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Ballet flats are on the rise, and in more diverse ways than you think—this versatile wardrobe staple might oscillate between trendy and not, but there’s no denying the style’s timelessness. Currently, they lend a fresh coolness that appeals across the board of aesthetics, for Charlotte York types or indie-hip Chloe Sevignys.
The flat footwear category traces its origins to the early days of Ballet in the 18th century. Dancers had begun to renounce their heeled dancing shoes, opting for flat styles that allowed for more intricate footwork. Pioneering manufacturers and designers, like Salvatore Capezio and Claire McCardell, eventually gravitated to the style, sensing its commercial viability. Along came French heritage brand, Repetto, who famously shoed icons like Brigitte Bardot and Jane Birkin in the ’50s and ’60s.
On the other spectrum of the style, there are chunkier Mary Janes, ideal for days spent on your feet and complimenting both a prairie-core vibe as well as a punk one.
Styling and the smallest details make all the difference. Rounded toes à la 2010, or '90s squares recalling an evergreen Prada silhouette? Toe cleavage or high vamp? Sturdy leather or soft second skin? The message is: there’s something for everyone, and the style includes much more than the iconic bow-tied pair of ballerinas. From the likes of Officina del Poggio, Martiniano, and Anne Thomas, discover our favorites below.
