Love it or hate it — ballet flats are back.
The staple shoe of the 2000s has had a resurgence in popularity — but with a chic update that makes them feel decidedly fresh.
“Along with the classic round toe ballet flat we are also seeing pointed and square toe ballet flats making their own mark,” explains THE ICONIC’s head of style Nicole Adolphe to news.com.au.
Miu Miu is one notable brand that dipped their toes into balletcore back in 2016 with their Spring Ready-to-Wear (RTW) collection. Since then, the luxe Italian brand has brought them back and onto the runway for their Fall 2022 RTW collection – paired with slouchy knee high socks, mini skirts and oversized coats.
And just like that, the dainty shoe became a resident ‘it’ girl staple today with many influencers and celebrities jumping on the trend.
On TikTok, the hashtag #miumiuballetflats has a whopping 11 million views with many users sharing videos of themselves buying, unboxing, styling and even diy-ing them.
Personally, I think they’re super cute but for the price? Absolutely not.
The popular Miumiu logo strap ballet flats will cost you $1370 and the belted ballerina flats will cost you $1430 — so … you’ll have to sell an arm and a leg regardless.
However, if you’re looking for an affordable version of the Miumiu flats, ASOS have you sorted. They have released a near perfect dupe and the best part? They’re only $38. We’re in love.
If you’re looking for a more simple and timeless pair of ballet flats, the Ballet from Rollie Nation are perfect. Five-star reviewers say “they’re like walking on clouds”.
HOW WE CHOOSE PRODUCTS
To help you find the best ballet flat for your needs and budget, we asked THE ICONIC’s head of style Nicole Adolphe for herexpert advice and recommendations on what to look for when buying a ballet flat. In addition, our shopping team read hundreds of customer reviews and looked at test results and ratings from product review sites to find the best ballet flat from premium to budget to help you find the right one.
OUR TOP PICKS
BEST LEATHER BALLET FLATS
Ballet, $179.95 at Rollie Nation
What You Need To Know
Combining comfort with style are these timeless ballet flats by Rollie Nation. Made from a soft premium leather with a tumble finish, these Australian-designed flats feature a chic round toe, back heel tab with logo detailing, anti-slip rubber sole and cushy EVA midsoles for max comfort. They’re easy to slip-on, flexible and soft to the touch – making them ideal for work and when you’re out and about all day, all night.
Earning a 4.6-star rating, five-star reviewers say they’re “soft and comfy”.
“These shoes are so soft and comfortable to wear. Like walking on clouds. Perfect for work and then also into the evening. Love my new shoes,” one wrote.
“Super soft leather – perfect for summer. These are so wonderful to wear it doesn’t even feel like I am wearing shoes. These are super lightweight,” another wrote.
They’re also available in zebra, black and tan.
Claudia Ballet 2.0, $129 at Country Road
What You Need To Know
We couldn’t go past these Country Road ballet flats — they’re a classic style and great value for a leather shoe. Made from responsibly sourced leather they have a 0.9cm heel and a padded insole for comfort. The original Claudia style has 450 five star reviews on Country Road’s website while this new 2.0 style has shoppers saying it is “just as good as the old one” and that they are the most comfortable flats (they) have worn.”
Lizza Women’s Ballerina Flats – Pink, $65 (down from $311) at OZSALE
What You Need To Know
These light pink flats are the perfect, dainty ballerina shoe that has had shoppers enthralled for decades. Crafted from a leather inner, outer and sole, you know the quality is top of the line. The bow helps to further the feminine style created through the pink colourway but the small size ensures it’s not too over the top. These are a great option if you’re looking for something that not only works at day and night but also goes with almost anything. They also feature a one centimetre heel. Plus, a 79 per cent discount is hard to go past.
The Italian Leather Day Ballet Flat, $247 at Everlane
What You Need To Know
Made from super soft recycled Italian leather and featuring a cushioned insole, not only are these flats fashionable but they’re practical too. With a sculptural square toe and higher throatline, these ballerina flats will see you through work and the weekend.
Verali Bambi Mary-Jane Flats, $59.95 at THE ICONIC
What You Need To Know
This stunning silver pair by Verali is a refreshing option compared to your classic black and beige. It features a round toe, PU upper and lining, 5mm heel and a strap with buckle fastening. They’re perfect for elevating any look and will easily take your outfits from day to night.
BEST NON-LEATHER BALLET FLATS
Speakup, $74.95 (down from $149.95), Nine West
What You Need To Know
These are the perfect pink ballet flats to add to cart. With a cute pointed toy and textured faux leather upper, they have a padded footbed for all day wear as well as a slight heel.
