Best Ballet Flats: Complete Reviews With Comparisons
The best ballet flats can transform your wardrobe by adding a flirty style to your outfits.
They have the iconic design of dancing shoes with the convenience of outdoor shoes that you can wear anywhere.
We've compiled a list of the most comfortable and stylish ballet flats you can add to your closet.
Comparison Chart
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Ballet Flats: A Review
1. Amazon Essentials Women's Ballet Flats
The Amazon Essentials Women's Ballet Flats is the perfect partner for casual and formal outfits.
You'll appreciate its streamlined design that easily complements a pair of skinny jeans or business casual outfits.
It's also available in over 20 colorways, so you can quickly find the perfect pair for any occasion.
Product Highlights
Let's explore some of the most comfortable features of the Amazon Essentials Women's Ballet Flats.
- Synthetic Materials
These shoes are made from synthetic materials, which makes them easy to maintain.
You won't have to worry about using special cleaners or weather protectants to keep them in their best condition.
Also, you'll find that the synthetic leather material adds an elegant flair to your outfits.
- Classic Design
These ballet flats' versatility cannot be understated since they have a versatile style for everyday wear.
They also complement wearers of any age, especially with the vast number of colors and patterns to consider.
You'll find these shoes available in a broad spectrum ranging from nude to emerald green as well as in animal print.
- Casual Silhouette
If you're searching for a casual pair of shoes perfect for weekend outings and running errands, these are ideal.
The Amazon Essentials Women's Ballet Flats features a round toe with a flattering casual silhouette.
It won't feel like the shoes are too tight or loose, especially with the top's integrated elastic.
- Soft Faux Leather
As mentioned, the Amazon Essentials Women's Ballet Flats boasts synthetic leather with a subdued sheen.
The material is incredibly soft while also featuring a faux suede microfiber lining.
You can wear these flats in any weather without worrying about chafing or breathability.
What to Like About It
These ballet flats are perfectly sized upon arrival and don't require any breaking in to be comfortable.
The soft materials are cozy for hours of wear without causing blisters or chafing.
Also, the faux leather doesn't squeak while walking, even with sweaty feet.
What Not to Like About It
The most considerable concern with these shoes is that they look worn quickly, especially since they scuff easily.
Also, since they're ballet flats, they lack adequate support for high arches and orthotics.
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2. Skechers Women's Bobs Ballet Flats
Skechers are renowned for their comfort, and these shoes are one of our top recommendations.
The Women's Bobs Ballet Flats incorporates two casual styles into one shoe.
You'll have the benefit of plush walking shoes with the stylish exterior of an everyday casual slip-on.
Product Highlights
If you're not a fan of traditional ballet flats, these shoes are a fantastic alternative.
Let's look into some of the more unique features of the Skechers Women's Bobs Ballet Flats.
- Multiple Colorways
It's always good to have an assortment of colors to choose from when shopping for shoes.
These slip-ons are available in numerous colors ranging from hot pink to deep black.
- Canvas Exterior
Canvas shoes have a casual and boho-inspired feel to them, which is why they're so popular.
The Skechers Women's Bobs Ballet Flats boasts a canvas exterior resistant to plenty of wear and tear.
You'll find the material is relatively breathable and easy to break in after your first wear.
- Low-Heel Design
Instead of wearing high heel shoes, which can be uncomfortable over time, the Women's Bobs Ballet Flats has shallow heels.
Since they're casual walking shoes, you'll find the heel is less than 0.5 inches.
Depending on the color you choose, the sole is available in different designs for an added flair.
- Classic Slip-On Style
Slip-on shoes are a phenomenal option for people searching for easy-to-wear accessories.
The Women's Bobs Ballet Flats doesn't have any laces, Velcro, or buttons, making them ideal for several occasions.
You'll love wearing your new footwear to the beach, for running groceries, or even quick walks around the block.
- Memory Foam Footbed
The most impressive and comfortable feature of these shoes is their memory foam footbed.
