If you’ve ever loved the look of classic ballet flats but couldn’t stand the pinched toes or stiff soles – you’re not alone. Most traditional ballet flats squeeze your toes, offer no support, and leave your feet aching by midday.
But guess what? There’s a better way.
Barefoot ballet flats are here to give you everything you want from a ballerina shoe – style, elegance, and versatility – without sacrificing foot health.
In this guide, we’ll show you the best barefoot ballerina shoes, including wide toe box ballet flats and vegan options, so you can step out in comfort and confidence.
Our recommendations are based on real-life testing to help you find the best barefoot ballet flats and Mary Janes:
- Total Shoes Tested: 15 models
- Testing Period: 2-24 months per pair
- Selection Criteria: Fit, comfort, security on foot, flexibility, style, and material quality
- Last Updated: July 30, 2025
- Reviewer’s Foot Size: 26.3 cm (length) / 10 cm (width)
- Size Tested: Typically EU 42 (sometimes EU 41 or EU 43, depending on the brand)
- Width Category: Foot width: 10 cm (medium); Shoe width: Varies by brand
- Other Sizes Available: EU 35–46 (varies by brand)
⚡ Quick Note: Every sneaker on this list has been personally tested by our team.
What Are Barefoot Ballet Flats?
We usually choose ballet flats because they seem like a comfortable, go-with-everything shoe. But most traditional flats are surprisingly unfriendly to your feet – they’re often narrow, pointy, and have a small heel rise that throws off your alignment.
That’s where barefoot ballet flats come in.
Think of barefoot ballet flats as the cool, healthy cousin of traditional ballerinas. They still look sleek and minimal – but the magic is in their design:
- Wide toe box that lets your toes spread naturally
- Zero drop sole (no raised heel)
- Flexible sole that bends with your foot
- Thin sole for better ground feel
In short, they’re built on the same principles as barefoot shoes, which aim to support natural foot function and movement.
Curious why that matters? Learn more about the benefits of barefoot shoes and how they can improve posture, balance, and overall foot health.
How to Choose the Right Barefoot Ballet Flats
Ballet flats may look like the simplest shoes, but when it comes to barefoot shoes, they’re actually one of the trickiest categories to get right.
Why?
Because they’re so open and minimal, they often lack structure to help hold the foot in place. This makes it easy for your foot to slip forward, grip with your toes, or start compensating with unnatural movement – especially if the fit isn’t just right.
That’s why finding the right pair matters more than ever.
✅ Don’t settle for too narrow or too short. Although it can be more difficult to achieve a secure fit with open shoes, we always recommend choosing ballet flats that match your natural foot shape and provide enough space at the front for your toes. Your toes need space to spread – not to be squeezed in just to keep the shoe on.
👉 Take our Foot Width Quiz if you’re unsure what shape suits you best – we designed it to help you match your feet to the right brands and models.
✅ Consider barefoot Mary Janes. We’ve also included some Mary Jane-style barefoot flats in this list because they tend to be more secure thanks to the added strap. That little detail can make a big difference in how the shoe stays on your foot while walking.
✅ Explore other elegant barefoot options. If you’re still not finding flats that feel perfect, you might want to check out our posts on best barefoot dress shoes for women, barefoot shoes for weddings and special occasions, or even custom-made barefoot shoes. Sometimes a different style offers a better fit – without giving up on looks.
Our Top Picks: Best Barefoot Ballet Flats & Mary Janes
If you’ve been searching for barefoot ballet flats that actually feel as good as they look, you’re in the right place. Below you’ll find our top wide toe box ballet flats and barefoot Mary Janes – each one tested for fit, flexibility, and foot-friendliness.
Shapen
Use BOSENOGICE5 for 5% off
Models to check out: Orchid, Poppy, Tulip
Shapen offers the widest selection of barefoot ballet flats, with models ranging from minimalist everyday shoes to truly dressy styles suitable for weddings and formal occasions. If you’re after something that looks polished and feminine – but still gives your toes space – Shapen is one of the best options out there.
Our personal favorites? The Orchid and Poppy. While not traditional ballerina shapes, they pair beautifully with fancy outfits and feel incredibly light and easy to wear.
The Shapen Tulip has a classic barefoot ballerina look, making it a great option if you’re after the traditional ballerina flat style but with a foot-friendly design. It has an elastic trim that helps the shoe stay on your foot even without an ankle strap – and without forcing you to push your foot forward unnaturally.
The leather isn’t the most luxurious out there, but the materials are decent and the affordable pricing makes them very accessible compared to more premium brands.
Sizing & Fit:
- All Shapen barefoot flats are available in regular (for narrow feet) and wide (for medium and wide feet)
- Wide fit works best for medium or high volume feet
- Tulip in regular width may not hold the heel well; wide version fits more securely
- Sizing runs differently than most brands – check internal lengths carefully
- Tends to be wider in smaller sizes and narrower in larger sizes
- Most people will do best in the wide version unless their feet are narrow
- Wearing size 41 Wide with 26.3 cm length / 10 cm width feet
Curious about more barefoot models from this brand? Check out our Shapen brand review.
Jenon Leather
Use BU10 for 10% discount
Model to check out: Villet
Jenon Leather’s Villet barefoot flats are one of our favorite Mary Jane options – especially for formal occasions. They’re incredibly soft, comfortable, and feel secure thanks to the well-placed top strap. We love the classic black version for its versatility, but they also come in a wide range of colors, and even custom-made options if you want to adjust the width or pick your own leather.
If you have long toes, the toe coverage might feel a little low (hello, toe cleavage), but for most people this won’t be an issue. They also offer a more artistic J.Joplin style if you prefer something bolder and more unique.
Sizing & Fit:
- Standard shape best for medium-width feet
- Roomy above the toes (great for taller toes or more volume)
- Sizing is true to the size chart – measure and choose accordingly
- Custom-fit available: leather, color, and width can all be adjusted
- A top choice for wide feet needing customization
- Wearing size 42 with 26.3 cm length / 10 cm width feet
VIVOBAREFOOT
Use BUVIVO_20 for 20% discount
Model to check out: Asana Yin
The Asana Yin is a minimalist ballet flat made from high-quality soft leather with a flexible sole that feels great underfoot. It comes in classic black and tan – ideal for work, casual outfits, or pairing with jeans. While it’s not as formal as some Shapen styles, it’s a solid everyday option for those who want barefoot comfort with a polished look.
Unfortunately, they’re on the narrower side and didn’t work well for wider feet. The shape also has a more pronounced slope toward the pinky toe and tends to push the foot forward slightly – so it’s important to allow enough extra length when choosing your size.
Sizing & Fit:
- Best for narrow feet with a stronger slope
- Too narrow for average or wide feet
- Runs true to size, but allow extra space in front of the toes
- Foot may slide forward due to open design
Curious about more barefoot models from this brand? Check out our VIVOBAREFOOT review.
Proalp
Use BU5 for 5% discount
Model to check out: Contact B1
The Proalp Contact B1 are some of the best ballet flats for walking thanks to their secure double-strap design, premium natural materials, and durable construction. They almost feel more like a lightweight closed-toe shoe than a typical flat – making them ideal for longer days on your feet or uneven terrain.
These barefoot Mary Janes aren’t designed for formal occasions, but they’re a great everyday option – perfect with jeans or more casual outfits. The double strap design makes them feel extra secure on the feet, and the super thin sole delivers excellent ground feel. They’re made from high-quality leather, and instead of a separate insole, they have a thin layer of wool sewn into the interior, which helps reduce sweating and adds a touch of softness underfoot.
With three different width options, including extra wide, Proalp Contact B2 in Wide-Plus are some of the best flats for wide feet – and the ability to customize the leather color is a nice bonus.
Sizing & Fit:
- Available in 3 widths – including extra wide
- Great for wide feet with narrow to average heels
- Best suited for low to average foot volume
- Leather color can be customized
Be Lenka
Use BU5 for 5% discount
Model to check out: Bellissima, Sophie, Delight
Be Lenka offers a wide range of barefoot ballet flats in stylish colors – including classic black and eye-catching metallics. The Bellissima stands out with its cut-out detail on top and open sides, giving it an elegant, breezy look perfect for spring and summer. The leather feels sturdy and of good quality, and the sole has a slightly more cushioned feel than some other barefoot options.
However, the biggest drawback is the extremely narrow fit – especially around the big toe area. These barefoot flats only work for a very small percentage of foot shapes, and we’d love to see a wider version in the future.
Sizing & Fit:
- Suitable only for narrow feet with an average-width heel
- Not recommended for wide feet or narrow heels
- Fit is tapered, especially near the big toe
- Size up for length – choose at least 14 mm of extra space in front
Want to learn more? Read our full Be Lenka brand review.
Bär Shoes
Use BU10 for 10% discount
Model to check out: Elly
The Elly ballerina flats from Bär are a lovely blend of style and comfort. Made from high-quality suede leather, they feature a classic bow detail and come in both neutral tones like black and taupe as well as more playful shades like pink. The sole is thin and flexible but has a slightly cushioned feel, making them great for all-day wear.
They’re one of the few barefoot-style ballet flats available in half sizes, which makes dialing in the fit much easier. While best for narrow and medium-width feet, do keep in mind that they’re a bit shallow above the toes and have an elasticated top trim that can push the foot forward while walking – so choosing extra space is key.
Bär also offers a selection of wide toe box flats with a slight heel rise, which can be a good option if you’re looking for a more transitional style between barefoot and conventional shoes.
Sizing & Fit:
- Best for narrow and medium-width feet
- Shallower fit above the toes – extra space in front is important
- We recommend sizing up half a size
- Elastic trim may cause foot to slide forward slightly
- Available in half sizes for easier adjustment
Peerko
Use BOSENOGICE10 for 10% off
Model to check out: Petite
The Petite barefoot flats from Peerko offer a more casual, everyday barefoot option. Crafted from leather in a range of colors and textures – from classic black to soft metallics or subtle patterns – they’re easy to dress up or down. The sole is thin and flexible for all-day comfort, and the elastic trim ensures a snug fit around the ankle.
These flats are best for narrow and medium-width feet, but if you need a bit more width, sizing up can help. Like most barefoot ballet flats, they may cause your foot to slide forward slightly while walking, so it’s important to choose a size that gives you enough toe space.
For reference, I wear a size 42, though size 43 also fits securely on my 26.3 cm feet.
Sizing & Fit:
- Best for narrow and medium-width feet
- Sizing up can help gain a bit more width
- Elastic trim offers good ankle security
- Foot may slide forward – extra toe space is recommended
- Size 42 and 43 both work for 26.3 cm foot length
Want to learn more? Read our full Peerko brand review.
Softstar Shoes
Models to check out: PRIMAL Merry Jane
Softstar Shoes offers both ballet flats and barefoot Mary Janes, but we’ve only tested their PRIMAL Merry Jane – and they’re a standout choice for anyone with wide or extra wide feet. These are the widest toe box shoes on this list, giving your toes plenty of room to spread naturally.
The leather is super soft and of premium quality, and the sole offers great ground feel with just a touch of integrated padding to make walking on hard surfaces more comfortable. The only minor issue is the shallow toe box, which can cause some toe poking. A quick fix? Stuffing the shoes with socks for a bit can help stretch them, since Softstar doesn’t use traditional lasts and their shoes naturally adapt to your feet over time.
Sizing & Fit:
- Best for wide and extra wide feet
- Extremely roomy toe box
- A bit shallow above the toes – may cause toe poking
- Leather stretches with wear; can be pre-stretched with socks
- Size up if you’re at the upper end of their size chart
Clotsy
Use BU10 for 10% off
Model to check out: Aurora
Clotsy’s vegan ballet flats are a casual, minimalist option made from sustainable materials. They have a thin, flexible sole and feature two fixed criss-cross straps over the instep that help provide some hold – but they’re not secure enough for low-volume feet.
While they’re not meant for dressy occasions, they’re great for everyday wear if you’re looking for something simple, affordable, and 100% vegan. The toe box has a bit of taper at the big toe, so they’re best suited for narrow and medium-width feet.
Sizing & Fit:
- Best for narrow and medium-width feet
- Not ideal for low-volume feet – straps may not hold securely
- Fixed straps (non-adjustable)
- Slight taper at big toe – may not suit all foot shapes
Ahinsa Shoes
Use BU10 for 10% discount
Model to check out: Chic
The Chic flats from Ahinsa are elegant vegan ballet flats available in rose gold and black, making them a nice option for both casual and slightly dressier outfits. The upper is soft and flexible, but the top elastic trim is quite firm, which tends to push the foot forward during walking – so sizing up is recommended.
We also found them a bit uncomfortable around the heel, especially for sensitive Achilles tendons, due to pressure from the back edge. That said, they accommodate various foot volumes well and are best suited for medium-width feet.
Sizing & Fit:
- Best for medium-width feet
- Works with different foot volumes
- Elastic trim is strong – pushes foot forward
- Heel edge may press on Achilles
- Sizing up is recommended
FAQ: Barefoot Ballet Flats & Barefoot Mary Janes
Are there barefoot Mary Janes?
Yes, there are several barefoot Mary Janes that combine a foot-friendly shape with the classic strap-over-the-instep design. They’re a great choice if you want a more secure fit than typical ballet flats.
Three of our top tested options are the Jenon Leather Villet, which is elegant, soft, and fully customizable, the Proalp Contact B1, a casual everyday Mary Jane with excellent ground feel and a secure fit, and the Softstar PRIMAL Merry Jane, known for its ultra-wide toe box and premium leather.
These barefoot Mary Janes work well for both everyday wear and more dressed-up occasions, depending on the model.
What are the most comfortable barefoot flats for wide feet?
If you’re looking for the best ballet flats for wide feet, go for shoes with a truly wide toe box and soft, flexible materials. Some of the best flats for wide feet include:
- Softstar ballet flats (widest toe box)
- Proalp Contact B1 (available in extra wide)
- Jenon Leather Villet (customizable width and shape)
Are there barefoot vegan ballet flats?
Yes! Several brands offer barefoot vegan ballet flats made without leather or animal-based materials. Great vegan options include:
- Ahinsa Shoes Chic
- Clotsy Vegan Ballerinas
- Shapen (some models available in vegan versions)
Can I wear barefoot ballet flats for formal occasions?
Definitely. Models like Shapen Orchid or Poppy, and Jenon Leather Villet offer dressy styles that pair beautifully with formal outfits – without compromising on foot health.
Final Thoughts
Finding the perfect barefoot ballet flats can be a bit of a challenge – especially with such an open style that’s harder to keep securely on the foot. But with the right fit, enough toe space, and a sole that lets your feet move naturally, it’s absolutely possible to enjoy both comfort and elegance.
Whether you’re after wide toe box ballet flats for daily wear, a vegan option for a more sustainable choice, or a Mary Jane that stays put with every step, we hope this guide helps you find your match.
👉 Need more help choosing?
Explore our Foot Width Quiz, best barefoot dress shoes for women, or custom-made barefoot shoes to continue your search for the perfect pair.
Let your feet move the way they were meant to – without giving up on style.
