Barefoot ballet flats are an incredibly versatile shoe. They are classy enough to wear to work, simple enough to wear with jeans, and somehow dressy enough to wear with a formal gown. In the world of barefoot & minimalist shoes, which doesn’t usually cater to women, that’s a tough find!
But fit is extra important with this style of shoe, which is why I’ve been on the hunt for the best barefoot ballet flats that not only look good but also fit a wide range of feet well. Here are my top picks, along with a complete list of barefoot ballet flats for women, and the best options for extra wide feet.
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. The lack of straps, laces, and shoe upper give you little wiggle room (literally), and a delicate balance between space for your toes and a secure fit is needed. Understanding your feet and your options is more important than ever when picking out barefoot flats!
That is why we recommend choosing barefoot ballet flats based on your foot type. Learn more about the volume, width, and shape of your feet in this article on The Best Barefoot Shoes for Your Foot Type!
This means that some options on this list will be better for you than others. To that end, I have included relevant fit & sizing info so you can hone in on your ideal barefoot ballet flat!
We also recommend the following:
- Keep a few pairs of heel grips on hand in case your foot is slipping
- Consider adding an insole to improve fit or add cushion.
- Choose options with a strap if you have stubborn issues with fit and comfort
While our top 6 focuses on traditional ballet flat styles without straps or ties, we’ll show a more complete list of options with variety after.
And don’t forget that ballet flats aren’t the only dressy style! 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.
The All Around Best Barefoot Ballet Flats
Below you’ll find the top 6 most versatile, high quality, and best fitting barefoot ballet flat options on the market.
Be Lenka
Use code ANYASREVIEWS for 5% off your Be Lenka EU purchase. We also carry Be Lenka flats at Anya’s Shop in the US.
Be Lenka ballet flats are well made and durable, with a removable insole. I especially love the Bellissima flat that has a cut out detail for just a little bit of interest – it gives them a professional edge.
Because these have a bit more structure to them than the others we’ve talked about so far, I found that they felt a little tight when brand new and needed some breaking in. But after a few wears they are comfortable without slipping. I also appreciate the removable insole which gives you a little more cushion and a lower volume fit if you need it (or remove it for more space!).
Groundies
We also carry some Groundies flats in the US at Anya’s Shop!
Groundies barefoot ballet flats are super light and stylish, and the two widths make them versatile for a variety of foot types.. They are sleek and stay secure around my narrow heels, while still being light and spacious for comfort. The outsoles are very thin and flexible, with real barefoot feet.
The Barefoot+ (wide width) means even people with extra wide feet will be able to enjoy the good style and quality of Groundies barefoot flats. It’s not available in every Groundies flats style, but the most popular ones are. The fit has been true to size for me.
Learn more about the fit and feel of these in my Groundies Dress Shoes Review.
Xero Phoenix
The Xero Phoenix is one of the most 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 really nice and they feel good to wear.
These also come with a removable insole, and they can be a bit loose on narrow heels. They’re also frequently out of stock because they are so popular! If you can snag a pair, they are worth it. And they do get restocked!
Read my detailed Xero Phoenix review here!
Softstar Ballerines
Softstar Ballerines are one of the best barefoot ballet flats around. They are soft and unstructured but not wrinkly; spacious but not bulky. You can order it in tons of different colors and it has a very mainstream look (calling all Tieks fans!). I love the metallics myself. Softstar hand makes all their shoes in Oregon and they are high quality.
I appreciate that the insole is a little bit cushioned, which makes these more practical for all-day wear or pavement walking (they’re a favorite among teachers). And these also come in two widths!
The heel does slip a little more in these than in my Groundies, so I added a heel grip once the leather broke in. You can also get a sport strap if you’re concerned about slipping and they also come in a wide version. I have one pair in a 5u/women’s 6, and another in a 6u/women’s 7. The fit is true to size.
Read my detailed review of the regular and wide Softstar Ballerine here!
Shapen Tulip
Use code ANYA5 for 5% off. Note that they don’t accept returns outside the EU. We also carry these in a few colors at Anya’s Shop in the US!