At the bottom of the shoe, you'll find the perfect amount of padding to keep your feet comfortable all day.
Also, the memory foam adds some breathability, allowing your feet to stay cool and dry.
What to Like About It
The Skechers Women's Bobs Ballet Flats is ideal for thin and wide feet because the canvas stretches easily.
You'll also find the memory foam padding adds an extra layer of support compared to standard ballet flats.
What Not to Like About It
Unfortunately, the seam work in these shoes is lackluster, causing the material to break apart over time.
Also, the memory foam will flatten quickly, which takes away some of the comfort it provides.
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3. DailyShoes Ballet Flat Shoes
When searching for ballet flats, you'll want the most stylish pair to compliment your style.
The DailyShoes Ballet Flat Shoes is our top pick for uniqueness since it combines professional ballet wear with everyday comfort.
Product Highlights
There's plenty to appreciate with these ballet flats, as we'll explore below.
- Comfortable Elastic Strap
The unique feature of the DailyShoes Ballet Flat Shoes is the elastic strap that sits at the ankle.
Each of the straps sits against your ankles, holding the shoes in place so they're comfortable to wear all day.
You'll also find the straps add a luxurious appeal, setting these flats apart from the rest.
- Contoured Soles
It's a good idea to find shoes that adapt to your foot contours for all-day comfort.
The contoured soles in these shoes are specifically designed to form to the shape of your feet over time.
Also, this design choice helps make the DailyShoes Ballet Flat Shoes more comfortable to wear right out of the box.
You'll find that these shoes sit closer to your feet for a snug fit compared to other ballet flats.
As long as you choose the correct size, they're bound to become one of your favorite pairs of shoes.
- Faux Suede Exterior
Suede is one of the most elegant materials for ballet flats, especially to add texture to your outfits.
The DailyShoes Ballet Flats features faux suede, which is easy to maintain over time.
You'll find the material feels soft and supple, adding a luxurious touch to your everyday outfits.
- Zippered Heel
Getting into your new ballet flats has never been easier with the easy-access zipper on the heel.
Instead of slipping the shoes on, you'll zip them onto your feet so they fit securely.
You'll no longer have to worry about your feet slipping in your shoes, causing blisters.
- High-Traction Soles
One of the main concerns with flats is that they tend to have poor traction for wet conditions.
Fortunately, these shoes feature plenty of traction on the soles, helping to prevent slipping in the rain.
What to Like About It
These beautifully designed shoes look phenomenal paired with any casual outfit in your closet.
They sit snug against the skin with a comfortable sole that's also compatible with removable inserts.
What Not to Like About It
Our primary concern with these flats is the elastic straps.
Although they're fashionable, they can also be too tight for thicker ankles.
Also, the top of the shoes' hardness can cause them to cut into your skin and cause chafing.
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4. KOLILI Women's Ballet Flats
As another pair of classically styled flats, the KOLILI Women's Ballet Flats is a fantastic everyday option.
You'll love the combination of high-quality materials and attention to detail.
Product Highlights
There are plenty of things to love about the KOLILI Women's Ballet Flats, especially if you want high-quality shoes.
Let's get into some of its most impressive features.
- Faux Leather Exterior
The addition of a faux leather exterior makes these shoes the ideal choice for longevity.
You'll find they withstand plenty of wear while also repelling water, sun damage, and stretching.
Since it's not genuine leather, you'll also find that cleaning your new shoes will be incredibly easy.
- Microfiber Lining
You'll find a soft microfiber lining on the inside of the shoes that helps prevent chafing.
It's also ideal for keeping your feet warm in the winter while offering some breathability in the summer.
The microfiber is designed explicitly with anti-odor properties, reducing the likelihood of bacteria buildup.
- Rubber Sole
When you're wearing your new ballet flats, you'll find that they have impressive traction for wet conditions.
If you get caught in the rain, both the rubber sole and splash-proof exterior will keep your feet dry.
