Barefoot ballet flats and mary janes are the perfect shoes for the foot-conscious baddie with style. They are classy enough to wear to work, simple enough to wear with jeans, and somehow dressy enough to wear with a formal gown. If you want to look like a Parisian but not suffer any foot pain, this is the article for you.
Here are my personal favorite wide toe box flats, with options in a range of prices and widths. Because here we celebrate the natural foot!
What Are Barefoot Ballet Flats?
Many of us gravitate towards flats for comfort (better than heels, amiright?). But in my opinion the standard ballet flat is not cutting it. Most options you find in store and online have a painfully pinchy toe box and a small heel. We can do better! That is why I wear barefoot ballet flats. They are:
- Shaped like a foot – No toe squish!
- Zero drop – No heel whatsoever.
- Secure to the foot – No flopping.
The features of a barefoot ballet flat ensure that I am truly comfortable, which for me is a top priority. Intrigued by this idea? Head here to read more about how barefoot shoes might help resolve your foot issues.
Find Perfect-For-You Ballet Flats
Because we all have uniquely shaped feet, barefoot ballet flats present an issue for the foot conscious gal. Ballet flats have a tendency to either not be secure, or to squish your toes in order to stay on.
That is why I share important fit info for each option – so you can choose the one best suited for your foot type. Learn more in this article on The Best Barefoot Shoes for Your Foot Type!
Here are a few fit tips to help you find the perfect barefoot ballet flat fit:
- Keep a few pairs of heel grips on hand for heel slippage.
- Consider adding an insole to improve fit or add cushion.
- Choose options with a strap if you have stubborn fit issues.
Now let’s get to the options!
The All Around Best Barefoot Ballet Flats
Below you’ll find the top 9 most versatile, high quality, and best fitting barefoot ballet flat options on the market.
Groundies
You can also shop with the main Groundies US website, but we have a few more color options at the link above. And if you are in the EU our elsewhere in the world, you can shop Groundies EU store.
For me Groundies barefoot ballet flats best encapsulate the “stays on, but doesn’t squish your toes” fit that I strive for with flats. The opening is elasticized for a secure fit, and they are are super light and stylish. They give that touch of breezy, European street style to my outfits, and are the flats I reach for most often.
The Lily also comes in two widths. I wear the regular width, but the Barefoot+ (wide) version is extra wide friendly.
I’ve found with the elasticized opening that they fit slightly smaller than expected, and some people with higher volume feet have reported they cut into the backs of their heels. So you may want to size up a half size, and have some moleskin on hand for the break in process.
Sizing & Fit:
- Fits slightly small – I am in between a 6 & 7 in flats and I went with the 7 (EU 37).
- Average to slightly wide in Barefoot width, extra wide in Barefoot + (the Lily model).
- Fits medium to lower volume feet best – might cut into your heels if you have thicker, high volume feet.
- Removable insole gives you more versatility.
Shapen Barefoot
Use code ANYA5 for 5% off the EU store. Note that they don’t accept returns outside the EU, which is why we also carry Shapen at Anya’s Shop in the US!
Shapen my favorite elegant barefoot ballet flats, and of all the options on this list are IMO the best for fancy occasions. They have those extra special details to make a statement and take the look up a notch.
The Orchid (above right) is my favorite, followed by the Poppy. They really make dressing up so much more enjoyable!
Sizing & Fit:
- The Orchid and Poppy run long! Tulip is true to size.
- All Shapen barefoot flats come in a regular and wide. Regular fits average and slim feet best. Wide fits wide and extra wide feet best.
- Works for most foot volumes, because so much of the shoe is open. But those with really thick, high volume feet might find that the straps are barely long enough.
I’d say the trickiest thing about Shapen is that it’s tricky to find your size. I recommend everyone size down one, and to go with wide if you know you have wide feet or like lots of toe room.
