Lauren Tappan
Ballet flats have become one of the most dominant and enduring shoe trends. In the last year alone, stylish tastemakers, from savvy street stylers to A-list celebrities, have embraced the refined slip-on as a footwear essential: Kaia Gerber loves a classic black pair; Zendaya and Jennifer Lawrence have been known to wear lightweight mesh ones. I have personally logged hundreds of hours in my Mary Jane flats (I own several styles)—they're so easy to slip into when I'm running out the door, and they're versatile enough to mix into a few (very cute) ballet flats-centric outfits.
“I reach for them when I want to feel more dressed up,” says self-proclaimed ballet flat superfan Erika Veurnik, who writes the fashion newsletter Long Live. She doesn't think the trend is going away anytime soon, either: "People are way more comfortable with them now than they were last season."
Fall also happens to be prime ballet flat season. Right now, you can find ones that feature statement-making hardware or that are made from luxurious fabrics, like velvet or silk. Designer brands like Tory Burch, Larroude, and Ganni make flashier versions that can easily work in a formal setting. Now's the perfect time to pick up a new pair, and elevate your autumnal shoe rotation.
Ahead, I’ve compiled a list of the 22 best ballet flats that come highly recommended by Veurnick, members of team Marie Claire, and celebrity stylist Ariel Tunnell—plus a few styling tips to inspire your looks in the months ahead.
The Best Ballet Flats at a Glance
Marie Claire's Favorite Ballet Flats
- Best Overall Ballet Flats: Sam Edelman Felicia Ballet Flats
- Best Affordable Ballet Flats: Amazon Essentials Women’s Belice Ballet Flats
- Best Ballet Flats for Work: Everlane The Day Mary Jane
- Best Designer Ballet Flats: Prada Strappy Pointed Toe Ballet Flats
- Best Pointed-Toe Ballet Flats: Rothy's The Point II Flats
- Best Mary-Jane Ballet Flats: Madewell Greta Ballet Flats
- Best Mesh Ballet Flats: Alaïa Mesh Mary Jane Ballerina Flats
Shop the Best Ballet Flats
These classic, soft leather, padded sole ballet flats from Sam Edelman are super customizable. That's just one reason why they're our top pick: They're available in sizes 4 through 14, and they come in three widths (narrow, medium, and wide), so they're great if your foot runs on the smaller or larger side. They're versatile, have hundreds of five-star reviews, and are touted as an easy, wear-everywhere option.
How Many Colors Do They Come In?: One
What’s the Size Range?: US sizes 4-14, including most half-sizes
What Are They Made From?: Leather
If you're on a budget, these simple ballet flats are perfect. They're a fan favorite, with more than 47,000 five-star reviews on Amazon. You can shop them in over 20 designs (including a fun cheetah print) and two widths. While reviewers give these top marks for comfort, they note that they run on the slimmer side, so they're not ideal for wider feet.
How Many Colors Do They Come In?: 22 colors and prints
What’s the Size Range?: US sizes 5-15, including half-sizes
What Are They Made From?: Faux leather
There's nothing better than comfy ballet flats that fit like a glove. This pair from Everlane has a high vamp that covers most of your foot, making them a great full-coverage option for the office. (Another plus: They also come in primarily neutral colors.) The soft fabrication molds to your foot, so there's no break-in period. Tunnell "loves them" and their assortment of colors.
How Many Colors Do They Come In?: Seven
What’s the Size Range?: US sizes 5-11, including half-sizes
What Are They Made From?: Leather
Prada and good shoes are practically synonymous. These glossy ballet flats from the brand are a favorite among the fashion set. The cutout silhouette and dramatic pointed toe give them a unique, artsy effect. Wearable in both formal and casual situations, these flats would work perfectly as a day-to-night option.
How Many Colors Do They Come In?: One
What’s the Size Range?: US sizes 5.5-11, including half-sizes
What Are They Made From?: Patent leather
Marie Claire's Digital Director, Jenny Hollander, loves this pair of Rothy's shoes so much, she wore them 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, and they come in more than 20 colors and prints, including black, pale blue plaid, and black-and-white polka dots.
How Many Colors Do They Come In?: 24 colors and prints
What’s the Size Range?: US sizes 5-13, including half-sizes
What Are They Made From?: Thread made from plastic water bottles
Mary Jane-style ballet flats aren't going anywhere. They've appeared on the runways of beloved brands like Sandy Liang, and have even been adopted by the streetwear crowd, proving that the traditionally feminine shoes can be edgy. 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. You can also find them in a wicker style in black and tan colors.
How Many Colors Do They Come In?: 13 colors
What’s the Size Range?: US sizes 5-12, including half-sizes
What Are They Made From?: Leather
Dua Lipa is a fan of these black mesh flats from Alaïa, which have since captured the hearts of the fashion set, too. The patent accents and thicker mesh composition make them feel a touch more elevated for days spent at the office. They come in three other neutral colors, but the black iteration is a classic.
How Many Colors Do They Come In?: Four
What’s the Size Range?: US sizes 5-12, including half-sizes
What Are They Made From?: Leather
More Ballet Flats We Love
Tory Burch's flats are just as popular now as they ever were—now, you can find them with sophisticated twists, like updated gold hardware. They come in several other colors besides black, including a fun lime green and a sensible light taupe shade. The brand notes that these flats run a little large, and they come in half sizes.
How Many Colors Do They Come In?: Five
What’s the Size Range?: US sizes 5-13, including half-sizes
What Are They Made From?: Leather
This pair of flats from French-girl favorite Carel will help you achieve the Parisian 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. Team them with jeans or a mini skirt for a mod, '60s-inspired vibe.
How Many Colors Do They Come In?: 10
What’s the Size Range?: US sizes 5-10, including half-sizes
What Are They Made From?: Patent leather
Free People doesn't just design the cutest boho-inspired clothing—they also make shoes that should not be overlooked. Take, for instance, this pair of two-strap Mary Janes: Available in eight colors and prints (I have my eye on the pink shade), they have a flexible silhouette that will move with you. I would style them with lacy socks to keep the sweet vibes going.
How Many Colors Do They Come In?: Eight colors and prints
What's the Size Range?: US sizes 6-11, including most half-sizes
What Are They Made From?: Leather
J.Crew continues to deliver a selection of perfectly elevated basics season after season. This pair of ballet flats in either black, pink, or tan have a little bow on the front, which is so sweet. Plus, the rounded-toe silhouette can be worn anywhere. Reviewers say they run true to size and have a super short break-in period.
How Many Colors Do They Come In?: Five
What’s the Size Range?: US sizes 5-12, including most half-sizes
What Are They Made From?: Leather
These Katie Holmes-approved square-toe flats are made from soft, moldable leather that becomes comfier with wear. The higher vamp cuts down on toe cleavage, and you can add a custom monogram for a special touch. If you don't love this dark red hue, they come in eight other shades, many of which are neutral.
How Many Colors Do They Come In?: Nine
What's the Size Range?: EU sizes 35-42, including most half-sizes
What Are They Made From?: Leather
These are the ballet flats that model Kaia Gerber has worn over and over again. They're made by the actual ballet shoe brand Repetto, and come in a few colors, including black, pale pink, red, and silver. Kaia's are the matte leather edition, but they're also offered in a glossy patent finish.
How Many Colors Do They Come In?: One
What's the Size Range?: EU sizes 35-42
What Are They Made From?: Patent leather
Eledera only opened a few 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 elastic bow, 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 chocolate brown and several other shades. If you wear two different sizes or a half size, the brand also has a made-to-order service, guaranteeing a custom fit.
How Many Colors Do They Come In?: Six
What’s the Size Range?: EU sizes 36-41
What Are They Made From?: Suede
The perfect pair of wear-all-day ballet flats can instantly improve any outfit. This pair from known comfortable shoe purveyor Birdies is made from soft Nappa leather, described by the brand as a "glove" for your feet. Designed to mimic the comfortability of being barefoot, they're outfitted with a quilted insole featuring seven layers of padding and arch support. They also have a slip-proof rubberized bottom.
How Many Colors Do They Come In?: Nine
What's the Size Range?: US sizes 5-12, including half-sizes
What Are They Made From?: Leather
If you're looking for a lightweight flat for when temperatures rise again, try this pair of mesh Mary Jane-style flats from Dolce Vita. They're top-rated for their comfort and an easy way to get in on the trend for less.
How Many Colors Do They Come In?: Four
What’s the Size Range?: US sizes 6-11, including most half-sizes
What Are They Made From?: Mesh
Pointed-toe shoes don't always work for wide feet, but this pair from Franco Sarto has a broader toe design, higher vamp coverage, and soft leather fabrication. You can also shop them in two widths and nine other colors—many of them neutral—to customize your perfect fit. Reviewers also love them for their short break-in period.
How Many Colors Do They Come In?: 10 colors and prints
What’s the Size Range?: US sizes 5-13, including most half-sizes
What Are They Made From?: Leather
These metallic silver flats from It-girl-approved brand Larroude (Demi Moore and Eva Mendes are both fans) are perfect if you're looking for a high-impact silver shoe. The mirrored finish is attention-getting, while the sweet Mary-Jane silhouette leans into the girlhood aesthetic. You can shop them in eight other shades, including navy blue, bright lime green, and ivory.
How Many Colors Do They Come In?: Three
What’s the Size Range?: US sizes 5-11, including half-sizes
What Are They Made From?: Patent leather
These white flats have high coverage and a pointed-toe silhouette that almost makes them feel like house slippers. They're made from buttery-soft leather that won't rub or cause blisters. The brand recommends that you size up, which shouldn't be a problem since they come in half sizes.
How Many Colors Do They Come In?: One
What's the Size Range?: EU sizes 35-42, including half-sizes
What Are They Made From?: Leather
The combination of the glossy, patent pointed cap toe and the rich brown colorway on these two-tone flats from Margaux makes them the perfect season-straddling option. They come in three foot widths and a wide range of sizes; plus, they feature a padded interior for comfort.
How Many Colors Do They Come In?: 13 colors and prints
What’s the Size Range?: US sizes 3-14, including half-sizes
What Are They Made From?: Matte and patent leather
These chunky Ganni flats are all over my TikTok feed. They've amassed a cult-like following for their all-day wearability. Adored for how comfortable they are—despite what the chunky hardware might suggest—the patent fabrication means they can be dressed up or down.
How Many Colors Do They Come In?: One
What’s the Size Range?: EU sizes 35-41
What Are They Made From?: Patent leather
"I feel like every fashion person I know is wearing these ballet flats," says Veurink of this Jamie Haller pair . "But I get the hype: They're timeless and cool in a way a lot of ballet flats aren't." Made from soft leather in a classic shape and colorway, it's worth the investment.
How Many Colors Do They Come In?: One
What’s the Size Range?: EU sizes 35-42
What Are They Made From?: Leather
What To Look for in the Best Ballet Flats
- Fabric: Choose flexible materials to prevent rubbing or pinching. Most of the ballet flats on this list are made of leather or faux leather, which conform to your feet for extra comfort throughout the day.
- Comfort: Flat shoes often lack arch support, but many of the options on this list have insoles and padding designed for comfort. From the office to after-work activities, these ballet flats are made for extended wear.
- Fit: The key to comfy ballet flats is finding the perfect fit—neither too tight nor too loose. Most of the picks on this list fit true-to-size and offer half-sizes, so you can find the right one for you. Check reviews for firsthand sizing experiences, or look for brand sizing notes. We've indicated how each pair runs, as much as possible.
- Versatility: Ballet flats should be just as versatile as your favorite sneakers or loafers in the fall. Neutral colors like black or brown are perfect for the colder season, as is opting for a silhouette you know you’ll wear.
How to Style Ballet Flats
Ballet flats are a classic and proven to be versatile, which means you can really lean on trends to style them in fresh ways. Lightweight jelly flats were everywhere in the summer, but timeless fabrications like suede and leather are trending for fall. “Look for classic fall colors that work well for your wardrobe: Blacks, browns, reds, and darker neutrals will never fail you,” says Tunnell.
Also trending are ballet flats that cover the foot more completely, which is perfect for chillier weather. "Textures and silhouettes have evolved, with metal hardware details and larger toe boxes that come up a little higher on the front of the foot,” Tunnell continues, declaring this season to be the end of “toe cleavage.”
A-listers like Katie Holmes and Kaia Gerber are both fans of the higher-coverage style. Holmes' favorite pair hails from Mansur Gavriel, and features an elegant square toe. She recently wore them in a maroon hue in New York City, signaling the change of the seasons with her all-black ensemble. She also donned the same pair to move her daughter into college, proving their comfort. Gerber, for her part, has stood by (in?) her trusty Repetto pair, which looks good in every season.
Holmes and Gerber prove the multi-generational appeal of a high-coverage ballet flat.
Don't be afraid to accessorize your ballet flats to make them feel more season. "Gen Z’s love of high socks is spilling into ballet flat territory—especially Mary Jane style flats with straps,” Tunnell says. “They are perfect with a thin sock for a modern take on a classic look.”
The socks-and-flats combination was popular at Copenhagen Fashion Week for the Spring/Summer 2025 season, where street stylers teamed their fall accessories with otherwise summery outfits. This outfit formula is a perfect way to prep for cold weather without going all-in.
Styling ballet flats with socks is the easiest way to transition your summer outfits into fall.
Meet the Fashion Experts
Erika Veurink is a writer covering fashion, beauty, and wellness. She has an MFA in Nonfiction Writing from Bennington College, and contributes to outlets such as The Cut, Vogue, AD, and Coveteur. She also writes the Long Live Substack, a weekly newsletter on her passion for shopping secondhand.
Ariel Tunnell is a Los Angeles-based celebrity stylist and accessory lover. Current clients include Stephanie Beatriz, Rachel Bloom, Poppy Liu, Lauren Ash, Melissa Fumero, and Abby Elliott.
