All the Best Ballet Flats for Your Most Stylish Season Yet

Facing a schedule filled with hurried days, countless steps, and occasions that require outfits equal parts practical and chic? It’s time to reach for the best ballet flats. Today’s flats go far beyond the delicate, one-note pairs of the past, and in recent years, they’ve reclaimed their spot as a staple of any well-rounded wardrobe. (Just look to the rise of contemporary brands like Margaux, Rothy’s, and Loeffler Randall, which have all found ways to put their own spin on the staple.)

This season’s ballet styles run the gamut from round-toe ballet slippers to more contemporary takes with square-toe shapes or Mary Jane straps. Perhaps more importantly, especially for those of us who cover miles daily, our favorite new ballerina flats are largely durable and supportive, making them as wearable as they are polished. Below, shop our edit of the best ballet flats money can buy right now, all hand-selected by Glamour editors. They’ll take you from day to night—and from brunch to dressy events—in style.

The best ballet flats for 2026, at a glance

The Modern Pick

Naturalizer Carla Flats

Best leather ballet flats

Designed to go the distance—both in terms of style and functionality—soft leather ballet flats strike a delicate balance between refinement and everyday wearability. High-quality leather uppers do require a break-in period, but they mold to your feet over time, only getting better with age. Opt for a pair with decent cushioning and a hint of arch support, and you may never want to wear anything else. (Sorry, loafers.) Think of leather ballets as the ultimate workhorse of women’s shoes: They go with everything from lived-in denim to tailored trousers, withstand plenty of wear and tear, and will remain a mainstay in your closet for years to come.

Cole Haan Jaya Travel Ballet Flats

Mansur Gavriel Dream Ballerina Flats

Dolce Vita Ritla Ballet Flats

Loeffler Randall Noelle Ballet Flats

Tory Burch Cap-Toe Ballet Flats

Best satin ballet flats

Embrace your inner prima ballerina with satin ballet flats, which embody the grace of a pair of pointe shoes without all the blisters. Even the simplest silhouette feels dressy and elevated when rendered in satin. It contrasts nicely with rougher materials like denim and tweed, adding a touch of femininity to any look. They’re particularly appealing if you want the formality of a dress shoe without committing to a night in high heels. Consider satin ballet slippers proof that flat shoes can still feel romantic, refined, and entirely on-trend.

Jeffrey Campbell Aurora Ballet Flats

Manolo Blahnik Verallim 10 Flats

Zara Satin Bow Ballet Flats

Best Mary Jane ballet flats

Classic and current all at once, Mary Jane flats feel both youthful and sophisticated. The quintessential style merges the charm of a vintage silhouette with a more mature, modern appeal. These aren’t the same black ballet flats that once accompanied school uniforms; today’s Mary Janes are all grown up. Trendy materials, bold prints, and unapologetically stylized hardware keep them feeling up-to-date. Plus, those straps aren’t purely decorative; they help keep your foot secure. Style them with dainty socks or sheer tights for a feminine, fashion-forward look, or keep things simple with clean white ankle socks, denim, or an easy day dress.

Madewell Greta Ballet Flats

Sam Edelman Michaela Mary Jane Flats

Vagabond Delia Mary Jane Flats

Old Navy Mary Jane Ballet Flats

Reformation Bethany Ballet Flats

Best square-toe ballet flats

Square noses offer a fresh, modern update to the otherwise classic ballet silhouette. They’re quietly edgy, tipping their hat to the minimalism of the ’90s and early aughts, yet never veering into outdated territory. If you’re craving a sharper, bolder profile than your everyday almond-toe style, reach for a pair of square-toe flats or mules. Thanks to roomier toe boxes and clean lines, square-toe flats tend to be as comfy as they are chic. They’re an easy way to give your everyday wardrobe a subtle dose of cool.

Quince Handwoven Leather Square-Toe Ballet Flats

Rag & Bone Spire Mary Jane Flats

Madewell Sage Ballet Flats

Best pointed-toe ballet flats

Pointed-toe ballet flats have a way of making even the most casual looks—say, baggy jeans and an oversized knit—feel more put-together. Once upon a time, pointed-toe styles were synonymous with sacrificing comfort in the name of fashion, but that’s definitely no longer the case. Soft, breathable materials and thoughtful construction have made the silhouette way more wearable, offering a happy medium between your comfiest sneakers and your dressiest pumps. Who needs a heel when your favorite flat shoes are just as sharp?