15 Best Ballet Flats That Are Stylish and Comfortable, According to Editors

“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.

Sizes: 5–11 / Colors: 9 options / Material: Leather

Pros: Half sizes available; plenty of padding
Cons: Frequently sold out

It’s rare to find an embellished pair of ballet flats that reviewers rave about 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!”

Sizes: 6–11 / Colors: 5 options / Material: Leather

Pros: Adjustable ankle strap; studded details
Cons: Sizing might run large.

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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. 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. (But you might find yourself coveting multiple pairs—don’t say we didn’t warn you.) “They’re ultracomfortable and flexible, and while I typically opt for ballerinas with a little less coverage, there’s something chic about these,” 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.”

Sizes: 35–42 EU / Colors: 14 options / Material: Leather

Pros: Timeless look; tons of colors
Cons: Pricey

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Mesh ballet flats have completely taken over our feeds this season, especially as seemingly every celebrity adopts the viral fishnet pair from Alaïa that kicked off the trend. (Hey, they’re way more summer-friendly than, say, patent leather.) This pick from Zodiac offers a similar look for a fraction of the price. “I’ve been loving the Alaïa mesh flats, but I know better than to trust the streets of NYC with a pair of $900 shoes, so I opted for this pair as an affordable dupe,” says Alexandra Folino, Glamour’s art director. “The comfort and breathability of these have given my feet a new life.”

Sizes: 5–11 / Colors: 5 options / Material: Mesh

Pros: Elastic strap for support; breathable material
Cons: Might run slightly large

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“Abercrombie may not seem like the obvious choice for shoes (or workwear, for that matter), but I find myself turning to the brand again and again these days,” says Glamour commerce editor Malia Griggs. “I wanted a pair of stylish flats that I could wear to the office or to complete a dressier outfit, so I gave these ballet flats a go. I love the slightly squared-off toe that feels more modern, the polished leather look to them, and how comfortable they are (for a flat shoe, anyway). I can wear them with trousers and jeans, or even tennis skirts—so versatile!” We also can’t complain about that very reasonable price tag.

Sizes: 6–10 / Colors: 1 option / Material: Polyurethane

Pros: Half sizes available; trendy look
Cons: Slightly limited sizing

Although they might look like raffia, these summery flats are actually made from woven leather—a more durable pick. They’re not great for cold weather, even with fleece-lined tights, but they’re plenty breathable for the warmer months. (Plus, they’re a godsend for those of us with sweaty feet.) A leather bow nods to the classic ballets you wore as a schoolgirl, keeping the look cute and nostalgic. “I first bought the Joie Aimee flats strictly as a work shoe—it was summertime and I was tired of wearing heels, but didn’t want to wear sandals with my toes out in New York City streets—shudder,” says Ariana Yaptangco, senior beauty editor at Glamour. “However, these flats quickly turned into shoes I literally wore to every summer function—parties, dates, luncheons. You can dress them up or down with a dress or jeans. I got endless compliments on the woven material and the little bow detail, which is just too cute.”

Sizes: 5–11 / Colors: 2 options / Material: Leather

Pros: Breathable material; bow detail
Cons: Not ideal for cold weather

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These days, the more straps on your ballet flats, the better. This pair from Alohas 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). “The French-girl style and femme love child of ballet flats and Mary Janes, Alohas’ Luke ballet flats have become my go-to weekend shoes,” says Channing Smith, a junior designer at Glamour. “They look cute poking out of oversized jeans or starring in the show with sheer socks and a miniskirt. The parallel straps not only add a bit of interest but also keep my foot in place for a rare blister-free flats experience.” Style them with red tights when it’s chilly out, then go high-low with a blazer and denim shorts on warmer days.

Sizes: 35–42 EU / Colors: 1 option / Material: Leather

Pros: Trendy look; straps for extra support
Cons: Sizing might run small.

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By now you’ve definitely seen these era-defining ballerinas from Ganni—and their many dupes. A foot-friendly alternative to slingback heels, they’re way more comfortable than they might seem. “They’re so comfy while looking like the world’s most uncomfortable shoe,” says Glamour commerce writer 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.

Sizes: 5–12 / Colors: 10 options / Material: Polyester

Pros: Trendy look; comfortable padding; tons of colors
Cons: Duped into ubiquity

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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 making the investment. “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!”

Sizes: 4–13 / Colors: 5 options / Material: Leather

Pros: Wide size range; minimal logo
Cons: Sizing might be off.

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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 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!”

Sizes: 5–12 / Colors: 2 options / Material: Leather

Pros: Easy to style; rubber outsole
Cons: Might run large

Madewell’s ever-popular slip-on ballerinas score major points in the style department—look at that perfect silver finish that’s just the stylish touch for 2024—but they’re also comfortable enough to be all-day ballet flats. (You can opt for green velvet or rhinestones to go even more party-ready.) Add sustainably sourced leather and a contrasting top strap, and you have 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.”

Sizes: 5–12 / Colors: 6 options / Material: Leather

Pros: Half sizes available; on-trend colors
Cons: Sizing tends to run large.

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The reason shoppers love Everlane’s minimalist flats? They look great with almost everything, from skirts to wide-leg pants and vintage-inspired jeans. The soft Italian leather molds to your feet and becomes more comfortable with each wear. There are also perforated side vents that keep you from overheating, plus padded insoles for extra support. “I walk miles in these flats,” says Kathleen Thomas, Glamour’s assistant market editor, who owns a similar pair from Everlane.

Sizes: 5–11 / Colors: 12 options / Material: Leather

Pros: Half sizes available; plenty of neutral colors; side vents
Cons: Might be too narrow for wide feet

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“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.”

Sizes: 3–14 / Colors: 12 options / Material: Leather

Pros: Tons of sizes and colors; multiple widths
Cons: Bows are slightly slanted