Ballet flats are everywhere right now.
Whether they're mesh, leather, brightly colored, or bedazzled, these trendy flats are in the windows of so many stores and part of many celebs' outfits when they're spotted on the streets.
Meghan Markle is a repeat wearer of sophisticated ballet flats, and Lindsay Lohan just created the summer fashion blueprint that we want to live by (flats, baggy jeans, and cardigans, oh my).
To find out which flats are both comfortable and chic, we put more than 35 pairs to the test in our everyday lives to separate the trendy from the timeless.
Below, the 11 best ballet flats we wore after months of commuting, jaywalking, shopping, and more.
The most versatile ballet flat is a plain one — and no, we don't mean that in a negative way. When a shoe is clean-cut, label-free, and sophisticatedly simple, you can't tell if it's a luxury shoe, or in this case, an Amazon Essentials style that only costs $22.
From its first wear out of the box, this shoe was comfortable, easy to walk in, and didn't chafe against our skin or cause blisters. This sole showed the most wear and tear out of all of the flats we tested, but we'd assume so much with its lower price. However, we still think this is a great choice for someone who wants something simple, comfortable, and most importantly, budget-friendly.
Sizes: 5-15, regular and wide | Fit: True to size | Colors: 22 | Material: Faux calfskin, faux suede, leather, rubber sole
If there's one thing we've learned through the years of testing shoes, it's that Aerosoles makes some of the most comfortable pairs — and that sentiment remains true with their Big Bet Ballet Flats. The insoles are made from layers of orthopedic foam and shock-absorbing material, which kept us comfortable all day long, plus the design of the shoe was easy to slip on and off (without allowing us to slip out). And beyond comfort, they're super cute — with gold hardware and sleek pebbled leather making them timeless and versatile.
Deal Alert!These shoes are worth every penny at full price, but they're 38 percent off if you buy them at Amazon right now.
Sizes: 6-11 | Fit: True to size | Colors: 2 | Material: Faux leather
Clarks makes some of the most comfortable flats we've tried, but what made these silver shoes shine (other than their metallic-colored material), was their trendy style. One of our writers comfortably shopped, commuted, and traveled all over New York City in these flats without experiencing pain or discomfort thanks to the impressive insoles. The material is perforated and breathable, and the heel area has slightly more padding to prevent soreness after a long day on your feet.
Editors Say"I loved the fact that the back of the shoe was higher than other flats I'd tried, because this kept my foot from slipping out of the shoe as I walked. Plus, these flats are just so cute — the silver color is even shinier in person and the bow is an adorable touch." —Alyssa Brascia, shopping writer
Sizes: 6-10.5 | Fit: True to size | Colors: 1 | Material: Leather, rubber
People / Alyssa Brascia
Even hotter than silver flats right now are red ones — and this pair of Mary Janes is the perfect option for someone who wants something high-quality, reasonably priced, and easy to style. These flats have a new adjustable instep strap to keep your foot secure, and its upper is made from an antimicrobial, breathable knit derived from recycled plastic bottles. If you're an eco-conscious shopper, you'll want to try this one on for size.
Editors Say"These are, without a doubt, one of my most comfortable pairs of shoes. They're breathable, flexible, and have a cushy padding on the heel so I never get blisters, no matter how far I walk. Not to mention the arch support!" —Cai Cramer, shopping writer
Sizes: 5-11 | Fit: True to size | Colors: 15 | Material: Recycled plastic knit, rubber
The metallic trend is here to stay — but who says you have to sacrifice comfort for style? The Hummingbird flats from Birdies were some of the most plush ballet flats we've ever tried thanks to their ultra-comfy quilted insole.
The ergonomic design, made with "Barefoot Ballerina technology," is meant to bend and twist with you like a second skin while providing full arch support and seven layers of memory foam-like comfort. However, we will suggest that you go a half-size down for your best fit.
Editors Say"Birdies makes some of the most comfortable sneakers I've ever tried, so it's no surprise that their flats are just as plush. The footbed is comfy and doesn't make my feet overheat, even in humid weather. I love having a stylish flats option that feels like sneakers but dresses up any outfit instantly." —Alyssa Brascia
Sizes: 5-12 | Fit: Runs large | Colors: 10 | Material: Nappa leather
People / Alyssa Brascia
If you want to invest in a nice pair of designer ballet flats, then this Tory Burch pair is the one to buy. With smooth, buttery leather, a flexible heel cup, and a statement-making logo medallion, this shoe is one of the most fashion-forward styles we've tried yet.
The soles were flexible enough to move in without our heels sliding out and they were easy to flatten to squeeze into an overstuffed suitcase — making them a great option for your weekender bag or carry-on luggage. Because of their quality construction, we can see these lasting us several years.
Sizes: 4-13 | Fit: True to size | Colors: 12 | Material: Leather, rubber
People / Fatima Aslam
People / Fatima Aslam
Sleek, streamlined, and stylish, the Sam Edelman Michaelas are everything you'd want in a classic Mary Jane. For being leather, we were suprised by how these shoes never seemed to get too hot or cold despite the temperature outside, but this made them great for year-round wear.
While we wish there was a little more arch support (a common missing link when it comes to flats), we still thought these shoes were comfortable thanks to its lightly cushioned insole and straps that didn't chafe or rub.
Sizes: 5-14 | Fit: True to size | Colors: 12 | Material: Faux leather
One of the edgiest styles we tested were the Graya Flats from Steve Madden: a leather-clad, pointed-toe shoe with oversized silver hardware. The shoe features a closed-toe front and slingback strap, which kept our feet firmly in place without chafing against our heels.
