The Best Ballet Pumps

Assigned to the style wilderness since the mid-noughties, the humble ballet pump is now firmly back as everyone’s favourite footwear go-to. From its emergence in the 1940s as a dance shoe reimagined for everyday wear, to being adopted by style icons such as Brigette Bardot and Audrey Hepburn, ballet pumps have a rich style heritage.

Ballet pumps were traditionally black or pink but are now available in a rainbow of colours from neutrals to brights, with the trademark bow often in a contrasting colour. Look out for flat shoes featuring fashion-forward details such as studs, mesh or metal hardware to bring the trend into 2024 territory. Ballet flats are perfect for wearing to work or for weekend wear, whether teamed with your favourite jeans or something a little more dressed up.

You can’t have failed to notice that Mary Jane-style ballet flats have become the must-have footwear style of 2024, appearing everywhere from the catwalk to influencers’ must-have hauls. This elevated take on the classic shoe has the addition of an iconic Mary Jane-style strap, often in velvet or a bold pop of colour. This shimmering gold pair is one of our favourites and will take you from parties to dressed-up brunches, adding impact to pretty much any outfit. We also like these suede studded ballet pumps that are available in black or tan.