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 the flat, for example. While the shoe has been and always will be a staple, it's definitely stood in the shadow of some other silhouettes as of late. But this spring, flats of all kinds will be big. 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. Even better, 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 23, 2023
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
Prada Ankle Strap Square Toe Ballerina Flat
Overall Score
4.3
10
Prada Ankle Strap Square Toe Ballerina Flat
5
2 User Reviews
2.1
Best Seller
3
Industry Recognition
0
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
Prada's Square Toe Ballet Flats are equal parts feminine and edgy. With a trendy square toebox and Prada's iconic triangular logo prominently featured, there's no denying these designer ballerina flats will give you cool points.
MORE DETAILS
These flats are crafted from genuine Italian leather and have an adjustable ankle strap for a comfortable fit.
Christian Louboutin Hot Chickita Pointed Toe Flat
Overall Score
4.3
09
Christian Louboutin Hot Chickita Pointed Toe Flat
5
5 User Reviews
2.1
Best Seller
0
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
The Hot Chickita Pointed Toe Flats live up to their name. They have a notched top line, a glossy patent leather exterior, and a sharply pointed toebox.
MORE DETAILS
In addition to black, these flats come in Loubi Red—perfect for women who like to infuse a little drama into their outfits.
More Colors
Loeffler Randall Leonie Lambskin Bow Ballerina Flats
Overall Score
4.35
08
Loeffler Randall Leonie Lambskin Bow Ballerina Flats
4.7
2 User Reviews
2.1
Best Seller
0
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 Affordable Designer Flats
WHAT TO LOVE
At $250, these designer ballet flats are fairly affordable. They're also built with an elastic strap and ultra-padded footbed, making them some of the most comfortable in the bunch.
MORE DETAILS
Obsessed with these? If so, you'll be thrilled to learn they come in 12 different colors.
More Colors
Salvatore Ferragamo Varina Leather Flat
Overall Score
4.4
07
Salvatore Ferragamo Varina Leather Flat
4.5
70 User Reviews
2.5
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 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
Manolo Blahnik Hangisi Flat
Overall Score
4.55
06
Manolo Blahnik Hangisi Flat
4.1
18 User Reviews
2.2
Best Seller
4
Industry Recognition
5
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.
More Colors
Gucci Quilted Leather Flats
Overall Score
4.6
05
Gucci Quilted Leather Flats
5
2 User Reviews
2.1
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 Quilted Designer Flats
WHAT TO LOVE
A delicate bow and quilted exterior define these beloved ballet flats from Gucci. And in true Gucci fashion, the lining, sole, and exterior are all made from high-quality Italian leather.
MUST-KNOW INFO
These flats run large, so be sure to reference the size chart before hitting "add to cart." Also, don't miss the alternative color options (specifically, the bright pink version).
More Colors
The Row Ballet Flat
Overall Score
4.7
04
The Row Ballet Flat
5
2 User Reviews
2.1
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 Minimal Designer Flats
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."
More Colors
Miu Miu Logo Band Ballet Flat
Overall Score
4.7
03
Miu Miu Logo Band Ballet Flat
5
2 User Reviews
2.1
Best Seller
5
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 Logo Designer Flats
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.
More Colors
Mansur Gavriel Dream Ballerina
Overall Score
4.7
02
Mansur Gavriel Dream Ballerina
4.75
43 User Reviews
5
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 Customizable 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."
More Colors
Chloé Lauren Scalloped Ballet Flat
Overall Score
4.75
01
Chloé Lauren Scalloped Ballet Flat
4.5
159 User Reviews
5
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 Designer Flats Overall
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.
More Colors
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