Ballet Flats Are the Best Shoe to Try in 2024, According to a Fashion Forecaster

These classic soft leather and padded sole ballet flats from Sam Edelman are available in eight different colors on Nordstrom's website, so you're bound to find one that suits you. They're available in sizes 4 through 14, so they're great if your foot runs on the smaller or larger side. They also come in three widths (narrow, medium, and wide), so they're one of the most customizable pairs on this list. 

Need a pair of ballet flats that cost less than $50 and will arrive in no time? Meet this simple under $20 pair from Amazon Essentials. You can shop this style in 21 colors and various patterns. You don't have to take my word for it: They have over 43,000 five-star reviews on the site. While reviewers give these top marks for comfort, they note that they run on the slimmer side—not ideal for wider feet.

Luxury brand Prada is no stranger to a great pair of ballet flats, but this glossy leather pair has taken the fashion set by storm this season. The structural floral toe gives them a unique artsy effect. Wearable in both formal and casual situations, these pointed-toe flats would work perfectly as an elegant investment bridal shoe.

Mary Jane-style ballet flats aren't going anywhere this season. They've appeared on the runways at fan-favorite brands like Sandy Liang and Akris and have officially been adopted by the streetwear crowd. The traditionally feminine shoes can be styled edgy, but I prefer to let them be their sweet selves alongside frilly socks or dresses. This pair from Madewell comes in a few colors, including this deep chocolate brown, and is in demand for its comfort and buttery-soft leather. 

Marie Claire's Digital Director, Jenny Hollander, loves this pair of Rothy's pointed-toe ballet flats so much that she wore a pair on her wedding day. "That isn't a joke; I literally wore them under my dress when I got married," she says, calling them her "go-to ballet flats, without fail or exception." They're machine-washable, incredibly comfortable right out of the box, and have a rubber sole that feels supportive even after hours of wear. The pointed-toe design doesn't pinch or rub, either.

Nothing sounds easier than slipping into a comfy ballet flat that fits like a glove. This pair from Everlane has a high vamp that covers most of your foot, making them the perfect full-coverage ballet flat option. The soft fabrication molds to your foot, so there's no break-in period.

Some things don't ever change. All these years later, I'm still obsessed with ballet flats from Tory Burch. As an adult, I prefer these sleek black flats with gold hardware. You can shop them in several other colors, including a fun lime green sensible light taupe. The brand notes that the Georgia flats run a little large, which is okay, considering they come in half sizes.

"At the intersection of "horse girl who never quite grew up" and "fashion-obsessed freak," you'll find me wearing Margiela's baby pink Tabi ballet flats," says Marie Claire Fashion Features Editor Emma Childs of her favorite pick. While the silk material isn't ideal for wearing in all weather conditions, Childs says that "they possess just enough stylish quirk to satisfy my individuality complex (the hoove toes are not for everyone, admittedly) but are also surprising versatility." You can shop for them in half-sizes, and they run true-to-size.

This pair of flats from Carel achieves the perfect French girl look. Alexa Chung has been a longtime fan of the brand and has been spotted wearing the Kina shoe, the style after which this pair was inspired. Style this glossy pair with jeans or with a mini skirt for a mod, '60s-inspired vibe.

So you want a pair of ballet flats that come in every color under the sun, tick the sustainability box, have arch support, and can be worn all day (sans pain)? This pair from Vivaia does it all and then some. They're designed to feel weightless on your foot, are top-rated for breathability based on hundreds of reviews, and have ample arch support designed into the sole.

J.Crew continues to deliver a selection of perfectly elevated basics season after season—case in point: This pair of ballet flats that comes in either black or tan. The little bow on the front is so sweet, but the rounded-toe silhouette can be worn anywhere. Reviewers say they run true to size, and have a super short break-in period. 

The red color trend is continuing into the second quarter of 2024, and I'm excited about it—especially if I get to wear these red flats from Mansur Gavriel. The brand is the one behind Katie Holmes' favorite tote bag, but I recommend checking out their shoe selection, too. These are made from soft, moldable leather that become even comfier with wear. The higher vamp also cuts down on toe cleavage (if that's not your thing!). You can even add a custom monogram for a special touch.

Everyone wants cute shoes that are blister-free and comfortable right out of the box, but it doesn't always work out that way. That's where this pair of slingback flats from Naturalizer comes in. Available in either black or a gold leather colorway and in half-sizes, this pair has a sleek silhouette that's perfect for the office or even a slightly more formal occasion. You can also shop them in either a wide or medium width. Style them with tights for more coverage during the colder months.

