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The ballet flat is back and it’s the most versatile shoe you can own — it works with jeans, trousers, midi skirts, and dresses, in every season with the right sock. Here are 12 worth buying, each linked to a well-reviewed pick.
My top pick: A soft leather ballet flat in black or a warm nude, with a bit of padding under the ball of the foot and a low-cut vamp, is the one to own — it goes with everything, it slips on and off, and a good one moulds to your foot within a week.
1. Classic Leather Ballet Flat
Soft leather, low vamp, thin sole, black or nude. The everyday one. Start here. Shop leather ballet flats women on Amazon →
2. Mesh Ballet Flat
A sheer mesh upper with a leather toe and heel — the of-the-moment version, breathable. Shop mesh ballet flats women on Amazon →
3. Pointed Ballet Flat
A slightly elongated toe — a bit sharper and leg-lengthening than the round classic. Shop pointed ballet flats women on Amazon →
4. Mary-Jane Ballet Flat
A ballet flat with an ankle or instep strap — stays on better, a little more structured. Shop mary jane ballet flats women on Amazon →
5. Ballet Flat with Arch Support
A contoured footbed inside a classic shape — the version you can walk miles in. Shop ballet flats with arch support women on Amazon →
6. Square-Toe Ballet Flat
A blunt, squared toe — the current, slightly retro shape. Roomier for wide feet. Shop square toe ballet flats women on Amazon →
7. Ballerina with Elastic Topline
An elasticated edge that grips the foot — no heel slip, no blisters. Shop elastic ballet flats women on Amazon →
8. Suede Ballet Flat
A soft suede in an autumn tone — chocolate, burgundy, tan. Keep them out of the rain. Shop suede ballet flats women on Amazon →
9. Foldable / Packable Flat
A ballet flat that rolls into a pouch — the after-heels shoe for a bag. Shop foldable ballet flats women on Amazon →
10. Ballet Flat in a Colour or Print
Red, leopard, or metallic — one pair to lift plain jeans-and-a-jumper outfits. Shop red ballet flats women on Amazon →
11. Wide-Fit Ballet Flat
A genuinely wider last so the low vamp doesn’t cut across the foot. Shop wide fit ballet flats women on Amazon →
12. Rubber / Jelly Ballet Flat
A moulded waterproof flat — the rainy-day version, wipes clean, no water damage. Shop rubber ballet flats women on Amazon →
The bottom line
A soft leather ballet flat in black or nude is the one to own — add a little arch support if you’re on your feet. A suede pair in an autumn tone and one bold colour cover the rest.