Barefoot ballet flats: a comparison test of 2023 models

Barefoot ballet flats need to fit properly for you to enjoy wearing them and feel comfortable. We tested every 2023 model and described them in detail. Now it’s just a matter of choosing.

Ballet flats are one of the most popular types of women’s shoes. They’re elegant, timeless, and you can wear them for most of the year. In the winter months, they’re also great as indoor shoes for changing into at the office, for example. They come in a range of styles and colours, and there are plenty of materials to choose from too.

The weak point of ballet flats is their cut. The shoes have to fit your foot perfectly so they don’t slip off—or even rub you in certain places. They’re most often open over the instep, so there’s nothing to really hold your foot in place. Finding your perfectly fitting barefoot ballet flats can feel harder than it looks at first glance. Many customers have even given up the hunt for their dream pair.

We decided to get to the bottom of this tricky ballet-flat challenge. We put our heads (or rather, our ballet flats) together and prepared a unique comparison test of all barefoot ballet flats you can choose from in our shop. Take a closer look at each brand and model and find your favourites.

How did we test the ballet flats?

All models were personally tried on by Lucka, who is responsible for managing the e-shop at naBOSo. You can see how each model fitted her in the photos and read her notes in the descriptions.

Lucka’s foot measurements

Right foot length: 240 mm

Left foot length: 242 mm

Width: right and left foot 100 mm

Foot type: descending toes, slightly dominant big toes, average heel, higher instep

Tested models

ANGLES NOMIA

• suitable for average and slightly wider feet
• the toe box is roomy with plenty of space for your toes
• made in Portugal from high-quality Italian leather
• a simple, elegant cut that works for the office and the theatre

Lucka tested size 39

• size 38 is too small for me, size 39 is too big
• the toe box is beautifully wide and doesn’t pinch anywhere
• the leather is a bit stiff on first wear

If you need a narrower fit, try the ANGLES ANTIOPA model.

ANGLES RHEIA

• suitable for average and slightly wider feet and a medium instep
• made in Portugal from high-quality Italian leather
• an elasticated instep strap helps keep the shoe securely on your foot
• an elegant cut that works for the city and for dressier occasions

Lucka tested size 39

• they’re a little big on me, but the strap keeps them on my foot
• ideal toe shape
• the flats are a bit stiff on first wear

GROUNDIES LILY

• ballet flats from the German brand Groundies in soft pastel colours
• flexible sole and upper material
• soft smooth or suede leather is incredibly comfortable and pleasant to the touch
• they fit medium-width feet
• thanks to the removable insole you can adjust the amount of space inside the shoe

Lucka tested size 38

• the sole is beautifully flexible
• they’re a bit short for me lengthwise; I’d appreciate a bit more allowance
• when walking, they gape in the middle of my foot
• the toe shape is ideal and doesn’t pinch anywhere

XERO SHOES PHOENIX KNIT

• suited to average and slightly wider feet

• around the edge of the flat there’s an elastic trim, which hugs the foot and adapts over the toes and across the instep
• inside the shoe there’s a removable insole –⁠ if you remove it, there’s more space inside
• they’re very flexible, soft –⁠ made from a textile knit

Lucka tested size 38

• they fit me well without the insole
• the knit pulls my toes slightly together
• I’d appreciate more space in the toe area

XERO SHOES PHOENIX LEATHER

• very flexible in the toe area and stiffer under the heel
• a combination of smooth leather and raised 3D leather
• suited to average feet
• removable insole

Lucka tested size 38

• they’re too small with the insole
• without the insole the length is fine, but they’re looser at the heel – they slip off
• I don’t have enough space for my toes
• the leather feels stiffer to me

AYLLA BAREFOOT BALERÍNY

• elegant flats in smooth or suede leather in various colours
• the elastic around the edge keeps the shoe on your foot
• the sole is made from 4 mm thermoplastic rubber
• they fit medium to wider feet
• they’re wide in the toe area and narrower at the heel

Lucka tested size 38

• my big toe touches the front; I need a bit more allowance
• they gape a little when walking, but thanks to the elastic they don’t fall off
• the anti-allergenic lining feels nice to the touch

SALTIC ARWEN

• a wider fit for ballet flats – lots of space for toes
• leather or vegan version
• thanks to the elastic straps over the instep, you can adjust the fit to your foot
• they’re suitable even for more demanding terrain
• they’re very flexible
• there’s a rubber toe bumper around the big toe area

Lucka tested size 38

• I have comfortable space for my toes, including allowance
• thanks to the elastic straps over the instep, I can adjust them exactly as I need
• they’re a bit wider than I need

LEGUANO STYLE

• suited to average and narrower feet
• very comfortable patented leguano sole
• very flexible –⁠ the material is adaptable and breathable
• thanks to the bow, the flats can be adjusted nicely on the foot
• you can wash them in the washing machine –⁠ easy to care for
• with leguano, choose one size up from your usual size

Lucka tested size 39

• they fit well if I tighten the bow
• I have less space in the toe area
• my big toe touches the front even in size 39

LEGUANO LADY LOOP

• suited to average and narrower feet
• suitable even for a dominant big toe
• comfortable patented leguano sole
• very flexible –⁠ the material is adaptable and breathable
• you can wash them in the washing machine – easy to care for
• the metal decoration at the front of the shoe can be removed
• with leguano, choose one size up from your usual size

Lucka tested size 39

• I have less space for my toes
• pleasant knit
• they’re among the few that don’t slip off my feet, even without an instep strap

LEGUANO BALLERINA

• comfortable patented leguano sole
• very flexible – the material is adaptable and breathable
• no unnecessary seams
• sizes XS–XL (each size covers two EU sizes 36–37, …)
• you can wash them in the washing machine – easy to care for

Lucka tested size S

• comfortable and flexible
• the sizing doesn’t suit me – size S is small, size M is big

Step out in your new ballet flats

With ballet flats, more than with any other shoes, the rule is: “try, try, try”. If one pair doesn’t feel quite right, don’t give up—try the same size in a different pair. Many ballet flats are handmade, and with these shoes, when it comes to comfort, it really is down to millimetres.

If you still feel your flats slip off when you walk, try models with a strap over the instep or around the ankle. This type might suit you best.

If you’re looking for classic dressy ballet flats, just in a comfortable barefoot version, try one of the timeless models from ANGLES.

Ballet flats from GROUNDIES are popular not only for their great price, but also for their cut, which fits the foot beautifully. With six lovely colours to choose from, you’re sure to find your match.

For those who love a close connection to the ground and experienced barefoot wearers, we can recommend models from XERO SHOES or LEGUANO.

If you want to be 100% sure about your choice, visit one of our naBOSo shops and let our trained staff show you all the ballet flats. Then you can take your time choosing and trying them on for as long as you like, until you’re truly sure you’ve found the right pair for you.

Where will your next steps take you?

• Got a wedding coming up? You can spend your big day in barefoot shoes too. And we’ll advise you on how to choose them
• How to care for leather barefoot shoes properly
• Barefoot and elegant. It’s time for barefoot ballet flats