The Ballet Flat Roundup
14 of the Sweetest Mary Janes & Slippers
14 of the sweetest mary janes and slippers
Jamie Haller Ballet Slipper, #1 most comfortable
You either love them or you hate them—maybe you wore them in fifth grade and can’t stand the sight, or maybe you’re overjoyed they’re back in the zeitgeist. Either way, we’ve evolved past the more unflattering combinations of the mid-2000s (looking at you, gauchos and flats) and are pairing our delicate little shoes with more polished silhouettes: long, flowing pants and elegant skirts and straight, structured denim à la Jane Birkin. Here are a handful of beautiful, high-quality pairs of ballet flats and Mary Janes: versatile and easy enough to wear throughout the majority of the year.
Vagabond Delia Mary Jane | $130
This timeless style is crafted in leather, with an adjustable buckle strap across the upper and subtle square toes. Produced ethically with considered materials. The black color-way is available on Nordstrom and other colors are available directly from the brand.
Reformation Mariella Mary Jane | $268
These square-toe flats look like a perfectly wearable version of an authentic pointe shoe. Absolutely love the baby pink and delicate stitching.
Vagabond Ansie Mary Janes, $175
A mary-jane strap adds a picture-perfect flourish to a glossy patent pump set on a flared block heel: fair warning, these took a couple weeks to break in and are definitely best suited for a more narrow foot!
Mansur Gravel Dream Ballerina | $445
Vegetable-tanned leather is crafted into the perfect ballet flat, topped off with a knotted bow and low-stacked heel for everyday wear, and comes in 13 colors.
Loeffler RandalL Soft Ballet Flats, $149
These delicate pink mesh flats add a contemporary element and polished look to any outfit—baggy jeans, a long flowing dress or a mini skirt in the summer.
Cayumas Boheme Bruciato C50 | $98
This playful Venetian shoe is characterized by its closure, with an adjustable strap with a nickel-free buckle and rounded toes. They’re perfect for all seasons and can be worn with stockings, socks or bare feet: they’re virtually weightless and fit into your luggage with ease. We love how Gabriella Gofis styles these.
AyeDE Darya Leather Flats | $295
Modern and understated, Aeyde's footwear always feels forward-thinking. A way to tap into this season's love of ballet flats, this 'Darya' pair is crafted from supple leather and has low block heels. Neat bows draw attention to the rounded toes. *I haven’t tried these on but have heard great things about the comfortability
Camper Casi Myra Leather Ballerina Flat | $160
Spanish brand Camper is a family-owned business established in 1977: Barcelona was home to the first Camper store in 1981 and revolutionized the world of retail footwear. Their shoes have always utilized bold graphic elements, interesting shapes and high-quality leather. *Very comfortable and easy to wear all day
Alohas Por Do Sol Patent flats | $187 on pre-order, $220 full-price
This dainty ballet-inspired shoe features a tiny heel and dainty strap that’s equal parts sweet and sophisticated. Alohas’ founders run the Step by Step Project, which aims to create a more sustainable world by using environmentally friendly practices and employing local workers to boost the Spanish economy. *Very comfortable and easy to wear all day
Jeffrey Campbell Dancerina Mary Janes, $119
Available in 8 colors, these soft leather ballet flats are so elegant and feature a single mid-foot strap that arcs across the minimalist silhouette. *Very comfortable and easy to wear all day
J. Crew Ballet Flats | $63-$178
Say hello to J. Crew’s modern takes on Mary Janes and ballet flats. Their leather is most-often sourced from a tannery that's certified by the Leather Working Group (LWG), an organization that works to promote sustainable environmental practices in the leather industry.
Vagabond Jolin Ballet Flat | $84-$120
Artful double stitching loops around the entry of this poised ballet flat crafted from supple leather with a debossed logo detail on the back.
The Day Ballet Flat | $145
Featuring a sculptural square toe and a higher throatline. Plus, it has all the elements of comfort—like buttery soft leather, a cushioned insole for all-day wearability, and an outsole that is made of low impact, recycled leather. Sourced from a tannery rated Gold or Silver by the Leather Working Group (LWG)—the highest ratings a tannery can receive for demonstrating best practices in environmental compliance and performance capabilities. *Very comfortable and easy to wear all day
Maguire Prato Ballet Flat | $195
Maguire creates small-batch footwear that has a fresh, high-end feel with a quality edge. This ballerina features a gently squared toe and ultra-soft, supple leather.
See one of my favorite silky options from last year, for sale on The Real Real. Across all different price points, we hope you found a pair of high-quality ballet flats or Mary Janes that suit you for year-round wear.
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