Be Lenka Barefoot
Use code ANYASREVIEWS for 5% off your Be Lenka EU purchase. We also carry Be Lenka flats at Anya’s Shop in the US for easier shipping.
Be Lenka ballet flats are well made and durable, with a removable insole. They are slightly thicker and more structured than Groundies flats, with a medium wide fit. I especially love the Bellissima flat that has a cut out detail for just a little bit of interest. They make great teacher flats!
Because these have a bit more structure to them, I found that they felt a little tight when brand new and needed some breaking in. They also don’t fit as securely on my narrow heels as Groundies. But after a few wears they are comfortable and don’t slip.
Sizing & Fit:
- Slightly small – I wear a size 37 in these as well, and could not go down.
- Average width – not extra wide friendly.
- Should fit most foot volumes, because of the removable insole.
Jenon Leather Villet
You can use code JENON10 to get 10% off the One Strap Villet!
The Jenon Leather Villet is a surprise favorite of mine. Each pair is handmade in a small workshop in the Czech republic. They come with a lightly cushioned insole, and have a lovely toe box shape that is both wide and tall, so your toes don’t get smashed from any angle. They are wide enough to fit extra wide friends (Samantha approved!), but also secure and comfortable on my medium width, low volume feet.
They have a more structured look to them that I really like (not baggy), but they don’t rub anywhere and I’ve found them so comfortable and cute. The two strap version is a custom model especially made for Anya’s Shop, but you can order the one strap Villet in more colors (they do custom pairs!) directly from Jenon Leather.
Sizing & Fit:
- True to size – I can wear both a size 36 & 37.
- Wide to extra wide toe box shape, but still secure through the midfoot and heel
- Fits low to high volume, but high volume feet may need to remove the insole (it’s lightly glued in)
Origo Mary Janes
Use code ANYA for 10% off
Origo has several mary jane options that we love. You’ll find single strap, double, and even a stunning four strap model! I also just launched with them a woven mary jane collaboration that has been selling out, but we plan to continually restock in small batches!
All Origo mary janes are very classic, and have a secure fit which is much appreciated if you often slip out of your shoes. Everything but the Woven Ballerina is leather lined and feels a little bit structured, like the leather needs a bit of breaking in. For me it’s a good balance between holding the shape and being flexible.
Sizing & Fit Type:
- True to size
- Medium wide – slightly wider than average, but not quite extra wide.
- Medium volume, with a removable insole for versatility (in all models except the Woven Ballerinas).
Xero Phoenix
The Xero Phoenix is one of the more affordable cute barefoot ballet flats, and I find them perfect as a simple dress shoe. They are knitted, which makes them look a bit more casual, but the cut is nice and they feel good to wear.
The knit material can stretch a bit, and they’re a little loose on narrow heels. So I sized down to a 6, and that is the best fit for me. They’re frequently out of stock because they are so popular! If you can snag a pair when they’re restocked, they are worth it.
Sizing & Fit:
- True to size at first, but you may want to size down in case of stretching
- Average width
- Medium to high volume fit (with insole removed)
Read my detailed Xero Phoenix review here!
Softstar Shoes
Softstar makes a classic Ballerine flat, and a Merry Jane. Both can be customized in a bunch of colors, which is super fun, and they offer multiple widths. The insole is a bit more cushioned than the other options here, making them good for people who are on their feet all day.
The heel in the classic Ballerina does slip a little more on me once broken in, so I prefer the ankle strap version (shown on me below). Or you can get the Ballerine with a sport closure for more security.
The mary jane style (Primal Merry Jane) has an extra wide, square shape, so if you need an uncompromising toe box that is where to look. But keep in mind that the fit is shallow over the toes, so I recommend stuffing it with paper towels overnight to give it some vertical space.
Sizing & Fit:
- True to size
- Lots of width options! Regular Ballerine for average width feet, Wide Ballerine for wide feet, and the Primal Merry Jane for extra wide feet.
- Fits most foot volumes.
