When you are on your feet all day, comfort is just as important as fashion. If you are working in the office or running errands around town, you need foldable ballet flats to keep you in comfort and style the whole day.
Users like foldable flats for several different reasons; they are available in a variety of colors and styles, they are generally lightweight, and those ballet flats can easily fit inside your bag or briefcase.
When considering purchasing a pair (or several) of foldable flats, there are many factors you should consider, including fit, quality, and materials.
After hours of research, we came up with 7 best foldable flats in the market today. Considering all factors, the overall winner for us is the Lucky Brand Women’s Lucky Emmie Ballet Flat. These ballet flats are available in 26 different colors, comfortable to wear, and are priced right.
Related: The 7 Best Ballroom Dance Shoes in 2022 & Beyond
Best Foldable Flats
1. Lucky Brand Women’s Lucky Emmie Ballet Flat
These Lucky Brand ballet flats are iconic and make a great addition to your wardrobe. They are made from leather or fabric depending on which style you choose. These flats are offered in a variety of colors and patterns as well.
The Emmie Ballet Flat features a flexible rubber sole. This is ideal for traction on slippery or wet surfaces. (Although take note that this is not a waterproof shoe.)
The flat has a .31-inch heel that will help you stand comfortably when wearing them. The padded foam memory insert helps to give the Emmie a custom fit. This makes the flat comfortable to wear for an extended period of time. They are perfect for everyday use.
These flats from the Lucky Brand are affordably priced at $14.99, so you can buy many pairs and add various colors and patterns to your collection. They are dependable, functional, and inexpensive. The Emmie lays flat, so you can easily tuck an extra pair in your bag or pack them for a trip.
Pros
- The Emmie is available in a variety of colors and patterns for maximum wardrobe choice.
- This ballet flat comes in either leather or fabric.
- There is a small .31-inch heel to help keep you comfortable.
- These ballet flats are priced at $14.99, which makes them affordable.
- There is a padded memory foam insert that helps customize the shoe to your foot.
Cons
- This ballet flat does not fold up.
- There is virtually no arch support in this flat which can be an issue for some wearers.
- These ballet flats don’t run true to size, so use caution when ordering online.
Overall, the Lucky Brand Women’s Lucky Emmie Ballet Flat is a nice ballet flat. You are able to choose different colors and patterns, and at their price, you can add several pairs to your closet.
Although these flats do not fold up, they do lay flat, so you can keep a spare pair in your bag for use any time you need to take off your high heels for comfort.
2. Isotoner Women’s Sport Knit Foldable Slipper
The Isotoner Ballerina Slipper makes a great travel piece. It is a non-slip pair, as the sole is made of rubber. The insole is made of a moisture-wicking material so that your feet stay dry.
These flats are made of fabric and are machine washable. Be sure to let them air dry, though. The flats are foldable and come with a carrying pouch. With 3 different colors to choose from, this flat is perfect for traveling comfortably.
The Isotoner Women’s Sport Knit Foldable Travel Ballerina Slipper is priced at $19.79. They will make a great travel companion. They are also the perfect slipper for you to wear when relaxing at home or in a hotel room.
Pros
- These flats are machine washable so they can always look great.
- They are completely foldable and include a carrying pouch.
- The insole is made of moisture-wicking material to keep feet dry.
- It is available in 3 different colors.
Cons
- These slippers are not really intended to be worn as a shoe.
- The inside seam can cause irritation to the toes and does bother some users.
- Sizing for these Isotoner slippers does not run true to size.
The Isotoner Ballerina Slipper is truly more of a slipper than a shoe or flat. They are good to have on hand in your bag while traveling or to wear at home when you are relaxing.
If you are looking for a flat for daily wear while at work or out around town, this is not your flat. If you want a good house shoe for use at home, this pair will suffice.
3. Ollio Women’s Shoes Faux Suede Comfort Ballet Flat
These Ollio ballet flats are designed with your comfort in mind. They are constructed of lightweight materials and are offered in a variety of colors.
In keeping with comfort, Ollio has designed these flats with an elastic collar. This collar ensures your flat stays on your foot comfortably. There is also a pull tab on the top of the heel in the back for ease in putting them on. The heel height on these Ollio flats is 0.1 inches.
With a rounded toe and a foldable style, these flats are a great bargain at $24.99.
Pros
- These flats have a rear tab to help you pull them on comfortably.
- The Ollio flats are available in many different colors.
- The ballet flats are reasonably priced at $24.99.
- They are constructed of breathable material.
- These flats run true to size so you can order with confidence.
Cons
- The front seam around the toe area can rip over time.
- The glue that is used to attach the heel to this flat can weaken over time, and the heel can come loose.
