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Ballet flats are must-haves for a versatile, timeless wardrobe. They pair effortlessly with everything from professional slacks to fun cocktail dresses. Plus, they’re major lifesavers after a long night in heels (always keep a pair in your bag—just in case).
Explore a wide variety of the best ballet flats, from practical and professional to ballerina-inspired looks.
Searching for comfy ballerina shoes or luxe flats for a classy date? Here are our top choices for the best ballet flats so you’ll never run out of options.
What we love: Comfortable and adaptable for daily wear.
What we don’t: Sizing runs large.
Madewell’s The Greta shoes answer your daily dilemma of what to wear. These casual and stylish shoes are perfect for anything you have planned. They’re supportive enough for walking and striking enough for a weekend date.
They feature a squared toe and flexible elastic strap, which add to their everyday comfort. Gretas are also made from sustainably sourced leather certified by the Leather Working Group (LWG).
We recommend pairing neutral colors, like black and nude, with a midi dress and trench coat. If you’re looking for a more edgy style, opt for cherry red slippers with jeans and a loose, black blouse.
We’re big fans of this brand—browse stunning Madewell flats on ThredUp, starting at $30.99.
Price: $98 on Madewell.
Sizes: 5 to 12.
Colors: Available in 13 styles, including neutrals, bold red, and studded.
What we love: Comfortable right out of the box—no break-in period.
What we don’t: Little structure, so the leather tends to bend.
Everlane’s The Day are the best supportive ballet flats we’ve found—no blisters, aching, or uncomfortable rubbing. They’re lightly cushioned, breathable, and super flexible, making them ready to go straight out of the box without breaking in. Plus, that cute little bow isn’t just for aesthetics; it’s functional and allows you to adjust the fit.
A slight heel and cushioned footbed make these flats similar to loafers or boat shoes. They’re also made of LWG-approved leather, which is no surprise, as Everlane is one of our favorite sustainable clothing brands.
Try a pair of Everlanes with straight-leg jeans and a blazer for a classic, relaxed style. They’re also perfect for a night spent on your feet, like exploring the boardwalk. For this look, pair the flats with a breezy midi dress and a wide-brimmed hat.
Thrift Everlane flats and keep these gorgeous shoes in circulation. Find them on ThredUp, starting at $35.99.
Price: $148 on Everlane.
Sizes: 5 to 11.
Colors: Black, brown, tan, cream, pink, and red.
What we love: Features AdaptAll straps that offer a highly customizable fit.
What we don’t: Runs narrow.
Vivaia has such a wide selection of stunning Mary Janes that it’s difficult to choose just one pair, but the Maria definitely caught our eye. Their endlessly adjustable straps allow for a tailored fit, the hexagonal buckles are eye-catching, and the pointed toe adds angular flair.
Plus, they get an excellent sustainability rating: the breathable knit uppers are made of recycled plastic bottles, and each pair is packaged in 100% recycled cardboard.
Go for a vintage look with these flats, a plaid skirt, and a cream sweater. If that isn’t academic enough, go full preppy with chinos and a sweater vest.
Browse ThredUp’s vast collection for more pointed-toe flats—with or without the Mary Jane strap—starting at $25.99.
Price: $97.
Sizes: 5 to 11.
Colors: Available in nine styles, including neutrals, tweed, and leopard print.
What we love: Understated and timeless—the little black dress of the shoe world.
What we don’t: Some reviewers claim the toe box is too small and the shoe is too narrow.
The Quinn is an amazingly adaptable pair of shoes from J. Crew, one of the top preppy clothing brands. They’re subtle, and you can wear them straight from the office to a dinner party—they’re some of those shoes that go with everything.
This footwear features leather and cotton uppers, a rubber outsole, and an elegant grosgrain bow. Both black and burgundy have a muted matte finish that would be right at home in your capsule wardrobe. And the glossy snake-embossed design could spice up a more classic outfit.
These flats are professional enough for the office when combined with slacks and a blazer but can also look formal when paired with a sophisticated maxi dress. Here’s the best part: they work just as well with jeans and a tee for a laidback shopping trip.
J. Crew makes some of our favorite shoes, from flats and loafers to the most comfortable ballet pumps. Find hundreds of options in different styles and colors on ThredUp, starting at $11.99.