Psst…The word on the street is that the limited edition Vintage Tie Ballerine might be making a comeback at some point…
Peerko Petite
Use code ANYASREVIEWS10 for 10% off. Note that Peerko does not accept returns outside the EU. We also carry these at Anya’s Shop!
The Peerko Petite is a leather ballet flat that comes in fun prints, and has a secure fit on low volume feet & narrow heels. They are true to size, and an all-around classic.
The founders of Peerko love to have fun with their shoes, so it’s a breath of fresh air to see some prints and pizazz. These come with a removable insole for more versatility too.
Sizing & Fit:
- True to size
- Medium to wide fit – they are not slim, but not extra wide.
- Works for most foot volumes.
- Removable insole
Best Budget Ballet Flat
Whitin Shoes
While they are not super dressy, the price point of $40 can’t be beat. Whitin has both a slip on ballet flat and a mary jane option – both are made of a knit material and come with a removable insole. They have a good wide fit, and a good amount of cushion, so a lot of newcomers to the barefoot space like them as an easy entry point.
I find them true to size, but they don’t stay on my heel super well because the knit is a bit stretchy.
If you would like to explore more dress shoe styles beyond the ballet flat, please head to my roundup of the All Time Best Women’s Barefoot Dress Shoes.
All the Barefoot Ballet Flats & Mary Janes
Here is a full list of ALL the barefoot ballet flats and mary janes out there, in alphabetical order!
Ahinsa – Vegan. Use code ANYASREVIEWS for 10% off. These come in two widths and are extra wide foot friendly!
Angles Fashion (EU only) – Use code ANYA for 5% off. Read my review here!
Be Lenka – Use code for 5% off (returns only accepted within the EU and USA). You can shop select Be Lenka styles at Anya’s Shop
Conker Shoes (UK) – These are made in the old-fashioned way, and have a thicker rubber outsole than most barefoot shoes. You can choose to have them made on their zero drop sole without a heel.
Feelbarefoot – Use code ANYA50 for a discount
The Drifter Leather – A few ready-to-ship styles, with custom options available. My Drifter Leather reviews here.
Groundies – Comes in two widths! You can find select Groundies styles at Anya’s Shop (we carry a few different color options than Groundies US!).
If you’re outside the US, shop Groundies EU here.
Jancarik (select EU countries) – Available in 3 widths and half sizes!
For international shipping, you can find select Jancarik styles at retailer Tupsunupsu
Jenon Leather Villet – Use code JENON10 for 10% off. We also carry several colors (with a double strap) at Anya’s Shop in the US!
Leguano – Handmade in Germany with a stretchy upper. Really comfy, but pretty casual looking.
Lisbeth Joe – ANYASREVIEWS for 5% off. These flats work well for high volume feet, but aren’t super wide in the toe box.
Magical Shoes – Use code ANYA for 10% off. These are good for people who want a lot of space above the toes. See my review here.
Oesh Flats – The Oesh flats are wide and flat, but have a thick cushioned outsole – making them a good option for someone who wants a comfy dressy shoe that’s not a barefoot shoe.
Origo Mary Jane – We love these and they come in 4 patent leather options! Use code ANYA for 10% off (also works on the Mexico site!)
See these featured in this Fashion But Make It Barefoot article!
Peerko Petite – Use code ANYASREVIEWS10 for 10% off (returns not accepted outside the EU). Also available at Anya’s Shop!
Posh Panda – Read my mocc review here!
Shapen Flats – Regular and Wide width. Use code ANYA5 for 5% off (returns not accepted outside the EU). We also carry these at Anya’s Shop!
Softstar Shoes – Handmade in the USA available in 2 widths and a the ability to customize your colors! Read my detailed review of the regular and wide Ballerine here!
For those with an extra wide toe splay, check out the Softstar Primal Merry Jane and read my review here!
Tadeevo (Recommended for EU only) – Use code ANYASREVIEWS for 5% off. Read my review here!
