If ballet flats elicit a cringe rather than heart eyes, then you’re probably reminiscing about the early noughties when ballet flats were paired with leggings and oversized handbags. But if the last few seasons and our social media feeds are an indication, we urge you to reconsider this humble shoe.
The modern ballerina flat isn’t like the ones you remember. Although there’s still a handful of the usual designs (e.g. patent, quilted) more fashionable styles have a distinctive appeal, whether it’s in the form of a bold profile, a cute color, an accent detail, or embellishments. Most preferred right now are ballerina flats that look just like the real thing, and they’ll make your outfit look en pointe–pun intended.
Check out these contemporary picks and give ballet flats a second chance:
1. Miu Miu
Satin Ballerinas, €700 (approximately P42,264), MIU MIU, miumiu.com
Perhaps what started the trend was Miu Miu’s fabulous ballet flat from Fall/Winter 2022 which made everyone realize the stylish, wearable appeal of satin ballerina shoes.
2. Hai
Hai x Reqins Ballerina in Olive, £103 (approximately P7240), HAI, homeofhai.com
High-end label Hai gained traction for its slew of shiny colorful flats, similar to Miu Miu’s sans the strap for a toned-down ballet vibe.
3. Sandy Liang
Mary Jane Pointe Shoe, $495 (approximately P27,723), SANDY LIANG, sandyliang.info
If you’re not into the slim shape of ballet flats then Sandy Liang’s leather Mary Jane Point Shoe is a great compromise. It’s even got the tufted look of ballerina shoes.
4. Maison Margiela
Tabi Ballerinas, €785 (approximately P47,387), MAISON MARGIELA, maisonmargiela.com
Love the avant-garde spirit of Margiela’s Tabi shoe style? The brand has a collection of Tabi flats for a unique look that’ll get people doing double takes.
5. Tod’s
Bubble Ballerinas in Leather, $775 (approximately P43,402), TOD’S, tods.com
If you find strapless ballet flats a bit hard to walk in, then this pair from Tod’s is perfect. They feature the brand’s signature pebble sole and an elastic back for more grip.
6. Prada
Patent leather ballerinas, $940 (approximately P52,643), PRADA, farfetch.com
For classic ballet flats that will last you a lifetime, look no further than Prada’s ivory pair furnished with the iconic logo. Tasteful and timeless.
7. Thom Browne
Pebble Grain Ankle Strap Court Shoe, $990 (approximately P55,443), THOM BROWNE, thombrowne.com
If preppy style is right up your alley, consider Thom Browne's Oxford shoe-inspired flat in two-tone leather. Great for making any outfit look more posh.
8. Cecilie Bahnsen
Bow Ballerina, €550 (approximately P33,201), CECILIE BAHNSEN, ceciliebahnsen.com
Leading the pack for modern romanticism is Cecilie Bahnsen, and her flats are no exception. These neoprene beribboned flats are a casual take on the feminine shoe.
9. Simone Rocha
Sporty Lace-Up Ballerinas, £390 (approximately P27,414), SIMONE ROCHA, simonerocha.com
Simone Rocha's flats have a similar sporty appeal albeit with a dressier twist in laminated leather and lace-up detail. A great alternative to heels for nights out.
10. Khaite
The Marcy Flat, P51,852.58, KHAITE, khaite.com
If special-occasion flats are what you seek, Khaite's dazzling mesh pair is perfect and not too ornate for daily wear, too.
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