2026 has proved the humble ballet flat has evolved far beyond its prim beginnings. From woven styles that add texture and interest to even the simplest outfit, to sleek glove flats that feel quietly luxurious, there are more iterations of the classic pump than ever before, confirming it has hit its sartorial stride.
That said, with summer in full swing and sandal season officially upon us, it can be easy to overlook the fail-safe flat. But amongst this season's shoe trends, ballet flats still have a firm place in a warm-weather wardrobe, particularly when it comes to one style that feels especially right for now: the slingback ballet flat.
Bridging the gap between a shoe and a sandal, the slingback ballet flat offers the best of both worlds. Your toes remain covered — ideal for anyone not quite ready to bare their feet beyond the beach and favouring exclusively closed-toe shoe trends — while the open heel keeps things light, breathable and seasonally appropriate, with just a strap (sometimes buckled) wrapping around the back of your ankle to ensure your shoe stays firmly in place. It’s polished without feeling too frumpy, practical without looking overly sensible, and trend-led enough to make even the most minimal ensemble feel considered.
Pair them with jeans and a tee for a feminine touch on off-duty dressing, or midi skirts and summer dresses when you want something more substantial than a sandal but less formal than a loafer.
When it comes to shopping the trend, the high street has plenty of stylish options. M&S’s suede flat chisel-toe slingback shoes in a soft light tan immediately caught our eye — and you won't catch us complaining at the very purse-friendly £40 price tag! Or, tick off two trends in one with slingback woven ballet flats from the likes of Sessùn or Boden (below).
Here, shop our edit of the best slingback ballet flats to wear now and well into next season:
M&S Suede Flat Chisel Toe Slingback Shoes
Charles & Keith Satin Crossover Slingback Ballet Flats
New Look Wide Fit Faux Leather Light Green Slingback Ballet Pumps
ASOS DESIGN Lenza Premium Leather Slingback Ballets
Bimba y Lola Yellow Leather Slingback Ballerina
Calvin Klein Leather Slingback Ballerinas
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Alexandria Dale is the Digital Fashion Writer at Cosmopolitan UK. Covering everything from the celebrity style moments worth knowing about to the latest fashion news, there’s nothing she loves more than finding a high street dupe of a must-have designer item. As well as discovering new brands, she’s passionate about sustainable fashion and establishing the trends that are actually worth investing in. Having worked in fashion journalism for six years, she has experience at both digital and print publications including Glamour and Ok!
