Move Over, Loafers—This Is the Flat Shoe Cool Girls Can’t Stop Wearing

April 28, 2025

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With summer quickly approaching, we’re setting out to make those pivotal temperate-to-hot weather wardrobe swaps. Just as the knits, outerwear, and other transitional staples get stashed away into bins and storage units, the boots and lug-sole footwear are traded for easy, breezy flip-flops, classic sandals, loafers—and now, the soft ballet flat.

Vogue’s Favorite Soft Ballet Flats:

The Trending Style: Madewell The Greta ballet flat, $98
The Classic Black: The Row ballet flat, $820
The Satin Must-Have: Free People Aurora flats, $148
The Ruched Choice: Cos ruched leather ballet flats, $290
The Ruby Red Pair: Le Monde Beryl Stella leather Mary Jane ballet flats, $570
The Minimalist Pick: Jamie Haller The Minimalist slipper, $498
The Leather Staple: Banana Republic ruched leather ballet flats, $180
The Chocolate Pop: Proenza Schouler Glove Mary-Jane flats, $690
The Simple Addition: Zara satin ballet flats, $50

A hybrid of the ballerina and Mary Jane, the soft ballet flat stands apart for its lightweight construction, supple fabrications (in leather and satin), and low-profile silhouette. It’s a versatile wardrobe addition, and there are stylish options in all shapes and sizes, spanning all budgets.

Wear a pointed-toe option from Le Monde Beryl or Madewell with barely-there lace, or floral-printed dresses. For those ready to invest in their rotation, look to Miu Miu and The Row for quietly luxurious selections that will endure the test of time. Secure a glove-like fit from Proenza Schouler or Paris/Texas, and wear these uncomplicated picks with everything from white jeans and draped tops to matching linen sets.

For an edit of the best soft ballet flats on the market, scroll ahead—our favorites range from the edgy and cool mesh styles to the classics with fewer details and more functionality.