As New Yorkers, we log a lot of miles in our shoes. It doesn't matter if we're commuting from home to the office, walking around Central Park, or running to catch the subway, we need a pair of shoes that can keep up with an on-the-go lifestyle.
Ballet flats aren't the first shoe that comes to mind when thinking comfortable and supportive, but we found a pair that includes memory foam arch support, proving to be just as comfortable at hour 13 as they were at hour one. Plus, they're less than $20 during Amazon Prime Day.
They have a nostalgic silhouette that I wore a lot as a child, and like most 90's and Y2k styles, they're slowly slipping back into wardrobes today.
Why I tried the Mary Jane Ballet Flats
Simply put, ballet flats are trending. And after seeing my mom sport a pair last month, I knew I had to partake in the trend. She raved about how versatile they are — wearing them to the farmer's market, the office and more.
And on rainy summer days when I can't wear my trusty Birkenstocks, a close-toe shoe option is more preferred, especially while commuting.
We recently interviewed a podiatrist who says that an ideal pair of flats provide ample cushioning and arch support (which the memory foam sole helps with!). I'm currently training for the New York City Marathon, so I'll take foot comfort, cushion and support where I can get them.
What I like about the Mary Jane Ballet Flats
Firstly, they're versatile. I could pair them with jeans, a sundress, or even a maxi skirt, making them an easy addition to any wardrobe, no matter the season.
A memory foam sole helps these flats remain comfortable for all-day wear. I recently wore them to Shop TODAY Stages, where I was on my feet for 13 hours — assisting guests and attending panels, setting up and taking down furniture.
While it was my first instinct to lace up a pair of sneakers for such a long, active day — I decided to put these flats to the test. They passed with flying colors, helping me remain comfortable while walking up and down flights of stairs and still feeling put together.
And, an adjustable buckle allows you to loosen and tighten them for a preferred fit. I tightened them in moments I knew I'd be particularly active (carrying furniture, walking up and down stairs), and loosened them while sitting for panels.
What to consider
Before testing them out during a 13-hour day, I wore them a couple of times to the office, to see how they would fare during a normal day. The first wear brought with it blisters at the back of my ankles, where the shoe rubbed against my skin.
Because of this, I'd recommend wearing them during a low-activity day first, to break them in. After that, it'll be smooth sailing.
More editor-loved flats to shop
Reviewers love these flats, complimenting how stylish and comfortable they are for long days.
Associate editor Shannon Garlin put these flats to the test against two other brands, naming this pair the best bang for your buck, without compromising on comfort and style.
These flats are well-loved by senior partnerships editor Francesca Cocchi Zabloudil due to their silhouette and shape, providing her with another option for in-office days or happy hours.
Why trust Shop TODAY?
Sierra Hoeger is an associate editor at Shop TODAY, covering travel, gift guides, broadcast segments and more, while also supporting the Awards series.
How we chose
We meticulously combed through thousands of products on sale during Amazon Prime Day 2025 to determine the absolute best Prime Day deals during the four-day event, identifying expert recommendations from previous reporting on Shop TODAY and staff-tested award winners.
We also consider factors like a high average rating (of over four stars), the amount of verified shopper ratings (over 1,000) and specific user feedback. From there, we fact-check each deal through price trackers like CamelCamelCamel to ensure that they’re at their lowest price in at least three months (or, in some instances, their lowest price ever).
