Ballet flats have proved an enduring shoe trend in 2026 and into 2027. While some footwear trends come and go, the ballet flat trend has held steady, and even evolved to incorporate even more styles. The trick is knowing which are the latest styles to invest in so you can wear them for many seasons to come.
One can hardly be surprised about this shoe’s ongoing popularity. A capsule wardrobe staple, ballet flats are a work shoe, and a polished option for any ‘in-between’ occasions. (Brunch, dinner, meeting the in-laws—the list goes on!)
Interestingly, the latest ballet flat trends are not so… flat. Low heels, like wedges and block-heels, have been popular among the celebrity and fashion sets in 2026. Take Zoe Kravitz’s Maryam Nassir Zadeh black suede ballet flats that went viral earlier this year, or the (sadly, sold out) Massimo Dutti ballet heels you’ve seen floating around Instagram and TikTok.
That’s not to say ballet flats aren’t in-style. There are plenty of ongoing flat-shoe trends on the roster, including high-vamp ballet flats, favoured by models Kendall Jenner and Gigi Hadid.
However, these two styles alone prove there’s more to this fancy footwear than the classic, dance company-approved rounded toe and bow embellishment.
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Allow us to run you through some of our favourite styles of the season to shop, including jazz shoes, mesh flats, slingback styles and heeled ballet flats.
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Heeled Ballet Flats
Often called the ballet pump or block-heel ballet shoe, this trend has been led by brands like Carel and Repetto. It offers the perfect middle ground for those who like the aesthetic of a flat but want a little extra height. By taking the classic ballerina silhouette and adding a sturdy, low-block heel—usually between 3cm and 5cm—the shoe gains more presence and lift. They are particularly great for pairing with trousers that graze the floor, as the slight elevation prevents the hems from dragging.
BARED
Chat Black Patent Leather Ballet Flats
SAM EDELMAN
Belle Flat Shoes
TONY BIANCO
Moma Black Suede Ballet Heels
DIANA FERRARI
Mallet Black Leather Heels
High Vamp Ballet Flats
Often called the ‘mock turtleneck of shoes’, the high vamp ballet flat is an alternative to the classic low-cut slipper. While traditional ballet flats barely cover the toes, high vamp styles extend further up the foot, creating a glove-like silhouette that feels more high-fashion. Quiet luxury brands like The Row, Toteme and Soeur have championed the look. It’s a great option for those who want the comfort of a flat with the polished structure of a loafer. Because of their higher cut, they pair well with tailored trousers and midi skirts, making them a versatile staple for any capsule wardrobe.
THE ROW
Stella Leather Ballet Flats
TONY BIANCO
Brash
ASSEMBLY LABEL
Andrea Ballet Flats
A.EMERY
The Lima Flat
Mesh Ballet Flats
Mesh ballet flats are a trend that keeps on giving. Undoubtedly, the moment mesh flats burst back into our lives was when Alaïa debuted its now-cult fishnet style in May 2022. Immediately, designers and high street brands alike followed suit, embracing the toe-baring style with bold colourways, crystal-embellished designs, and even reimagining the silhouette into a modern jelly sandals (in the case of the perpetually sold out style from The Row). It’s hard to know whether mesh sandals will endure another lap around the sun, but early signs are point to yes.
ALAIA
Embellished Suede-trimmed Flats
ST AGNI
Woven Ballerina Flat
NELSON MADE
Lou Mesh
SANDLER
Glimmer
Animal Print Ballet Flats
From leopard print to zebra, and pony-hair cow print, animal print ballet flats are on the agenda in 2026. While leopard print may have had their day in the sun, more obscure and abstract animal prints are rising in the ranks, including zebra, fawn and snake prints, plus animal-style embossed leather, including croc, eel and ostrich embossed leather,
BARED
Sterna Snake Emboss Leather Ballet Flats
JO MERCER
Serena Casual Flats
ANONYMOUS COPENHAGEN
Praise Tapir Calf Hair Flat
LOEFFLER RANDALL
Junia Mary Jane Flats
Mary Jane Ballerinas
If we had to choose one ballerina silhouette to call our favourites, it would probably be the Mary Jane. First worn by flappers in the 1920s as an appropriate heeled shoe choice for taking a spin around the dancefloor, flat Mary Jane styles are our go-to for work and play. Satin styles add a touch of whimsy to any outfit, while brown suede adds an elevated texture to a simple outfit, and we also love a timeless pair of black leather Mary Janes any day of the week.