Price: $148.
Sizes: 5 to 12.
Colors: Black, burgundy, and snake-embossed black.
What we love: Comfortable in any situation, warm or cold.
What we don’t: Some reviewers say the heel cuts into certain foot shapes.
We’ll be honest—The Flat shoes almost snagged number one for most comfortable, but we can’t get over how perfect they are for travel. They’re washable, lightweight, and fit seamlessly into handbags for emergencies. That’s where comfort comes into play—no one wants to wear uncomfortable flats after a day in heels.
These knit shoes are made from 11 recycled plastic bottles, contributing to Rothy’s admirable zero-waste practices. They have pillow-like insoles and come in an impressive 20 unique colors.
We love these with a pair of flared jeans and a fitted top or button-down. But these flats look great with whatever outfit you wear when you decide you need a comfortable swap.
Check out ThredUp’s extensive selection of Rothy’s footwear, starting at $45.99.
Price: $99.
Sizes: 5 to 13.
Colors: Available in 20 colors, including neutral solids, bold solids, and animal prints.
What we love: Supple, soft, and flexible.
What we don’t: Thin soles and a delicate design—definitely not for walking long distances.
The Row’s Elastic Ballet Slippers are exclusive, minimalist flats with a designer price tag. While they’re a pricier choice, they’re perfect footwear for special occasions like weddings and galas.
Spotted across social media and on the stylish Kendall Jenner, these iconic shoes feature a round almond toe, soft leather uppers, and a fine elastic strap across the top. They’re Italian-made and designed to look like understated ballet slippers.
We’d combine these luxe flats with high-waisted trousers and a flowy jacket or opt for a maxi dress and sharp Chanel bag. Both outfits convey a true fashionista style.
Score designer pieces that won’t burn a hole in your wallet on ThredUp, where you can find The Row shoes starting at $139.99.
Price: $820.
Sizes: 4.5 to 11.5.
Colors: Black and cream.
What we love: Amazing size inclusivity.
What we don’t: Little arch support.
Sleek and sophisticated, The Demis are excellent office footwear. These high-quality shoes look professional and are comfortable enough for anyone who works on their feet.
They’re made of flexible, soft leather and feature an adjustable bow and cushioned insole for a better fit. We also celebrate their diverse size inclusivity, offering distinct length and width, and sizes 3.5 to 14—broader than anything else on this list.
For a more formal office, try these with slacks, a button-down, and a crisp blazer. Wear them with a simple blouse and black jeans in more casual settings.
Thrift Margaux flats for a more affordable, sustainable option. Find beautiful preloved pieces starting at $29.99.
Price: $275.
Sizes: Length 3.5 to 14, width in medium, wide, and narrow.
Colors: Available in 13 colors, including neutrals and vibrant reds.
What we love: Available in bold and muted colors, depending on the vibe of your special occasion.
What we don’t: Thin leather, so they may not hold up to intense walking.
The Reformation is one of our favorite brands, as they’re trendy without the fast-fashion framework of other companies. Their Bethany Ballet Flats are stunning and perfectly suited to any formal or semi-formal occasion, whether you’re a suit or dress kind of girl.
They’re available in various chic materials, like leather, haircalf, and mesh. Plus, they feature an attention-grabbing top strap and buckle. While they may not be durable enough for rough wear, they’re comfortable and work well for walking and dancing.
For a formal party or wedding, pair these with a flowing maxi dress and a clutch bag, or opt for trousers and a prim blazer. Try these with a pleated V-neck maxi for a formal dinner date.
Encourage sustainable fashion by thrifting Reformation footwear from ThredUp, starting at $59.99.
Price: $298.
Sizes: 5 to 11.
Colors: Available in nine styles, including neutrals, mesh, and rhinestones.
ThredUp is the ultimate platform for finding ballet flats that match your exact aesthetic. Discover new-to-you shoes for less, keep them out of landfills, and refresh your wardrobe—a triple win.
Check out our massive collection of endless colors and sizes, and narrow down your search with our Style Chat. Describe your ideal outfit and refine it with prompts like “Less color” and “More casual.” When you’re done, browse real suggestions from our inventory and make your idea a reality.