The Shapen Tulip is a classic ballet flat but with an option ankle strap. I love that detail because it makes the flats more secure on your foot and is super cute. The Tulip also comes in two widths, so work for a lot of people with extra wide feet! They have some gorgeous metallics and neutrals that are perfect for weddings and other fancy occasions.
Since the updates made to model 3.0, the Tulip flats now fit true to size! I’m wearing my regular flat size, 36 in regular width and Samantha wears these in a 37 wide width.
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 new ballet flat with a secure fit on low volume feet & narrow heels. They come in a few fun prints and are one of the only barefoot flats I’ve tried that isn’t loose around my heel! They are true to size. I hope to see them in solid neutral colors in the future.
These are my favorites, but there are more options if you haven’t found what you’re looking for! See below for a full list of barefoot ballet flat options.
All the Barefoot Ballet Flats
Here is a full list of ALL the barefoot ballet flats out there, in alphabetical order! I was more inclusive with this list, so you’ll find ballet flat styles with additional embellishments.
Angles Fashion – Use code ANYA for 5% off (does not ship to the USA). Read my review here! You can also find Angles Fashion at Anya’s Shop
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
Everleigh Meadow – Soft handmade shoes in tons of colors and 3 widths! Use code ANYASREVIEWS for 10% off. Read our full Everleigh Meadow Review here
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
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 – Custom options. Only available for shipping within Europe & US. Read my Jenon Leather Review here
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!
Shapen Tulip – 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!
The Storehouse Flats – These flats are not as wide as others here, but they are a cheaper option and come in a lot of fun colors.
Unshoes Primrose – ANYA for 10% off. Not exactly a ballet flat, but they can pass in a pinch!
Vivobarefoot – Opanka Ballerina. My code VIVO20ANYA 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.
Best Flats for Extra Wide Feet
Have extra wide feet? Here are all the barefoot ballet flat brands that cater to wide feet, with many custom options to get your exact shape and size.
The Drifter Leather – Custom. My Drifter Leather reviews here.
Everleigh Meadow – Soft handmade leather mary janes in tons of colors and 3 widths! Use code ANYASREVIEWS for 10% off. Read our full Everleigh Meadow Review here
Magical Shoes – Use code ANYA for 10% off. Read my review here
Softstar Ballerines in wide – Review here!
Softstar Primal Merry Jane – Read my review here!
Tadeevo – Use code ANYASREVIEWS for 5% off. Read my review here!
Unshoes Primrose – ANYA for 10% off
Zlatush – Custom options
Vegan Barefoot Ballet Flats
If you wear vegan shoes, here is a list of all the vegan barefoot ballet 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 – Use code ANYASREVIEWS for 5% off. Read my review here!
Xero Phoenix – Super comfortable and cute knit flats! Read my Phoenix review here
Barefoot Mary Jane Flats – with a Strap
These barefoot ballet flats all have a mary jane strap, which can make them fit more securely.
Ahinsa – Vegan. Use code ANYASREVIEWS for 10% off
Angles Fashion – Use code ANYA for 5% off (does not ship to the USA). Read my Angles Fashion review here!
Conker Shoes – You can have them made on their barefoot sole without a heel.
The Drifter Leather – Custom and ready-to-ship options. My Drifter Leather reviews here
Duchess Barefoot – Use code ANYA for 10% off
Everleigh Meadow – Soft handmade leather mary janes in tons of colors and 3 widths! Use code ANYASREVIEWS for 10% off. Read our full Everleigh Meadow Review here
Jenon Leather – The Villet is a really polished looking mary jane that can be customized in any color you’d like! Read our full Jenon Leather review here to learn more about this brand.
Lisbeth Joe – Use code ANYASREVIEWS for 5% off
Magical Shoes – Use code ANYA for 10% off.
Posh Panda – Read my mocc review here!
Softstar Primal Merry Jane – Read my review here!
Tadeevo (Recommended for EU only) – Use code ANYASREVIEWS for 5% off. Read my review here!
Xero Cassie – Hemp sporty mary jane in several solid colors.