BEST DESIGNER BALLET FLAT DUPES
ASOS DESIGN Los Angeles ruched ballet flats with elastic strap in rose, $38 at ASOS
What You Need To Know
Arguably one of the hottest shoes right now, the Miu Miu satin ballet flats are perhaps the perfect shoe. But at $1300, they’re also out of our price range. Enter: ASOS. These amazing dupes are oh so cute, and we can’t get enough. Featuring a glossy, satin-style material, they are literally the embodiment of balletcore.
Stradivarius Cross-Strap Ballet Shoes, $54 (down from $60) at ASOS
What You Need To Know
Similar to the dupe above, this pair is a more ‘tame’ version — being that the straps aren’t as chunky and don’t wrap around the ankle. It features two crossover straps with grommet detailing, a bow detail, square-round toe and a satin-like upper. Plus, it’s more affordable at just $60.
Also available in black.
Florence Ballet Flats – Black, $20 at Target Australia
What You Need To Know
If you’ve been loving the Chanel ballet flat look but can’t seem to justify the price, this affordable dupe from Target is perfect. It features a faux leather look with a cute bow detail, classic round toe and cushioned innersole for added comfort. Super sleek and chic, this pair is perfect for everyday wear or work.
It has a 4.4 out of five star rating on Target with shoppers raving about how ‘comfortable’ they are.
“Super comfy. I didn’t have to ‘break them in’ like normal new shoes and I didn’t get any blisters from them,” one shopper wrote.
Pink Inc Iggy, $169.95 at THE ICONIC
What You Need To Know
These flats are giving Valentino’s iconic Rockstud ballet flats and we’re here for it. They feature a leather upper, gold pyramid stud detailing, as well as a slight 1cm (approx.) heel.
Also available in black.
Nina Armando Laura II, $269 at THE ICONIC
What You Need To Know
These quilted beige ballet flats with black ribbing and a bow are the perfect way to pay tribute to French designer brand Chanel (minus the damage to your finances). Made from a gorgeous leather upper and inner these are a classic, high quality pair of ballet flats you won’t regret investing in.
M&S Collection Leather Bow Ballet Pumps, $85.99 at Marks & Spencer
What You Need To Know
These Marks & Spencer ballet flats are another popular dupe for Chanel, and sell out frequently as a result (again, if you see your size – add to cart ASAP).
Not only are they leather but they have Insolia Flex® for comfort as well as antibacterial technology to keep your feet feeling fresh.
“Chanel has carried this style for years and people love it (I couldn’t afford the prices), and am delighted they are now affordable at M&S prices,” one five star reviewer wrote.
BEST DESIGNER BALLET FLATS
Porte & Paire Bow-embellished satin ballet flats, $227.25 (down from $324.64) at Net-a-Porter
What You Need To Know
Put your best foot forward with these ultra chich satin ballet flats. Clearly inspired by the classic ballerina footwear but adapted to work for everyday, you will truly look (and feel) your best when you pop these on your feet.
Maison Margiela Tabi ballerina shoes, $720 at Farfetch
What You Need To Know
Controversial? Of course. But that’s the point when it comes to Tabis. Adored by the fashion world, these shoes have taken the stylish elite by storm this past season. There’s no doubt the questionable shoe is having it’s moment in the sun so why not jump on the bandwagon. Made from lambskin leather, these Tabis will last for years.
MOST COMFORTABLE BALLET FLATS
Nina Armando Everly, $229 at THE ICONIC
What You Need To Know
You won’t want anyone to step on these blue suede shoes. Add a beautiful pop of colour to your outfit with these powder blue ballet flats in leather suede.
These shoes also give good support with a padded footbed.
Active Flex by Easy Steps Barton Nude Glove Flat Shoes, $79.95 (down from $139.95) at Myer
What You Need To Know
These shoes are ideal for anyone who wants the ballet flat look but needs extra foot support. The leather shoe has a 2.5cm wedge heel and supportive sole as well as a round toe and bow embellishment.
HOW TO STYLE BALLET FLATS
“Ballet flats are a really versatile wardrobe staple and a much more comfortable alternative to wearing heels at work,” Nicole said.
“They add a French touch paired with jeans, a striped tee and a trench coat, and can just as easily be worn with a puff sleeve midi dress.
“I also love the look of pairing ballet flats with a knitted jumper and a bright silk bias cut skirt.”
WHAT ARE THE MOST POPULAR BALLET FLAT STYLES?
According to Nicole, the most popular ballet flat style at THE ICONIC right now is a “classic black ballet flat with a bow”. She recommends the Spurr Koren Ballet Flats.
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Originally published as 16 best ballet flats to buy this season
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