Behold—The Best Ballet Flats to Level Up Your Spring Footwear Rotation

Consider your search for a comfortable pair of ballet flats over! With a padded footbed, elastic strap, and supple leather, these flats will make you feel like you’re walking on a cloud.

Sizes: 5-12

Colors: 7 options

Materials: Lamb leather, cow leather, suede

Editor review: “I wear these flats everywhere—on the subway, to the office. They’re sleek and go with everything, and the bow and strap makes me feel like I’m moonlighting as a New York City ballet dancer.”—Claire Stern Milch, digital director

Everything about Aeyde’s Moa flats is made for minimalists at heart. They have all the trappings to become a tried-and-true staple—from the comfortable slip-on silhouette to the flattering sharply pointed toe to the timeless neutral colorways.

Sizes: 5-12

Colors: Hazelnut, Cream, Black

Materials: Leather, rubber

Editor review: “I’m a big fan of a pointed toe on any kind of shoe, but I tend to find them more on boots and heels. I love these flats because you still get a pointed toe but with the comfort of a flat instead of a boot or heel.”—Carson Stannard, fashion editor

If you’ve been trying to find classic footwear with unconventional twists, look no further than Freda Salvador. The female-founded footwear label has become a favorite in the fashion world because of its dedication to championing craftsmanship.

Sizes: 6-11

Colors: 10 options

Materials: Leather, rubber

Editor review: “Woven textures in bags and shoes really add something for me, so this woven ballet flat from Freda Salvador is the perfect expression of that. They’re chic and practical, with a little bit of a twist.”—Madison Rexroat, assistant accessories editor

For fans of minimalist fashion from the ’90s, the luxury footwear brand Yuni Buffa is a must-shop. Every pair of ballet flats from the brand is hand-made by artisans in Tuscany, so you know these shoes will stand the test of time.

Sizes: 6-11

Colors: Red, White, Gold

Materials: Nappa lambskin leather

Editor review: “I just got these in white, and they feel so chic in such a European It girl way that I just can’t help but feel like I’m elevating my everyday looks with them. Of course, it doesn’t hurt that the likes of Alexa Chung and Katie Holmes have been seen wearing them, either!”—Dale Arden Chong, senior fashion commerce editor

Why opt for a traditional pair of shoes when you can have a hybrid between Mary Jane and ballet flats? The distinct buckle hardware strap on these gives the otherwise classic curved-toe silhouette a slight edge.

Sizes: 6-12

Colors: Black

Materials: Leather

Editor review: “I actually don’t know what I would do without these shoes. They are that much of a go-to for me. I’ve worn them countless times, and they still look fantastic. If you use orthotic inserts, they’re roomy enough to accommodate. One note, though, is that the sole doesn’t have much support on its own, so I would plan on adding an insert regardless.”—Meg Donohue, associate fashion commerce editor

Considering the overnight popularity of Alaïa’s mesh ballet flats last spring, it’s only a matter of time before another style reaches cult status. These crisscross flats are a likely contender. With a distinct leopard print and luxe calf-hair finish, Alaïa’s flats will surely rise to the top of the food chain, or in this case, the list of the best ballet flats. Oh, and by the way, they’re already starting to sell out.

Sizes: 5-12

Colors: Leopard Print, Black Studded

Materials: Leopard-print calf hair or studded suede

Editor review: “I love how chic a splash of leopard looks with a casual pair of jeans and a white T-shirt. These shoes will be my go-to all spring.”—Alexis Bennett Parker, commerce content lead

Drawing from the distinct history of Venetian culture in the 19th century, Vibi Venezia’s founders—Viola and Vera Arrivabene Valenti Gonzaga—set out to reimagine the house slipper. It achieves that aim by melding traditional craftsmanship techniques with contemporary design details.

Sizes: 5-12

Colors: Navy, Pink, Brown, Red

Materials: Velvet

Editor review: “Anything with texture gets me going, especially these velvety flats by Vibi Venezia. I plan on wearing them with dresses and shorts this spring.”—Alexis Bennett Parker, commerce content lead

Debuted in Chloé’s spring/summer 25 collection, the Ghilies flat gives the traditional tie-up pointe shoe a bohemian-inspired spin. Featuring an open-back silhouette, gold grommet hardware, and corset-inspired wraparound laces, it’s a more approachable way to dip one’s toes into this shoe trend without looking like they’ve just left the studio.

Sizes: 5-11

Colors: Black, Peach

Materials: Lambskin

Editor review: “I’m currently fascinated by Chemena Kamali’s ability to take traditional codes of bohemian aesthetics and transform them in ways that feel reflective of this moment in time—especially in the case of her approach to accessories. I will be thinking about these lace-up ballet flats for the unforeseeable future. ”—Jasmine Fox-Suliaman, freelance writer

Even if you can’t stand ‘en pointe’ like a traditional ballerina, you can choose a flat with a silhouette that embodies the dance movement—such as this sleek square-toe pair from Schutz. The elegant shape, neutral colorways, and affordable price make tapping into your inner ballerina a breeze.

Sizes: 5-11

Colors: Black, Brown, Honey, Silver, Gold

Materials: Leather

Customer review: “The leather in these shoes is so soft; they’re perfect. I walk about 3-4 miles daily at work, and they hold up.”

With a sleek silhouette, supple yellow leather, and a cushioned footbed, these ballet flats give the term “like butter” a whole new meaning. Le Monde Béryl’s flats will surely be your spring wardrobe’s key ingredient or, rather, key footwear.