- Classic Round Toe
Pairing your new shoes with any outfit is simpler with the classic style of these flats.
The beautiful round toe sits comfortably at the front of your feet, providing plenty of room for your toes.
Also, the instep is slender, which elongates the appearance of your feet.
What to Like About It
The comfortable cushioning in the bottom of these flats makes them ideal for all-day wear with optimal comfort.
You'll also find they're great when worn on hard floors throughout the day.
With the combination of the roomy toe box and a snug heel, the shoes stay in place while walking and adapt to your feet.
What Not to Like About It
If you have wide feet, these aren't the ballet flats to consider since they appear to have a more slender profile.
They could also be a half-size too small, so sizing up can help you find the perfect size.
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5. Lucky Brand Women's Emmie Ballet Flat
When it comes to buying ballet flats, the Lucky Brand Women's Emmie Ballet Flats is a top-tier choice.
Often touted as the best option available, these highly comfortable shoes are great for all feet.
Product Highlights
Let's review some of the best features of the Lucky Brand Women's Emmie Ballet Flats.
- Multiple Colorways
Out of all of the ballet flats we've reviewed, these shoes have the highest number of colorways.
You'll also find the available styles are unique than other brands.
They are available in an assortment of colors, like orange, yellow, brown, black, and animal prints.
- 100% Leather Construction
As far as quality is concerned, these shoes are top-tier as they're crafted from 100% leather.
Genuine leather can be beneficial for footwear since it's a long-lasting material that stretches over time.
The more often you wear your flats, the more they'll adapt to your specific shape for a tailored fit.
- Stretch Topline
The topline of ballet flats is typically one of their most troublesome areas since it can cause discomfort on the top of your feet.
Fortunately, these shoes feature a stretchy elastic-like material that adapts to the contours of your feet.
You'll find the flats are perfect for all-day wear without any redness or blistering.
- Memory Foam Insole
As an added benefit, the interior of the flats is designed for exceptional all-day comfort.
You'll find an integrated memory foam sole that adds extra support and cushioning.
The flats are also easy to wear with customized insoles for added support.
- Minimal Lift
These ballet flats are ideal for wearers searching for low heels, as the lift is less than 0.31 inches.
You'll have the perfect amount of distance from the ground without keeping your feet at an uncomfortable angle.
What to Like About It
Wide and slender feet will benefit from the stretchiness of these shoes, especially over time.
The leather becomes more flexible the more often you wear the shoes, making them the best flats for travel.
Also, they have an impressive color selection for any style.
What Not to Like About It
The most significant concern with these shoes is their stitching, which appears to be below Lucky Brand's usual quality.
Also, the material at the heel is rigid, which can cause blistering.
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Buyer's Guide
When you're buying ballet flats, it's important to find shoes that have a custom fit for your feet.
Here are several key features to consider to ensure you choose the highest quality footwear possible.
Material
The material of your footwear is the most important thing to consider since it determines longevity.
Lesser-quality materials are more likely to stain, stretch, crack, and show signs of wear in less time.
Ballet flats are best when made from genuine or faux leather, a highly flexible material.
Flats with a faux crocodile material are another option, as the upper is crafted using premium leather.
Also, you'll find that leather is easy to keep clean and wipe down, especially if you're caught in the rain.
If you're looking for more breathable material, we recommend polyester or canvas, reducing heat.
Footbed
The footbed in your shoes is responsible for keeping your feet comfortable throughout the day.
Ideally, your ballet flats should have cushioning, such as memory foam, for extra padding.
If not, it's a good idea to consider investing in removable insoles for added protection.
Without footbed padding, you could experience hot spots and not have enough support for your feet.
Closure
Choosing ballet flats means you want a pair of shoes that are easy to put on and take off.
Most pairs are slip-on, which is the most convenient, but might not feel as secure as other options.
As an alternative, consider ballet flats with a zipper at the heel, allowing you to have a more snug fit.
