In case you were unaware, ballet flats are back and I’m wearing them with everything from straight-leg jeans to midi skirts. Whether you prefer structured, pointy-toe styles or pairs that more closely resemble slippers, the ballet flat is an ultra-versatile, feminine touch to any wardrobe. Orthopedic surgeon Dr. Pamela Mehta dubbed the Vionic Orinda ballet flats (was $130, now $90) as a great option for sleek flats with arch support, so that’s why I’m crowning those the best overall pair for you to shop. You’ll also see chic pairs made from recycled materials (!) by sustainable brands like Vivaia and Rothy’s on this list. (Psst: If you’re trying to choose between the two, I’ve got you covered.) And though they can be notoriously uncomfortable and unforgiving on the arches, ballet flats with arch support do exist. And if “shoes with arch support” makes you envision thick, clunky orthopedic sneakers, these 13 ballet flats with arch support prove that style and comfort don’t have to be mutually exclusive. Trust me: I’ve selected styles I’ve logged some serious miles in, and included picks from other PureWow editors and pairs that received glowing reviews—plus podiatrist-approved recs. Consider your search for the most comfortable shoes done.
Meet the Expert
Dr. Pamela Mehta, MD, is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon and Chief Medical Officer at The Good Feet Store. She graduated from University of Southern California and did an orthopedic surgical residency at Columbia University. You can watch her informative videos on Instagram.
How I Chose the Best Ballet Flats with Arch Support
After talking with board-certified orthopedic surgeon, Dr. Pamela Mehta, studying reviews from customers of the brands and relying on the trusted word of some of our editors and their favorite ballet flats with arch support, I’ve developed a comprehensive list of pairs for you to try. To make the cut, the shoes had to balance form and function, offering a solid range of sizes, color/pattern options and supportive materials and fabrics. I found flats that boast cushioned foam insoles for a guaranteed plush step, and even sourced shoes that welcome arch inserts, too. PureWow editors have worn many of these shoes, which are a staple in their closets. We’re primarily based in New York City and lead busy lives, so these ballet flats with arch support had to work to prove that our feet wouldn’t be aching at the end of a long day. And guess what? Flats never looked (and felt) so good.
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1. Vionic Orinda Ballet Flats
Dr. Mehta recommends the Vionic Lena flat, which is designed with the company’s Vio Motion technology. According to Vionic, their technology works to provide cushioning, arch support, flexibility and stability in shoes, while correcting posture and promoting full-body alignment. What’s more, it garnered the attention of PureWow Fashion Editor Abby Hepworth, who is a fan of the brand’s comfortable ballet flats. She says, “They’re incredibly comfortable, even after a full day of walking around the city, and the insole feels so cushy—you can really tell it’s supporting your foot. They also just look really chic and expensive, which is always a lovely bonus.” I especially love that it features a subtle square-toe upper and comes in three fits (narrow, medium and wide), guaranteeing a roomy toe-box and comfortable fit.
Fast Facts
- Best For: wide feet, high arches, flat feet
- Size Range: US 5 to 13
- Widths: 3
- Colors: 5
- Materials: leather, suede, microfiber wrapped EVA, synthetic
- Promising Review: “These are the perfect black flats! Super comfy! The leather is soft and flexible which just adds to the comfort of this shoe. Highly recommend. I have worn them a ton already throughout the holiday season and gotten tons of compliments.” – a Vionic reviewer
2. Margaux The Demi Leather Flats
Promising French girl sophistication, Margaux’s The Demi ballet flat is a classic style featuring a charming grosgrain strip and ultra-plush five millimeter foam insole. It’s made from a soft and luxe Italian leather and has a working cord bow that lets you customize and adjust its fit to your liking. It’s also a personal favorite of mine. This shoe comes with me everywhere, and I can wear them all day tromping around NYC and hardly be worse for wear. They’re so versatile, dressing up a casual outfit and making formalwear feel more fun. The color options are always fab, and the shoes are made to last—I wear them nearly daily and they’ve withstood it all. My favorite thing about these shoes (besides the effortless French charm) is their inclusive sizing. All shoes come in sizes 3 to 14 with medium, narrow and wide fits available.
