The only ballet flat guide you need: 28 styles from mesh to sequins, satin to studs

Something borrowed, something new, something with the most dreamy hand-drawn florals we've ever seen on a ballet flat. This Vivaia x Léa Morichon collab features the French artist's delicate artwork beneath a sheer mesh overlay — soft, intimate and almost weightless.

The adjustable instep strap means a genuinely custom fit, they're podiatrist-approved (APMA certified), machine washable and made from six recycled plastic bottles. Whether you're walking down the aisle or commuting in them the next day, your feet will thank you. Bridal, sustainable and utterly beautiful — Vivaia really thought of everything.

I own these in silver and wear them to the office almost daily throughout spring and summer — and that tells you everything you need to know. The Speedcat silhouette gives edge to a floating dress or midi skirt in a way no classic ballet flat can, and the silver colourway means they go with far more than you'd expect —Genuinely one of the most wearable shoes in this entire edit.

If you've spotted stylish London girls in the most sumptuous velvet ballet flats and wondered where they're from — it's Flabelus, and I own this exact pair. Zero breaking in, immediate comfort, and that rich red velvet adds a luxurious textural punch to everything from jeans to midi skirts. Just one rule: dry days only. 😉

The sneakerina is officially having its moment and Vagabond's Hollie is one of the best versions going. Baby blue suede and the sporty stripe detail — it's the flat that works with literally everything from midi skirts to floaty dresses and still feels fresh. The ballet trainer trend is only going up from here.

Alohas but make it punk. The Rosalind is the brand's beloved silhouette — that relaxed, perfectly considered leather flat — but covered in silver studs from toe to heel with that signature bow at the front. It's edgy without trying too hard, and at £170 it's the kind of statement flat that elevates even the most minimal outfit. The fashion girls have found it. Now you have too.

If your holiday packing list needs one more thing, make it this. Reformation's Pillar flat is ivory crochet works with sundresses, linen co-ords and anything else you throw at it. The most summery flat in this entire edit and it's giving very good Euro-summer energy.

Satin, bow, Mary Jane strap — Charles & Keith's Emiko is giving Miu Miu in the very best way and costs a fraction of the price. The nude colourway is genuinely the most versatile thing going this season and the little gold O-ring buckle detail is chef's kiss. A dopamine-boosting addition to your spring shoe rotation for just £59.

Divisive? Yes. Worth it? Also yes. The Tabi split-toe is one of fashion's most iconic designs and at £820 it's the splurge pick of this edit — but if you know, you know. The softly structured leather and that signature bow detail make it the kind of shoe that gets spotted across a room. Fashion girls have been obsessed since 1988 and quite frankly we don't see that changing.

The two-tone cap-toe ballet flat is a Chanel house code so iconic it's basically its own fashion category. Margaux's Demi nails the brief completely — beige leather, black cap toe, a delicate bow — at a considerably friendlier price point. The kind of shoe that photographs beautifully and goes with absolutely everything in your wardrobe.

For the maximalist who considers their shoes the main event. Boden's Kylie flat is woven raffia in every colour you could possibly want, with a chunky gold buckle strap that ties the whole joyful situation together. Wear yours with a simple white dress or straight-leg jeans and let the shoes do all the talking — because they absolutely will.

Brown suede was the defining shoe trend of AW25 — cowboy-core, 70s-inspired and absolutely everywhere — and this Dune Mary Jane is the flat that carries it beautifully into spring. Dark chocolate suede, gold buckle, pointed toe. Polish it up with wide-leg trousers or wear it with a floral midi for a cooler-than-expected contrast.

The ballet flat that clearly did NOT come to play. Coach's silver lace-up wraps around your ankle in the most dramatic, fashion-forward way and we are completely obsessed. It's giving balletcore maximalism with a metallic edge — style yours with a denim mini and chunky leg warmers for full sartorial commitment.

Everything the Alaïa mesh flat does, but make it party. Kurt Geiger's Nina in black mesh covered in micro crystals catches the light with every single step — wear yours with a head-to-toe black outfit and let the shoes do the heavy lifting. The pointed toe keeps it sleek and the Mary Jane buckle keeps it from veering into fancy dress territory.

Mesh ballet flats are undeniably the biggest shoe trend of spring/summer 2026 — Google searches are up 120% and still climbing — and this crystal-covered Charles & Keith version is the most sparkly way to join the party. The white colourway is perfect for a bridal after-party look or adding just enough shimmer to an otherwise minimal outfit. At £69 it's a no-brainer.

Woven raffia, Mary Jane strap and that perfect sun-bleached natural tone that goes with every single summer outfit you own. Loeffler Randall's Leonie is the flat you pack for every holiday and reach for every weekend — and at £240 it's a genuinely considered investment in your summer wardrobe.

Fitflop describing this as possibly the best ballerina in the business is a bold claim — but honestly, they might be right. Crafted in butter-soft metallic nappa leather with a little bow, hidden Dynamicush™ cushioning and a moulded footbed that's been granted the APMA Seal of Acceptance for promoting good foot health. It looks like a sleek silver flat. It feels like a sneaker. We need one immediately.

Three years in and these are still the most worn shoes I own. Aeyde's Ellie in beige is the epitome of quiet luxury — that elegantly pointed toe lengthens your legs without throwing off your proportions, and the signature red thread at the back ankle is the kind of subtle craftsmanship detail you only notice up close. The leather moulds to your foot over time and only gets more beautiful with every wear. I have them in beige and black and I regret nothing.

Leopard print, Mary Jane strap, gold buckle and £22.99. H&M is genuinely doing the most right now and this flat is proof. The print means it'll work with neutrals, denim and everything in between — and at under £25 you could honestly buy two colourways and still spend less than most of the other picks on this list.