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Best work flats 2024 – Forbes verified
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Best work flats 2024 – Forbes verified

No matter where you work, a good pair of ballet flats is essential. At Forbes Vetted, our team has tested many pairs in a variety of settings—in the office, on city streets during long commutes, in airports on business trips—and wears our favorites all the time. The best ballet flats for work include Rothy’s classic The Point, the modern Vivaia square-toe V-cuts, and Madewell’s ultra-comfortable Greta Ballet Flat.

When it comes to ballet flat work shoes, you can’t compromise on cushioning, versatility or style or you’ll pay the price in blisters and wasted money on shoes you don’t actually wear. Here are our top recommendations for the best ballet flat work shoes, based on our testing.

Editors’ recommendations at a glance

These ballet flats from Rothy are a timeless wardrobe staple. They’re soft to the touch (due to their comfortable knit construction) and have a secure fit (thanks to the stretchy strap across each shoe). Reviewers rave about their soft footbeds and sturdy outsoles. Spot cleaning is super easy, too: just throw them in the washing machine with cold water and they’re as good as new and ready for your next trip around town.

This is what our editors say: “I love wearing these Rothy ballet flats to complete a dressy outfit—they’re so comfortable,” says deputy editor Jane Sung. “With their woven material and rounded, square toe shape, they’re a sophisticated take on classic Mary Janes.”


Leather loafers come with many comfortable features. With the help of podiatrists, the brand designed the Faye with cloud-like cushioning that flexes as you walk. The fit is snug but not tight, which is important if you’re wearing them on days when you’re constantly on your feet. Note: The brand recommends going half a size up for optimal comfort.

This is what our editors say: Updates writer Francesca Sales likes how her Frankie4 loafers instantly elevate any look. “They work with casual jeans as well as work pants,” she says. “But what I really like is how well they’re made and the supportive nature of the podiatrist-designed footbed. They don’t feel like dress shoes.”


This versatile pick from Vivaia comes in an impressive 45 different color combinations, so you can easily dress them up or down with different skirts, blouses, or jeans. What sets them apart from the original Margot ballet flats, however, is their padded heel and redesigned insole, which provides extra comfort for your arch. They cost just under $100, so we consider them a steal based on their price alone.

This is what our editors say: “These ballet flats have arch support and are lightweight,” says Update writer Claire Epting. “I also appreciate that they’re machine washable since I have the almond color. That way they stay fresh and look professional.”


Vivaia’s Aria 5° features the brand’s signature soft insoles, and their animal print makes them a must-have for any classic closet (though they also come in 41 other patterns, including five limited editions, if leopard print isn’t your style). They’re also blister-proof thanks to their wider toe box—so they’re great for casual business days on the go.

This is what our editors say: Editor-in-chief Emmy Favilla likes to wear these shoes when she commutes. “They are truly the most comfortable ballet flats I’ve ever worn, and you don’t need to break them in at all,” she says. “They’re also machine washable and easy to spot clean.”


With nearly 30,000 customer reviews, this seamless slip-on option is a solid choice from Rothy’s. The Point shoes are extremely well-cushioned and easy to clean (they’re machine washable), so you can wear them all the time. As with other eco-friendly shoes from the brand, the knit material they’re made from is made from sustainable and recyclable materials.

This is what our editors say: “I love Rothy’s The Point ballet flats, which are soft, flexible and machine washable,” says lifestyle editor Katherine Louie. “They add instant polish to any outfit and come in fun colors like bright pink and red.”


One of our top picks in our selection of the best mesh ballet flats, the Bethany ballet flats are highly rated for their breathable feel and soft leather footbed. This pair also comes in 15 chic colorways.

This is what our editors say: Due to its high wearing comfort, Louie reaches for these ballet flats more often than others. “The mesh feels breathable and flexible and I’ve worn them for long periods of time without getting blisters or uncomfortable rubbing,” she says. “They instantly upgrade any outfit.”


One of our other favorite mesh ballet flats, this Dolce Vita essential is an evolution of the classic flat design. The mesh material creates a sleek, modern look that’s currently on trend, and we love how the little bow on the front adds an extra touch of femininity. “The pearl detailing on the bow tie is an added bonus,” says one reviewer.

This is what our editors say: “These are another great Mary Jane option,” says Louie. “There was no break-in period and they pair well with everything in my wardrobe, including jeans, pants, skirts and dresses.”


Madewell’s Greta ballet flats are so comfortable and roomy that the brand recommends buying them a half size smaller to accommodate their super-soft stretch. With their elastic strap and soft padding, this pair is a great choice for long office days when you’re constantly on your feet. Bonus: The leather they’re made from is sustainably sourced.

This is what our editors say: Louie raves about the Cloudlift Lite cushioning in these ballet flats. “The leather is incredibly soft,” she says, “and it molds to your feet after a few wears.”


Why trust Forbes Vetted?

We at Forbes Vetted are a team of shoe lovers who have tested and researched many pairs, including the best dress sneakers for women and the most comfortable wedges, to name a few.


This is how we selected the best work shoes

When we compiled our list of the best work shoes, editorial assistant Whitney Bruno asked our staff for their favorites. We also examined each brand for its reputation for producing cutting-edge styles and timeless classics.

  • We incorporated our staff’s recommendations after evaluating each apartment for style, quality, comfort, etc.
  • To ensure the completeness of our list, we have primarily selected options from a wide range of prices, color combinations and sizes.

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