Most Comfortable Ballet Slippers For Travel

Simple and feminine with a classic design, ballet flats are a versatile option for travel.

These flats can complement informal blue jeans with a T-shirt or a little black evening dress. Moreover, they are lightweight and won’t claim a large share of real estate in an already stuffed suitcase.

While these timeless shoes aren’t intended for heavy walking or hiking, they are a comfortable choice for short, day excursions and evening dress up.

Here are some of our favorite ballet flats for travelers:

Milaner Woven Nicole Ballerina Flat

Vintage-inspired Milaner shoes are handcrafted by artisans in Italy and France. Made in small batches, production is based on a made-to-order, no-waste policy. The company was founded by a team of Italian women who build on their heritage by creating luxury goods that are authentic and sustainable.

The Woven Nicole Ballerina Flat adds a feminine touch to any outfit. The buttery sheepskin uppers are handwoven; the insoles are made of pure goat hide. They’re made to mold to your feet so they get softer with each wear.

The shoes come in four neutral shades: raffia, black, caramel and gold. Priced at $245.

Vionic Minna Ballet Flat

Recommended by podiatrists, Vionic shoes are known for their superior arch support. The entire collection relies on Vionic’s proprietary Vio-Motion™ technology that corrects pronation and promotes full-body alignment. Deep heel cups improve stability and keep the foot in place.

Designed for all-day wear and walkability, the Minna Ballet Flat couples comfort with style. The uppers are made of leather or printed calf hair, and the firm yet flexible cushioned orthotic insoles are removable. The shoes have a smart cap toe and come in 7 different colors (including animal prints, and gold, silver and pewter They are also available in three different widths to accommodate most sizes. Priced at $119.95.

Kurt Geiger London Eagle Ballerina

For more than 50 years, Kurt Geiger has been a leading London-based luxury footwear and accessories retailer. The in-house design team draws inspiration from the energy, diversity and creativity of its home city, striving to create a kindness-driven inclusive fashion community. The company has over 60 retail stores and 15 boutiques worldwide.

This Kurt Geiger London Eagle Ballerina slip-on flat shown has a spirited metallic laminated pebble grain cow lambskin leather upper that is sewn in an eye-catching diagonal rainbow stripe pattern. The bow at the toe features the brand’s antique silver Eagle head with crystals. The comfortable flat also comes in more neutral shades of bone, beige and black. Priced at $125.00.

Baabuk Wool Ballerina

Designed in Switzerland and made in Portugal, Baabuk shoes are flexible and water-repellent. Made from ethically and locally sourced wool, the classic styles are timeless. An added bonus: All Baabuk shoes are durable and machine washable.

The Bassbuk Wool Ballerina has a mulesing-free sheep wool upper that’s been colored with REACH-certified dyes. Trimmed with genuine top-grain Nubuck, the flats have non-slip rubber soles. Insoles are made of cozy, itch-free wool. Shown in Terracotta, the shoes come in six colors that will add a pop to any outfit. They’re so comfortable that they can double as slippers when traveling. Priced at $99.

Aerosoles Catalina Ballet Flat

For more than three decades, Aerosoles has been creating feel-good shoes with style for women and kids. Designed in New York, the shoes are ultra-flexible with pillow soft insoles that require no “break in” period before wear. This is great if you’re packing for your trip at the last minute.

The brand carries a number of different styles of ballet flats. The Aerosoles Catalina Ballet Flat is made of genuine quilted leather giving it a classic look (The Catarina is an open-backed version). It comes in a choice of six different colors, including gold metallic and tends to run wide. The signature diamond flex outsole makes the flat uber-comfortable for all-day wear. Priced at $99.

Rothy’s The Point

Rothy’s aims to put “the planet and its people first” by emphasizing sustainability in its products, including the use of long-lasting, eco-friendly materials. All the brand’s shoes are machine washable and Rothy’s will even recycle your unwanted shoes when they reach the end of their lifespan.

Rothy’s The Point is a soft, flexible, shoe that’s knit from plastic bottles. It can be worn throughout the day, either for casual or dressy wear. The attractive (and trendy) pointed toe will add an air of sophistication to any outfit. Shown in neutral ecru, the shoe comes in 26 different colors and prints. Priced at $149.

White Mountain Sakari Ballet Flat

Forty-year-old White Mountain Footwear Group delivers quality products that are stylish but eminently affordable.

The White Mountain Sakari Ballet Flat is a timeless interpretation of the classic ballet slipper. This one has feminine tucks, a bow on the faux leather upper, and a padded insole for cushioning and support. The sole is also manmade. The shoe comes in white, black or eggshell (shown). Priced at $49.

NYDJ Marie Ballet Flats

NYDJ, formerly known as “Not Your Daughter’s Jeans,” was founded in 2003 as a lifestyle brand for women of all ages, sizes and shapes. The company pioneered premium stretch jeans to help women look and feel a size smaller—focusing on coupling comfort and style. The same can be said about their line of footwear.

The Marie Ballet Flat has a quilted stretch upper that comfortably hugs the foot with a memory foam lining for cushioning. The shoes are eco- friendly with outsoles made from partially recycled rubber with a non-slip heel. Available in black patent and other man-made nappa uppers in rose (shown), navy and praline. Sale-priced at $75.98.

Alterre Ballet Flats

Alterre ballet flats offer a modern twist on the classic. Co-founded by two women, this sustainable, luxury modular footwear brand offers the versatility of a patented interchangeable system, which allows women to instantly change the look of the shoes.

The Black Ballet Flat Starter Kit is designed with cushioned foam insoles for all-day comfort. The flats can be worn themselves or dressed up with either a Twiggy strap or a velvet Marie strap. Many women will appreciate the added height of the ¾” heel made from recycled plastic. The shoes have leather uppers and synthetic rubber soles. Starter kits come in a variety of colors and styles; the one shown is priced at $255.

Note: Like any new pair of shoes, it’s always prudent to break in your ballet flats before a trip.