I Hate Ballet Flats But Love These Elegant Anti-Heel Alternatives
If you're like me and don't like ballet flats, these elegant flat-shoe alternatives give heel energy

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 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 flats alternatives I'm considering, all of which are just as elegant and chic as any pair of pumps in my closet.
Shop Elegant Non Ballet Flat Shoes That Give Heel Energy
I bought a heeled version of these and am convinced I need this flat take as well. The strap detailing is beyond chic.
I actually already own these in black, but they're so comfortable and sophisticated I'm ready to buy a second shade.
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.
-
Kendall Jenner Just Wore the Cool Shoe Trend That Makes "Dated" Skinny Jeans Feel Modern
Suddenly skinnies are all I want to wear.
-
Hang On—I’ve Just Realised the Chicest Flat Shoes Have This Specific Detail in Common
You won't be able to unsee it.
-
I Waited a Year for H&M's £55 Designer-Passing Boots to be Restocked—Now They're Back
Three ways I'm wearing them now.
-
Jenna Ortega's Airport Outfit Includes the Autumn Shoes I'd Wear Anywhere Except Through Security
The least practical choice.
-
I Never Really Considered Trainers Elegant Until I Spotted Them in This Grown-Up Shade
Enter the next big sneaker trend.
-
From September, Fashion People Will Swap Ballet Flats for This Trending Autumn Shoe
I guarantee it.
-
Jeans Will Always Be In—These 5 Shoe Colours Freshen Them Up
Take notes.
-
Whether You're 21 or 51, This Shoe Makes Denim Shorts Look Very Chic (Just Ask Kate Moss)
It's foolproof.