The 20 best ballet flats that are chic and comfortable, according to stylists

“This is a perfect, timeless shoe that can be thrown on with a dress in the summer or with socks and jeans in the fall,” says fashion stylist Mia Fiddis. Both she and Kara love the red color — the perfect statement piece for elevating an otherwise simple outfit.

Kara loves these simple flats from Sézane. The black suede is soft and timeless, but the stylist is also drawn to the leopard print version (which are currently sold out).

Our beauty and fashion editor Sophie Shaw was shocked to find out how comfortable these affordable shoes are. Instead of feeling flimsy and thin like many ballet flats, the soles are cushioned and comfy enough to wear all day.

“These buttery-soft leather ballet flats are so comfortable you'll barely notice you're wearing them,” says Kara, who calls them a favorite among her clients. “They mold to your feet with each wear and feature a higher cut than most styles, so you can wear them with invisible socks.”

These stretchy ballet flats are all about comfort, which might be hard to believe given how chic the keyhole-style drawstring bow detailing is. The flexible soles are lightweight and comfortable for walking around all day, while the elasticized backs make it so that the shoes are never cutting or pressing into your skin.

Mary Janes have been one of the biggest shoe trends of the year, and they're certainly sticking around for fall. Haylor recommends this classic Mary Jane pick from Arket, which she describes as perfect for a wardrobe revamp: versatile, classic and sure to get a lot of wear.

“I personally have these in black and white and wear both all the time,” says wardrobe stylist Parker Blaine Noriega. “They go with many everyday looks,” she adds, whether you opt for denim and a tank top, a minidress or a long skirt. “They’re just so comfortable and breezy.” 

For anyone with wide feet or bunions, Kara suggests this lightweight, super-comfortable ballet flat from Vivaia. “The V-shaped design is a unique feature that creates a slimming effect you won’t find in many shoes,” she says. And while it’s available in over 40 colors and styles, “the beige color style is a classic choice that will never go out of style,” she recommends.

Available in six colors, these leather ballet flats are as classic as they come. Great as work shoes or your daily drivers, the low-profile style can go with just about any outfit. We also love the velvet version for a festive look.

When it comes to stylish yet smart design, we have to give it to M. Gemi. The zig-zag style strap on this stunning pair of patent leather flats is eye-catching and adjustable, while the square toe makes for a modern yet roomy toe box, perfect for those who might have wider feet.

“This embellished ballet shoe offers a contemporary twist on the traditional ballet silhouette,” Kara says. The Mary Jane-inspired design and adjustable buckle detail makes for a comfortable yet eye-catching style that “will add a touch of glamor to any outfit and transition well into fall.”

“Alexa Chung was seen recently wearing a square-toe ballet flat,” Haylor says, “and I’ve been desperate to try to get my hands on a pair.” She recommends this classic pair from Vagabond, a brand that makes leather shoes that feel way more luxurious than their price tags would suggest.

Satin ballet flats mimic the look of real ballerina flats, which make for a chic and slightly more elegant look — a perfect alternative to when you might wear heels. This stunning pale-pink shade sports a cute bow and is just as versatile as your typical neutral hue.

Noriega loves these Mary Jane-style flats, which she describes as perfect for “adding some spunk” to a classic look. “Wearing these with any loose fit denim and a tank with a big everyday bag would be cool,” she says. Opt for the classic black or one of the style’s chic metallic colorways.

For those with flat feet, it can be challenging to find ballet flats with enough support. This option gives you the look of a classic ballet flat — with its classic round toe and bow ornament — with a little more support all around, thanks to chic 1-inch heels, padded insoles and flexible design. Plus, the rubber soles provide some extra traction.

An adorable and affordable option, these irresistible ballet flats from Circus NY feature the style’s signature bow and very balletcore crisscross strap, which doesn’t just look great but also adds some extra support and comfort. Plus, it’s available in over 20 colors.

“I have these amazing Steve Madden flats,” says Noriega, who describes them as comfortable and perfect for elevating an everyday look. “I love the open back as it gives the ballet flat a different and modern twist.”

“These stunning metallic ballet flats are the ideal choice for special occasions,” Kara says. “Glamorous enough to be the perfect wedding shoe but versatile enough for work or casual wear. Their sustainable, machine-washable design and built-in comfort make them a standout choice.”

Fiddis is also a fan of the mesh style of Sam Edelman's popular Michaela flats. “This shoe is a twist on the classic Mary Jane style,” Fiddis says. “It’s the perfect way to dress up a more formal look without having to wear heels.”

If you’re looking to completely embrace the balletcore trend, Noriega recommends an actual dance footwear brand of ballet flats. “Repetto is OG,” she says. “While in Paris for fashion week, my client needed a ballet flat for a last-minute look I pulled,” she recalls. “I headed to Repetto and got this exact pair for her, which made the look.” Not only did her client end up loving them, Noriega says, but she kept wearing them because of how comfortable they were.