The best ballet flats are comfortable, stylish and easy to wear: No wonder everyone from Audrey Hepburn to Brigitte Bardot has been known to wear the understated-yet-chic shoe, slipping them on for European holidays and everyday life. Ballet flats have only gotten more stylish—and comfortable over time, thanks to softer materials, flexible soles and modern seams that prevent blisters and other foot annoyances.
At Forbes Vetted, quite a few of our editors are extremely loyal to their ballet flats. It’s a shoe that’s nothing short of essential for work days, weekends, and yes, even the occasional European holiday. Ahead, we rounded up our recommendations for the best ballet flats, including our top overall pick, Rothy’s The Square Flat, which has a flexible knit design that molds to your foot and doesn’t require any break-in time. For more footwear advice, we also have suggestions for the best loafers for women.
Sizes: 5 to 13 | Colors: 5 in total, including Tuxedo and Moonlight | Materials: 100% recycled materials
A cult-favorite for a reason, Rothy’s Square Flats have a captoe design and cushioned insole that makes them extremely comfortable and stylish. They’re made from a blend of recycled materials (bio-based foam, plastic bottles, hemp fiber), which creates a breathable and flexible design that conforms to your feet. With more than 4,000 reviews, this pair is a solid choice and the brand has been thoroughly tested by the Forbes Vetted fashion team. Kari Molvar, our senior fashion editor, wears Rothy’s flats year-round, noting that “they go with everything and have never once given me blisters.” Also great: The ballet flats are fully machine washable and lightweight.
What the reviews say: “I love these shoes so much! I’ve had a pair for 6 years and they hold up so well. I like to hike in them and wear them to casual or dressy occasions as well as work. I would like a pair in every color.” —Rothy’s
MOST POPULAR
Aerosoles Catalina Leather Ballet Flat
Sizes: 5 to 12 | Colors: 5 in total, including Black and Gold Metallic | Materials: Leather
Aerosoles is known for its careful attention to comfort: The bestselling Catalina ballet flats have a memory-foam insole, wide toe box to give your feet room to spread out and diamond-patterned rubber outsole that reduces friction. Like all Aerosoles flats, they’re stitched in a unique way: Tthe upper is joined directly to the sole to create an bendable shoe that doesn’t require any breaking in. This pair comes in both quilted and smooth leather, and a handful of shades. Just note that some reviewers say the flats run long, so you might want to size down.
What the reviews say: “This is a great buy. Fits comfortably; it [feels] like nothing on your feet. It is perfect.” —Aerosoles
Loeffler Randall Leonie Leather Ballet Flat
Sizes: 5 to 12 | Colors: 19 in total, including Ballet and Safari | Materials: 100% leather
Loeffler Randall’s beautiful ballet flats are worth the splurge. The Leonie is a made from Italian glove calf leather, which holds up well over time and only gets better with wear, and is finished with an elegant bow detail. For added comfort, this flat is outfitted with a padded leather footbed, almond toe and an elastic strap to hold your foot securely in place. Keep in mind that the leather is supple and delicate so it will show scuffing if you’re not careful, but you could argue that a little patina adds character to your shoes.
What the reviews say: “Exactly as pictured. Classic ballerina style. Color is pale. I have slightly narrow feet, thankful for the elastic strap.” —Tuckernuck
Sizes: 5 to 11 | Colors: 13 in total, including Hazy Indigo and Jet Black | Materials: Eucalyptus tree fiber, Brazilian sugarcane, carbon-negative green EVA foam
If you’re active and walk a lot, Allbirds ballet flats are the next best thing to sneakers: The highly-rated design has a “soft knit ribbed upper that holds your foot in place and a plush insole that cradles you in comfort,” says our senior fashion editor who has logged many miles in this pair. The flats are made with sustainable, lightweight eucalyptus fiber and Brazilian sugarcane, which creates a surprisingly flexible and breathable shoe with a springy, cushioned feel.
What the reviews say: “Great! I have bunions and pronation and this is the first full cut shoe I have been able to wear with comfort in years.” —Allbirds
Sizes: 5 to 11 | Colors: 5 in total, including Sugar Almond and Pale Pink | Materials: 100% leather
Everlane’s flats are made from buttery-soft Tuscan leather that’s crafted at a traditional Italian factory that handles all of their leather quality control and cutting on site. With a rounded toe, cushioned insole and rubber outsole that holds up to wear and tear, this pair requires almost no breaking in, and the higher vamp holds your foot in place. Just keep in mind: Leather is spot-clean only.