Fast Facts
- Best For: flat feet, wide feet, small feet
- Size Range: US 3 to 14
- Widths: 3
- Colors: 12
- Materials: leather, foam
- Promising Review: “Never thought I would come back around on a rounded-toe ballet flat, but these are fabulous. Very comfortable and high quality.” – a Margaux reviewer
3. Rothy’s The Flat
This popular ballet flat, made from recycled plastic, comes in a rainbow of 17 colors—and it’s PureWow editor approved. (Trust us, we tested all their evergreen styles.) With its rounded toe and lightweight, flexible design, the shoe is a versatile addition to any wardrobe. A buttery heel backing prevents irritation from rubbing, and they’re machine washable. Despite having a cloud-like, comfortable feel, Dr. Metha recommends pairing them with arch supports for extra comfort as it has little arch support itself. I agree with the assessment, as I find The Pointe roomy, great for my wide feet, super stylish—but also a little lacking in arch support. However, there’s plenty of room for you to swap the removable insole for something cushier.
Fast Facts
- Best For: wide feet
- Size Range: US 5 to 13
- Widths: 1
- Colors: 17
- Materials: knit made from plastic bottles
- Promising Review: “I am in LOVE with these flats. They are so comfortable, breathable and stylish. I am so glad I decided to get them!” – a Rothy’s reviewer
4. Aldo Leanne Ballerina Flats
“This Aldo ballet flat is my go-to for spring outfits,” says PureWow Senior Editor Dana Dickey. “The two-tone style is so versatile, and the heavy foam padded insole is really comfy.” What’s more, it’s incredibly chic (very reminiscent of Chanel). From the classic ballerina style to the quilted material and gold hardware embellishments, Dickey and I are both obsessed with how luxe these look, and—get this—the refined shoes are under $100. Thanks to the dual-density foam and padded insoles, these flats boast a pillowy walk in every step. “They’re my go-to travel shoes because they work with dresses, shorts, jeans, everything…and I can have a full day of sightseeing without an ache. Also, the medium-deep rounded toe box design is roomy enough so that my foot has a little room to swell without chafing after a long day of walking,” Dickey adds.
Fast Facts
- Best For: bunions
- Size Range: US 5 to 11
- Widths: 1
- Colors: 4
- Materials: synthetic, rubber, foam
- Promising Review: “The two-tone style is so versatile, and the heavy foam padded insole is really comfy.” – Dana Dickey, senior editor at PureWow
5. Vivaia Margot 2.0 Square-Toe V-Cut Flats
According to PureWow Beauty and Cultures Editor Chelsea Candelario, Vivaia’s Margot 2.0 is *the* flat that’ll persuade skeptics into loving ballet flats. She tells me, “They’re SO comfortable. I didn’t like wearing flats for a long time, but these made me a convert. I feel like I walked all over NYC and my feet are never in pain. I also love the square-toe design that makes it different from a traditional ballet flat.” If you were wondering what the 2.0 refers to, it’s referencing a few upgrades the brand made to its original Margot style, including a heel cushion that prevents blisters, extra arch support and a brand-new insole built with the utmost comfort in mind. But there are so many more features than that to love—it’s antimicrobial, breathable, machine-washable and comes in a whopping 47 colors and patterns.
Fast Facts
- Best For: flat feet
- Size Range: US 5 to 13
- Widths: 1
- Colors: 47
- Materials: synthetic, rubber, foam
- Promising Review: “I absolutely love these shoes! I have such problems with my feet (surgeries, broken bones, high arches that can never get enough support—you get the idea), [so] I can very rarely find shoes that my feet do not hurt in after wearing for just a short while. These are like heaven.” – William G., a Vivaia reviewer
6. Clarks Daiss30 Shine Mary Janes
Going to be on your feet for hours on end? I swear that Clarks are one of the most supportive ballet flats I’ve ever worn, and this pair promises all-day comfort. (Plus, they’re trendy Mary Janes.) The patent leather finish dresses up an outfit, but don’t be fooled. Adjustable straps keep the shoe comfortably anchored to your foot, while the brand’s signature, molded Comfort Cushion insole provides ample support. The dainty 1-inch heel gives a little lift, while remaining walkable. Note that some buyers say the style runs large, so plan to order a half size down.
