The 15 best designer flats that exude quiet luxury

From Alaïa, Khaite, Chanel, Miu Miu, and more

Harper's Bazaar
Harper's Bazaar
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The most coveted shoe styles of late are all a form of ballet flat, from mesh and Mary Jane styles to classic ballerinas. The best designer flats worth investing in transcend trends and seasons, despite their current popularity. Sure, flats are one of the most comfortable footwear defaults for busy days, including weekday commutes and whirlwind weekends. But luxury iterations from the likes of Miu Miu, Alaïa, Khaite, and more brands aren’t just ideal for convenience and practicality’s sake. They make a stylishly nonchalant statement, from rhinestone-studded and sheer designs to ultra-minimalist leather silhouettes and luxe satin.

Trending aesthetics from balletcore to coquette largely explain why flats feel especially fresh, whether they’re a near-literal interpretation of satin pointe shoes or intricately detailed types with whimsical touches. Then, there are those that align more with quiet luxury—timeless flats that will never go out of style—like sleek pointed-toe shapes and versatile leather icons from luxury houses like Chanel and Prada. You might say we’re in the golden era of flats, especially as more options for those seeking specialty fits—like silhouettes for wide feet—abound, making the relaxed look more irresistible than ever. Yes, even the most pared-back and minimal interpretations.

Whether you’re seeking a pair to transition from day to night or one to serve as the focal point of an outfit, scroll to shop the 15 best designer flats topping our lists now, from The Row, Givenchy, Valentino, and more brands.

Best leather designer flats: Marcy Leather Ballerina Flats, $1,055, Khaite at Mytheresa

Credit: Mytheresa
1/15

If you already have your hands on—er, feet in—Khaite’s mesh flats, invest in this leather pair next.
Sizes: 6–11
Materials: Leather

Best slingback designer flats: GG Slingback Ballet Flat, $1,500, Gucci

Credit: Gucci
2/15

Embrace the ’90s feel of these mesh and crystal slingback flats.
Sizes: 4–12
Materials: Mesh with crystals, suede trim, and leather soles

Best satin designer flats: Satin Ballerinas, $1,470, Miu Miu

Credit: Miu Miu
3/15

Get your luxury balletcore thrills in Miu Miu’s iconic satin flats.
Sizes: 4–12
Materials: Fabric upper, fabric and leather lining, leather sole

Best square-toe designer flats: Eva Two Leather Ballet Flats, $1,409, The Row at Mytheresa

Credit: Mytheresa
4/15

The square toe on these delectable brown ballerinas? Too good.
Sizes: 5–12
Materials: Leather

Best embellished designer flats: Crystal-Embellished Leather Ballet Flats, $1,325, Alaïa at Mytheresa

Credit: Mytheresa
5/15

Alaïa’s flats are impossible to keep in stock, so better grab this new-season pair, detailed with crystal embellishments, fast.
Sizes: 5–12
Materials: Leather with crystals

Best mesh designer flats: Mesh Mary Jane Ballerina Flats, US$503.61, Le Monde Beryl at Net-a-Porter

Credit: Net-a-Porter
6/15

Le Monde Beryl is synonymous with minimal Mary Janes. Add to your collection with this au courant mesh pair.
Sizes: 6–11
Materials: Sheer mesh with calf leather trim

Best ankle-strap designer flats: Rockstud Embellished Mesh Ballet Flats, $1,670, Valentino Garavani at Mytheresa

Credit: Mytheresa
7/15

We can’t talk about designer flats without mentioning Valentino Rockstuds. This new-season ankle-strap pair is high on our list.
Sizes: 4–12
Materials: Leather and rubber

Best Chanel designer flats: Chanel Ballet Flats

Credit: Chanel
8/15

No flat is more iconic than Chanel ballerinas. Ensure yours stand out this season by opting for this boldly saturated pair with ankle embellishments.
Materials: Lambskin, metal, and imitation pearls

Best suede designer flats: Maysale Suede Ballet Flats, $1,015, Manolo Blahnik at Mytheresa

Credit: Mytheresa
9/15

Lean into the stealth wealth aesthetic with Manolo Blahnik’s iconic buckle flats in sumptuous brown suede.
Sizes: 5–12
Materials: Suede and leather

Best black designer flats: Calfskin 4G Ballerina Flats, US$750, Givenchy at Ssense

Credit: Ssense
10/15

A black flat that is anything but boring. Even better, you can channel your inner Black Swan in this modern, pointe-shoe-esque silhouette.
Sizes: 6–12
Materials: Leather

Best velvet designer flats: Bow-Detail Velvet Ballet Flats, $629, Giambattista Valli at Mytheresa

Credit: Mytheresa
11/15

The ultra-femme aesthetic continues into 2024, making this bow-adorned velvet pair of Mary Janes a must-have.
Sizes: 5–11
Materials: Velvet with rubber soles

Best ballet designer flats: Nappa Leather Ballerinas, $1,520, Prada

Credit: Prada
12/15

A reliable, nude ballet flat is essential. What better default than this pair by Prada?
Sizes: 5–12
Materials: Leather

Best elasticised designer flats: Logo Charm Ballerina Flats, $676, JW Anderson at Farfetch

Credit: Farfetch
13/15

Second-skin silhouettes like this elasticized design by JW Anderson are another major It shape. Let’s hear it for nostalgia.
Sizes: 5–10½
Materials: Leather with gold-tone hardware

Best pointed-toe designer flats: Grommettine Bicolor Buckle Ballerina Flats, US$696, Roger Vivier at Net-a-Porter

Credit: Net-A-Porter
14/15

Roger Vivier’s pointed-toe flat gives a sharp new meaning to denim days.
Sizes: 5–12
Materials: Denim and leather

Best metallic designer flats: Metallic Leather Ballet Flats, $1,250, Brunello Cucinelli at Mytheresa

Credit: Mytheresa
15/15

These metallic square-toe flats bring the ’80s power. Style them with tailoring for polished impact.
Sizes: 5–11
Materials: Leather
This article originally appeared in Harper’s BAZAAR Singapore.

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