Forget Sandals—These Ballet Flats and Mary Janes Are the It Summer Shoe (2024)

These beauties from Charles & Keith are anything but basic. You can instantly elevate any summer look with the addition of these Mary Janes made with a refined crystal mesh fabric.

Colors: White, beige, and black

Sizes: 5 - 12

Looking for a solid place to get your footing? From a brand celebrated for its excellent taste and Americana style, J.Crew's leather ballet flats are a timeless classic.

Colors: Black

Sizes: 5 - 12

Madewell's signature Greta ballet flat adds polish to every summer look. These offer Cloudlift Lite cushioning for maximum comfort. They also come in a beautiful mule style that's both casual and elevated.

Colors: Warm sand suede, chocolate leather, black leather, silver leather, white studded, black rattan, and camel rattan

Sizes: 5 - 12

What's not to love about this Amazon gem? Dip your toe into the mesh flat trend with these Mary Janes that won't break the bank. These shoes come with a wide-width fit, while the mesh uppers give endless circulation, making them perfect for summer.

Colors: Black, blue, gold, tan, red, silver, and white

Sizes: 5 - 12

We'll confess: Naturalizer's Carla style will convert any anti-flat wearer. Optically, there's good coverage near the toes, and the toe box is very elegant. The best part of the shoe, however, is the extremely comfy interior cushioning that keeps you on your feet all day. And blisters? I don't know her!

Colors: Creme brulee leather, blue bell suede, white snake print leather, chocolate leather, English tea leather, and silver leather

Sizes: 5 - 12

If there's anything chicer than a ballet flat, it's a satin ballerina mule. The Scandinavian brand Flattered is inspired by feminine minimalism and offers beautiful accessories that are crafted to last. Malva's elegant fabric and thoughtful design details swiftly elevate any look.

Colors: Black satin, black suede, sand suede, brown suede, and creme suede

Sizes: 5 - 12

Cher Horowitz, is that you? Add these versatile tweed Mary Janes to your wardrobe for an expensive-looking upgrade that you can transition into your fall looks.

Colors: Black/white tweed

Sizes: 5 - 11

Mar Soreli's timeless footwear uses modern craftsmanship to reimagine traditional Italian styles, like these gorgeous Mary Janes. We love that the jewel tones and opulent fabric make them ideal for both casual and more formal occasions.

Colors: Gold, navy blue, red, and forest green

Sizes: 5 - 12

Only eight years after the launch of the brand, Le Monde Béryl is essentially synonymous with sophisticated flats. The signature Luna slipper offers a cushioned leather insole and a refined, V-shaped front enclosure.

Colors: Black, red, and silver

Sizes: 35 - 42

You may have a hard time wrapping your head around how comfortable these Mary Janes are. They are not only an unexpected satin-meets-raffia combo but also lined with a super-plush insole that's actually supportive and comfortable.

Colors: Strawberry satin, black mesh, and white mesh

Sizes: 5 - 11

These are made from a sturdy faux leather that still looks delicate, so you won't have to worry about being too precious with these Amazon finds.

Colors: Blush, beige, tan patent, white, black patent, black, fuchsia patent, and lime patent

Sizes: 6 - 11 (including wide styles)

Not crazy about the mesh ballet flat trend? Try something more classic—like this tweedy houndstooth print. It's light enough to wear now and carry you into the cooler seasons.

Colors: Blue/black/white houndstooth

Sizes: 5 - 11

For a minimal and polished pair of flats to wear to the office, try this leather Everlane style that is favored for its glove-like fit that conforms to the foot with continued wear. There are also cushioned insoles and side vents for added breathability.

Colors: White, black, black mesh, toasted almond, blush tan, canvas white, and pale pink

Sizes: 5 - 11

Designed by a female podiatrist, Frankie4's flats are as supportive as they are flattering on the foot. We love the glove silhouette that offers more coverage, while the brand's signature four-layer cushioning supports arches and adds comfort to your step. These beauties are also available in an extended range of sizes for those with larger feet.

Colors: Black and dusty blossom tan

Sizes: 6 - 13

A pair of nylon mesh Mary Janes go with everything from jeans and sweats to your favorite sundress. Unsure about the trend? Think of them as the new neutral.

Colors: Black and tan

Sizes: 5 - 11

A Chanel-inspired, dual-tone flat reads as refined. Choose something like these fabulous Tory Burch ballerina flats to relay timeless elegance.

Colors: Rose pink/black, black/black, ginger shortbread/black, spring forest green/skylight blue, olive spring, violet wave/blanc, tortoise patent/black, wild mushroom/silver

Sizes: 5 - 12

How We Chose

In order to determine our selects, our editors researched and met with footwear designers and brands, hand-selecting the best ballet flat and Mary Jane shoes after touching, feeling, and testing. Specific criteria like the quality of material, comfort innovation, and design features were kept top of mind throughout our selection process.