These Ballet Flats Continue to Live Rent-Free in my Head (2024)

Sam Edelman Felicia Ballet Flat

These classic ballet flats from Sam Edelman are available in 8 different colors on Nordstrom's website, so you're bound to find one that suits your fancy. It comes with a padded sole and is also made from buttery soft leather. They're available in sizes 4 through 14, so they're great if your foot runs on the smaller side. They also come in three widths (Narrow, Medium, and Wide), so they're one of the most customizable pairs on this list.

Pros: Come in eight colors; Come in half-sizes; Come in three widths; Come in a wide size range.

Cons: Some reviewers say they run small.

Customer Review: "I am obsessed with the Sam Edelman Felicia Flats. I especially love that they come in wide sizes since I have a wider foot. They are by far the most comfortable shoes that I own. The padding inside feels like you are walking on air, which is perfect for my job since I stand on my feet all day. It isn't very often that you find a shoe that is as comfortable as it is yet still fashionable. I bought them in the black leather, and they are extremely versatile. I will be ordering them in every color!" — Nordstrom.

Amazon Essentials Women’s Belice Ballet Flats

Need a pair of ballet flats that cost less than $50 and will arrive in basically no time at all? Meet this simple under-$20 pair from Amazon Essentials. Available to shop in 21 colors and patterns, you may as well pick up a few pairs while you’re shopping. But don’t take my word for it: They have over 72,500 five-star reviews on the site. While reviewers give these top marks for comfort, they note that they might not work for you if you have wide feet.

Pros: Affordably-priced; Comes in 36 colors; No break-in period.

Cons: Some reviewers say they run big.

Customer Review: "I needed a pair of flats that I was going to have to do a lot of moving around in and I didn't want to spend a ton of money - these were great for my purpose and fit the bill!" — Amazon

Everlane The Italian Leather Day Glove

I don't know about you, but nothing sounds comfier than wearing a so-called "glove" shoe style. This pair from Everlane has a highly high vamp that covers most of your food, making them the perfect ballet flats if you detest any hint of toe cleavage. This pair comes in seven evergreen colors plus two seasonal shades: olive green and a sweet dusty pink. You can shop them in sizes 5 through 10, including half sizes.

Pros: Comes in several colors; Top-rated; Comes in half-sizes;

Cons: Has a narrow fit; Some customers say they run small.

Customer Review: "I blister-like nobody's business, and I didn't have a single blister, no chafing, no problem whatsoever with these shoes, and I have DIFFICULT feet. Wide, flat beasts. These were great. 10/10." — Everlane

Rothy's The Flat

Marie Claire’s Digital Director, Jenny Hollander, loves this pair of Rothy’s 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 this September,” 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. You can shop them in tons of colors and in half-sizes to boot.

Pros: Editor-reviewed; Comfortable; Top-reviewed; Runs true-to-size; Comes in several colors;

Cons: Some reviewers say the toe box is too narrow.

Customer Review: "The best part about this (besides recycling) is that it's washable. i like looking polished even on casual wear days and part of that is keeping shoes clean. thanks, Rothy's!" — Rothy's

Madewell Greta Ballet Flat

Mary Jane-style ballet flats aren’t going anywhere this season. They appeared on the runways at fan-favorite brands like Sandy Liang and Zimmermann and have officially taken over the streetwear crowd. The traditionally sweet shoe can be edged up, of course, but I prefer to let them be their sweet selves with frilly socks or dresses. This pair from Madewell comes in a few colors including this deep chocolate brown, cost under $100, and are hailed for their comfort and buttery-soft leather.

Pros: Comfortable; Top-selling; Comes in several colors; Leather material molds to your feet as you wear.

Cons: Doesn't come in half-sizes.

Customer Review: "These shoes are great. The leather is buttery soft and they are stylish yet understated. The fit was big for me. I’m always a true 6 and there was a lot of room in the toe and my heel was slipping out. A half-size down was perfect. Would highly recommend but consider going down a half size." — Madewell

Miu Miu Logo Strap Satin Ballet Flats

Luxury brand Miu Miu is no stranger to a great pair of ballet flats, but this sweet-feeling satin pair has taken the fashion set by storm this season. They’re available in sweet shades like white, copper, and black, and will add a delicate touch to your fall and winter outfits. Plus, they’ll work just as well next summer with a pretty dress. However, they won’t be great for all-season wear due to the delicate satin fabrication, so they’re best reserved for special occasions.

Pros: Runs true-to-size; Cult-favorite; Comes in several colors.

Cons: Silk can get dirty easily.

Tory Burch Georgia Ballet Flat

Some things don’t ever change. I'm still obsessed with ballet flats from Tory Burch all these years later. Now that I’m not in middle school, I prefer these sleek black flats with gold hardware. You can shop them in several other colors, including lime green with silver hardware and a light taupe brown with the same gold finishings. The brand notes that the Georgia flats do run a little large, which is okay considering that they come in half sizes.

Pros: Comes in five colors; Comes in half-sizes; Comes in different hardware options.

Cons: The brand says they run large.

Customer Review: "The cap-toe shoe was great. I purchased several pairs in different colors. I have enjoyed all of them. They are very comfortable and the fit is perfect." —

Maison Margiela Tabi Ballerina Shoes

"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 Fashion Features Editor Emma Childs of her favorite pick. While they're not perfect 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 also a surprising versatility." You can shop them in half-sizes and they run true-to-size.

Pros: Editor-reviewed; Come in half-sizes; Can be dressed up or down.

Cons: Silk can get dirty quickly.

Carel Peche Mary Jane Slingback Ballerina Flats

This pair of flats from Carel achieves the perfect French girl look. Alexa Chung has been a longtime fan of the brand and has worn the Kina shoe, the style after which this pair was inspired. This glossy pair is a dream to wear with jeans to make them look more formal or with a mini skirt for the perfect mod, ‘60s-inspired ensemble. They’re available to shop in sizes EU 36–roughly a US 6—through an EU 39 39.5, or a US 9.5.

Pros: Comes in half-sizes; Can be dressed up; Cult-favorite following.

Cons: Shipping can take a while.

Vivaia Aria WalkerLightweight Pointed-Ballet Flats

So you want a pair of ballet flats that come in every color under the sun, are eco-friendly in fabrication, cost under $100, come in half-sizes, are machine-washable, and are comfortable for all-day wear? This pair from Vivaia checks all of those boxes and then some—they come in a few prints as well. They're even designed to feel weightless on your foot, are top-rated for breathability based on hundreds of reviews, and have additional arch support in the sole as an added bonus.

Pros: Comes in several colors; Sustainably-made; Has options for wide feet; Comfortable; Has a padded insole;

Cons: Some reviewers said there was a break-in period.

Customer Review: "These shoes have barely been off my feet since I got them! They are super comfortable and go with everything. What more could I ask for?" — Vivaia

J.Crew Zoe Ballet Flats in Leather

J.Crew continues to deliver a selection of perfectly-elevated basics season after season. Case in point: This pair of ballet flats that come in either black or tan. The little bow on the front is so sweet but the rounded-toe silhouette can be worn anywhere. Half-sizes make it easy to find your perfect size, although reviewers do say that they run true to size regardless. The only less-than-stellar detail about them is that they have a very short break-in period.

Pros: Comes in two colors; Comes in half-sizes; Runs true-to-size.

Cons: Reviewers say there is a short break-in period.

Customer Review: "If you're looking for a classic, versatile leather ballet flat...these are it. They're TTS so no guessing games with sizing if you're ordering online. I'd say they have a short break in period (just put some bandaids on your heels and you're good)." — J.Crew

Mansur Gavriel Square Toe Ballerina Flat

The red color trend is continuing on for 2024, and I'm excited for 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 a buttery-soft leather that molds to your feet as you wear them. The higher vamp also cuts down on toe cleavage if that's not your thing. You can even add a monogram to make them extra special!

Pros: Comes in half-sizes; Comes in 10 colors; Can be monogrammed; Runs true-to-size; Comfortable.

Cons: Some reviewers wish they had more padding in the toe and heel sections.

