Who would’ve thought ballet flats would take over fashion like this? (Not me, considering they were in my top five Most Cringey Shoes for the better part of my life.) And yet now, they’re easily the shoe I see most out in the wild. I think I can speak for myself (and a lot of my friends) when I say they’ve become the go-to pair for most outfits these days. But lately, I’ve been noticing a new version popping up—similar, just with a slightly different feel. They’re called glove flats, and they’re about to replace the ballet trend with their subtle, elevated silhouette.
The glove flats are basically the posh big sister of ballet flats. The difference? Ballet flats are designed to mimic the traditional dance shoe—ribbons, bows, straps, delicate stitching—while glove flats are all about that sleek, close fit. They hug your foot, almost like they’ve been molded to it. (Like a glove, get it?)
Available in everything from leather and mesh to embellished and embroidered styles, there’s really a pair for every mood and aesthetic you’re going for. Personally, I’ve got my eye on a 100% Italian leather pair from Quince right now—especially since they’re 50% off.
Dare I say these might be the perfect glove flats? They’ve got that snug, foot-hugging silhouette and a soft, rounded toe that keeps things looking delicate. Inside, there’s extra padding and cushioned arch support, so even though you’re basically flush with the ground, you still get real comfort, which is surprisingly rare in shoes like these! There’s also a subtle micro heel (just under half an inch!) for a hint of height without changing the shape. And honestly, it’s the quality you’re getting for the price that makes them hard to ignore.
And with a five-star rating and over a thousand glowing reviews, I’m sold. They look like something you’d stumble across in a vintage shop in Rome or Paris. I can already picture them with baggy jeans and a tee for that elevated minimal look, or with a silk skirt, a tank, and a bandana for a relaxed, European It-girl vibe. And yes, there’s a very good chance I’ll be grabbing them in all their other colors!
Shop more of my favorite glove flats here:
Megan Uy is an associate shopping editor at Cosmopolitan, where she searches for the best products in all things fashion, home, beauty, sex, gifts, and more, so you don’t have to. When she’s not writing for the site, she’s whipping up some cool and trendy content for the fashion section of the print magazine. She’s been with the brand since 2019 (when she was an itty-bitty editorial fellow), and she's also written for Delish, House Beautiful, and People. Follow her on Instagram to get some BTS of the editor life and chaotic NYC content. Also, feel free to hit her up if you ever wanna discuss the madness that is TikTok.
