I Hate Ballet Flats But Love These Elegant Anti-Heel Alternatives
I've never been one to lean on ballet flats, whether they're "in" or not. Maybe it's the rounded toe or bow detailing, but the popular flat-shoe style has simply never clicked with my taste preferences. Instead, I almost always wear heels, from kitten heels to higher stilettos or block heels. They're dressier and feel more sophisticated in my eyes, two qualities I look for in pieces I'm adding to my wardrobe. I like to look nice and put-together—what can I say?
Of course, my feet don't always agree with the heels I frequent, no matter how many times I wear them or how much I break them in. Living in New York City means I walk practically everywhere. When I'm not walking, I'm taking the stairs up or down from the subway or my apartment. They're begging for something different, but I can't quite shake my lifelong aversion to ballet flats. Fortunately, I'm learning that there is more than just one type of flat shoe. With brands ranging from Zara and Reformation to Prada and The Row leaning on non ballet flat shoe trends like slippers, mesh sock flats, strappy sandals, court shoes, jelly sandals, and pointy slingback flats, I'm finally ready to put aside my heels (at least a few days a week) and give flats the old college try.
Scroll down to shop 39 ballet flat alternatives I'm considering. All of them are just as elegant and chic as any pair of pumps in my closet.
Once the green satin version comes back in stock, I'm ordering those, too.
Jelly sandals, meet your 2025 leader.
This new red version of Tory Burch's viral Pierced Mules is truly unreal. They're famously comfy but also have an outfit-making appearance. What more could you want?
White shoes were all over the F/W 25 runways.
These loafers are giving old-money vibes to me. Anyone else?
Birkenstock Arizona sandals will never go out of style. They're classic and beloved for a reason.
Eliza Huber is an NYC-based senior fashion editor who specializes in trend reporting, brand discovery, and the intersection of sports and fashion. She joinedBest Knockoff Luxury Clothing in 2021 from Refinery29, the job she took after graduating with a business degree from the University of Iowa. She's launched two columns, Let's Get a Room and Ways to Wear; profiled Dakota Fanning, Diane Kruger, Katie Holmes, Gracie Abrams, and Sabrina Carpenter; and reported on everything from the relationship between Formula One and fashion to the top runway trends each season. Eliza lives on the Upper West Side and spends her free time researching F1 fashion imagery for her side Instagram accounts @thepinnacleoffashion and @f1paddockfits, watching WNBA games, and scouring The RealReal for discounted Prada.
-
This Is the Pretty Flat-Shoe Trend Elegant Dressers Are Suddenly Wearing With White Jeans
We have Chanel to thank.
-
Sorry, Flats—These Anti-Trend Heels Are Every French Woman's Quiet Go-To for a Night Out in Paris
A classic choice.
-
Flip-Flop Fatigue? Fashion People in Ibiza Are Wearing Bikinis and Skirts With This Flat-Shoe Trend Instead
Your new go-to summer shoes.
-
I'm Bored With My Closet—These 33 ChicReplica Store Pieces Have the Power to Turn Things Around
Effortless and expensive looking is the vibe.
-
5 Flat-Shoe Trends I Refuse to Wear During a Manhattan Summer, and the 5 I Can't Live Without
I'll walk a mile in these shoes.
-
This Is the Shoe Trend It Girls Are Wearing to Make Their White Midi Skirts Look More 2025
Important information.
-
Honestly? These 7 Summer Shoe Trends Feel a Little Dated
But these seven styles feel very 2025.
-
FYI: Outfit Experts Are Now Wearing *This* Pretty Dress Trend With Flats
Olivia Rodrigo is one of them.