Customer Review: "Have been on the hunt for an amazing ballet flat and have done the market research for you! I ordered and tried on a bunch but these were the keeper! At first I thought they might be too big, but I am glad I had the forethought about swollen feet as you're on them longer! I clocked miles in these as I did a full day or errands. They never slipped off the back or gave me blisters! I love the look with denim and the extended square toe as opposed to a smaller ballerina front. Highly recommend!" — Mansur Gavriel

Khaite Marcy Crystal-Embellished Mesh Ballet Flats

This is the pair of mesh flats that kicked off the entire trend, and they're fully in stock (which is truly rare!) right now at Net-a-Porter. These are definitely made to satisfy your inner magpie and not for the sartorially faint-of-heart, these bejeweled flats are perfect for a formal occasion. I would personally style them with a longer pair of pants or a skirt to let just a touch of sparkle come through. Shop them in sizes 36 through 41, including half sizes.

Pros: Come in half-sizes.

Cons: Can sell out quickly.

Naturalizer Hawaii Pointed Toe Slingback Flat

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 is 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.

Pros: Comes in two colors; Comes in half-sizes; Come in two widths; Comfortable out of the box.

Cons: Some reviewers said the straps are too thin for a secure fit.

Customer Review: "Comfortable foot bed, front is plenty wide enough, and the sling is very comfortable. ( I got the wide fit)" — Nordstrom

Mattisse Nova Strappy Ballet Flat

Silver footwear continues to trend after popping upe everywhere in 2023—just ask Katie Holmes, who recently wore silver ballet flats in New York City. This pair from Mattisse, which comes top-rated for comfort, are perfect for making the trend work in your style rotation and channel the trend seen at Versace for Spring/Summer 2024. 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.

Pros: Comes in half-sizes; Come in three colors; Has adjustable straps; Has a rubber sole; Runs true-to-size for most reviewers.

Cons: Some reviewers said they scuff easily.

Cutomer Review: "I liked this stylish three-strap shoe so much I bought it in another color as well. I found it true to size in length and, although it is a medium width the straps are adjustable so I was able to make the fit more narrow." — Nordstrom

3.1 Philip Lim ID Mesh Mary Jane Flat

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

Pros: Come in two colors; Lightweight silhouette.

Cons: Only come in full-sizes.

Eledera The Quadra Ballerina

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 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 glove-like fit.

Birdies Goldfinch Pointed Toe Flat

The perfect pair of pointed-toe flats can instantly elevate any outfit, b Marie Claire's Contributing Editor Katherine J. Igoe loves this pair from Birdies because they're comfortable right out of the box and she wears them daily. "But I mainly love that they've crafted a shoe I can wear literally every day," she says. "I have them in a few of their many colors and designs." They come in a wide range of colors including this black suede and a gold variation.

Pros: Editor-approved; Comfortable; Has a cushioned insole; Runs true to size for most reviewers.

Cons:Some reviewers say the sizing is inconsistent.

Customer Review: "Love these stylish shoes more than I thought I would. Very comfortable with padded insoles. Great color!!!" — Nordstrom

Belle Quilted Ballerina Flat

Quilted ballet flats are the epitome of French-girl-inspired chic dressing. This pair from Jon Josef are top-rated for how elevated they look and that they run true-to-size for most reviewers. They come in several colors including white, pink, and brown, each with their own black patent-leather cap. Made in Spain from leather with a rubber sole and cushioned insole, these are a great option if you need a put-together flat that can take you from the office to the weekend.

Pros: Comes in five colors; Runs true-to-size for most reviewers; Comes in half-sizes.

Cons: Some reviewers say they run a half-size big.

Customer Review: "These shoes are just lovely. Comfortable and chic. I have an average width foot and sometimes ballet flats can run narrow but these are perfect, not too narrow and not too wide. I ordered my usual size 8 and am very happy." — Nordstrom

Jessica Richards is a trend forecaster, style storyteller, and founder of JMR Trend + Creative, whose synergistic focus inspires what is now and next. With an extensive background in forecasting, concepts, and design for major North American retailers, she brings a forward-thinking yet commercially and brand-right viability to projects across the fashion and wellness

industries.