Silver footwear continues to trend after popping up everywhere—just ask Katie Holmes, who wore silver flats in early 2024. This pair from Mattisse, top-rated for comfort, is perfect for making the trend work in your style rotation and channels the trend seen at Versace's Spring 2024 show. The modern square toe and multiple thin straps elevate this pair from a classic flat into something that feels a little more special for everyday wear. 

These pretty lavender mesh Mary-Jane-style ballet flats come in one of Spring 2024's most popular colors, a fresh lilac hue that the brand lovingly calls "Wisteria." Taylor Swift fans, this is your chance to actually have wisteria on your feet— no trips to "The Lakes" are required. Shop this pair in full sizes only, ranging from 35 to 41. If purple isn't your preferred footwear shade, they come in a simple black iteration.

Eledera only opened two years ago, but it's quickly become an under-the-radar destination for ballet flats. Handmade in Milan, each pair has an elongated upper, a dainty bow elastic, and a soft, wear-all-day insole. Marie Claire's Senior News Editor Halie LeSavage swears by the cherry red pair for a burst of color; Eledera also carries these in a trending chocolate brown color and several shades of breezy woven leather for spring. If you wear two different sizes or a half size, the brand also has a made-to-order service, guaranteeing a custom fit.

The perfect pair of pointed-toe flats can instantly elevate any outfit. Marie Claire's Contributing Editor Katherine J. Igoe loves this pair from Birdies because they're comfortable from the first wear thanks to a quilted footbed. "I mainly love that they've crafted a shoe I can wear literally every day," says Igoe. "I have them in a few of their many colors and designs."

The embellished ballet flat trend continues with this pair of Mary Janes from Reformation. While a lot of the studded versions on the market are mesh, this pair is made from a silk charmeuse fabric that offers better insulation. Super versatile with an adjustable strap and a soft rounded toe, these are perfect for weekdays or weekends.

It doesn't get more warm-weather appropriate than this pair of mesh flats from Jeffrey Campbell. Top rated for their comfort, they're an easy way to get in on the trend for less. The black color keeps the mesh shoe neutral, but they come in bolder colors like white and pale pink.

Set your heels aside and opt for this formal pair of ballet flats from Loeffler Randall instead. They're one of the best spring shoes because of the sweet pastel colorway, and have a dressy element with the delicate stone accents. Available in other colors like seafoam green and baby blue, they're perfect for dressing up your warm-weather jeans and T-shirt.

Celebrated for their minimalist styles, it makes sense that The Row would hop onto the mesh shoe trend in their own way. Made with an ultra-slender leather sole and a lightweight netted nylon, this sock shoe silhouette has been co-signed by A-listers like Jennifer Lawrence, who wore them earlier this year.

The ruching on this white and black ballet flat is offset by a' 90s-inspired square toe creating a soft and sleek effect. While they're available in a poppy red, the white iteration is perfect for warmer weather.

These Aeyde flats are a pretty close dupe for technical ballet slippers given the satin blush material, structured toe, and dainty bow detail. You may not be able to get on pointe as easily, but you'll look just as cool. For an edgier look, shop them in a leather fabrication.

Call it the continuation of the mob wife trend, but cheetah print is back for 2024. This cushy pair of flats captures the aesthetic with calf-hair material and an adjustable bow you can cinch for a customizable fit.

These pale pink lace-up slippers from Dolce Vita's collaboration with For Love & Lemons also gives the illusion of a ballet shoe. The satin lining has a soft, rub-free quality, so dancing isn't out of the question.

Bridal shoes don't always need a high heel— like these Badgley Mischka flats with a delicate pearl ankle strap make them black tie appropriate. Perfect for wearing to your rehearsal dinner, your reception, or the after party, you'll be able to take on the night without the need for a sneaker swap.

These Ganni flats are all over my TikTok and have amassed a cult-like following for their all-day wearability. Available in red, turquoise, white, and this classic black version, they're the fashion girl shoe of summer 2024.

Velvet flats are also having a viral moment on social media– and this one comes in at under $200. You can style these feminine-forward with a skirt or dress, but they would work equally well alongside a pantsuit or tailored separates.

If you have wide feet, pointed-toe shoes don't always work. That's why this pair from Franco Sarto is perfect if you do. The wider design in the toe, the higher coverage, and the soft leather fabrication will all be comfortable on-foot. You can also shop them in two foot widths, so you can customize your perfect fit. Reviewers love them for their lack of break-in period.

The silver lining of the quiet luxury trend, might be fashion's new appreciation for the classics. This pair of cap-toed flats from Stuart Weitzman is a simple silhouette that will never go out of style. The tan-and-black colorway is worth the investment for its styling versatility.