What the reviews say: “I bought these in many colors, and l wear them all the time. They are extremely comfortable…I have gotten numerous compliments about them and questions as to who makes them and where they can be bought. I don’t think I’ve ever had so many people ask me about the shoes I’m wearing!” —Everlane
Sizes: 5 to 12 | Colors: 4 in total, including Black and Ganache | Materials: Leather, rubber
Finding the right shoes for work can be an obstacle—you need a pair that’s dressy enough for the office or meetings and lightweight enough for a commute or being on the move. The Forbes Vetted team is partial to J.Crew’s bestselling Zoe flats, which are cut from smooth leather that’s lined with soft canvas inside. The squared-off toe is classic yet modern and looks great with everything from slim trousers to cocktail dresses, should work extend into happy hour.
What the reviews say: “I never thought I’d be a ballet flat wearer until these. These are so soft (no blisters ever), have a higher vamp like other designer ones, and have molded to my feet in a chic had-for-years way.” —J.Crew
Seychelles Breathless Flats
Sizes: 6 to 11 | Colors: 5 in total, including Black and Silver | Materials: Leather, rubber
Every closet needs a basic ballet flat, and this pair fits the bill. Seychelle’s well-known and beloved minimalist design features a stretchy upper with a scrunched elastic band around the foot. A roomy toe box provides extra comfort, but keep in mind, the sole is on the thinner side. That said, they’re a great lightweight option to travel with or wear for shorter periods of time.
What the reviews say: “Love theses shoes! They are very comfortable and the fit is perfect, definitely true to size.” —Amazon
Sizes: 5 to 13 | Colors: 17 in total, including Black Velvet and Latte Suede | Materials: Leather, suede, velvet, rubber
Birdies’s Starling flats are as comfortable as house shoes, but durable enough to wear outside. The slipper-like flat is outfitted with a 7-layer footbed, which provides elevated heel and arch support, shock absorption and memory foam cushioning. There’s also a no-slip rubber bottom and a spacious width that accommodates all foot shapes. The only downside is that certain colors tend to sell out quickly but there are multiple materials to choose from, including suede and velvet.
What the reviews say: “I wore these traveling through Europe and have worn them on numerous business trips and they were instantly comfortable. I wear them with a no-show sock liner…”—Nordstrom
Sizes: 3 to 14 | Colors: 15 in total, including Burgundy Nappa and Chocolate Suede | Materials: Leather, suede, foam
Another top-rated brand regularly worn by the Forbes Vetted fashion team, Margaux specializes in fashion-forward, comfort-first shoes. The bestselling Demi comes in three widths—Medium, Narrow and Wide—and 15 versatile colors. Opting for extra width prevents your feet from rubbing up against the edges of these flats as you walk. In addition to our own fashion editor’s take, reviewers also praise these flats for being comfortable, attractive and high quality.
What the reviews say: “I was having trouble find a good quality pair at a reasonable price. I ordered my first pair (classic black of course) and loved them so much I bought 5 more pairs in various colors. They are so comfortable, well made with good padding for support, and they really show off the elegant bones of the feet.” —Margaux
Vionic Caroll Ballet Flat
Sizes: 5 to 11 | Colors: 5 in total, including Black and Army Green | Materials: Leather, microfiber, EVA
Vionic creates footwear in collaboration with podiatrists: The Caroll ballet flat carries the Seal of Acceptance from the American Podiatric Medical Association and features a removable EVA foam footbed wrapped in soft microfiber, which is great for easing sore tendons and preventing plantar fasciitis foot pain. Like all Vionic shoes, this pick also features the brand’s Vio-Motion technology that encourages natural foot alignment and arch support.