You could also consider ballet flats with ankle straps designed to hold the shoes in place.
Sole
Like the footbed, the sole of your shoes is also important to consider for comfort.
Your ballet flats should have a solid sole made from rubber or other hardened synthetic materials.
The higher quality your sole is, the longer your shoes will last without tearing at the bottom.
It's also important to find soles with plenty of traction since flats are known to be slippery.
If you intend on wearing your flats in all seasons, consider finding a pair with anti-slip tread.
Lift
Ballet flats are remarkable for people who prefer to avoid high heels at all costs.
They have the same luxurious style without the discomfort of keeping your feet at an angle.
When considering lift, make sure your ballet flats' heel is under 0.5 inches for incredible comfort.
Ballet Flats FAQs
1. Are Ballet Flats Still in Style?
Ballet flats are popular because of how versatile their style is.
They're one of the most classic pairs of shoes that you can find, transcending through the decades with ease.
Many fashionistas find that they can pair them with an incredible number of outfits ranging from suits to skinny jeans.
2. Why Are Ballet Flats Bad for Your Feet?
The most significant concern with ballet flats is that they don't have any support for your feet.
This point is crucial for people with high arches to keep in mind.
Without support, your arches could fall, which can be incredibly painful and requires time to heal.
You might also find that ballet flats lack adequate padding for your feet, which can also be uncomfortable.
Without arch support and padding, you're more likely to experience hot spots and blistering.
However, you can add your own insoles to add an extra layer of protection between your feet and the ground.
3. How Can I Make My Ballet Flats More Comfortable?
Our top recommendation for making ballet flats more comfortable is to consider investing in insoles.
You'll want insoles that add a reasonable amount of padding to the bottom of your flats for all-day wear.
It's also important to find inserts that feature anti-bacterial properties and maximize breathability.
If your feet tend to sweat, anti-bacterial inserts help eradicate odor-causing bacteria.
They can also help keep your feet cool in warmer weather.
Another recommendation for making flats more comfortable is to break them in before wearing them outside.
You can easily wear your new shoes at home for an hour or two daily to soften the materials.
Over time, you’ll notice a significant reduction in rigidity, making the flats more comfortable.
4. What Can I Wear Instead of Ballet Flats?
There are plenty of alternatives to ballet flats, depending on the style you're looking to achieve.
You can easily find slip-on sneakers, which have a more athletic appeal and look fantastic with jeans.
There's also the option of wearing sandals, which can work perfectly with an assortment of styles.
A few other recommendations include:
- Block-heel sandals
- Kitten heels
- Boots
- Mules
5. How Do You Wear Flats to Work?
One of the things you're bound to love about flats is how versatile they are for professional environments.
Depending on how strict your company dress code is, you can make them work with suits, skirts, and dresses.
It can be a good idea to wear sheer socks or tights with flats to add an elevated appeal to the footwear.
There is an endless number of outfits that flats look fantastic with.
You can pair them with a pantsuit ahead of a meeting or a sleek pencil skirt and blouse.
Their versatility also makes them ideal for casual workdays when you're allowed to wear jeans.
It's important to remember comfort when choosing ballet flats for work.
If you're on your feet for eight hours, you'll want to consider finding insoles with extra padding.
Over time, you'll begin to notice far less discomfort and foot fatigue with insoles.
Some of the top brands for ballet flats include Chanel, Clarks, Coach, Dr. Scholl's, Isotoner, Lucky Brand, Margaux, Michael Kors, Repetto Cendrillon, Skechers, TOMS, Vionic and Yosi Samra.
Which Ballet Flats To Choose?
The top ballet flats for any occasion are the Lucky Brand Women's Emmie Ballet Flats.
It has high-quality materials and is designed for all-day wear, as long as you break it in.
It has a plain rounded toe rather than a pointed toe.
You'll surely love the genuine leather's stretch as well as the padded footbed to keep your feet protected.
