When it comes to footwear, few things are as easy to throw on as flats. Whether you're heading out to run errands or heading to the office, flats can make almost any outfit look polished. In fact, we've been seeing a resurgence of ballet flats this season.
They're trending big time, and have been spotted on the runways and on the feet of numerous celebrities. According to Google Trends, searches for the term "ballet flat" reached an all-time high in Sept. 2023. And in its Spring Try Guide, Google revealed that one kind, in particular, is trending this season — between Oct. 2023 and Jan. 2024 Mary Jane flats were the top searched style of “ballet flats.”
But since they're true to their name and tend to be flat in design, they might not feel comfortable after hours of wear. So, we asked podiatrists how to find comfortable flats that don't compromise on style. From the shape of the shoe to the build of the footbed, podiatrists share everything you need to know.
Are ballet flats good for your feet? | What are the most comfortable flats? | Mary Jane ballet flats | Podiatrist-approved ballet flats | More top-rated ballet flats | How we chose | Meet our experts
Are ballet flats good for your feet?
Unfortunately, most of the trendy ballet flats “have absolutely no support,” shares Dr. Ashley Lee, a podiatrist in Hinsdale, Illinois.
Because they're very flexible and most don't have an arch, for people with issues like plantar fasciitis or Achilles pain, they're not a good choice. However, there are some people who might find flats to be more comfortable than other styles.
"Some women who have forefoot issues may find that they put less pressure on the ball of the foot, so wearing ballet flats when you have capsulitis (swelling in the ball of the foot), or bunions (if they are wide), may be more comfortable than a heel or a wedge," Lee says.
If you're sold on the style, there are certain features that can make the shoes more comfortable and better for your feet overall.
What are the most comfortable flats?
If comfort is key, the basics you should look for are materials that allow your foot to bend at the toes, a spacious toe box, a contoured and cushioned footbed and adequate arch support, Dr. Miguel Cunha, podiatrist and founder of Gotham Footcare tells us via email.
Since dress flats do not have a shank (a rigid material that runs between the insole and outsole of the shoe underneath the arch) Cunha recommends looking for an insole "that is made of cushioned materials that are light, soft, and durable against moisture such as ethyl vinyl acetate, memory foam, and gel padding."
One way to determine whether your flats will feel comfortable is to walk around in them before you purchase them. "Squeeze the insole with your fingers or place the insole directly onto the floor and stand on them to determine if they have sufficient cushioning and feel comfortable," Cunha says.
Dr. Emily Splichal, a functional podiatrist based in Arizona recommends looking for a flat that won't irritate the back of your foot, either.
"I prefer flats that don’t have stiff heel counters — so that’s the back of the shoe that kind of wraps around the heel," she says. Stiff heel counters can irritate and rub the Achilles tendon, it's best to opt for a softer fabric that wraps around your foot. Softer fabrics that are not restrictive also allow your feet to spread, which is what you want in a flat.
“There are some flats that are more pointed; the more pointed that a flat is, versus rounded at the toe, now you’re starting to constrict and restrict and then that can lead to you know, hammer toes and neuromas and bunions," Splichal says. "So there’s all this forefoot, or the front of the foot issues that I think is important in flats, versus getting really excited that the flat is flat."
If you have a pair of flats that you love that don't have the above features, you can up the comfort by adding an insole. "I have a specially made orthotic designed for ballet flats that give me arch support and a little extra stability and cushion," Lee says. "Many of my patients have these. You can also try adding OTC insoles designed for flats or metatarsal and/or arch pads to stick in the shoe."
If you're going to spend a lot of time on your feet while wearing flats, your feet will pronate for longer, which Cunha says can alter the distribution of weight and pressure in your feet, which may eventually lead to the front-of-foot issues Splichal mentioned above.
"This imbalance can then translate upward affecting other parts of the body such as our knees and back," Cunha says.
If you want to be kind to your feet, we asked Splichal and Cunha for their recommendations for flats that you can wear to the office and beyond and also rounded up more affordable options that meet their recommendations, too. But first, we're sharing some bestselling and top-rated Mary Jane flats for anyone who wants to get in on the trend
Mary Jane ballet flats
Old Navy Mary Jane Square-Toe Ballet Flats
- Elastic strap
- Square toe
- Runs narrow
These ballet flats from Old Navy come in two colors — though select sizes are selling out, so you'll want to grab them while you can. "Super comfortable from the first time wearing them," one shopper wrote. "Cute with skinny and wide leg pants or jeans."
Trary Mary Jane Shoes
- Rounded toe
- Adjustable buckle
- Rubbed for some
According to the brand, these flats have a roomy toe box to help your toes feel less constricted. Plus, they're said to have a cushioned footbed for added comfort.
Oak + Fort Ballet Flats
- Foldable elastic strap
- Square toe
- Size up if between sizes
This classic ballet flat option has a wide square toe, allowing for plenty of room for toes.
“I recently saw these flats at an NYFW event and couldn’t stop thinking about them so I immediately went back to the store and picked them up. Not only are they extremely cute, but I wore them all night and I never got any blisters, which is rare with flats. Needless to say, these are going to become my new go-to’s for fall and winter,” says production coordinator Camryn Privette.