Fast Facts
- Best For: flat feet, high arches, narrow heels
- Size Range: US 5 to 11
- Widths: 1
- Colors: 3
- Materials: rubber, leather
- Promising Review: “I had to wear these shoes to a wedding without having worn them to become used to them as it turned out. They were terrific. I have tricky feet & was quite nervous, but Clarks came through! I need a low heel & this one is attractive. Fit the bill on all accounts.” – a Nordstrom reviewer
7. Vivaia Ena 2.0
Promising “flats that feel like sneakers,” Vivaia creates machine-washable shoes out of recycled plastic bottles. The Ena 2.0 flats feature a shock-absorbing sole and “yoga mat” midsole that is lightweight with a high rebound. (I can attest—the footbed does indeed have the cushy bounce of said mat, and walking on it is divine.) The foam insole provides elasticity, softness and arch support, while the heel padding is described as a “pillow” for ankles. Another draw is the moisture-wicking insole lining, made from the herb Artemisia Argyi, which the company says inhibits bacterial growth. And if you’re wondering how Vivaia vs. Rothy’s stacks up, I took both for a test drive. The verdict: They’re both great, but emphasize different features.
Fast Facts
- Best For: flat feet, high arches
- Size Range: US 5 to 11
- Widths: 1
- Colors: 14
- Materials: knit, recycled bottles, rubber
- Promising Review: “Such beautiful shoes and so comfy. Arrived quicker than expected and so pleased with how eco-friendly they are.” – a Vivaia reviewer
8. Birdies The Goldfinch Flats
Birdies is renowned for its seven-layer comfort tech. The first layer is shiny quilted satin, followed by targeted arch and heel support, then layers of cushioning, high-density foam, a shock absorption pad and memory foam. Basically, they’re made for helping you float—er—fly away. “This style makes my whole outfit look French girl chic,” Dickey says. “The quilted sole not only feels comfy but looks so luxe when I kick these off at home.” And PureWow Associate Commerce Editor Natalie LaBarbera agrees, emphasizing how the padded footbed is a game-changer for comfort and support. The brand recommends going up half a size if your foot is wide or between sizes, and it may have a small break-in period, though LaBarbera recommends bending down the back a couple of times to soften up the spot where they hit at the heels. There’s also a 30-day fit guarantee—even if worn—so you can return with no questions asked.
Fast Facts
- Best For: wide feet, flat feet
- Size Range: US 5 to 12
- Widths: 1
- Colors: 3
- Materials: vegan raffia, leather, rubber
- Promising Review: “Fit is spot on, shoes are extremely comfortable (even twelve hours into my day), and I absolutely love the look.” – a Birdies reviewer
9. Dr. Scholl’s Giorgie Memory Foam Flats
Dr. Scholl’s is known for its comfy, orthopedic shoes, and the Giorgie ballet flat is no exception. “I had purchased a lot of ‘cute’ non-supportive flats, and my feet, legs and back were paying for it. These help me get through the day,” one reviewer notes. The shoes feature a memory foam cool-fit insole and are available in sizes 6 to 11 in a wide width. The company notably makes shoes that are roomier than industry standard, and the almond toe design adds a dainty point without squishing the toes. These flats come in two, including classic black and whiskey.
Fast Facts
- Best For: flat feet, high arches
- Size Range: US 6 to 11
- Widths: 1
- Colors: 2
- Materials: synthetic, faux leather, recycled plastic bottles
- Promising Review: “I highly recommend these shoes for anyone who’s looking for arch support and just overall comfort while still being business casual. The shoes fit great, they are true to size and are comfortable enough that I could wear them all day with no issues” – an Amazon reviewer
10. Naturalizer Maxwell Leather Flats
Looking for a shoe to take you from the office to drinks? The Naturalizer Maxwell flat is a winner, with its simple design that makes it feel at home in the office and at the bar. The contouring insole provides arch support, and the toe box is generous, making this a great pick for wide feet, though it’s important to note that it does come in a medium fit as well as wide. “I’ve been looking for a long time for the perfect flat,” one reviewer shares. “These are comfortable, with beautiful, soft leather, and a cushy footbed.”
Fast Facts
- Best For: flat feet, bunions
- Size Range: US 5 to 12
- Widths: 3
- Colors: 14
- Materials: leather, suede, synthetic, foam
- Promising Review: “Comfortable, has a nice arch, great quality made, leather with rubber outer sole giving it a softer ‘cushy’ feel than most flats out there. I highly recommend these flats.” – a Naturalizer reviewer
11. Gentle Souls by Kenneth Cole Atlas Leather Flats
If you’re headed for a night on the town but don’t want to stumble through the evening in painful heels, meet these Kenneth Cole Atlas flats. Reviewers love the dainty bow detailing, and one even lauded the fact that they walked about a mile without discomfort. I’ll chalk that up to the Poron cushioning foam sole, as it’s built with high compression and can withstand the impact and shock from walking all day. With a rounded toe and raised heel, this ballet flat gives your outfit sophistication with comfort.
