Some wardrobe essentials simply ebb and flow—they never go out of style, per se, but their popularity may rise or fall depending on the year and its current trends. Take flat shoes, for example. While this shoe style has been and always will be a staple, it's definitely stood in the shadow of some other silhouettes as of late. But this season, flats of all kinds are back like never before. We're talking pointed-toe flats, embellished flats, ballet flats, square-toe flats, the works.
If you think about it, it makes a lot of sense—not only are flats an incredibly easy and comfortable shoe choice, but they also work with everything from trousers and pencil skirts on workdays to jeans and casual dresses on weekends. Much like a designer headband, flats have this incredible ability to make any outfit look 10 times more polished. All this considered, why wouldn't you invest in a pair?
Here to help you do just that, we've rounded up a list of the absolute best designer ballet flats on the internet. Whether you want something fun, formal, trendy, or timeless, our data-driven list has an investment-worthy flat for every outfit, occasion, and closet.
How We Found The Best Designer Flats
Each of the products featured in the list below was vetted by our data-powered ranking algorithm. A tool unique to Rank & Style, our algorithm finds and scores the top products in a given category based on information from reviews, best-seller lists, industry reports, and social media. That's why you can trust our Top 10 lists to help you make better shopping decisions, and it's also why we have a good feeling there's a pair of designer ballet flats you'll love in the roundup below. From Prada to Chloé, see which designer brands were crowned "best in flats" by our algorithm.
February 29, 2024
Written By:Sierra Rogers
Product Expert:Georgia Jones
Top 10 Lists serve as unbiased shopping guides to the most trusted product recommendations on the internet. Products are scored and ranked using an algorithm backed by data consumers find most valuable when making a purchase. We are reader-supported and may earn a commission when you shop through our links.
The Rankings
Ferragamo Varina Leather Flat
Overall Score
4.45
10
Ferragamo Varina Leather Flat
4.61
171 User Reviews
2.6
Best Seller
3
Industry Recognition
3
Social Buzz
About Our Scoring System
In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.
Best Patent Leather Designer Flats
WHAT TO LOVE
Ferragamo has been making luxury shoes since the heyday of Hollywood, and their decades of experience show in the Varina Leather Ballet Flats. With their classic style, superb comfort, and heirloom-level quality, this pair will stay in your closet for years to come.
REVIEW HIGHLIGHT
"I love this style. I wear ballerina flats almost every day. The almond-shaped toes and bows still make them dressier than many other flats. I have very thin and bony feet, and I love Salvatore Ferragamo flats. They are made with very thick leather, so they stay in shape for many years."
More Colors
Christian Louboutin Mamadrague Square Toe Ballet Flat
Overall Score
4.45
09
Christian Louboutin Mamadrague Square Toe Ballet Flat
4.42
50 User Reviews
2.4
Best Seller
4
Industry Recognition
3
Social Buzz
About Our Scoring System
In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.
Best Square Toe Designer Flats
WHAT TO LOVE
The Mamadrague Square Toe Ballet Flat is exactly what you would expect to see in a pair of Christian Louboutin flats. They're timeless, superior in quality, and of course, feature the iconic red sole.
HELPFUL TIP
To keep these designer flats in pristine condition, clean them with a soft, dry cloth and store them in a dust bag.
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Roger Vivier Gommettine Buckle Pointed Toe Flat
Overall Score
4.45
08
Roger Vivier Gommettine Buckle Pointed Toe Flat
4.84
5 User Reviews
2.1
Best Seller
3
Industry Recognition
3
Social Buzz
About Our Scoring System
In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.
Best Pointed Toe Designer Flats
WHAT TO LOVE
If you like simple yet elegant flats, you should check out Roger Viver's Gommettine Buckle Pointed Toe Flat. These flats have a pointed-toe design, a modern square buckle, and a small heel that can make your outfit look more put-together in an instant.
HELPFUL TIP
According to some reviews, these designer flats can run small. So, order your size up if you are debating between sizes.
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Manolo Blahnik Hangisi Flat
Overall Score
4.5
07
Manolo Blahnik Hangisi Flat
4.58
26 User Reviews
2.3
Best Seller
3
Industry Recognition
4
Social Buzz
About Our Scoring System
In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.
Best Embellished Designer Flats
WHAT TO LOVE
The iconic crystal-studded buckle on Manolo's Hangisi Flats is what makes these head-turners. Whether you opt for the rich blue version or the cherry red, you can't go wrong—either way, you'll have a pair of shoes that even Blair Waldorf would envy.
