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

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.

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

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.”

• Sizes: 6–11
• Colors: 8 options
• Material: Mesh

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“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: 10 options
• Material: Leather

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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.

• Sizes: 6–11
• Colors: 7 options
• Material: Leather

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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

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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 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!”

• Sizes: 4–13
• Colors: 8 options
• Material: Leather

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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.”

• Sizes: 5.5–11
• Colors: 5 options
• Material: Leather

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“The French-girl style and femme love child of ballet flats and Mary Janes, Alohas’s 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

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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: 3 options
• Material: Mesh

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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 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!”

• Sizes: 5–12
• Colors: 1 option
• Material: Leather

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.

• Sizes: 5–12
• Colors: 12 options
• Material: Polyurethane

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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: 9 options
• Material: Leather

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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