The best ballet flats for transeasonal dressing, as chosen by FJ editors

Barre none.

What makes a perfect ballet flat? Some say shape and silhouette. Some say comfort. Others say quality or versatility. It’s a tough question, one we’ve been trying to answer for decades.

Having first been popularised in the 1950s and ’60s, it’s safe to say they’re now an everyday staple in most people’s wardrobes – something we’re eternally grateful for. The only downside to the continued ballet flat boom is that it can be hard to decipher which styles are the best of the best. So naturally, we had to weigh in.

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Though there’s always the odd occasional exception to the rule, we’ve defined ‘ballet flat’ as being a lightweight, closed-toe shoe with a thin sole, taking homage from traditional ballet slippers. From classic black ballerinas to colourful styles and investment pieces, we’ve rounded up our favourite tried-and-tested ballet flats, straight from our own wardrobes.

Camper ‘Right Nina’ ballet flats

Recommended by: Daisy Henry, Assistant Editor

“Introducing what is, by far, the most comfortable ballet flat I’ve ever worn: Camper’s Right Nina ballerinas. I first spotted these on my friend in a gorgeous pale blue, so I nabbed myself a pair from The Iconic (one of the brand’s Australian stockists). I opted for a classic black (because of course) but they come in over 30 colourways.

From the thick elastic strap to the soft leather and steady rubber sole, they’re endlessly versatile and that bit different from your classic ballet flat. It’s also the perfect pair to wear while shopping – they’re guaranteed to go with everything you try on and they’ll endure however many steps you inevitably rack up trotting from store to store.”

Find them here.

Rollie Nation ‘Ada’ ballet flats

Recommended by: Lara Daly, Senior Editor

“The number of times I’ve been complimented on my ‘Lemaire flats’, which are actually just from Rollie Nation… Sitting somewhere between a loafer and a ballet flat, the Ada style has quickly become the most-worn shoe in my wardrobe.

It took some experimenting to learn how to style a fuller-coverage silhouette, but I like how the piped square-toe looks with baggy jeans as well as bare legs with a mini skirt. Crucially, they’re comfortable. The leather is buttery soft, the fit is roomy and the sole is sturdy enough to handle my 40-minute schlep to the office every morning.”

Find them here.

Assembly Label ‘Andrea’ ballet flats

Recommended by: Holly Villagra, Branded and Content Coordinator

“For the longest time, I struggled to find what felt like should be a simple wardrobe staple: a solid black ballet flat that actually works for wider feet. The Andrea Flats from Assembly Label changed that. There’s no break-in period, no blisters, no rubbing, just soft leather that feels genuinely comfortable from the first wear. I can walk in them for hours without any discomfort.

I love the tapered square toe, especially how it subtly peeks out from under long pants. And as much as I hate to say it the C word, they really are chic! The leather is buttery and forgiving, and at $140, the price feels more than reasonable.”

Find them here.

Lee Mathews x Hereu ‘Puntera’ ballet flats

Recommended by: Daisy Henry, Assistant Editor

“Given most of my wardrobe tends to lean into dark shades, I knew I needed to step (mind the pun) outside my comfort zone and seek out a pair of non-black flats. And ever since I came across this pair from Lee Mathews, I couldn’t stop thinking about them.

Handmade in Spain, the beige colourway is an exclusive collaboration between Hereu and Lee Mathews. They’re buttery soft (so no break-in time needed) and feature a chic square-toe with pleated detailing and an elastic adjustable tie.

They’re an investment but I’m trying to adopt a quality over quantity approach to my wardrobe, leaning towards styles that have been consciously made. Plus, they add an effortless point of difference to my typical all-black Melbourne uniform.”

Find them here.

Senso ‘Carson’ ballet flats

Recommended by: Holly Villagra, Branded and Content Coordinator

“For a little extra zhuzh, I’d been on the hunt for a coloured pair of flats that still felt cutesy but also comfortable. The Carson Flats from Senso in the butter shade have been an obsession lately. Made from leather and priced at $229, they add the perfect pop to a neutral outfit, but also hold their own on days when I’m leaning fully into colour.

I also love the buckle detail, especially the multiple holes that let you adjust the fit properly. There’s nothing worse than a strap on a shoe with barely any give. Senso is really thinking about the wide-foot girlies, thank god.”

Find them here.

Essen ‘Foundation Flat’ ballet flats

Recommended by: Daisy Henry, Assistant Editor

“Essen’s Foundation Flats had been on my wish list for such a long time that when I unwrapped a pair at Christmas, I couldn’t quite believe my eyes. They’re made from leather and handcrafted in Italy but also feature memory foam padding along the soles, making them not only very chic but extremely comfortable.

They come with a higher price tag (retailing for $485), so I tend to save them for special occasions, dinners out and moments when I want to look and feel put together (though they’d just as easily go with a pair of jeans and a singlet). It’s the quintessential ballet flat and I know I’ll still be reaching for them years from now.”

Find them here.

St Agni ‘Low Scoop’ ballet flat

Recommended by: Lara Daly, Senior Editor

“I was worried these St Agni ballet flats would feel too flimsy but I was pleased to find they held up well after a full day of errands – as did my feet. Featuring a low scoop, round toe and middle seam, they’re an everyday classic to wear with jeans or tailored trousers.

The fit is as snug as a real ballet slipper, so I’d recommend sizing up, especially if you have wider feet like I do. I’ve been trying to introduce more non-black shoes in my wardrobe and this coffee brown colour is very easy to wear.”

Find them here.

Depop silver ballet flats

Recommended by: Holly Villagra, Branded and Content Coordinator

“Back when I was a student, I wanted a fun pair of ballet flats but couldn’t justify buying something cheap that would fall apart after a few wears. So I went hunting on Depop and found this silver pair. Years later, they’re still going strong.

I’m not entirely sure due to the label whether they’re fast fashion or not but giving them a second life felt like the better option. And when they start to feel a little worn, my plan is to take them to a cobbler. Secondhand shoes don’t have to mean second best.”

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For more on autumn dressing, try this.