Best foot forward: 10+ ballet flats to step into this spring

21 September 2026
By Fashion Quarterly

From high-shine leather to tactile suede and metallic finishes, this season’s ballet flats prove the enduring silhouette still has plenty of mileage.

'By The Sea' still life shoot from FQ's Summer '26 issue. Photography: Ruby Jayne Hamilton. Creative Direction: Georgia Bramley.

The ballet flat’s return to fashion’s good graces may no longer be breaking news, but this spring, the enduring shoe is finding fresh ways to hold our attention. Once synonymous with delicate bows and prim silhouettes, the new-season iterations are decidedly more varied (and all the better for it). Classic leather gives way to rich chocolate and burgundy suede, Bottega Veneta applies its signature intrecciato weave, while flashes of silver metallic offer a welcome dose of shine. Below, shop our edit of the ballet flats worth investing in for the season ahead.

Shop the ballet flat edit:

& Other Stories cross-strap leather ballet flats, $110, from The Iconic.
Assembly Label ‘Beth’ suede ballet flat, $145.
Tony Bianco ‘Martinez’ ballet flat, $224.
Alohas ‘Sway’ burgundy leather ballet flats, $350.
Bottega Veneta ‘Charlotte’ leather ballet flats, $2266, from Net-a-Porter.
La Tribe ‘Molly’ flat, $320.

Styling tip:
Ground oversized shirting and fluid tailoring with a minimalist ballet flat for an understated finish that feels quietly sophisticated.

Le Monde Béryl ‘Claudia’ ballet flats, $1005, from Net-a-Porter.
Mi Piaci ‘Berlin’ ballet flat, $240.
Alias Mae ‘Willow’ ballet flat, $268.
Deadly Ponies ‘Cinch’ flat in Java suede, $369.

This article originally featured in the Spring ’26 issue of Fashion Quarterly.

Imagery: Supplied.

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