The 10 Best Ballet Flats of 2024 That Are Chic, Comfortable, and Far From Basic (2024)

We hold our “best overall” shoes to a pretty high standard — not only do they need to be chic and versatile, but they also must be comfortable. And these Everlane flats are just that. With the subtle square-toe, they echo a timeless and elegant vibe without looking as though they came straight from your grandmother’s closet. The shoe comes in seven shades, including a mix of gem tones and a classic pale pink ballerina color that resembles a pointe shoe.

Thanks to a cushioned insole and the smooth, flexible leather, you can expect the shoe to hug each foot like a glove. I wore a pair (which was kindly gifted to me by the brand) to work on a 90-degree day in New York City. High humidity and scorching heat are generally a recipe for sweat — and therefore, chafing — but with these on my feet, I felt like I wasn’t wearing any shoes at all. In fact, the flats took me from the subway to the office to a fancy dinner, sans rubbing or blistering. The material moves with you (they’re leather, it’s inevitable), but not to the point where they feel like they’re going to slip right off of your feet. Whether you wear them with a trouser and a tee, a flowy dress, or a blazer with jeans, you’ll question why you didn’t purchase a pair sooner. Note: If you’re in between sizes, I recommend sizing down, just to be safe, because they do stretch.

Price at time of publish:$140

Material: Leather | Sizes: 5 to 11 | Number of Colors:7

This pair from Amazon Essentials proves that ballet flats don’t have to be expensive to be comfortable (or good-looking). For just over $20, you can take your pick between 20 different color ways, including staple shades like black, brown and beige, as well as poppier options like leopard print, suede and patent leather. The shoes were designed with comfort in mind — they come with “heel-pillow” technology (aka lots of interior padding) that ensures your feet feel their best, even if you’re standing for most of the day.

Thanks to the non-abrasive faux-leather, the shoes won’t leave you covered in battle scars after your first wear. Yes, the shoes are made from faux leather and have rubber soles, so they’re not as luxurious as other pairs on this list, but when you consider the price point, they’re a steal. Some reviews say to size up, but we recommend sticking to your regular size as the material will give after wearing a few times. Most shoes only go up to a size 12, but these go up to a 15 (which is pretty rare), ensuring you’ll have no problem finding the perfect fit.

Price at time of publish:$23

Material: Polyurethane, Rubber | Sizes: 5 to 15 | Number of Colors: 20

If you’re going to splurge on a pair of ballet flats, let it be for these. Made from rich lambskin leather, the shoes (which the brand kindly gifted to me) feel supple to the touch and super breathable. You won’t have to worry about irritation or overheating while wearing them.

The design of the shoe itself is a modern take on a timeless shoe; details like fun colors with a matching lining, unique textures to choose from like pony hair, and intricate stitching help differentiate them from ballet flats you may have worn in the past.

I styled my sky blue pair with an all-white ensemble and received tons of compliments — my coworkers raved about how the unexpected color and contemporary design elevated the look of an otherwise plain outfit. According to personal stylist Bee Stuart, colored ballet flats add a nice pop of color to daily outfits. “Choosing a ballerina pink feels super authentic and really leans into the trend,” she says.

To ensure your shoes last a lifetime (as they should), the brand suggests using a leather conditioner to keep the soft material hydrated. Plus, they say, you should store the shoes in the accompanying dust bag to avoid exposure to abrasive and potentially damaging surfaces.

Price at time of publish:$395

Material: Lambskin leather or Ponyhair | Sizes: 5 to 12 | Number of Colors:7

There are lots of great, non-designer ballet flats to splurge on, but if you're truly interested in going designer — we get it, the quality and timelessness tend to be completely unmatched — we recommend going all out with Gucci. This slightly heeled pair (one-inch, to be exact) doesn't lean on logomania to get the point that these are designer across. The classic horsebit detail on the front signals Gucci because the recognizable detail instantly brings you back to their loafers, which we've raved about before, regardless that you can't see a Gucci logo anywhere obvious on the show. We also appreciate the hybrid toe that looks partially square and partially rounded, giving you the best of both worlds — but we imagine it might feel a bit snug on larger feet. However, just like the loafers, the leather will also mold to your foot with time, giving you a comfortable fit with time. You can't go wrong with the black, but it also comes in cream and ivory for a summer flair.

Price at time of publish:$890

Material: Goat leather | Sizes: IT34-IT42 | Colors: 3

For a simple pair of ballet flats, Zoe Ballet Flats from J.Crew are your best bet. The reasonably-priced shoe offers the classic design you know and love (translation: there’s no extra bells and whistles), but with a slightly modern twist. I like to think of the shoe (which the brand kindly gifted me) as the refined older sister of the ballet flats you wore in middle school — thanks to the softer sole and additional toe coverage, they look a touch more sophisticated but include the same dainty bow detail you’re used to.

They come in plain and textured leather, both of which are canvas-lined to limit slipping and sliding on warmer days. The more you wear them, the more they mold to your feet in a chic I’ve-had-these-for-years type of way. They run true to size, but some say they can be snug if you have a wider foot. If that’s the case, you might want to try sizing up a half size. If you need a little extra support, skip these and go with a pair that has built-in cushioning.

