Shop the Black Ballet Flats We’d Actually Wear

I lived my twenties feeling like black ballet flats were something you wore when you’d given up. Walking shoes for sensible women with socks, kind of shoes. The kind my aunt Pauline kept by the backdoor specifically for church Sundays. Except that isn’t true at all, in fact I’m apologising to them right now whilst staring down at my feet: sorry flats, I judged you too soon and it took an actual wedding in Norfolk with a carpark full of grass to open my eyes.

You see, the thing about a really good pair is they have to work in the real world, not just last five minutes in a dressing room. They need a sole with enough substance to it that you don’t feel like you’re slipping (literally) but not so high that they resemble kitten heels, and a shape that hugs your foot without squeezing at the top, because that is what will ruin your night.
Round or squoval is far more sophisticated than a block toe and anything too flat will have you walking like a First World problem whisperer. My work friend Ines wore hers for a day of conferences in Manchester, which is FOUR HOURS STANDING IN ONE POSITION ON A HARD FLOOR and her feedback was she didn’t want coffee next time, just the same pair of shoes. THAT is the standard.
But dressing wise, is where they’re really shining when you take them out of the ‘sprung them on at the end’ vortex.

Slide them under a cigarette trouser to show ankle, or pop them under a long skirt so the hem just brushes above them. They slim down a dress that you could actually run in, should you need to catch a train. Throw on some socks if you’re feeling daring, maybe a skinny ribbed pair in a colour that quietly disagrees with your whole outfit. Bare legged with a slip dress in summer, fuck it with a blazer over your shoulder like you’re actually somewhere better to be after.

They’re just perfect for the in-between times that require you to look put together without shouting it. Brunch with clients, a christening, that gallery opening you’ll spend two hours at standing and awkwardly skimming over paintings you’ve DEFINITELY READ ABOUT. Running errands that somehow end you at the bar. They’re not a dance floor at your wedding mate, learnt that lesson (in heels). But for everything else I’ve found the black flat is quietly outdoing the heel and leaving you nothing to worry about come evening.

Top Picks

HARPER’S PICK FRANCO SARTOSarto By Franco Sarto Sarto Flexa Winley Ballet Flat Shoes (Black Faux Raffia) 8.5 M Pointed Toe

$129.28 $74.98 FRANCO SARTO

MORGAN’S PICK NATURALIZER27 EDIT Carla Ballet Flat Shoes, Black Stud Leather, 7.0W Slip-On Fit, Rubber Outsole

$148.00 NATURALIZER

CARL’S PICK FRANCO SARTOFranco Sarto Franco Tatum Strappy Ballet Flat Shoes (Black Fabric) 6.0 M Round Toe, Buckle Closure

$140.00 FRANCO SARTO

SYDNEY’S PICK FAMOUS FOOTWEARBzees For Lifestride Women's Fairleigh Ballet Flat Shoes (Black Stretch Fabric) - Size 10.0

$84.49 $59.99 FAMOUS FOOTWEAR

CLAIRE’S PICK W CONCEPT (US)Square Toe Glossy Ballet Flat Shoes (MMFL240201)

$202.00 W CONCEPT (US)

RYKARyka Clever Ballet Flat Shoes Black Knit Fabric 12.0 M Slip On, Lightweight $69.99 RYKA

LARROUDEMilan Ballet Flat In Black Leather - 7 / Black $81.00 LARROUDE

LARROUDEPavlova Ballet Flat In Black Leather - 10 / Black $290.00 LARROUDE

LARROUDEVerona Ballet Flat In Black Suede And Black Shearling - 8 / Black $375.00 LARROUDE

EGO (US & CA)Gioia Buckle Detail Flat Ballet Pump In Black Woven, Women's Size US $28.00 EGO (US & CA)

FRANCO SARTOFranco Sarto Franco Tatum Strappy Ballet Flat Shoes (Black Fabric) 6.0 M Round Toe, Buckle Closure $140.00 FRANCO SARTO

SHOEMALL.COMFree People Ursa Gemini Ballet Flat Women's Black Slip On 7 $108.00 SHOEMALL.COM

CERQULARMELISSA Womens Ballet Shoes Black Synthetic UK 6 Comfortable Lightweight Flat $45.49 CERQULAR

CERQULARCHRISTIAN DIOR Womens Black Mesh Ballet Shoes UK 6 J'Adior Strap Flat Synthetic $259.99 CERQULAR

SAM EDELMANRuthie Woven Ballet Flat Black Leather $150.00 SAM EDELMAN

NATURALIZER27 EDIT Carla Ballet Flat Shoes, Black Stud Leather, 7.0W Slip-On Fit, Rubber Outsole $148.00 NATURALIZER

SAM EDELMANFelicia Ballet Flat Black Leather $120.00 SAM EDELMAN

W CONCEPT (US)RIBBON BALLET FLAT SHOES [BLACK] $249.00 W CONCEPT (US)

W CONCEPT (US)Square Toe Glossy Ballet Flat Shoes (MMFL240201) $202.00 W CONCEPT (US)

W CONCEPT (US)Jolly Flat Ballet [Black] (BF5APF04BK) $258.00 W CONCEPT (US)

HELLOMOLLY (US)Calico Tabi Split Toe Ballet Flat Black Leather $119.95 HELLOMOLLY (US)

−30%

MAURICESMaurices Women's Supercush Laser Cut Ballet Flat$32.99 $23.09 MAURICES

−17%

DR. SCHOLL'S SHOESDr. Scholl's Women's Violet Ballet Flat Shoes Black Faux Leather DRSCH 7.5$60.23 $49.99 DR. SCHOLL'S SHOES

−54%

FAMOUS FOOTWEARFranco Sarto Women's Astrid Mary Jane Ballet Flat Shoes (Black) - Size 10.0$130.41 $59.99 FAMOUS FOOTWEAR

−29%

FAMOUS FOOTWEARBzees For Lifestride Women's Fairleigh Ballet Flat Shoes (Black Stretch Fabric) - Size 10.0$84.49 $59.99 FAMOUS FOOTWEAR

−20%

FAMOUS FOOTWEARJournee Women's Kamrah Ballet Flat Shoes (Black) - Size 10.0$86.24 $68.99 FAMOUS FOOTWEAR

−42%

FRANCO SARTOSarto By Franco Sarto Sarto Flexa Dovie Ballet Flat Shoes (Black Leather) 11.0 M Pointed Toe$120.66 $69.98 FRANCO SARTO

−50%

NATURALIZER27 EDIT Carla Ballet Flat Shoes, Jet Black Satin, 8.0W Slip-On Fit, Rubber Outsole$147.98 $73.99 NATURALIZER

−42%

FRANCO SARTOSarto By Franco Sarto Sarto Flexa Winley Ballet Flat Shoes (Black Faux Raffia) 8.5 M Pointed Toe$129.28 $74.98 FRANCO SARTO

−27%

NATURALIZERSoul Idea Ballet Flat Shoes, Black Synthetic Fabric, 6.0M Slip-On Fit, Almond Toe$109.58 $79.99 NATURALIZER