Zlatush – Custom options
And that’s a wrap on the best barefoot ballet flats in the industry! You can see that there is a wide variety
61 thoughts on “The All Around Best Barefoot Ballet Flats for 2024”
Great, thank you! Last question: as I live in a colder climate and I lean towards minimalism,I would invest in a ballet flat (or Mary Jane) that could give that dressy feeling but that could also be wore with tights during autumn and spring and without in summer. Which model or brand you would suggest, as you also have chilly mid-seasons (I guess)? 🙂
Thank you very much!
Miriam
Really any of them! Tights are so thin that they shouldn’t affect the fit (You might consider 5 toe tights so your toes don’t get squished!), unless you want thicker tights in which case a flat with a strap would be helpful so that they still fit well without tights. I do have cold mid seasons, but I usually switch to dress boots and tights instead of flats when I need to dress up and it’s chilly.
Here are some 5 toe tights I’ve found (but haven’t tried): https://toetoesocks.com/plain-nylon-toe-tights-black.html
Hi, I love the Softstar flats and have purchased them before. Are yours in Shiny Pewter? I’m trying to get out of my all black comfort zone, haha. Your reviews are great!
Yep! Shiny Pewter! Great color.
Wow! This is an amazing resource! Thank you. Do you have any recommendations for a brand that has more cushion? So many Barefoot shoes are so HARD, a little squish would be nice on my transitioning journey. Even as stack height increases, it’s often just more of the same hard material. I have put Northsole insoles into some of the boots and shoes from Lems and Vivo, and Bedrock sandals got more cushiony after a break in period. But I haven’t had much luck with dressier sandals and flats. Any suggestions?
You should check out Oesh Shoes! They have a ballet flat with a thicker cushioned sole, but they still have toe space, are zero drop, and no arch support.
Your wooden decking looks so slippery when wet, be careful in those shoes. I’ve gone over in flats a few times even with really rubbery sticky soles it can get surprisingly slick under your feet real fast.
Can you recommend a flat that’s transition? Just started barefoot journey with Altra Paradigm and need that cushion.
Thank you!
Yes, the Oesh Shoes Dream flat!
Hi Anya. Your website is so amazingly helpful! Thank you! I have similar feet to yours and am looking for a wide toe box but I have very narrow ankles and backs of my feet so am prone to shoes slipping. Also, I may need to slip in an orthotic if need be due to my hypermobility initially so would be better with completely closed sides. Are there any that you found to stay up better on thinner ankles and heels? Thanks so much 😊
Really the only true fix for that is a style with an ankle strap. Otherwise I pretty much always need a heel grip once the shoe is broken in. The Softstar Ballerine might be the best traditional ballet flat I’ve tried for narrow heels, but I use a heel grip in the back of those as well.
That’s really helpful – thanks Anya!
Do you happen to know whether the Cassies tend to stretch out a little bit as they break in?
I got an 8 and an 8 1/2 in the mail today but I’m having a really hard time deciding which pair to keep (I ordered them both at the same time a week ago because I needed black zero drop dress shoes that wouldn’t break the bank for a concert this Sunday) – the 8s with the insole taken out (with it in was way too tight, tight like the women’s Xcursions) are about the right toebox width and height for the socks I’ll be wearing and the perfect length for me, but the 8 1/2s fit width-wise just fine with the insole in but they’re a bit too long (I’m finding my feet sliding forward in the shoe, causing my heel to lift up, even with the strap uncomfortably tight – any tighter and I’ll be cutting off circulation to my feet). Unfortunately, if it’s really close, I can’t truly know whether shoes/boots are the right size for me without wearing them all day for a couple days, which means wearing them outside, but wearing outside voids the return policy for almost all sellers that carry Xeros (the only one I know of that it doesn’t void it for is REI – that’s how I figured out what size Prios to keep, but they don’t carry the Cassies, otherwise that’s what I would have done; it may or may not void it for Amazon, though, which is where I got them – tried to figure it out, but it wasn’t clear). So I’m trying to decide whether the 8s will stretch out just enough for the width to work (preferably with the insole in, but without if necessary) or not. I feel like on the one hand, the length difference should be enough to decide (that’s what decided me on the Prios), but on the other hand, I feel like it’s more complicated than that.