Fast Facts
- Best For: flat feet
- Size Range: US 5 to 11
- Widths: 1
- Colors: 3
- Materials: leather, PORON-cushioning, textile, rubber
- Promising Review: “I have slightly wide feet but the pointed toes on the shoe seem to be fine. They have a slightly refined look, but you could wear them with more casual clothes and just look more stylish. It’s a pretty little shoe at a great price!” – a Nordstrom reviewer
12. Born Poe Leather Ballet Flat
This sweet ballet flat, which comes topped with an adorable bow detail, offers arch support with additional foam padding in the footbed. Buyers note that they can stand for long periods of time in these flats, and that they’re comfortable even on arthritic feet. “The shoe has arch support, but it isn’t very high (noted for those who need full arch support),” notes one Nordstrom Rack reviewer. The rubber sole provides traction and flexibility when moving about, and the shoe comes in a solid selection of neutrals.
Fast Facts
- Best For: flat feet, arthritic feet
- Size Range: US 6 to 11
- Widths: 1
- Colors: 4
- Materials: leather, suede
- Promising Review: “The shoe itself was cute and very stylish.” – a Born reviewer
13. Söfft Kenni Leather Flats
Aside from the plethora of colors (including a minty green, soft gold and this burnt red), the Söfft Kenni Flat has leather options: full-grain, metallic or Italian. The ballet flat has an elasticized heel with a tab for easy slip-on, while the three-quarter-inch heel gives a little lift. The leather-lined footbed features high-rebound foam and solid arch support, while the sole provides flexibility and traction. I’d pair this simple and versatile shoe with nearly anything in my closet, whether it’s a pair of jeans or a breezy sundress. Buyers suggest going up half a size if you have bunions, wide feet or simply wish to wear hosiery or socks with them.
Fast Facts
- Best For: narrow feet
- Size Range: US 6 to 11
- Widths: 1
- Colors: 3
- Materials: leather, foam, rubber
- Promising Review: “Soft leather, stays on [and] heel leather is pliable so no heel blisters!” – an Amazon reviewer
What to Consider When Buying Ballet Flats with Arch Support?
Finding the ideal pair of ballet flats with arch support comes down to a few details:
- Opt for a comfortable arch that works for you: Remember why you’re purchasing the flats and don’t compromise until you find what you’re looking for. Fancy a pair of ballet flats with an arch that’ll suit people with high arches? Look into a supportive insert to slide into your new flats from Rothy’s, like one buyer did. Want a pair that’ll hold up after a long day of walking? The Orinda ballet flats by Vionic can keep your feet uber-comfy.
- Consider the cushioning: Don’t forget about the insoles, people! Flats that feature padded insoles and foam cushioning will help absorb shock and distribute pressure, making for a soft bed that your feet can enjoy.
- Assess the toe box: Whether you have bunions, long toes or just prefer a bit of space, a roomy toe box will feel far more comfortable than a pointed toe. Look for ballet flats with square toes or rounded toes, as well as medium or wide fits in place of narrow fits if it suits your foot.
- The width of your foot: Speaking of fits, I suggest you look at the shape of your feet to find out whether you have narrow or wide feet. If your toes spread out further than your heels when standing, then your feet may run wide. On the contrary, if your foot follows a slender, straight line and your toes point without splaying, then you may have a narrow foot. Another way to measure is to gauge the fit of your current shoes.
- Mind the materials: Pay attention to materials. Will the Italian leather soften and take on the form of a second skin with time? Does the recycled knit upper stretch and give with movement?
What Are the Benefits of Shoes with Arch Support?
“Arch support is crucial in keeping your feet, knees, hips, back and body in proper alignment,” shares Dr. Mehta. “Lack of proper orthotics can increase your chances of developing a serious foot condition or conditions in the joints above the foot and ankle.” Dr. Mehta notes that ensuring you have proper arch support can lead to better balance and posture. While the words “arch support” may recall clunky, practical shoes, she shares that arch support simply means you have a shoe that provides support to all four arches of the foot, which can relieve pressure on joints and reduce pain and discomfort.