I'm on a quest to find the chicest alternatives to ballet flats. As much as I love the classic shoe (this was confirmed the moment I saw Miu Miu's satin iteration debut in its autumn/winter 2022 collection), they're not the most practical, and the pairs I've owned have simply been unable to survive high step counts.
Despite fluctuating in mainstream visibility throughout the 21st century, ballet flats have always remained a firm footwear fixture for some of the most fashionable people across Europe. From Alexa Chung to Sienna Miller and countless French women, the reason is simple—ballet flats are delicate and elegant and bring a classic sense of sophistication to even the most basic looks.
Yet, as anyone who experienced the first reign of ballet flats in the early 2000s can attest, whilst their ability to make your outfits feel as graceful as a dancer moving across a grand operatic stage en pointe is indisputable, they’re anything but sturdy.
It’s well-known that the shoe lacks the crucial foot support and cushioning to endure long days of wear. Still, the refined silhouette and countless styles—Alaïa’s mesh flats! Ganni’s viral buckle iteration! Tory Burch's studded leather pair!—warrants their appeal, meaning we always find ourselves returning to the timeless silhouette, irrespective of the associated podiatry problems.
This is a plight I’m all too familiar with. As an anti-high heel person, ballet flats have become an indispensable part of my daily uniform. They’ll always hold a special place in my heart—and I currently have a dreamy dusty-pink, square-toe pair from & Other Stories on my wish list—but as I come to grips with their lack of longevity, my mind has turned to the other classy and comfortable flat-shoe styles that serve as viable alternatives to ballet flats.
Consequently, I’ve discovered a whole world of practical substitutes as durable as they are chic and effortless to wear.
Best of all, these styles don’t deviate from the hallmarks of ballet flats: soft in shape, slip-on, low to the ground and demure by design—meaning they can easily slot into your existing repertoire.
From the jelly sandals spotted all over London to the leather flip-flops that Scandi fashion people can’t stop wearing, keep scrolling for the seven best alternatives to ballet flats.
7 Chic Alternatives to Ballet Flats for Summer 2025
1. Suede Sandals
Style Notes: Sandals are the shoe style of the summer season, so it was only fitting that I start this edit with them. Luxe suede fabrications do not only appear on some of the most covetable pairs of shoes of the decade, but it also helps bring extra polish to your look.
Shop Suede Sandals:
A Emery Sandals come highly editor-approved, and this pair in particular is a favourite amongst the Who What Wear UK team.
This chocolate brown feels so sophisticated for summer.
This Next pair look so much more expensive than they are.
2. Slingback Kitten Heels
Style Notes: There's nothing I love more than wearing ballet flats to an evening event; I think it's such an unexpectedly glamorous footwear choice. But when I want to feel a little sleeker or have to navigate poor weather conditions, I've been swapping out flats for a kitten heel.
Shop Slingback Kitten Heels:
The magical trifecta: a kitten heel, pointed toe and slingback design.
This glossy Bordeaux pair demands to be worn with an LBD as your go-to date-night outfit.
These technically aren't a kitten heel, but I had to throw in a chic option for those who hate most heels.
Style Notes: French women can always be counted on for outfit inspiration. Parisian muse Sylvie Mus proves slippers can achieve a similar effect to ballet flats (pictured above), making them an ideal alternative for more casual outfits. Best of all, the exposed heel elongates your legs, which is also a styling tip for petite women.
3. Jelly Sandals
Style Notes: It might just be me, but there's something about jelly sandals that feel ahead of the curve and equally very wearable. The PVC fabrication reinvents the jelly mania that peaked throughout the early Noughties when I was growing up and became synonymous with the Y2K aesthetic. They feel whimsical, childlike and eclectic all at the same time.
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These flip-flops are an easy way to incorporate the daring trend.
For those still aboard the fisherman train, these are a very fresh choice.
How cool are these?
4. Leather Flip-Flops
Style Notes: Leather flip-flops bring in a surprising contrast element that complements both the tones and flowiness of the fabrics we typically reach for in summer. You might not initially think these are the best shoes for all-day walking either, but in the heat when your feet are blistered and sweaty, you'll be begging for the breezy relief of flip-flops (even if you'll only last wearing them till lunchtime).
Shop Leather Flip-Flops:
The Row's Ginza sandals are arguable the most coveted designer flip-flops.
The flip-flop trend shows no sign of slowing down, and this elevated style is such a great alternative to ballet flats, especially for balmy climes.
A super-chic way to do a pop of red.
5. Minimalist Trainers
Style Notes: Marilyn proves trainers can achieve a similar effect to ballet flats so long as you opy for a pared-back, anti-trend styles to ensure versatility.
Shop Minimalist Trainers:
Like ballet pumps, these flat trainers will pair well with everything.
Once you slip these on, you'll never want to take them off.
Similar to the above pairs but at a fraction of the price.
6. Heeled Sandals
Style Notes: Given how soft ballet flats can be, I often feel they can make my looks lack the structure other footwear styles provide. Heeled sandals are the perfect antidote as the elevated form helps to add an element of cohesion to looser garments like linen and cotton.
Shop Heeled Sandals:
A new take on the classic flip-flops that's just as timeless.
I love the burgundy finish shade of this pair.
Be quick—these H&M heeled sandals are sure to sell out again.
7. Classic Loafers
Style Notes: Arguably the closet shape to ballet flats, classic loafers will provide the same amount of comfort with an added touch of sophistication. Not to mention you can wear them in literally every season.
Shop Classic Loafers:
Black will go with everything in your wardrobe.
You'll reach for these all year round.
These look like so many designer options that are on the market.