Hi Rachel, unfortunately I’ve never owned my own pair of Cassies. But after seeing and handling them, and knowing what they are made of, my guess if they will stretch a little but not a lot. Based off your description, the 8s seem right… you don’t want your foot sliding and have an uncomfortably tight strap…
Thanks – that helps a bunch. That was my guess, just wanted to make sure, since this is my first pair of barefoot dress shoes (have sneakers, sandals, and hiking boots). I figure I’ll return the 8 1/2s, then I can take insoles of the 8s in and out as needed depending on what socks I’m wearing. I’m kind of glad I decided to just go with the Cassies rather than the Phoenix knit (I have a feeling it would be really hard to get the Phoenix’s to stay on without being too tight in the toebox, even though the Phoenix’s are technically dressier); and it makes sense – my Prios are also size 8. And the Cassies are still dressy enough to wear to my best friend’s wedding in February (can’t exactly wear sneakers or hiking boots under my dress as maid of honor, at least not for the wedding itself – dancing at the reception is a different story) but hopefully also still padded just enough to be able to dance in as well (I’m thinking about getting the thinner NorthSoles for either these or my sneakers, since I have a bit less tolerance for the pounding due to EDS – not sure how that would affect the fit at all, though).
Hi, Anya –
I appreciate all that you do! These reviews are so helpful.
I am looking for vegan ballet flats that run wide. I have Xeros in black in US 8.5, which I like, but I need a lighter neutral color, too. It looks like Teedevo and Ahinsa are my best bets, but the size is throwing me. It looks like 40 in the Teedevo and 41 in Ahinsa, but that seems off. For reference, my absolute favorite shoes are Feelgrounds in size 39. They fit like a glove, and I have four pairs. Do you have any idea what is equivalent? Thanks for your help!
Hi! Those brands do sound like your best bet for finding a lighter colored vegan flat. Ahinsa tends to run smaller than other brands, and I found the Tadeevo to run a little bigger. So it’s entirely possible you’d need different sizes in both.
As a budget friendly alternative for a special occasion I can recommend the foldable minimalist ballet flats that can be found on Shein for only $15. The toebox isn’t wide enough to be considered barefoot, but the sole is thin, flexible, a little bit cushioned and 0 drop. They are cute and come in many colours. Linking seems difficult but you can search for “Minimalist Slip-On Suedette Ballet Flats” and look for the foldable ones. They are available in shiny PU-leather as well, but the suede ones are softer and a little bit stretchy.
https://us.shein.com/Minimalist-Slip-On-Suedette-Ballet-Flats-p-11290037-cat-1881.html?src_identifier=st%3D2%60sc%3DMinimalist%20Ballet%20Flats%60sr%3D0%60ps%3D1&src_module=search&src_tab_page_id=page_goods_detail1676844285332&mallCode=1&scici=Search~~EditSearch~~1~~Minimalist_20Ballet_20Flats~~~~0
Thank you Anya for all the work you do to help us purchase healthy footwear. We’d be lost without you. I don’t want to be a ‘negative Nellie’, however, with all of these brands making ballet shoe styles I still cannot find one in a lighter neutral beige color. If I go to Pinterest and see all the people wearing ‘conventional’ ballet shoes for Spring, a vast majority are wearing them in a neutral , light beige/ ‘nude’ color. I have searched and searched and waited and waited (4 years and counting) for a light beige color in a classic style. The Angles are too ‘white’/ yellowish ( not beige) and maybe too stiff leather? ,the Shapen and many others are too ‘pink’, many are too dark/ camel brown color, Be Lenkas are too ‘old lady’ looking with two toned beige/pink and white sole. The closest I have seen are the SoftStar in latte color , however, they are much too sloped for my wide, plateau feet. Luks beige are close but I was wanting a more classic style not their side ‘cut out’ style and I have heard they are not wide in the toe box like their moccasins are. I find it so frustrating and disappointing that there are so many options and yet no one is providing the most classic, neutral , basic, ‘mainstream’ option STILL!