I've never been one to lean on ballet flats, whether they're "in" or not. Maybe it's the rounded toe or bow detailing, but the popular flat-shoe style has simply never clicked with my taste preferences. Instead, I almost always wear heels, from kitten heels to higher stilettos or block heels. They're dressier and feel more sophisticated in my eyes, two qualities I look for in pieces I'm adding to my wardrobe. I like to look nice and put-together—what can I say?
Of course, my feet don't always agree with the heels I frequent, no matter how many times I wear them or how much I break them in. Living in New York City means I walk practically everywhere. When I'm not walking, I'm taking the stairs up or down from the subway or my apartment. They're begging for something different, but I can't quite shake my lifelong aversion to ballet flats. Fortunately, I'm learning that there is more than just one type of flat shoe. With brands ranging from Zara and Reformation to Prada and The Row leaning on non–ballet flat shoe trends like slippers, mesh sock flats, strappy sandals, court shoes, jelly sandals, and pointy slingback flats, I'm finally ready to put aside my heels (at least a few days a week) and give flats the old college try.
Scroll down to shop 39 ballet flat alternatives I'm considering. All of them are just as elegant and chic as any pair of pumps in my closet.
I actually already own these in black and can confirm that they're so comfortable and sophisticated.
These luxurious satin slippers will look just as chic at home paired with silk pajamas as they will out in the wild styled with vintage Levi's and a great cashmere sweater.
I bought a flat mule version of these and am convinced I need this slingback version as well. The little heels are beyond chic.
Once the green satin version comes back in stock, I'm ordering those, too.
Good style at an even greater price point.
When you find a shoe style that's different from every other style out there, you buy them.
I need a pair of these for my trip this summer to Puglia.
These will make every outfit cooler, especially if it's a simple look. Let the leopard-print slides shine.
No, you don't need to spend hundreds on elevated flip-flops.
The toe loop and suede fabric on these make them look far more expensive than they are.
White soft-leather loafers? Yeah, I need them.
Everyone on fashion Instagram is talking about these $78 flip-flops right now.
Get a pair before they sell out, because they absolutely will.
Who needs heels when flats this beautiful exist?
Gap did its thing when it made these jelly flip-flops.
Just wait—these crochet loafers will be everywhere this summer.
A good pair of boat shoes will get so much wear in the summertime, yes, but all year round, too.
Jelly sandals, meet your 2025 leader.
Trust me—your simple outfits will thank you for these gold mules.
This ankle cleavage makes for beautiful flats.
Sometimes, the simplest sandals are the chicest ones.
This new red version of Tory Burch's viral Pierced Mules is truly unreal. They're famously comfy but also have an outfit-making appearance. What more could you want?
If you wear these lizard mules with trousers or jeans, no one will know they're not heels.
A pair of little red jelly flats? Why not?
I found your new everyday flats. Thank me later.
Just easy.
I'm weak to the powers of these baby-blue slingback flats.
White shoes were all over the F/W 25 runways.
These loafers are giving old-money vibes to me. Anyone else?
Birkenstock Arizona sandals will never go out of style. They're classic and beloved for a reason.
Suede flip-flops are the flat shoes your closet's been missing.
I must say, Saint Laurent has mastered flats-with-heel-energy like no other brand.
The perfect flat sandals to wear with flowy shorts.
Twenty twenty-five was the first year I saw a really flat pair of boots that I actually liked.
The little cork wedge heels? I'm obsessed.
WWC: Will wear constantly.
I'm not really a sneaker person, so this flat-sneaker hybrid is a perfect solution for me.
If you thought Bottega Veneta's Intrecciato bags were chic, just look at this footwear version. Wow.
Pack these toe-loop leather sandals on your next vacation.
Look, I saved the prettiest for last.
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