In all honesty, it takes a truly special event to coax me out of my beloved flat shoes. Day to day, you’ll find me in one of three silhouettes: a trusty trainer, a classic Mary Jane, or—my ultimate favourite—a pretty ballet flat. Equal parts comfortable and elegant, they balance form and function, pairing with everything from well-worn jeans to floaty skirts. Put simply, I’ve yet to find a shoe that suits me better.
Naturally, not all ballet flats are created equal, and over time, a quiet hierarchy has formed within my wardrobe. For years, it was my minimalist black pairs that received the most wear—versatile, yes, but perhaps a little too understated. That was until I slipped into a beautifully crafted suede style from Arket, and suddenly, the rest of my collection faded into the background. Cut with a flattering high vamp and made from supple suede that moulds gently to the foot, Arket’s suede ballet flats have become the cornerstone of my best outfits of late. Priced at £149, they sit a little higher than some of the high-street alternatives, but in my opinion, they’re worth every penny.
The rich texture of the suede adds depth and polish, elevating even the simplest of looks. A softly rounded toe ensures a refined finish, while the high-coverage shape offers comfort and support for all-day wear. Suede ballet flats, in particular, are having a major moment this season. While patent and leather iterations remain classics, suede offers a softer, more elevated take on the trend—perfect for spring’s lighter fabrics and breezier silhouettes. There’s something about the matte finish and plush texture that makes suede feel especially luxurious, making them a treat to wear on the day-to-day.
So far, I’ve been reaching for mine on repeat, mostly with jeans and a trench, and it’s unlikely I’ll go a day in them without receiving a compliment. If you’re looking to dip your toe into the ballet flat revival—or refresh a well-loved collection—this Arket pair is a truly worthy contender. Having already sold out once, I wouldn’t be surprised if they disappear again soon.
SHOP THE ARKET SUEDE BALLET FLATS HERE: Arket Suede Ballerina. I’m not kidding—these are my most reached-for shoes at the moment.
SHOP OUR OTHER FAVORITE SUEDE BALLET FLATS:
- H&M Mary Jane Ballet Pumps. Style these with fresh white socks, or wear them on their own.
- Dune London Suede Cut Out Detail Ballet Flats. These also come in a rich ruby shade.
- Schuh Lambert Suede Ballerina. SHOP THE set while they’re on sale.
- Asos Suede High-Vamp Ballets in Brown. The high vamp design offers extra coverage—making them perfect for these early spring days.
- Mint Velvet Carla Brown Suede Ballet Flats. While I love these in chocolate brown, they also come in baby blue.
- Vagabond Jolin Ballet Flats. This light beige shade is so easy to slip into a capsule wardrobe.
- Reiss Leather Rounded-Point Toe Ballet Flats. Style these with jeans for an easy, spring-ready look.
- Zara Split Suede Ballerinas. These have a slightly rounded cut for a relaxed and casual finish.
- Reformation Prudence Ballet Flat. The ballet flats trend isn’t showing any signs of slowing down.
- Manolo Blahnik Gelista Suede Ballet Flats. The chocolate brown color trend isn’t showing any signs of slowing down.
- Le Monde Beryl Luna Suede Ballet Flats. I always come back to Le Monde Beryl for their chic flat shoes.
- A. Emery Brie Suede Ballet Flats. The elasticized trim ensures a comfortable fit.
Explore More: Arket Ballet Flats