Vivobarefoot – Asana Yin available in knit or leather. My code ARVIVO20 for 20% off will get you 10% off. They are comfy and have a good fit with the elasticized opening, but are a more casual option.
Xero Phoenix – Knit or leather. Perfect Rothy’s dupe! Read my Phoenix review here
Zaqq Barefoot – A ton of unique style options! But the ballet flat models are slimmer than their other styles, and I find them too narrow for my feet.
Zkama Shoes – Czech brand, have not yet tried myself but they seem to do good work.
Zlatush – Custom options. These are all handmade and made to order, so can be a tricker process. But if you have the patience for it, they are unique and beautiful.
Vegan Barefoot Flats
If you wear vegan shoes, here is a list of all the vegan barefoot flat options. Check out this post for more on vegan barefoot shoes.
Ahinsa – ANYASREVIEWS for 10% off.
Be Lenka Delight – Use code ANYASREVIEWS for 5% off
Tadeevo Velvet or Mesh Pumps – Recommended for EU only.
Use code ANYASREVIEWS for 5% off. Read my review here!
Xero Phoenix – Super comfortable and cute knit flats! Read my Phoenix review here
73 thoughts on “The Best Barefoot Mary Jane & Ballet Flats for 2025”
This is a fabulous list – thanks! But disappointed that so few of the brands offer their shoes in wide sizing. IMO this should be standard in the BF world. If the entire shoe is too narrow for someone, that kind of defeats the purpose of wearing BF shoes! Would love it if you could pass on that feedback to brands you work with.
My feet are super narrow, to the point that I haven’t found any sandals that fit me. Please don’t encourage manufacturers to forget about us skinny-feet people!
I messaged Duchess Barefoot three different times with basic questions and never received one response. They also don’t accept returns, based on these two factors I would not recommend.
Hello!
I’m wondering if you have a recommendation for a shoe that fits more like the knit Xero Pheonix? I LOVE my pheonix, but they don’t have many colors often anymore and they’re out of stock a lot. I’ve begged them for more colors 🙂 My problem is that I have a bone spur on top of my big toe knuckle so shoes tight across that area are too uncomfortable. I tried the shapen poppy wide, and they just hurt. The phoenix knit stretch so they are comfortable. Any thoughts? Thank you!
Hi there! Have you looked at Oesh flats? The dream flat is made of stretchy knit like Xero Phoenix, but they are more cushioned.
This list is amazing! Exactly what I was looking for!
I love this review – I had to stop wearing shoes with responsive cushion/squishy foam to make my hip pain go away – which brands of these ballet flats or any shoes have firm, strong sole- least cushioned feel? I’ve been literally going barefoot or wear socks at home all the time and wear 1 pair of ugly walking shoes with supportive inserts when I go to work or go walking. Thanks!
Actually all of them in the main list except for the Softstar Ballerine would work. Xero Phoenix, Be Lenka, and Groundies flats all have removable insoles and with those taken out they are firm. Shapen and Peerko don’t come with insoles and are not squishy. Hope that helps!
Hi! Where are the ones with bows from? I can’t find them😅
Groundies Ruby! The black toe cap version was from last year, unfortunately they didn’t make them again this spring. But this model is similar.
Too bad, i really like ballerinas with bows 🙁
The beige ones are available at the link provided, with the cute little bow! It’s just the black toe cap one that’s no longer.
Hey, I’ve been trying to google BF ballet flats that are a fabric material like those of ”Everlane Reknit Day Glove Flats”.
Just wondering if you knew of any similar to that? I noticed most of these options are leather or vegan leather and I wanted to see if there is a softer alternative. Thanks!
Check out the Xero Phoenix flat, it’s a knit material. Be Lenka also has a knit flat called the Delight. And lastly, Oesh makes a knit ballet flat, it’s thicker than most barefoot flats.
What are the white shoes with bows being worn in the first picture of the post? I love bows.
Hi! Those are the Groundies Ruby.