Sizes: 5-12

Colors: Yellow, Black, Green, Taupe

Materials: Leather

Customer review: “These buttery soft flats are the best spring shoes. The shape is unique, and they mold to your feet.”

There was a period in which you couldn’t walk through any major city without spotting one specific pair of ballerinas: Tory Burch’s Reva ballet flats. We may no longer live in the early ’00s, but Tory Burch remains the purveyor of cult-worthy footwear—case in point: these eyelet-covered ballet flats.

Sizes: 5-11

Colors: Black, Red

Materials: Leather with grommets

Customer review: “These are adorable—they’re a little edgy, which is what I was looking for. The shoes are incredibly light but comfortable. I have bed feet and often need more structure in the arch and soles, which are super comfy.”

Maison Margiela’s Tabi ballerina flats remain one of the most distinguishable designer ballet flats because of their signature split-toe silhouette. But what’s cemented the style as one of the best options on the market besides the avant-garde shape is the ultra-soft leather that molds to the foot over time.

Sizes: 5-11

Colors: 6 options

Materials: Leather

Customer review: “Super unique, a little weird, but so, so cool. I have all kinds of foot problems, and these shoes are ridiculously comfortable—the white stitching on the heel whispers to those in the know. Get them!!”

Love them or hate them, mesh ballet flats wouldn’t have become a popular trend last spring without the debut of Dear Frances’ Balla flat. It quickly garnered street-style stardom because of its comfortable slip-on silhouette, flattering almond toe, and mesh finish in various colors.

Sizes: 5-12

Colors: Pink, White, Red, Black, Nude

Materials: Mesh, leather

Customer review: “Beautifully made shoes, delicate and stylish. I can’t wait to wear them in the better weather.”

What better way to step into the springtime than with a floral-embroidered mesh ballet flat? Khaite’s Marcy Flats will pair perfectly with all your spring staples—albeit a white linen dress or jeans and a white T-shirt.

Sizes: 6-11

Colors: Tan, Black

Materials: Mesh and embroidery

Customer review: “I always choose these flats over my other shoes! They go with everything, the best money I’ve ever spent. I think they run a bit big, maybe a 1/2 size.”

From the slim buckle strap to the almond-toe shape, these ballet flats have an undeniably timeless appeal. No matter if you buy them in a neutral shade or leopard print, they’re sure to become a foundational staple in your wardrobe.

Sizes: 5-12

Colors: 6 options

Material: Leather

Customer review: “These are so cute. I got my normal size 6.5, and they fit perfectly. I was concerned about “toe cleavage,” as others mentioned, but this was not the case for me. My foot is narrow-average in width. I live in the city and walked 30 minutes in these the first day I got them without any issues. I’m going to get them in another color.”

Miu Miu’s signature ballerina flats have remained ubiquitous in fashion since its spring/summer 2016 runway show. While some might argue that some of their continued appeal could be attributed to their resurgence in the fall/winter 2022 show, it really all comes down to the shoe’s ballet-inspired details. From the satin finish to the small bow decal to the elastic logo-adorned strap, it has so many endearing elements.

Sizes: 4-12

Colors: Orchid Pink, Cocoa, Olive Green, White, Black

Material: Satin, leather sole

Customer review: “Super cute, feminine, and comfy. Perfect balletcore look when matched with cute socks.”

When it comes to ballet flats, it can be hard to find options that are not only affordable but can withstand everyday life’s wear and tear—Steve Madden is the exception. For those on a shoestring budget, the Leni ballet flat, with its square-toe silhouette and leather finish, is a solid investment for spring.

Sizes: 5-12

Colors: 8 options

Material: Leather

Customer review: “I have searched the internet for a comfortable yet stylish flat and finally found this pair. These shoes are adorable and comfortable, and I didn’t have to ‘break’ them in!”

Renowned for its commitment to craftsmanship, The Row’s ballet flats are handmade in Italy from a luxe lambskin, ensuring that they’ll be a cult classic in your closet for years to come.

Sizes: 5-12

Colors: Milk, Black

Material: Leather, elastic

Customer review: “It’s an enormous sum to blow on a ballerina flat, I know, but you’re either a sucker for The Row’s luxurious simplicity or you’re not. This time around, they had me at the quirky round toe, the perfect pale color, and the tiny black elastic strap. While delicate, I’m pleased that the shoe itself feels more substantial than I expected—the sole is not thick but supportive, and there is some padding. The leather is delicate but supple and gorgeous. I wouldn’t suggest this shoe for long hikes, but that’s the beauty of them. In person, it is comfier than I expected and just as beautiful. Thrilled with this purchase.”

With mesh flats playing such a pivotal part in spring trends last year, there’s sure to be a trend that will succeed them this season—woven leather ballet flats are a likely option. The open-weave of these artisan-made leather Margaux flats not only has the same breathability as any other pair of mesh flats but also feels a bit more trend-forward for spring.

Sizes: 3-14

Colors: Espresso, Black

Material: Woven Nappa leather

Customer review: “The most comfortable flats ever. I’ve been wearing them nonstop since they arrived. No break-in time needed; they are perfection.”

The permission slip you’ve sought to buy into the suede flat trend? Consider it officially cosigned by Reformation’s Prudence ballet flats. Featuring a sleek silhouette and sumptuous suede in a few neutral shades, these flats are the perfect excuse to purchase this trend once and for all.

Sizes: 5-11

Colors: 6 options

Material: Suede

Customer review: “You need these shoes! I’ve only had them for a few weeks and have already worn them multiple times. I will be buying more!”