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12 Pairs of Ballet Flats with Arch Support That Are Equal Parts Comfy and Stylish

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In case you were unaware, ballet flats are back and we’re wearing them with everything from straight-leg jeans to midi skirts. Whether you prefer structured, pointy-toes or pairs that more closely resemble slippers, the ballet flat is an ultra-versatile, feminine touch to any wardrobe. 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 12 ballet flats with arch support (including picks by an orthopedic surgeon) prove that style and comfort don’t have to be mutually exclusive.

Meet the Expert

Dr. Pamela Mehta, MD, is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon and medical advisor to The Good Feet Store.

Benefits of Shoes with Arch Support

“Arch support is crucial in keeping your feet, knees, hips, back and body in proper alignment,” shares Dr. Pamela Mehta, MD, board-certified orthopedic surgeon and medical advisor to The Good Feet Store. “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.

Ballet Flats with Arch Support at a Glance

The Most Comfortable Sneakers Money Can Buy


Expert Recommended

1. Vionic Lena Flat

Vionic

  • Size Range: US 5 to 11
  • Pros: classic pointed toe, footbed orthotically cushioned, Orthaheel technology
  • Cons: requires break-in period
  • Promising Review: “I adore these shoes. I was surprised that they didn’t have removable inserts but the support is quite good.” — Amy, a Vionic reviewer

Dr. Mehta recommends the Vionic Lena flat, which is designed with the company’s Orthaheel 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.

Most Affordable

2. Dr. Scholl’s Giorgie Memory Foam Flats

Dr. Scholl’s

  • Size Range: US 6 to 11 wide
  • Pros: flexible and durable sole, heel cushions reduce slipping
  • Cons: only goes up to size 11, can be snug upon first wearing
  • 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” — Hayleigh, an Amazon reviewer

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 medium and wide widths. 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 six colors, including classic black, whiskey, silver and leopard.

For Walking All Day

3. Clarks Rena Flat

Clarks

  • Size Range: US 5.5 to 12
  • Pros: comes in medium and wide withs, antimicrobial lining, breathable suede
  • Cons: few color options
  • Promising Review: “Very comfortable to wear, made of solid quality, attention to detail, good gripping on the sole. Dress them up or wear casual. Received numerous compliments on them.” — Tobey Ann, a Nordstrom reviewer

Going to be on your feet for hours on end? Slip on a pair of these Clarks ballet flats for all-day comfort. The soft, elastic trim makes for a comfortable, flexible fit, while your feet will float on the molded, contoured cushion footbeds. These shoes have an antimicrobial lining made from partially recycled materials with a durable, non-slip sole. A slight heel gives a little lift, and the shoes are finished in a soft, breathable suede. There are three colors available: black, navy and sand.

Eco-Friendly

4. Vivaia Valencia Flat

Vivaia

  • Size Range: US 5 to 11
  • Pros: made from recycled plastic bottles, deodorizing insole, machine washable
  • Cons: sizing can be convoluted, insole contains herb Artemisia Argyi, which may cause allergies in some
  • Promising Review: “Such beautiful shoes and so comfy. Arrived quicker than expected and so pleased with how eco-friendly they are.” — Gina, a Vivaia reviewer

Promising “flats that feel like sneakers,” Vivaia creates machine-washable shoes out of recycled plastic bottles. The Valencia flats feature a shock-absorbing sole and “yoga mat” midsole that is lightweight with a high rebound. 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 bacteria growth.

Most Comfortable

5. Birdies The Goldfinch Flats

Birdies

  • Size Range: US 5 to 12
  • Pros: renowned seven-layer comfort technology, vegan, stylish design
  • Cons: sizing can be inconsistent
  • Promising Review: “Fit is spot on, shoes are extremely comfortable (even twelve hours into my day), and I absolutely love the look.” — Bronwyn, a Birdies reviewer

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. The brand recommends going up half a size if your foot is wide or between sizes. There’s also a 30-day fit guarantee—even if worn—so you can return with no questions asked.

Most Stylish

6. Margaux The Demi

Margaux

  • Size Range: US 3 to 14
  • Pros: inclusive sizing, wide variety of colors, wide widths
  • Cons: higher-end price point
  • Promising Review: “Never thought I would come back around on a rounded-toe ballet flat, but these are fabulous. Very comfortable and high quality.” — Lauren, a Margaux reviewer

Promising French girl sophistication, Margaux's The Demi ballet flat is a classic style featuring a charming grosgrain strip and ultra-plush foam insole. Associate SEO editor Marissa Wu can attest: “This shoe logs literal miles without a word of protest from the feet. Plus, it comes in a wide width for those needing a little extra space.”

Day-to-Night

7. Naturalizer Maxwell Flat

Naturalizer

  • Size Range: US 4 to 12
  • Pros: multiple widths available, classic design, contouring insole
  • Cons: can run large and wide
  • 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.” — PurpleLVR, an Amazon reviewer

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. “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.”

For a Night Out

8. Kenneth Cole Atlas Flats

Kenneth Cole

  • Size Range: US 5 to 11
  • Pros: cushioned footbed with arch support, modern silhouette, bow detailing
  • Cons: few colorways, size range is not extensive, may require a break-in period
  • 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!” — Pauline, a Nordstrom reviewer

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. With a cushioned footbed, rounded toe and raised heel, this ballet flat gives your outfit sophistication with comfort.

For Weekend Outings

9. Rothy’s The Flat

Rothy's

  • Size Range: US 5 to 13
  • Pros: 28 colors, machine washable, made of recycled materials
  • Cons: runs small, don’t stretch
  • 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!” — Lauren, a Rothy’s reviewer

This popular ballet flat, made from recycled plastic, comes in a rainbow of nearly 30 colors. 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. Dr. Metha recommends pairing them with arch supports for extra comfort.

For the Office

10. Born Brin Ballet Flat

Born

  • Size Range: US 6 to 11
  • Pros: leather-covered footbed, arch support, tailored look with bow detail
  • Cons: smallest size is 6, heels can rub
  • Promising Review: “Cute, comfortable, very affordable. I love that they have some arch support, and they come in delicious colors! Nice quality.” — Aspennative, a Nordstrom reviewer

Born’s Brin ballet flat 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 rubble sole provides traction and flexibility when moving about, and the shoe comes in many bright colors.

Orthopedic All-Star

11. Söfft Kenni Flat

Söfft

  • Size Range: US 6 to 11
  • Pros: multiple fun colors, comfortable scrunch-back, leather-lined, sturdy insole
  • Cons: sizing can be iffy
  • Promising Review: “Soft leather, stays on [and] heel leather is pliable so no heel blisters!” — Janet, a Söfft reviewer

Aside from the plethora of colors (including a minty green, soft gold and 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.

For Wide Feet

12. Vionic Amorie Flat

Vionic

  • Size Range: US 5 to 12
  • Pros: medium and wide widths, cushioned insole with arch support
  • Cons: requires break-in period
  • Promising Review: “I love these flats! They are so comfortable and feel good on my feet. I like the support they give to my feet, knees and back.” —Kforte, a Vionic reviewer

With its rounded toe box, the Vionic Amorie flat is a good choice for wide feet, while also offering cushioned arch support and a grippy rubber sole for stability. The brand recommends easing into the shoes, wearing them for limited hours the first few wears so the foot can acclimate to orthotic design, though one reviewer noted that the time was minimal.