What the reviews say: “The most comfortable shoes I own. I could walk all day in these, which says a lot, because I have bunions and flat feet and almost all my shoes hurt my feet.” —Nordstrom
Sizes: 5 to 11 | Colors: 30+ in total, including Navy and Dark Leopard | Materials: Recycled plastic bottles, plant-based insole (Artemisia Argyi), rubber
People with bunions not only need extra space in the toe box, but also sufficient padding at the base of the shoe to keep the foot properly aligned. Vivaia’s Margot 2.0 flats are specifically designed for those with foot issues: A built-in heel cushion helps prevent blisters while the insole adds comfort, rebound and arch support so you can wear this pair without wincing later in the day.
What the reviews say: “I have a very hard time finding shoes that don’t give me blisters. The are fantastic! And with the slight stretch. So comfortable.” —Vivaia
Sizes: 5 to 15 | Colors: 24 in total, including Black and Tan | Materials: Alternative leather, faux calfskin, faux suede
For a basic option that won’t break the bank, this highly-rated Amazon Essentials ballet flat is simple and versatile. Forbes Vetted’s senior fashion editor tested it and found it “surprisingly comfortable, despite the no-frills design.” The elastic sides easily conform to your foot without causing blisters and the rubber outsole is durable and well-made, with a solid amount of traction. It’s not a flashy design, but this pair is a closet staple you can wear with any outfit.
What the reviews say: “They’re really comfortable, which is awesome since I’m on my feet a lot at work, but they’re professional looking and match nearly everything I own. They never give me blisters, they don’t make my feet sweat, and I can wear them for hours at a time and feel no pain at all. Honestly, they’re more comfortable than my tennis shoes, which is so wild to me…”—Amazon
Why Trust Forbes Vetted
At Forbes Vetted, we spend a lot of time thinking and writing about fashion and footwear. We’ve first-person tested many pairs of shoes, including the best walking shoes for women and the most comfortable flats. Our contributors and editors regularly interview industry experts to get their opinions and insight, which informs our research and methodology process. For this story, Kari Molvar, Forbes Vetted senior fashion editor and resident style expert, tried out many of the pairs included on this list, based on her extensive experience in the market. Writer Carleigh Ferrante also spoke with podiatrist Dina Gohil, founder of DG Podiatrist and creator of The Foot Scraper, a YouTube channel devoted to foot health.
How We Chose The Best Ballet Flats
In order to choose our list of the best ballet flats, our Forbes Vetted senior fashion editor evaluated dozens of pairs based on key features, such the quality of materials and range of sizes, and considered well-reviewed brands that prioritize comfort, style and support. She tested a handful of ballet flats over a few weeks to narrow down the options, and then writer Carleigh Ferrante carefully read reviews to assess the pros and cons of each contender. The team also paid close attention to feedback from customers who wore the flats for extended periods of time, noting any reviews from those with specific foot conditions or concerns. Lastly, we took price and value into consideration to ensure our selections meet a variety of budgets.
Shopping Tips, And Fun Facts About Ballet Flats:
The modern ballet flat was invented by Rose Repetto in the 1940s. Repetto was a mother of a famous dancer, and she designed the shoes to be more comfortable and supportive than the traditional ballet shoes.
While originally designed for ballet dancers, ballet flats quickly became popular as a fashion shoe for everyday wear. They were a favorite of Audrey Hepburn and Brigitte Bardot in the 1950s and 1960s.
True ballet flats are typically made without a left or right foot. This is because dancers need to be able to switch their shoes quickly and easily during rehearsals and performances.
The first ballet flats were made of leather but today the shoe comes in a variety of materials, including suede, canvas and satin, which makes them easy to dress up or down.
If you have foot issues, look for ballet flats with a cushioned sole to help make them more comfortable. If you have wide feet, go for ballet flats with a wider toe box. For high arches, make sure your ballet flats have good arch support as a key feature.
If you plan on wearing your ballet flats for long periods of time, consider a pair with a removable insole. This way, you can swap the standard insole with a custom orthotic if needed.
I’m a deputy editor covering women’s and men’s fashion, accessories and athletic apparel. My writing has appeared in T: The New York Times Style Magazine, Vogue and The Wall Street Journal. Prior to joining Forbes, I wrote two books, including The New Beauty: A Modern Look at Beauty, Culture, and Fashion. I’ve studied fashion styling and hold certificates in jewelry essentials from the Gemological Institute of America and design history from Sotheby’s Institute of Art. A native New Englander, I grew up in Rhode Island and was—and remain—a sneaker obsessive with far too many pairs of white sneakers.