Ballet flats have been a popular footwear type since the 16th century, and they have been worn by numerous fashion luminaries (including Audrey Hepburn, Coco Chanel, and Jackie Kennedy). Regardless of how people style them, they demonstrate that less is more. “The perfect ballet flat strikes a delicate balance between chic and practical,” says Cindy Conroy, a TV personality and fashion guru. They go well with everything from casual jeans and slacks to miniskirts and black-tie gowns.
The InStyle crew spent four weeks thoroughly analysing top-rated ballerina flats, assessing fit, support, comfort, design, adaptability, overall quality, and more. From barely there minimalist slippers to pointe shoe-inspired flats, these are the greatest pairs to buy right now.
A ballerina flat with a Mary Jane’s style and a slipper’s flexibility? Sign us up. The Demi Jane, handmade in Spain, has 5 millimetres of velvety foam padding on the inside, which is just suitable for our tester, who suffers from plantar fasciitis. She was “pleasantly surprised by their comfort,” stating that they are “lightly cushioned but not overly padded.” The adjustable strap maintained the flat on her foot as she walked, providing more security and boosting the shoe’s overall appeal. Margaux has a wide range of colours, including olive green, silver, and pastel pink, making it a versatile piece for any wardrobe. The shoe is also available in three different widths, ensuring a fit for every foot.
Worth noting: The satin version was lovely, but it proved to be a difficult material for our tester to maintain clean. If you are prone to accidents or frequently walk in the rain or snow, you will need to take extra steps to avoid staining this fabric.
Allison, tester: “These flats appear polished and gorgeous. I can’t recall the last time I got that many praises on my shoes! “I feel like a million bucks when I rock them.”
Simply told, this ballet flat appears far more expensive than it is. The leather exterior, soft square-shaped toe, and high vamp make for a sleek, subtle, and simple style. Our tester claimed the angular form allowed their toes to move freely, and the shoes stayed on their feet even as they walked on concrete, metal escalators, marble floors, and carpet. They did not feel any discomfort, slippage, or blisters. Furthermore, the bow on top of these shoes lends them a classic, charming appearance. This stylish ballet flat stands up to time and wear, and it’s neutral enough to complement practically any clothing, making it a comfortable alternative to loafers or heels.
It’s worth noting that the bows don’t stay knotted, so you may have to retie them more frequently than you’d prefer.
Hannah, tester: “The toe space is wonderful, and the nicest aspect of the shoe is the squared toe, which is incredibly comfortable. Furthermore, I did not sweat when I went sock-free, and my feet did not slip out of them when I did wear socks.
We’ve all heard the saying that something “fits like a glove.” Even yet, our tester had no choice but to use it while describing the Bethany Ballet Flat—possibly because the Mary Jane design is constructed of Nappa leather, a material commonly used in glove manufacturing. It’s a simple shoe with clean lines, a scarcely visible 5-millimeter heel, and the smooth, flexible leather fit our tester’s foot “like a well-loved shoe” the first time she put it on. This leather ballerina flat looks great with jeans or a fancy dress and fits true to size, making it a worthwhile—if pricey—investment. If you don’t like the black, red, silver, or brown leather options (or just want to make a statement), the responsibly manufactured shoe is also available in mesh and haircalf materials.
Worth noting: The footbed does not provide much arch support, but given the flat nature of ballet flats, we were not shocked.
Claudia, tester: “I’ve worn these ballet flats a lot to run errands, stroll around the city, out to dinner, and so on, and they’ve held up great. No complaints! The soles are somewhat scuffed, as expected, but the leather exterior is as good as new.”
