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Ballet flats are back, and they’re better than ever. If you want to get in on the trend, these sustainable options tick all the boxes.
Most Millennials and Gen-Xers will remember Twee fashion. The style, characterized by sweet a-line dresses, big collars, and quirky jewelry (think: Zooey Deschanel as Jess Day in New Girl), had many of us in a chokehold back in the aughts and early 2010s. But like most fashion trends, Twee was never going to stay dormant for too long (it’s just too cute). The trend seems to be back, and one of the biggest indicators? The return of the ballet flat — arguably one of the biggest staples in the 2000s and 2010s.
“The ballet flat was definitely an aughts staple,” fashion writer and ballet flat enthusiast Tyler McCall told Refinery29. “I can think of so many tabloid moments, whether it was Amy Winehouse in literal ballet slippers or Alexa Chung in a pair of denim cutoffs and bright Chanel flats. We’re all about mining that nostalgia at the moment.”
But ballet flats are not exactly as they were just a short decade or two ago. They’ve had quite the chic upgrade, and brands are having fun with different takes on the indie classic. Some have big buckles, others are made with raffia, and some even feature faux leather.
Sustainable ballet flats
If you’re in the market for a new pair of stylish (and nostalgic) ballet flats, these options are all sustainable, cute, and more Twee than ever. Sweep your fringe to the side, grab your favorite cardigan, and let’s go.
Stella McCartney’s Stella Iconic D’Orsay Ballet Flats
You can always rely on Stella McCartney to produce footwear that is elegant, timeless, comfortable, and cruelty-free. These D’orsay-style pointed ballet flats are made with Alter Mat vegan leather, which, according to the brand, has 24 times less of an impact on the environment than traditional cow leather. Chic and sustainable — the perfect mix.
Ganni’s Feminine Buckle Ballerinas
Ganni recently pledged to remove all virgin leather goods from its offering, but the quality of its designs hasn’t faltered. That is more than evident in these feminine ballerina flats with a large statement metallic buckle. They look just like leather, but they’re actually made with 51 percent recycled polyester.
Aera Carla Vegan Satin Ballet Flats
If you prefer more of a simple, square-toe ballet flat look, check out this sweet flat from Aera. The “timeless silhouette” has been constructed with vegan, sustainable material and handcrafted by artisans in Veneto, Italy. The satin Carla flats feature a square toe and a scrunched design for a comfortable, stylish look from this Certified B Corp footwear label.
Vivaia Pointed-Toe Ballet Flats (Aria 5°)
These pointed-toe flats are the wear-anywhere essential your wardrobe’s been waiting for. Designed with versatility in mind, they slip seamlessly into your day — whether you’re heading to the office, browsing the mall, or commuting on foot. The classic silhouette pairs effortlessly with everything from flowy dresses to mom jeans, and from oversized tees to crisp button-downs. A subtle heel adds just the right lift, while thoughtful design details keep comfort top of mind. The Natural Artemisia Argyi herbal insole provides targeted support at the heel, arch, and forefoot, enhanced by rebound cushioning for all-day ease. A rubber outsole offers durability, and counter padding plus a heel patch ensure a snug, irritation-free fit. Bonus? These flats are machine washable — just remove the insoles first.
Vivobarefoot Motus Ballet Flats
A pared-back reinterpretation of the Mary Jane, the Motus Studio Ballet trades structure for sensory connection. The silhouette is intentionally minimal, designed to move with the foot rather than constrain it. The ultra-thin Motus Studio outsole — made with a blend of natural and synthetic rubber, bio silica, and silica — adds subtle grip while maintaining ground feel, and the absence of an insole brings you closer to that barefoot experience. Worn without socks, the footbed softens over time, molding to the wearer. Lightweight and flexible, it’s a shoe built less for support and more for awareness as each step is textured, responsive, and quietly liberating.
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