MUST-KNOW INFO
According to Nordstrom, these designer ballet flats run a half size small.
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Miu Miu Logo Band Ballet Flat
Overall Score
4.5
06
Miu Miu Logo Band Ballet Flat
5
2 User Reviews
2.1
Best Seller
3
Industry Recognition
3
Social Buzz
About Our Scoring System
In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.
Best Designer Flats With Strap
WHAT TO LOVE
Have you ever wanted to feel like a sugar plum fairy? If so, you need these designer ballerina flats. With a mary-jane style strap, Grosgrain trim, and a dainty bow on top, Miu Miu's Logo Band Ballet Flats are undeniably inspired by dancers' favorite footwear.
MORE DETAILS
Looking for flats that aren't made of leather? Miu Miu makes these in satin as well.
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Chloé Lauren Scalloped Ballet Flat
Overall Score
4.55
05
Chloé Lauren Scalloped Ballet Flat
4.36
135 User Reviews
2.6
Best Seller
4
Industry Recognition
4
Social Buzz
About Our Scoring System
In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.
Best Lightweight Designer Flats
WHAT TO LOVE
The funky scalloped topline of Chloé's Ballet Flats gives them a modern feel, and reviewers love that they're so lightweight it "feels like being barefoot." The high-quality leather also means blisters are a non-issue, but once again, consider sizing up because they do run small.
MORE DETAILS
Chloé made these flats in black, green, and pink for those who love to have multiple options.
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Jimmy Choo Elme Ballet Flat
Overall Score
4.6
04
Jimmy Choo Elme Ballet Flat
5
2 User Reviews
2.1
Best Seller
4
Industry Recognition
3
Social Buzz
About Our Scoring System
In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.
Best Feminine Designer Flats
WHAT TO LOVE
Everyone knows Jimmy Choo to make excellent heels, but overlook their flats. This feminine pair features a dainty bow and a squared-off toe, making them a classic and timeless choice.
STYLE TIP
To offset the bow, style this pair with some simple jeans and a t-shirt.
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Mansur Gavriel Dream Ballerina
Overall Score
4.6
03
Mansur Gavriel Dream Ballerina
4.69
13 User Reviews
2.2
Best Seller
4
Industry Recognition
4
Social Buzz
About Our Scoring System
In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.
Best Custom Designer Flats
WHAT TO LOVE
Mansur Gavriel's Dream Ballerina Flats are crafted from Italian lambskin leather. They have a low-stacked heel and a glove-like fit (just make sure you order a half size up from your usual), and best of all, you can monogram them.
REVIEW HIGHLIGHT
It's tough to spend hundreds on a single pair of shoes, but here's evidence to support the fact that this particular pair is worth it: "I have been wanting these for a long time. They went on sale, and I picked them up. They are perfect and would have been worth it at the full price."
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Khaite The Marcy Flat
Overall Score
4.65
02
Khaite The Marcy Flat
4.5
2 User Reviews
5
Best Seller
3
Industry Recognition
4
Social Buzz
About Our Scoring System
In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.
Best Modern Designer Flats
WHAT TO LOVE
Channel your inner minimalistic side with Khaite's Maiden Ballerina Leather Ballet Flats. Made for a naturally soft and stretchy leather, these ballet flats have a close, glove-like fit that makes them comfortable for all-day wear.
MORE TO KNOW
This Italian-made pair is crafted from Nappa lambskin and boasts a sleek rounded toe, making them versatile for any occasion.
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The Row Ballet Flat
Overall Score
4.75
01
The Row Ballet Flat
5
2 User Reviews
5
Best Seller
3
Industry Recognition
4
Social Buzz
About Our Scoring System
In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.
Best Designer Flats Overall
WHAT TO LOVE
Since the early '90s, Mary-Kate and Ashley have been showing us all what it means to be effortlessly cool. For that reason, it's no surprise to see The Row's Ballet Flats on our list.
REVIEW HIGHLIGHT
"It’s an enormous sum to blow on a ballerina flat, I know, but you’re either a sucker for The Row’s luxurious simplicity, or you’re not. This time around, they had me at the quirky round toe, the perfect pale pink color, and the tiny black elastic strap. I’m pleased that the shoe itself, while delicate, feels more substantial than I expected—the sole is not thick, but it’s supportive, and there is some padding. [...] In person, it's comfier than I expected and just as beautiful. Thrilled with this purchase."
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