Its insole is lightly padded to keep your feet supported throughout the day, and the toe box is roomy enough to keep your toes from feeling squished.
Editors Say"When I saw every stylish person in New York wearing some sort of pointed-toe flat with statement buckles, I knew I needed to get a pair of my own. This pair is surprisingly comfortable and the shoe doesn't overheat despite its faux leather upper. I never second-guess reaching for these for anything — work, shopping, brunch, you name it — because I know I'll be comfortable all day long." —Alyssa Brascia
Sizes: 5.5-10 | Fit: True to size | Colors: 6 | Material: Faux leather
People / Alyssa Brascia
If you're looking for something timeless, this sophisticated pair of Rothy's Mary Janes are the way to go. Complete with a flexible strap that doesn't dig, a square toe box that won't squish your toes, and a super comfortable insole (seriously, we likened them to our favorite Birkenstocks), we couldn't find much to complain about. Another perk: these shoes are fully machine-washable, so you can throw them in the washer when its time for a good cleaning — just make sure to let them air dry after.
Sizes: 5-13 | Fit: True to size | Colors: 10 | Material: Recycled plastic knit
People / Ivy Ford
People / Ivy Ford
Jennifer Lawrence is a fan of a sock-like leather shoe, which drew us to these stylish (and extremely flexible) flats from Schutz. These shoes are made with a leather upper that hugs your foot like a glove without chafing or overheating. The insole doesn't offer much in terms of arch support, but is still comfortable to wear on terrains like concrete and asphalt. Its buckle strap is not only cute, but entirely functional, as you can adjust the height of your strap to get the perfect fit.
Editors Say"These shoes are so barely-there that I feel like I'm walking on the sidewalk, just without the pain of actual pavement. They're so lightweight and surprisingly breathable, which keeps me reaching for them year-round (just with a sock in the wintertime). I can't get enough." —Alyssa Brascia
Sizes: 5-11 | Fit: Runs small | Colors: 2 | Material: Leather
People / Alyssa Brascia
Though they're quite the splurge, we couldn't recommend the Demi flats from Margaux more. We walked in these shoes in different weather conditions and found them to be comfortable, cooling, and cute when styled with any outfit. The showstopper was its plush insole, made of 5-milimeter foam, and its upper material comes in several colors and an adorable bow that made these slippers ultra-feminine.
Sizes: 3-14, medium, narrow, wide | Fit: True to size | Colors: 10 | Material: Italian nappa leather
People / Abby Moore
People / Abby Moore
Their are several styles of ballet flats circulating in the fashion scene this summer. Some of the most popular styles of ballet flats nowadays are below.
Flats that are equal parts comfortable, supportive, and stylish are of utmost importance to us as consumers and testers — which is why we kept an eye out for shoes with the construction and materials that would provide the support we needed for comfortable wear.
"For comfort, rounded-toe ballet flats are my go to," says celebrity stylist Ashley Afriyie. She explains that this style of flat "allows the toes to breathe" and is easier to wear for longer stretches of time than a pointed silhouette.
"Ballet flats are traditionally made with a construction that is very flexible — and what I mean by that is they can fold in half through the arch of the shoe and can essentially be wrung out like a towel," explains Marion Parke, DPM, podiatric surgeon and CEO of Marion Parke. She advises shoppers to look inside the shoe to see if it has a footbed that encourages stability and support throughout the entire mid, rear, and forefoot.
PriceAnother factor in the shoe hunt is the price — and as it turns out, the best ballet flats are usually some of the most expensive. The numbers on our list range from $22-$258, but you can find quality shoes just about anywhere in between.
While our most budget-friendly option, the Amazon Essentials Belice Ballet Flats, tote a lower price tag, they were the quickest to show wear and tear out of the bunch. On the other hand, the Rothy's Square Mary Janes were on the higher end but had an pretty supportive insole that withstood lots of wear without showing it.
Whatever your budget allows, there is certainly a cute ballet flat that will fit.
People / Alyssa Brascia
Behind the ScenesTo find the best ballet flats on the market today, we tried 35 different pairs from popular retailers and brands and integrated them into our everyday lives. Whether we were commuting to work, running an errand, or heading to a restaurant, we slipped into our flats to see how they fared in different terrains and temperatures, and ultimately, how they held up as time went on.
With that, we found some of the cutest, most comfortable, and best-priced ballet flats that are worth your money in 2024.
People / Alyssa Brascia
Why Trust PEOPLE?Alyssa Brascia is a shopping writer at PEOPLE who regularly tests and reviews beauty, fashion, home and lifestyle products. She previously has written for InStyle, Shape, Southern Living, and more. For this story, Brascia compiled the insights and information from our best comfortable flats and work flats roundups while also pulling from fellow PEOPLE writers' closets to see which shoes are tried, true, and worth recommending to you. Each style was tested in the real world fo r several hours of wear, in different terrains and climates, to give you this comprehensive guide to ballet flats that we really, truly love.
Our Expert PanelWe created the PEOPLE Tested seal of approval to help you find the very best products for your life. We use our unique methodology to test products in three labs across the country and with our network of home testers to determine their effectiveness, durability, ease of use, and so much more. Based on the results, we rate and recommend products so you can find the right one for your needs.
But we don't stop there: We also regularly re-review the categories in which we've awarded the PEOPLE Tested seal of approval — because the best product of today might not be the best of tomorrow. And by the way, companies can never buy our recommendation: Their products must earn it, fair and square.
In short, PEOPLE Tested provides recommendations you can trust — every day, every purchase.
No comments:
Post a Comment