Material: Leather or Suede | Sizes: 5 to 12 | Number of Colors:7

Perfect for a minimalist or someone who appreciates sleek designs, the Anine Bing Delphine Flats offer a contemporary look with a classic, comfortable fit. With its smooth black cow leather exterior paired with black grosgrain trim (a weaved, corded fabric) and a black insole, these pointed-toe flats look clean and sophisticated, even when they’re sitting in your closet. While wearing the flats (which I was kindly gifted by the brand), I was able to quickly gather that they’re more structured than other options on this list.

The leather isn’t as malleable, so it doesn’t stretch out as much as some of the other shoes. And, in true Anine Bing fashion, the shoes feature a small gold-tone hardware monogram at the heel. I personally loved the added detail, but if you’re not into it, don’t worry — it’s barely noticeable. I love these so much (especially for dressing up casual ‘fits for the office), so I wish they came in other colors besides black.

Price at time of publish:$350

Material: Cow leather | Sizes: 6 to 11 | Number of Colors:1

We've long admired Loeffler Randall's shoes. The feminine, whimsical designs catch our eye every time. And while we love the ruffled and pleated shoes the brand is most known for, we have our eyes on the classic ballet flats, which elevate the timeless shoe with a subtle elastic strap that matches the leather. We don't think these will work well for wider feet, as the elastic prevents the shoe from stretching out too much, but we appreciate that it adds a little extra security to the delicate shoe that feels weightless. The already soft leather will hug your foot and become more comfortable with time. Pick between a soft leather, raffia texture, or a bedazzled mesh in neutral shades and subtle pastels to add to your wardrobe.

Price at time of publish:$250

Material: Leather, elastic | Sizes: 5-12 | Colors: 16

Whether you’re not ready to add a ballet flat back into your collection, or simply want to add another (more glamorous) style to your existing rotation, a slingback is a great option to consider. Sarah Flint offers a style that takes the classic flat up a notch: The Natalie Sling. According to Sarah Flint, the mastermind behind her eponymous brand, the Natalie Sling is a cool, vintage take on the original Natalie (one of the brand’s most beloved styles).

“Made in the same family-owned factories as the original, the sling has an easier, more ready-to-wear fit,” she explains. “It also reaches back visually to the 40s and 50s, when exposed heels and ankles were seen as a transgressive assertion of femininity.”

With lots of interior padding, a rubber forepart to prevent slipping, and a hidden elastic behind the functional buckle, the tasteful slingback was thoughtfully crafted with comfort top of mind. But, with details like an asymmetrical bow and stylish leather outsole, the shoes are nothing short of polished perfection. Shades like Petal (a light beige) and Espresso Croc Embossed Calf (a brown crocodile) are always available, but be sure to check back from time to time as there are often limited edition drops added to the lineup.

Price at time of publish:$450

Material: Leather, Gold (Buckle) | Sizes: 4 to 13 | Number of Colors: 3

Breaking into the US shoe scene is Ballarette, an Italian footwear brand founded by two Roman women. Similar to some other options on this list like Everlane and Sarah Flint, the Ballerette shoes are handmade in Italy. What makes these different is that they’re sold in the brand’s nine stores, each in a major Italian city. Having recently expanded to online sales in the US, the brand gifted me a pair of their bestselling heeled ballet flats to try. Spoiler alert: You should get your hands on a pair fast.

The Aventino shoe is basically a cross between a traditional ballet flat and the block heel from your favorite four inch pumps. Not only are the shoes adorable, but they’re supportive, too, thanks to a tender leather insole and adjustable front bow that can be tightened to make the shoes fit better. You also don’t have to worry about them being too high — the heel is a little over an inch and a half foot high. In my opinion, these are especially great for someone who doesn’t like wearing flats but wants to get in on the trend in their own way. Simply take your pick between 15 different colors — it’s hard, I know — and wait for the compliments to come rolling in.

Material: Leather | Sizes: 4.5 to 11.5 | Number of Colors: 15

There’s a reason Rothy’s has such a cult following: Their sustainable shoes don’t require breaking in and are as comfy as they come. They’re knitted from recycled plastic (11 plastic bottles to be exact) and feel soft, flexible, and aren’t blister-inducing.

One detail I especially love about these shoes is that they’re machine washable. Life happens, so even if you spill coffee on yourself or step in something questionable, you can just pop these flats in the wash and after a few minutes on a gentle cycle, they’re good as new.

Despite the knitted material, they don’t stretch much, so the brand recommends sizing up a half size for narrow feet and a full size for wider feet for the best possible fit.There’s upwards of 30 (yes, 30) designs and colors to choose from, so for most people, there’s something for everyone. Something to note: These don’t offer a ton of arch support, so if you need extra help in that area, you should check out a pair on this list that aren’t as flat (like the Amazon Essentials Ballet Flats).

Price at time of publish:$129

Material: Plastic bottles | Sizes: 5-13 | Number of Colors: 31

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