Steve Madden Lorando Mary Janes
- Adjustable buckle
- Padded footbed
- Buckle can be tricky
Production associate Audrey Ekman has been eyeing this Steve Madden pair after she saw them at an event for the brand. They’re said to be extremely comfortable with the lightly padded footbed. You can choose from black or Ekman’s wishlist pick, silver.
Madewell The Greta Ballet Flat
- Cloudlift Lite padding
- Half sizes available
- Stretch with time
In case you haven't heard, red shoes are trending big time — and this bestselling pair of Mary Jane flats from Madewell comes in the vibrant hue, so you can rock both trends at once. They come in multiple colors and variations, including both all leather and a breathable, woven version. Plus, they feature the brand's MWL Cloudlift Lite padding to make them more comfortable than your average ballet flats.
Vivaia Square-Toe Mary Jane
- Range of colors available
- Heel padding
- Runs narrow
Social media editorial assistant Annie Shigo shares that she was recently sent these Mary Jane flats and adds, "I love them." "They are so comfy and are a really fun pop of color with a cute sock."
According to the brand, they have padding at the heel to help prevent those dreaded ballet flat blisters. They're designed to be antimicrobial and breathable to prevent odor — though if they do get dirty, they're machine washable so you can throw them in the washing machine!
Podiatrist-approved ballet flats for women
Allbirds Tree Breezers
- Lightweight
- Feels "like a barefoot"
- Machine washable
- Lacks support
"Allbirds is one that is actually a good flat because it has kind of that soft, stretchable upper," Splichal says. "And then it’s going to be breathable materials because that’s their branding, is that they use that Merino wool, which is very breathable."
Rothy's The Point Flats
- Flexible
- Cushioned insoles
- Material doesn't stretch much
Cunha recommends these flats from Rothy's, which have a flexible knit upper and cushioned insoles. As a plus, they're also machine washable, so you can keep them feeling fresh for your daily commute.
Associate editor Shannon Garlin recently got her hands on a pair and says they're worth the price: "Once you get past the initial break-in phase, they're super comfortable. The insoles are really cushy and are comfortable enough for me to wear on my commute to work and all day in the office."
Tory Burch Minnie Travel Ballet Flats
- Soft leather
- Cushioned insole
- Select sizes sold out
Another recommendation from Cunha is these flats from Tory Burch. They're made from leather and come in several different colors, but the classic black style proves to be versatile. They have a layered foam footbed that provides cushion and a flexible build that makes them easy to both wear and take with you while you're on the go.
More top-rated ballet flats to shop
Amazon Essentials Knit Ballet Flats
- Padded insole
- Regular and wide widths
- Sizing may be inconsistent
One popular option with high reviews from shoppers is this pair from Amazon Essentials. They have a memory foam insole and a "heel pillow" to help provide support for your feet, plus a sweat-absorbing liner to help keep your feet dry.
Frank Mully Knit Flats
- Soft lining
- Breathable
- Some say it rubs in back
The knit fabric and padded sole make these flats an affordable option to consider. They come in a range of patterns and colors and have earned a near five-star overall rating from reviewers.
One Shop TODAY writer says they molded to her foot and they are comfortable enough to walk long distances, even a mile to and from the dog park.
Dearfoams Misty Ballet Flat
- Contoured footbed
- Scalloped details
- Tight
From the scalloped detailing and flexible knit fabric to the range of colors that these Dearfoams flats come in, this pair is all about the details. Plus, the shock-absorbing insoles and arch support make them comfortable options.
Crocs Brooklyn Ballet Flats
- Lightweight
- EVA footbed
- Run large
Yes, these are Crocs! The podiatrist-approved brand is known for its comfortability and these ballet flats feature the same molded design as other Croc shoes, says the brand. They're made of TPU material, and reviewers say they love them for rainy days.
Everlane Day Glove Flat
- Variety of color options
- "Molds to your foot"
- Narrow fit
Buttery soft Italian leather helps this flat earn its name since it hugs your foot like a glove. The pullback tab makes them easy to slip on and the cushioned insole also makes them a comfortable option.
"I also think these from Everlane are really chic and actually comfortable — they're so simple and elevated, come in a bunch of colors and the quality is excellent. Plus, they're on sale!" says Ekman.
How we chose the best ballet flats
To choose the best ballet flats, we interviewed expert sources, scoured user reviews and used our own personal experiences with products and brands to make shopping easier for our readers.
Meet our experts
- Dr. Ashley Lee, DPM, is a podiatrist in Hinsdale, Illinois. While Lee treats all adult foot and ankle disorders, she has a special interest in pediatric reconstructive surgery as well as adult and pediatric sports medicine.
- Dr. Miguel Cunha, DPM, is a podiatrist in New York City and founder of Gotham Footcare. He is a foot and ankle surgeon with experience treating a range of conditions. His interests include all aspects of podiatric medicine with an emphasis on cosmetic surgery and sports medicine injuries.
- Dr. Emily Splichal is a functional podiatrist and human movement specialist. She previously spoke to Shop TODAY on when it’s time to replace your sandals and the best shoes for heel spurs and bunions.
