The balletcore trend isn’t going anywhere this fall. With that the ballet flat is still in style. That means you don’t have to wear uncomfortable shoes in order to follow this trend. A ballet flat typically takes after actual shoes worn during ballet class. 

At the barre a ballet flat is a soft shoe that features an elastic bow over the top of the foot to help customize the fit of the shoe. Then, there’s the pointe shoe. That’s the shoe ballet dancers wear when they “stand on their toes.” That style boasts a structured square toe, ribbons going up the calf, and elastic over the top of the foot. As for the elastic bow, most dancers snip or tuck those after fitting the shoe to their foot. 

Out on the street, designers tend to combine elements from both styles of shoes to create what’s commonly known as a ballet flat.

Steve Madden Baylen Black

$80
Photo Courtesy of Steve Madden

Steve Madden’s Baylen Black shoes blend the classic ballet flat with a pointe shoe ribbon detail. But, then, these flats feature buckles straps with grommets that add a bit of edge to this not-so-simple shoe. That said, on days when you don’t want to fuss, you can remove the ribbons from these vegan leather flats. The ability to customize your fit offers a number of options for a secure fit. There’s no need to worry about your flat slipping off with these shoes. 

There’s also a quarter-inch heel to give you a touch of lift so that your feet don’t fall flat to the ground. Shop these black ballet flats in US women sizes 5 to 12.

Dolce Vita Anisa Ballet Flats

$120
Photo Courtesy of Dolce Vita

Dolce Vita’s Anisa Ballet Flats are an elevated take on the classic shoe. The square toe and tiny bow take after a pointe shoe. These flats wrap your feet in soft leather that forms to your foot more and more with every wear. Under your foot is a cushioned footbed for added comfort. Plus, there’s a 0.4-inch heel for a little lift. 

Shop US women sizes 5 to 13 in one of three colors: black leather, copper metallic suede, and silver distressed leather.

BLOCH Ladies Amalthea Ballet Flats

If you grew up taking ballet classes, the name BLOCH might ring a bell. The brand is a dancer favorite for actual ballet flats and pointe shoes – as well as other dance apparel and accessories. So, this Ladies Amalthea Ballet Flats takes the traditional ballet flat design and customizes it for out-of-the-studio wear. 

These flats feature a microfiber upper and a leather/textile lining. There’s also a subtle heel to keep your foot a bit off the ground. For added support, there’s extra cushioning in the teardrop heel. And, just like a real ballet flat, the bow is a functioning draw string that keeps your foot secure within the shoe. 

Explore one of three colors – pink, blue, and white – in EU women sizes 36 to 42.

Vionic Delanie Flat

$120
Photo Courtesy of Vionic

Vionic’s Delanie Flat are ballet-inspired shoes with ample support. Just like the entire Vionic assortment of shoes, these ballet flats boast an ergonomically supportive footbed that provides cushioning and sturdy support to the entire underside of your foot. That means, you’ll never feel like your arches are collapsing in these shoes. 

The upper is entirely leather. Just over the toes there’s an equestrian-inspired metal bar. Underneath the foot is a small heel for a bit of lift. 

Grab your pair in one of three colors: chocolate leather, cream leather, or black leather. Shop medium widths in US women sizes 5 to 12 and wide widths in sizes 6 to 11.

Rothy’s The Flat

$129
Photo Courtesy of Rothy's

Rothy’s The Flat is a shoe with a subtle foot-flattering detail. Over the top of the foot, there’s a V shape that is a take on the vamp commonly found on the top of pointe shoes. That detail flatters the foot while giving it extra room to move comfortably. That way you won’t feel like the shoes are cutting into the top of your foot. The entire underside of this shoe is on a slight angle for added support. Think of it like the world’s tiniest wedge. 

Best of all, these shoes are completely machine washable. Just pop the insoles out, then add the insoles and the shoes into the washing machine. But, make sure only to hang dry them. 

Browse 22 colors in US women sizes 5 to 13.

Tory Burch Claire Ballet

$248
Photo Courtesy of Zappos

Tory Burch’s Claire Ballet flats are designer shoes that you can treat yourself to without worrying about comfort. These recognizable flats boast a dual-tone metal Tory Burch logo over the top of the foot. At the back the suede upper is scrunched a touch to conform to the back of your foot. The inside is also suede for added comfort. Plus, there is a slight heel to elevate the foot. 

Shop one of five color options in US women sizes 4 to 13.

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