wide foot, I sized down half a size and they are perfect.”

Mansur Gavriel

Mansur Gavriel is the leather-focused brand behind some of our favorite tote bags and designer handbags, and it’s been cosigned by stylish celebs like Katie Holmes and Gigi Hadid who wears this. So yes, it makes a mean pair of ballerina flats. Available in tons of hues, from soft rose to vibrant red, this high-quality leather pair is a dependable pick you’ll keep turning to for countless ’fits to come. “They’re ultracomfortable and flexible, and while I typically opt for ballerinas with a little less coverage, there’s something chic about this trendier glove silhouette” says Brie Schwartz, commerce director at Glamour. “I’ve gone through many other pairs in the past 20 years, and I’m particular about the toe area being extra soft, or else they end up hurting my narrow feet. But these, as the name implies, are a total dream, and the only ones that didn't have any kind of break in period–no ankle blisters. I've also had mine for about a year, and the toe is only now starting to look a tad weathered, which is impressive for something so low to the ground that I walk in for miles."

Walmart

Amazon

We’ve been seeing mesh ballet flats everywhere—the Condé Nast offices, SoHo shops, backyard barbecues, you name it—and the trend is showing no signs of slowing down. This under-$75 pair is a great way to buy in without doing in your budget. “These are my first ballet flats ever, and they’re one of my better purchases,” says Glamour commerce producer Kassidy Davidson. “I’ve been looking for summer sandals I can dress up or down for any occasion, and then I found these. I love how I can wear them with literally anything; they’re definitely statement pieces.”

Reformation

Anthropologie

“I can’t take credit for discovering these ballet flats from Reformation; I actually bought them because they looked so cute on my colleague Sam Reed. I did pick my own color, though,” says Stephanie McNeal, Glamour’s senior editor. “She raved about how comfortable they were, and she’s right—you can walk around in them all day. Plus, I love how they elevate the classic Mary Jane with the fun stud detail on the buckle.” This chestnut is a perfect rich brown that looks great with light-wash denim, black trousers, and colorful skirts alike.

Free People

Zappos

It’s rare to find a trendy pair of ballet flats that reviewers rave about for being both comfortable and stylish, but that’s exactly the case with these studded flats. The cushioned footbed and adjustable ankle strap make these a fan favorite for wearing with both dresses and jeans. “I’ve been eyeing these shoes for months, and I’m so glad I finally bought them,” one Free People reviewer writes. “The leather is soft and they’re very comfortable. Fit is spot on. They look great with jeans and dresses. Perfection!” Just be prepared for the onslaught of compliments you’re about to get over those embellishments.

Nordstrom

Tory Burch

Love the look of Chanel’s flats (which are among the most expensive ballet flats at nearly $1,000) but not the price? Check out Tory Burch’s cap-toe flats, which emulate the look without venturing into dupe territory. Unlike most of the brand’s other flats, this pair features only a small monogram in gold, which practically oozes luxury. Reviewers note that the sizing runs slightly large, so consider sizing down before investing. “Very comfortable right out of the box,” one Tory Burch reviewer writes. “The cap toe is a definite plus and the shoe can be dressed up or worn with jeans. It’s a keeper!”

Nordstrom

DSW

Amazon

These days, the more straps on your ballet flats, the better. This pair from Matisse definitely counts as trendy—you get a whopping four straps—but we’re excited to style these things for years to come (and give our plainer loafers a break). “I get so many compliments when I wear them, and I just have a basic black pair. I think the three straps go a long way,” says Megan Wahn, an associate commerce editor at Bon Appétit and Epicurious. “My only gripe is the leather rubs off on the tip and heel, but still they’re probably one of my most worn pairs.”

J.Crew

Tired of the classic almond toe? Go a little more adventurous with J.Crew’s square-toe pair. Beyond being more comfortable than they look—just ask Glamour editors—they’re also ridiculously versatile. Go with light denim and a simple white T-shirt on your day off, then throw them on with a full suit when you’ve got a work presentation. “Post-indie-sleaze, it took me some time to get over being triggered by ballet flats,” says Danielle Sinay, associate beauty editor at Glamour. “But this was the pair that finally did the trick. They’re chic and stylish, and so comfortable to walk in. And they don’t do that weird thing where they make your legs look short, like you’re a big baby. Dress them up or down—I personally love pairing them with tights and a skirt, and/or jeans—there’s no wrong way to wear them!”

Net-A-Porter

Ganni

By now you’ve definitely seen these era-defining ballerinas from Ganni—and their many dupes. A foot-friendly alternative to slingback heels, they offer way more cushioning than you might think. “They’re so comfy while looking like the world’s most uncomfortable shoe,” says Glamour contributor Andrea Navarro. “I was shocked!” Let the shoes speak for themselves and go a little simpler with the rest of your styling; we suggest a plain T-shirt, a leather jacket, and either a flowy skirt or black jeans.

Margaux

“I’ve been meaning to test the waters with ballet flats, and this is the first pair I’ve ever found that’s big enough for my feet,” says Jake Henry Smith, Glamour’s commerce editor. “To be clear, I wear 11.5 men’s, which translates to a women’s 13.5—and Margaux delivers! In fact, the pair I ordered was even too big for my feet. I’m waiting for a replacement, but I got to check them out a bit. The leather feels soft and study, the soles seem like they’ll hold up, and there’s a great amount of padding in the insole. The price point feels completely justified. Plus, there are so many colors to choose from.”

Free People

“Controversial opinion: I’ve always found ballet flats to be too flat and pretty boring,” says Glamour commerce writer Alanna Martine Kilkeary. “That is, until I discovered these intricate bow flats that give a whole lot of personality to the trend and just a little bit of a boost with a tiny heel,” she says. Kilkeary adds that these do all the work when it comes to jazzing up a simple outfit. “Pair them with jeans to dress them up on a Friday night, or plain black stockings and a skirt for work, you can’t go wrong.”

M. Gemi

For a versatile pair of ballet shoes suitable for the office or a weekend outing, Dana Smith, VP Content Lead for Condé Nast Health, loves this pair. “Influencer Erika Schatz turned me on to these when she said they passed the 10K-step test. I can attest that they actually do feel comfortable if you're walking multiple miles a day. They're commuter friendly, office and weekend appropriate, and work great with jeans and dresses,” she says. Smith also adds that she was never a ballet flat fan in the past, but these soft leather shoes changed her mind. “I generally do not find many ballet flats comfortable because they pinch my toes, but these are a bit more generous in the toe box which adds to the comfort.”

Dolce Vita

If you're looking for a novelty pair for winter, Kilkeary says these are super cozy, and loves pairing them with opaque tights, a mini skirt, and a mohair sweater to play with textures.

Frances Valentine

This pick is another favorite of Schwartz.“This ballet flat / Mary Jane hybrid is made from a soft calfskin leather. I love the cute bow detail–still a key trend for 2024–and how flexible the shoe is,” she says. The square toe is interesting to the eye and leaves a good amount of room for movement. “They do run a little large though, so if you’re between half sizes, size down.”