Photo-Illustration: by The Cut; Photos: Hanna Flanagan, Getty Images, Retailers
When you want the polished and put-together look of a heel with the comfort of a sneaker, ballet flats are your best bet. The classic shoe is the best of both worlds, which is why I wear them more than any other type of shoe in my closet. If you, too, are obsessed with ballet flats, you’ll love this list of the best ones to buy in 2026, from classic patent-leather flats to pumps, strappy styles, and even a furry pair for winter.
Want to be emailed about sales and other updates to your saved products?
Success! You’ll get an email when something you’ve saved goes on sale.
Yes
Repetto is the premiere ballet-flat brand, dating all the way back to 1947 with handcrafted ballerina slippers for Parisian ballerinas. I own these and love them (read my review here). If you want to invest in classic ballet flats and can only buy one pair, let it be these.
Want to be emailed about sales and other updates to your saved products?
Success! You’ll get an email when something you’ve saved goes on sale.
Yes
Cigarette jeans are trending, and they pair perfectly with lace-up ballet flats. I own this Banana Republic pair and love styling them with my favorite Madewell jeans. And during the summer, I wore them with Bermuda shorts all the time. The lace-up design makes them feel even more feminine, French, and nostalgic than other ballet flats in my closet.
Want to be emailed about sales and other updates to your saved products?
Success! You’ll get an email when something you’ve saved goes on sale.
Yes
I never knew ballet flats could be sexy until I met the Margaux Fonteyn. They are sleek, narrow, and elongating on the foot, which makes my legs look longer. Plus they come in so many different colors, prints, and sizes.
Want to be emailed about sales and other updates to your saved products?
Success! You’ll get an email when something you’ve saved goes on sale.
Yes
These are the ballet-flat equivalent of sock boots; they feel like nothing on your feet, which I love in the spring and summer. They offer the freedom of flip-flops without the toe exposure.
Want to be emailed about sales and other updates to your saved products?
Success! You’ll get an email when something you’ve saved goes on sale.
Yes
Repetto also makes beautiful heeled ballet flats for those who like the classic silhouette of the Cendrillon but want a bit of height. I wear these at least once a week because they make me feel like Alexa Chung.
Want to be emailed about sales and other updates to your saved products?
Success! You’ll get an email when something you’ve saved goes on sale.
Yes
I own a blue satin version of the Cecilie Bahnsen Bona Shoes, and the whimsical, flower-shaped drawstring closure brings me so much joy. It’s like drawstring sweatpants for your feet!
Want to be emailed about sales and other updates to your saved products?
Success! You’ll get an email when something you’ve saved goes on sale.
Yes
With a rounded toe and soft, suedelike finish, these H&M ballet flats are surprisingly stylish considering the $25 price tag.
Want to be emailed about sales and other updates to your saved products?
Success! You’ll get an email when something you’ve saved goes on sale.
Yes
The statement-making Puma Speedcats are comfortable and supportive enough to replace your sneakers for long walks and running errands. Not many ballet flats can say that!
Want to be emailed about sales and other updates to your saved products?
Success! You’ll get an email when something you’ve saved goes on sale.
Yes
If you’re looking for basic ballet flats that go with everything and are easy to style, look no further than this pair from Madewell. The high-cut almond toe is on trend for spring. Plus, they’re comfortable right out of the box: no need to break them in.
Want to be emailed about sales and other updates to your saved products?
Success! You’ll get an email when something you’ve saved goes on sale.
Yes
These $84 ballet flats are handwoven and made from 100 percent leather. It’s like wearing a (much cheaper) Bottega Intrecciato bag on your feet.
Want to be emailed about sales and other updates to your saved products?
Success! You’ll get an email when something you’ve saved goes on sale.
Yes
Why have a plain old strap on your ballet flats when you could have a bow strap instead? The shoe is made from ultrasoft leather and fits like a glove.
Want to be emailed about sales and other updates to your saved products?
Success! You’ll get an email when something you’ve saved goes on sale.
Yes
If you have narrow feet that tend to slip and slide around when you wear ballet flats, consider a pair with a strap. The tough metal buckle gives these otherwise sweet shoes some edge.
Want to be emailed about sales and other updates to your saved products?
Success! You’ll get an email when something you’ve saved goes on sale.
Yes
Yes, you can wear ballet flats in the winter — just make sure they are shearling-lined and have a rubber tread for traction.
Want to be emailed about sales and other updates to your saved products?
Success! You’ll get an email when something you’ve saved goes on sale.
Yes
Also acceptable in inclement weather? These fur-ball ballet flats.
Want to be emailed about sales and other updates to your saved products?
Success! You’ll get an email when something you’ve saved goes on sale.
Yes
These have the classic shape of a ballet flat with criss-cross laces that give them the sporty look of a sneakerina — best of both worlds.
Want to be emailed about sales and other updates to your saved products?
Success! You’ll get an email when something you’ve saved goes on sale.
Yes
If you like the square-toe trend, you’ll love the cool, angular shape of these ballet flats from sustainable Spanish brand Alohas.
Want to be emailed about sales and other updates to your saved products?
Success! You’ll get an email when something you’ve saved goes on sale.
Yes
Or try a more literal interpretation of the sock boot: nontraditional ballet flats for a nontraditional-shoe enthusiast.
Want to be emailed about sales and other updates to your saved products?
Success! You’ll get an email when something you’ve saved goes on sale.
Yes
Loeffler Randall also makes a wide variety of great ballet flats, including this maximalist-friendly pair made from zebra-print calf hair.
Want to be emailed about sales and other updates to your saved products?
Success! You’ll get an email when something you’ve saved goes on sale.
Yes
Get a head start on the almond-toe ballet-flat trend with this versatile hybrid by Aeyde. The leather finish, angular shape, and high-cut toe box look sleek and modern.
Want to be emailed about sales and other updates to your saved products?
Success! You’ll get an email when something you’ve saved goes on sale.
Yes
Want to be emailed about sales and other updates to your saved products?
Success! You’ll get an email when something you’ve saved goes on sale.
Yes
The velvet finish and heart-shaped hardware make these Larroudé flats perfect for special occasions.
link