Designer Ballet Flats: The 10 Best Pairs to Buy Now

Designer ballet flats are the shoe of the moment, and the best pairs now come from houses that change the shape: rounded Anatomic toes at MM6, mesh and studs at Alaia, square toes and grids at The Attico. Coveti stocks them all in our designer flats, and the Nappa Anatomic Numeric Ballerinas in Black is our editor’s first pick. These are the ten labels to know, with how each pair fits.

How to choose a designer ballet flat

Look at three things. The toe: a rounded toe is easiest to wear all day, a square toe looks sharper, a pointed toe lengthens the leg. The strap: an elastic strap and a Mary Jane strap both keep a flat on when you walk fast. The sole: a leather sole looks elegant, a rubber sole lasts longer in the city. Half sizes matter more in a flat than in a heel, so choose a brand that makes them.

1. MM6 Maison Margiela

The Anatomic ballerina sits on a rounded, foot-shaped toe and a small cylindrical heel, with an elastic strap printed with the MM6 numbers. It comes in nappa, calf and nylon, in half sizes. Start with the Anatomic Numeric Ballerinas in Pink, and read our MM6 ballet flats guide.

2. Alaia

Alaia has the largest flats edit at Coveti, from mesh and studded ballerinas to crystal-strass suede. They run narrow, so wide feet may want the half size up. See the Strass Suede Ballet Flats.

3. The Attico

The Attico makes graphic, party-ready ballerinas, such as the Grid Ballerina Flats, with a cut-out upper that shows the foot.

4. Max Mara

Max Mara keeps its flats quiet and well made in Italian nappa, such as the Caucaso Nappa Leather Ballet Flats, the pair to wear with a camel coat.

5. Scanlan Theodore

Scanlan Theodore cuts a tailored ballet flat with a slim line, such as the Tailored Ballet Flat, made for workwear.

6. Isabel Marant

Isabel Marant adds a Paris ease, such as the Ylza Ballet Flats, worn with jeans and a soft blouse.

7. ME+EM

ME+EM designs a ballet flat for long days, such as the AM PM Ballet Flat, a London take on the classic.

8. Aje

Aje makes suede ballet flats with sculptural details, such as the Navina Suede Ballet Flat.

9. Zimmermann

Zimmermann’s ballerinas, such as the Helix Ballerina, are made to match its romantic dresses.

10. ATP Atelier

ATP Atelier makes simple, well-priced Italian flats in linen and leather, such as the Sella Ballet Flats.

How to wear designer ballet flats

With wide jeans rolled once at the hem. With a midi dress for a softer look than sneakers. With tailored trousers cut long enough to touch the top of the shoe. In autumn, add a fine contrast sock under an elastic strap.

Ballet flat sizing

Most designer flats are sized in EU sizes. EU 37 is roughly a UK 4 and a US 7. Flats leave nowhere for the foot to slip forward, so if you are between sizes, take the larger size in a closed toe. MM6 and many Italian houses make half sizes, and Coveti lists every size each brand makes. See the MM6 size guide for a full EU, UK and US table.

Frequently asked questions

What are the best designer ballet flats?

For comfort, MM6 Anatomic ballerinas. For statement, Alaia mesh and studded flats. For a quiet classic, Max Mara nappa ballerinas.

Are designer ballet flats worth it?

A well-made leather flat with a structured heel cup lasts years and can be resoled, which cheaper flats cannot.

Do ballet flats run true to size?

Most do. Take your usual EU size, and the larger size if you are between two.

Are ballet flats still in style?

Yes. Ballet flats with a twist, such as rounded Anatomic toes, mesh and square toes, are among the most searched designer shoes this year.

How do I stop ballet flats slipping off?

Choose a pair with an elastic strap, such as MM6 Anatomic ballerinas, and size half down only if the brand runs large.

Read next: MM6 ballet flats, MM6 shoes, Maison Margiela Tabi.