This page was last updated August 2023 except where otherwise noted.
Sure, we all know what basics professional women are supposed to have in their closets, but if you’re buying one for the first time or replacing one you’ve worn into the ground, it can be a pain to find exactly the right incarnation in stores. In “The Hunt,” we search the stores for a basic item that every woman should have.
We’ve talked a lot about flats over the years, but I don’t think we’ve ever done a major roundup of the most comfortable ballet flats for work. So ladies, let’s hear it — which are your favorites?
What are your favorite ways to break in a new pair of flats, or make them more comfortable for your feet? (As someone with narrow heels I’m always adding these heel pads.)
{related: how to look professional in flats—all the time}
Although rounded toes have come really far for work, I still think the best flat for work is one that has a bit of a point to it, in a durable leather, preferably with a rubber sole or rubber heel for comfort and grip. I know some people hate the look of patent leather flats, but I don’t mind them, particularly in a tumbled patent leather or a color other than black, like a nice gray.
We’ve rounded up some of the best-selling, highest rated styles below — which brands and styles are your favorite?
Pictured at very top, clockwise: black / red / silver / beige & black / beige scalloped
{related: what to look for in interview flats}
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The Hall of Famers for Comfortable Flats
The Best Investment Ballet Flats
The Best Foldable Flats for Women
These are great for commuting, as well as lightweight options for business travel!
A Closer Look at Classic Ballet Flats for Work
The Best Washable Ballet Flat: Rothy’s
If you’re hunting for a washable or foldable flat, readers LOVE Rothy’s. (They also make a pointy-toe version and a square toe version!) They’re often available in tons of fun colors and prints, and they’re super lightweight — great if you want a flat you can throw in your tote bag.
Rothy’s flats are available in sizes 5-13 for $129.
(Psst: looking for a referral code for $20 off your first purchase? Try this one.)
The Best Budget Ballet Flat: Sam Edelman
Felicia has been a top-rated bestseller for years, and Sam Edelman keeps coming out with more and more colors, prints, and materials. (They even come in kid sizes now!)
I like the affordable price point ($100), the rave reviews for comfort, the extended sizes (wide widths and sizes 4-13), and the many, many color options. You can find it at Zappos, Nordstrom, Amazon, and a ton of other retailers.
The Best Upgrade Pick: French Sole
French Sole’s ballet flats have long been on any list of the most comfortable ballet flats, and they have the 88 five-star reviews at Zappos to back that claim up.
I like the quilted leather, the slightly pointed cap toe, and the adjustable cords at the front. Reviewers note that this one runs large; it’s available in sizes 6-11 in basic colors at Zappos and Nordstrom. (Whoa, and Amazon has a ton of colors, with some lucky sizes as low as $45!)
The Best Ballet Flat for Standing All Day: AGL Attilio Giusti Leombruni
People looooove their AGL flats. Readers have been swearing by them for years, and when we talked about fashion for doctors, my hospitalist friend specifically recommended AGL flats for being able to walk for miles.
They’re definitely more of a splurge, but if you watch for Triple Points days or Anniversary Sale you can often score some great deals on them. Nordstrom often has MANY colors available in their popular cap toe style, all priced between $298-$335.
August 2023 Update: Curious about the next big Nordstrom sale? The 2023 Nordstrom Anniversary Sale just ended, but the next big sale will be their Half-Yearly Sale around Dec. 24. Unfamiliar with the NAS? Check out this page for more info on why it’s the best sale of the year.) Sign up for our newsletter to stay on top of all the major workwear sales, or check out our roundup of the latest sales on workwear!
The Best IYKYK Ballet Flat: Ferragamo
You can’t talk about comfortable ballet flats and not mention Ferragamo’s legendary Varina — it just won’t quit, and every season brings new colors and prints and more rave reviews. Nordstrom currently has a ton of colors priced $525-$780. Note that you can also get the shoe at Shopbop (particularly keep an eye out for their sales!), Zappos, Bloomingdale’s and others.
Some Of Our Latest Favorite Trendy Ballet Flats
These are some of our latest favorite ballet flats – which are yours? Also, note that there are a few mini trends afoot: mary jane flats and metallic silver flats!
Aeyde
Cap-toe details on ballet flats are nothing new — and yet this flat from Aeyde feels fresh because of the square toe and unusual shape of the cap toe. It feels really modern but classic!
The flat is $295, available at Nordstrom and NET-A-PORTER, as well as other department stores.
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Kat
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