En Pointe: I Found The Best Ballet Flats Money Can Buy, No Formal Training Required

Made with a soft tumbled calf leather in Toscana, Italy, these don’t just look the part: they’re built to last. This is the ballet flat you’ll keep and wear forever. With a hidden 20 mm wedge that makes the shoe that much more comfortable (while still maintaining its flat shape), M. Gemi’s version features a square toe and grosgrain ribbon for modern details that balance the shoe’s sweetness with solid sophistication.

Everlane’s version has a similar ribbon detail and a toe that’s a bit more rounded, with a higher throatline and thinner leather for all-day comfort. These also come in a variety of earth tones, whether you’re feeling a Moss Green, classic Black, or holiday Grey. Many happy reviewers are describing these as “buttery soft” and “supremely comfortable.” I’m sold.

If you’re ready to splurge on your forever shoe, Mansur Gavriel’s Dream Ballerina ($395) is, to borrow directly from its name, the stuff of dreams. With a high vamp and grosgrain trim, the shoe is crafted from Italian lambskin leather, made to mold to your foot and complement your style for years to come.

Repetto, the heritage brand that practically invented the modern ballerina, created its Cendrillon Ballerinas in 1956 at the request of Brigitte Bardot. This origin story translates to a bit of a heftier price tag on the brand’s ballerinas but – from what I’ve seen of these shoes – it just might be worth it. Repetto’s shoes are made with a stitch-and-return technique, meaning that the sole is sewn inside out for a flexible and “emotional” model that responds to the shape of your foot. The brand has the Cendrillon in every colorway and material, whether you’re seeking a classic lambskin, a glossy patent leather, or a vegan alternative.

Carel, THE French shoe brand I’ll lust after for the rest of my life, makes a perfect ballet flat that could pass as a Chanel. The brand’s Fraise flats ($310) feature a two-tone cap detail, available in a muted black leather / patent leather colorway, and a playful blue leather / white patent leather option that strikes a more mod tone.

If you’re willing to splurge, Nicole Saldana is designing some of my favorite ballet flat-adjacent shoes du jour. Her shoes are brilliantly structured, made by hand in Portugal and fabricated from a strong but buttery napa leather. The Fabiana ($390), with a delicate shoelace-style mary jane tie, balances its feminine bow with a structured heel and almond toe. (Note: this shoe is so fabulous that it’s sold out in the black colorway, but you can get your hands on the silver style, which just so happens to be perfect for holiday soirees and cool-toned winter dressing.)

Or, The Isabel (Pick Your Poison) ($325): The Isabel is ideal if your style hits the mark somewhere between “princess of a small municipality” and “Jackie O.” These shoes will live rent-free in my brain until I somehow get my hands on them.

For a durable option that will puncture a smaller hole in your wallet, look no further than Vagabond’s Brittie Mary Janes ($160). These leather flats feature a square toe and a loop strap that mimic the Sandy Liang silhouette at a fraction of the cost. And, if they’re anything like other Vagabond styles that deliver on comfort and quality, they’ll be the perfect fit for all-day walk and wear.

J. Crew makes a great Mary Jane flat – one that looks like it was built for the holiday season. Whether you’re leaning velvet or metallic (the latter is on sale, do with that what you will), J. Crew’s version features a delicate buckle strap and a structured square toe, ideal for flitting from work to a Christmas party or spontaneous happy hour, no wardrobe changes required.