- The elastic edge around the top of the ballet can be irritating to some wearers.
The Ollio flat is a definite contender among other foldable ballet flats. It is a stylishly designed and comfortable shoe. You can fold this flat up and tuck it into your bag or tuck away at home for easy storage. The Ollio Comfort Ballet Flat is available in many colors, and at $24.99, they are priced reasonably.
4. Yosi Samra Women’s Samara Ballet Flat
The Yosi Samra Samara Ballet Flats are an all leather and fur flat. There are a few different colors and patterns available to choose from, so you can mix and match them to your wardrobe.
These ballet flats are constructed with an insole that is 5mm thick – it has a 3 mm memory foam layer and a 2 mm antibacterial ortholite padding layer. Since feet can get sweaty in these, the antimicrobial layer is a nice touch.
These Samra ballet flats feature a rubber sole for traction and safety, and they fold flat for ease in toting them. They weigh 9 oz, so they are certainly lightweight. The Yosi Samra Women’s Samara Ballet Flats cost $44.40.
Pros
- These flats contain a 5mm insole with memory foam for comfort.
- There is an antibacterial lining to prevent odor and bacterial growth.
- The flats are available in various colors and patterns.
- They have a rubber sole for safety.
- The flats are foldable.
Cons
- The Samra ballet flats cost $44.40.
- These flats do run small, so be careful when ordering online.
- They can start to fall apart at the seams after a while.
The Yosi Samra Women’s Samara Ballet Flat seems to be just an ok flat. They are a bit more expensive than other options and brands, but they do not necessarily hold up or wear better.
These Yosi Samra Samara flats also tend to fall apart at the seams over time. The also run smaller, so you need to check the shoe size chart before ordering. Caution should be used when ordering these flats online.
5. Fit in Clouds Classic Ballet Flats
These Classic Ballet Flats by Fits in Clouds is a well-made foldable ballet flat. They are made with patent leather across the upper, which help the flat to have some give in the toe area. This helps prevent your toes from being cramped and developing blisters.
The insole of these ballet flats is cushioned, and it is constructed with a sole split design. This design allows the flat to fold in half truly. These classic ballet flats come with a pouch for portability. The outer sole is rubber and non-slip.
These Classic Ballet Flats are available in two different colors, black and nude, to accommodate a wide variety of wardrobe options. They cost $25.95.
Pros
- The patent leather upper allows the flat to have some give for comfort in the toe area.
- The sole split design allows the flat to fold in half truly.
- They have an outer rubber sole for your safety.
- They are priced nicely at $25.95.
- The Classic Ballet Flats run true to size for confidence when ordering.
Cons
- These flats are only available in 2 basic colors.
- The sole split design can make the flats seem more like a flip-flop than a shoe.
6. Silky Toes Women’s Foldable Ballet Flat
These foldable ballet flats by Silky Toes is a winner in the field of foldable flats. The flats are designed with an elastic at the heel to help keep them flat in place comfortably. They are also available in 26 different colors so that you can have a pair to match any outfit in your closet.
These ballet flats are perfect for taking with you to the office, parties, or even weddings. They are foldable and come with a little carry pouch so you can easily keep a pair in your purse or bag. They are also comfortable enough to wear for long periods of time.
There is also an option to add a matching hair bow for the pair you choose. This makes the Silky Toes Ballet Flat a great gift idea for wedding parties, office parties, and birthdays. They are priced at $9.99, so you can have any and every color you might want without breaking the bank.
Pros
- These ballet flats are priced nicely at $9.99.
- The flats come in 26 different colors to match any outfit or occasion.
- You have an option to add a matching hair bow if you would like.
- They included a carry pouch for easing in toting them with you.
- The flats have an elastic heel to help ensure the flat does not slip off.
Cons
- These shoes are sized Small, Medium, Large, and Extra Large, so it may be trickier to find the right size.
- These flats tend to run narrow, so if you have wide feet, you need to keep this in mind when ordering.
The Silky Toes Women’s Portable Foldable Ballet Flats are a clear winner. These ballet flats are offered in a myriad of colors to complement any outfit you might have at home.
They are foldable and come with an easy to tote pouch so you can always have a pair in your bag. The company also offers a matching hair bow if you are interested.
At $9.99, these classic foldable flats are a great choice. They are good for those with narrow feet, so for those who need a pair of flats for wide feet, they should try them on at the store first before ordering online.
7. Shoes 18 Women’s Foldable Ballet Flat
These foldable flats are another great option. They are made out of cotton and have a soft microfiber interior. Shoes 18 designed these shoes to be an easy slip-on flat for maximum comfort.
