Ballet flats are the perfect summer shoes when you want style without sacrificing comfort. They pair beautifully with sundresses, shorts, and even office attire while keeping your feet happy all day long. This summer, playful colors and practical designs are making ballet flats the must-have footwear for fashion-forward folks who refuse to suffer for style.
1. Rothy’s The Point
Made from recycled plastic bottles, these eco-friendly flats come in dozens of colors and patterns. The pointed toe adds sophistication to casual outfits.
Machine washable and incredibly durable, they’re perfect for summer adventures without worrying about ruining your favorite shoes.
2. Margaux The Demi
Handcrafted in Spain with buttery-soft Italian suede, these half-d’Orsay flats feature a subtle cutout that catches summer breezes.
The cushioned footbed feels like walking on clouds, while the 3mm of padding prevents the dreaded ballet flat toe cleavage that plagues cheaper versions.
3. Everlane The Day Glove
Butter-soft leather molds to your foot like a second skin after just a few wears. Side vents and a cushioned insole keep feet cool during sweltering summer days.
The back pull tab prevents that awkward dance trying to slip them on, making these truly practical for everyday wear.
4. Tory Burch Minnie Travel Ballet
Celebrities swear by these foldable ballet flats that tuck into your purse for emergency shoe changes. The iconic medallion adds a touch of luxury to even the simplest summer outfit.
Elastic back ensures they stay put while you’re racing to catch trains or planes.
5. Repetto Cendrillon
French ballet dancers inspired these iconic flats with their signature stitch around the top. The grosgrain bow adds whimsical charm to summer dresses and cropped jeans alike.
Handmade using traditional techniques, they embody that effortless Parisian style everyone tries to copy.
6. Tieks by Gavrieli
Signature turquoise soles peek out as you walk, adding unexpected playfulness to these premium leather flats. The split-sole design folds completely in half for tucking into summer totes.
Crafted from Italian leather, they require zero break-in time—perfect for impromptu summer adventures.
7. Allbirds Tree Breezers
Crafted from eucalyptus tree fiber, these breathable flats prevent sweaty summer feet while remaining incredibly lightweight. The merino wool insole somehow stays cool in heat and warm in air conditioning.
Machine washable construction means no stress about summer puddles or spilled drinks.
8. Sam Edelman Felicia
Elasticized topline hugs your foot without pinching, preventing the dreaded summer flip-flop as you walk. The tiny bow charm adds just enough decoration without being too precious.
Memory foam padding absorbs impact when exploring cobblestone streets or beach boardwalks during summer travels.
9. Vivaia Pointed Toe Flats
Constructed from recycled plastic bottles, these eco-conscious flats feature a chic pointed toe that elevates casual summer outfits. The knit upper expands with your foot throughout hot days.
Washable design means no stress about summer ice cream drips or beach sand.
10. M.Gemi The Felize
Italian craftsmen hand-stitch these driving moccasins with 133 individual rubber pebbles on the sole. The pebbles provide surprising grip on slippery summer surfaces like pool decks.
Buttery suede develops a beautiful patina over time, making each pair uniquely yours by summer’s end.
11. Birdies The Starling
Seven layers of cushioning create what feels like slippers but looks like sophisticated flats. The quilted satin footbed prevents sticky summer feet while providing unexpected luxury.
Rubber soles offer legitimate traction, unlike many ballet flats that become dangerous on dewy summer mornings.
12. Madewell The Reid Ballet Flat
Leather sourced from an eco-certified tannery gives these minimalist flats their butter-soft feel. The slightly squared toe provides more wiggle room for summer-swollen feet than traditional pointed styles.
Padded insole prevents the dreaded “pavement heat” from reaching your soles on scorching days.
13. Naturalizer Flexy Ballet Flat
Contoured footbeds cradle your arches all day without the usual ballet flat fatigue. The flexible sole moves naturally with every step, whether you’re dancing at outdoor concerts or power-walking through airports.
Moisture-wicking lining keeps feet dry during humid summer days.
14. Clarks Pure Ballet
Cushion Plus technology targets pressure points exactly where most ballet flats cause pain. The slightly elevated heel (just 0.5 inches) provides surprising support for summer sightseeing marathons.
Breathable leather lining prevents that unfortunate summer foot smell that plagues most closed shoes.
15. Vionic Robyn Ballet Flat
Podiatrist-designed footbed supports proper alignment from the ground up. The hidden orthotic doesn’t sacrifice style, with cute bow details and summer-ready perforations for breathability.
Received American Podiatric Medical Association Seal of Acceptance—rare for such a fashionable shoe.
16. Crocs Eve Flat
Yes, Crocs makes sophisticated ballet flats! Crafted from their signature Croslite foam, they’re virtually weightless on your feet. Completely waterproof construction makes them perfect for unexpected summer showers.
Bonus: they float in water if accidentally kicked off during lakeside lounging.
17. Dr. Scholl’s Really Flat
Memory foam insole remembers your foot’s unique pressure points, creating custom comfort by your third wear. The flexible sole bends with your foot rather than forcing it into an unnatural position.
Microsuede lining absorbs moisture during sweaty summer days without developing that funky gym-shoe smell.
18. Rothys The Square
Square toe box provides ample room for toes that swell in summer heat. The knit upper, made from ocean-bound plastic bottles, stretches comfortably without losing shape.
Machine washable construction means you can rinse away summer sweat and dirt without special cleaning products.
19. Lucky Brand Emmie Flat
Flexible rubber outsole grips slippery surfaces like boat decks or poolside tiles. The memory foam insole molds to your foot’s unique shape after just a few wears.
Slightly cushioned heel prevents that painful rubbing that plagues many summer flats when worn without socks.
20. FitFlop Allegro Ballet Flat
Biomechanically engineered to distribute pressure evenly across your foot with each step. The anatomically contoured footbed provides legitimate arch support rarely found in ballet flats.
Extra cushioning at pressure points prevents summer blisters when touring museums or exploring new cities.