BARED
Whyda Black Velvet Ballet Flats
LE MONDE BERYL
Claudia Buckle Ballet Flats
WITTNER
Dakota Eel Leather Flat Mary Janes
CAREL PARIS
Tatiana Buckle-strap Ballet Flats
Classic Ballet Flats
The classic ballet flat is probably the one style we were most hesitant to wear upon the trend’s return following many years of wearing cheap (and, let’s be honest, stinky) pairs in high school. We’re not too proud to admit that the bowed beauties really are a timeless footwear option — as proven by Chanel, which has featured the classic ballerina in its collections since the ’80s.
While you can’t really go wrong with a classic black pair, we suggest you keep it playful in 2026, with bold colours or prints paired with socks, sheer tights, mini skirts, or your slouchiest pair of jeans.
SCANLAN THEODORE
Tailored Ballet Flat
SHELLY SHEN
Poet Ballet Flats
MANSUR GAVRIEL
Dance Ballerina
& OTHER STORIES
Leather Ballet Flats
Slingback Flats
If you’d told us that in 2026, we’d be lusting after capri pants and slingbacks, we’d have told you you’re dreaming. Alas, here we are. Slingback shoes are an undeniably elegant style but the silhouettes we’re currently gravitating towards are those with little to no heel, because comfort is everything and also, these pairs are chic and sexy enough without the sky high lift.
SEMPRE DI
Tearsle Slingbacks
M.N.G.
Irene Shoes
CALVIN KLEIN
Leather Slingback Ballerinas
VAGABOND
Delia
Jazz Shoes
If visible toe creases are enough to make your stomach turn, the fuller coverage jazz shoe flats will be your best friend. Though once upon a time, flats that extended beyond the toe crease may have been confused for an orthopaedic shoe, in 2026, they’re far more stylish. With patent styles, v-cut detailing, and even gathered styles that hit somewhere between a sneaker and a ballerina, these jazz shoes are the latest iteration of the ballet flat trend.
SENSO
Cassidy I
BRIE LEON
Clem Ballet Flat
ROLLIE
Noah Lace Flat
VIVAIA
Ciara
Pleated Toe Flats
Designers have taken a more literal approach to ballet flats in recent seasons, incorporating obvious nods to the pointe shoe with pleated and square toes. We first noticed the design detail at Sandy Liang, with the Mary Jane Pointe Ballerina, which has become a signature of the label. Even Gucci sent its own interpretation of the style down the runway.
SANDY LIANG
Mary Jane Pointe
JW PEI
Solenne Ruched Drawstring Ballet Flats
GUCCI
Horsebit Ballet Flats
CHARLES AND KEITH
Emiko Satin Bow Mary Jane Flats
In short: absolutely. While ballet flats have had many “comebacks,” in 2026 they have officially transitioned from a passing trend to a permanent wardrobe staple. However, the look has evolved significantly from the flimsy, thin-soled slippers of the past.
This year, it’s all about intentionality and structure. We are seeing a move toward more “architectural” silhouettes—think the high-vamp “glove” fit, square-toe finishes, and block-heel pumps that offer more support and a more polished, high-fashion edge. The 2026 version of the trend prioritizes quality materials like buttery leathers and rich suedes, making the ballet flat a key player in the “quiet luxury” movement. Whether paired with oversized tailoring or feminine midi skirts, the ballet flat remains the ultimate “cool-girl” alternative to a heel.
The best way to style your ballet flats will depend on the type you choose and also the context in which you intend to wear them. For us, ballet flats will a few gaps in our wardrobes, and we have a style to match each one.
Our favourites will always be the comfortable pair that can be worn in place of sneakers when the occassion calls, and in these instances, pairing a ballet flat with wide-leg jeans, or with crew socks and a mini skirt are our go-to outfit formulas. We also love to embrace the wrong shoe theory, which in this context, might mean wearing a dainty ballet flat with baggy tracksuit pants.
For more dressy and corporate situations, we love wearing a kitten heel or patent style with wide-leg trousers, or a flowy midi skirt and blazer combo. Our main tip is to try and inject a little bit of fun into your outfits, with a cute pair of socks or stockings, a ballet flat with an interesting print, or embrace the new neutrals (like burgundy and brown suede).
A high vamp ballet flat is defined by how much of the foot it covers. While a traditional ballet flat has a “low vamp” that barely covers the toes (often showing “toe cleavage”), a high vamp style extends much further up toward the ankle. This creates a sleek, glove-like silhouette that hugs the foot more securely. Because there is more leather—or “vamp”—visible, the shoe feels less like a flimsy slipper and more like a structured, high-fashion design.