The company has made this classic flat in 43 different colors. This makes it possible to have the right color, no matter what outfit you are wearing. Also, since these flats are priced at $5.99, they are extremely affordable, too. It comes with a matching zippered carrying pouch.
Pros
- These classic flats come in 43 different colors for maximum style options.
- There is a matching zippered carry pouch included with the flats.
- The foldable flats are made out of cotton for breathability.
- The microfiber inner sole adds comfort.
- Shoes 18 priced these flats right at $5.99.
Cons
- There is not much arch support to these flats, which can affect some wearers.
- These flats are not intended to be worn long at the office, school, etc.
- The classic flats do run small, so keep that in mind when ordering.
Overall, the Shoes 18 Ballet Flats are a nice flat to have on hand. They come in several colors and are perfect for bringing to parties or for wearing while traveling. It’s not a shoe made of canvas, but its cotton material ensures your feet can breathe.
With the low price, it is certainly an option to have one in every color.
What to Look for Before Buying Foldable Flats
While they are not good shoes for walking on ice, foldable flats offer many advantages. They are often lightweight, comfortable, and come in many different colors and prints. You can wear these shoes without socks, too.
Foldable flats are also a nice item to have tucked into a purse or bag. You can wear them at work, at home, at weddings or parties or while traveling.
However, before purchasing a pair of these flats, there are several factors you should consider. Since there are so many brands available, it helps if you consider the style, materials, comfort, quality, size, and price when purchasing them.
Style
Style is important. There are some flats with pointed toes and others with a more rounded toe box. You should take the shape of your foot into consideration when selecting a style.
Wearing the wrong style for your foot can cause discomfort and possibly blisters. In extreme cases, a bad pair may even cause lower back pain, something that you definitely don’t want to have.
Materials
When you are considering the foldable ballet flats, consider the material as well. Some flats are made from synthetic material and some from leather. These materials can sometimes cause your feet to sweat.
Your feet may swell when they sweat. At this point, your feet will not be fitting comfortably in the flat. Some flats are designed in cotton. This is a more breathable fabric, but it may not hold up as well.
Quality
The quality of a foldable flat is another consideration when making a purchase. Durable shoes are the best purchase as they can last longer. Look at the stitching on the seams and make sure they are neat, even, and not falling apart.
You should also look at the elastic that may be around the top of the flat. Check to see that it is sewn well and won’t have rough edges that might irritate your foot.
Another point to check is the heel. Make sure it is securely attached to the flat.
Size
Not all flats are true to size. Make you know what size you should get before ordering them. You may need to go up a size, especially if half sizes are not offered.
If you need to use arch support and want or need to wear an insert, make sure that the flat you are considering purchasing has room to fit this for you. And always check the return and exchange policy too.
Price
When looking for the best foldable ballet flats, price is also a factor. Some flats are more expensive than others, but that does not mean it has better quality.
If you are looking for an inexpensive but comfortable flat to wear with different wardrobe options, then a less expensive flat can allow you to purchase more in different colors.
Frequently Asked Questions(FAQ)
Q. Can I use inserts for arch support while wearing flats?
A. If your foot tends to feel discomfort when wearing flats, you may need some arch support. Over the counter arch supports should generally help. Depending on the brand of flat you are wearing, this type of arch support should fit.
Q. Are my foldable flats washable?
A. Some brands are machine washable. This allows you to keep the flat clean and fresh and helps eliminate foot odor and bacterial growth. Be sure to read the manufacturer’s label first to be sure you can wash them and what temperature and detergent are best to use.
Q. How should I store my flats?
A. If your foldable flats come with an included carry pouch, store them in that. This way, you always have the pair together and folding them will help them retain their compact shape.
Q. How will the heel height affect my comfort level?
A. While flats will not have a high heel, they will have a little bit of height. Even the slightest bit of heel height will help take the pressure off so that you are not walking flat-footed. Slight heel height is meant to add to the wearer’s comfort.
Conclusion
Foldable ballet flats are a versatile tool in any wardrobe. They are available in many different colors and patterns to meet most wardrobe needs. They are designed in both rounded toe and pointy toe options (look somewhere else, though, if you want steel toe shoes). This allows you to fit the flat to your foot shape.
Many of them will have elastic around the heel, which helps keep the flat on for your comfort. It is a great idea to keep a pair in your bag. You can change into them if you need to be more comfortable at work, at parties, or while traveling.
Some flats have better arch support and heel height. These features will enable you to wear them for a longer time and still be comfortable.
With the number of options available in the market nowadays, our list of 7 best foldable flats will help you make the best choice. Choose from any of the ones we reviewed to make sure you find what you need.
Relative Reviews: