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While not suggested for all-day sightseeing, ballet flats are the perfect travel shoe to use instead of heels, they add a dressier touch to a neutral look, and use comfortably as part of your plane outfit. These are the most popular black ballet flats!
Best Black Flats for Travel
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Travel Fashion Girl help! A reader asks:
I’m looking for cute black flats that have a pointed or square toe, don’t constantly slip down off the heel, and are comfortable for city walking and sightseeing. Any suggestions? I’ve been searching on Zappos and in shoe stores, but I can’t find any pairs that have all 3 things.
A pair of womens black flats is a capsule wardrobe essential. They can be dressed up for evening dinners, or dressed down for a light sightseeing day.
In short, cute black ballet flats for women are the jeans of the shoe world (but we might argue that they go with even more).
Even better, black ballet flats are, inescapably, flat. This is good for travelers that are conscious about how much they pack. This also means that they are capable of being comfortable. Extra space in your luggage plus comfort on your feet equal a mind at ease.
With so many styles, it can be difficult to find the right pair of the best black flats for women that balances comfort and style.
Most travelers agree that three is the magic number when it comes to packing shoes. Ensure that you bring at least one pair of comfortable walking shoes for travel that you can use daily for sightseeing and use your ballet flats as a secondary pair that you can use to create a polished outfit.
Here, our readers share their recommendations for comfortable yet stylish black flats for travel.
Women’s Best Black Ballet Flats
Lucky Emmie
Lucky is one of our favorite brands because they nail California cool style. They make some amazing shoes that are timeless in style but with trendy accents to take your style up a notch.
The Emmie flat is one of the brand’s most popular black flats for work and play. The memory foam heel provides comfort, while the elastic keeps the shoe flexible for your feet. One reader says, “They are very comfortable and I can wear them all day while walking around with no discomfort. I walk a minimum of two to three miles a day, so comfort in a flat is a must for me. They look fantastic for the price!” Buy it here!
Vionic Women’s Spark Caroll Ballet Flat
Vionic Spark Caroll
Vionic is known for their insanely comfortable shoes and some of the best black ballet flats for women. For travelers looking to invest in a pair of quality shoes they can wear in the office and on the go, Vionic is the brand to consider.
The Spark Caroll Ballet Flat is a classic black ballet flat with a minimalist, chic silhouette and extreme flexibility. The sturdy rubber outsole is perfect for all-day wear while the feminine and sleek style make this shoe easy to dress up for nights out on the town. As one reviewer shared, “They’re structured enough to hold the shape and you don’t feel every pebble on the ground.” Buy it here!
TFG readers are ALWAYS recommending Vionic for comfortable shoes. Whether it’s sandals, sneakers or boots, here are their top picks!
Allbirds Tree Breezers Black Ballet Flat
Allbirds Tree Breezers
Contoured and delightfully bouncy, Allbirds is made of Brazilian sugarcane outsole called SweetFoam®, which is made with the world’s first carbon negative green EVA.
The Allbirds Tree Breezers make for some of the best black flats for walking. The round toes have it, especially for people who find that ballet shoes start to bind at the place where the seam is around the top of the foot—this gets uncomfortable when their feet swell. One wearer says, “The stretchy material is very comfortable. They’re so lightweight that they’ve become one of my preferred shoes for traveling!” Buy it here!
Rothy’s The Flat Black Ballet Flat
Rothy’s The Flat
Rothy’s is a sustainable shoe company, so their material comes from recycled plastic bottles. The final bonus is that you can literally put these loafers in the washer and clean them after use!
The Rothy’s The Flat are a reader favorite black ballet flats. They have a very supportive footbed although slightly less arch support than their sandals. One reader says, “These ballet flats are indeed, the best. The soft leather is sturdy and well crafted, the colors are ideal and stay that way, and the comfort can’t be beat – you literally forgot you’re even wearing shoes!” Buy it here!
Check out our Rothys review and find out why Travel Fashion Girl readers love this comfortable flat!
Skechers Women’s Microburst One up Ballet Flat
Skechers Microburst One Up
Skechers makes so many great travel shoes, including some of the best black flats. One reader says of Skechers flats, “They are really comfortable. I bought a pair I used for a Europe trip with lots of walking. Also, I had a sprain and they were still comfortable to wear.”
The Skechers Bikers Microburst One up is one of the best comfortable black flats, as the upper is nearly one piece of fabric made of a soft knit mesh. The Air Cooled memory foam insole keeps your feet from feeling sweaty from long days of walking, too. Buy it here!
If you want MORE of this brand, check out our post on the best Skechers for all occasions—from boots, sneakers, to sandals!
Clarks Women’s Ayla Low Ballet Flat
Clarks Ayla
We’re big fans of Clarks shoes due to their comfort and durability, so it’s no surprise that they make some of the best black flats ever. It has the ability to blend current fashion and style with comfort for all-day wear.
The Clarks Ayla ballet flat features an Ortholite footbed and cushion plus technology, so it feels like you’re walking on a cloud. The medallion on the top of the flat gives us Tory Burch vibes, while the slight heel adds extra cushioning for your heel during long walking days.
One reader says of these, “Love, love, love them. I wore them for the first time to a farmers market and then out shopping with the girls. I was on my feet almost 8 hours and these were comfortable the whole time, they didn’t rub anywhere and I had no blisters.” Buy it here!
Tory Burch Minnie Travel Ballet Flat
Tory Burch Minnie
These Tory Burch flats are the brand’s classic style of womens black ballet flats, and they are timelessly chic. The elasticized back topline helps them conform to your foot shape. Plus, they’re great for travel as the split sole and flexible construction make it easy to fold into the included shoe bag and take along with you.
One reader says, “I have a pair of Tory Burch that I like. There’s zero support so you’d need to add gel inserts,” Another adds, “I love my Tory ballet slippers!” Buy it here!
Learn why these Tory Burch flats are so wildly popular in this review!
Crocs Kadee Comfort Fashion Flat
Crocs Kadee
So many of our readers swear by Crocs flats and slip-ons for all day comfort. Many of their styles feature soft and flexible fabrics along with arch support and a cushioned heel that make it perfect for all-day walking.
The Kadee flat was designed just for that: busy days of walking! This black flat features a stretch yoga pant material upper, arch support, and a cushioned heel for comfort. You’ll feel like you’re walking on a cloud.
One reader says, “Living and working in New York City, I pound the pavement every day. These shoes feel like I’m walking on pillows. They’re truly comfortable and durable, can be worn for business and casual, and tossed in the washing machine at the end of the week.” Buy it here!
Sam Edelman Women’s Felicia Ballet Flat
Sam Edelman Felicia
Our readers swear by Sam Edelman shoes, from their booties to flats to sandals. This brand has the amazing ability of blending refined classic style with extraordinary comfort and craftsmanship. With Born shoes, you know you can wear them for long periods of time and that they’ll withstand rigorous walking and traveling.
The Sam Edelman Women’s Felicia Ballet Flat is one of the best black leather flats for travel and work. Sophistication with down-to-earth appeal mean that these shoes are made to be lived in. Whether it’s a classic revisited for a modern interpretation or a cutting edge design, Sam Edelman shoes always keep an emphasis on comfort.
One wearer says of these, “I was searching for some online and read the great reviews for these Sam Edelman Felicias and decided to take a chance on them. I’m so happy I did! I wore them all day for a graduation and even walked a half mile in them and my feet are fine!” Buy it here!
Lucky Brand Alba Pointed Toe Flat
Lucky Brand Alba
We love Lucky Brand, but most people assume they only make their classic slip-on shoe. However, they also have a ton of cute boots and comfortable black ballet flats for women.
The Alba ballet flat is a beautiful pointed toe black ballet flat. Like their more casual shoes, these offer a breathable textile lining, a slim wedge heel and flexible sole make these the most comfortable shoe in your closet.
They come in so many colors, so along with black, you can grab a pair in a pretty pink hue or animal print! Plus, they’re easy to pack, making them perfect for travel. One wearer says, “Very nice dress shoe. Buttery soft leather. I love the subtle details of the square toe and V on the top of the foot instead of it being rounded. I pair them with skinny dress pants for work, but they’d also so well with jeans.” Buy it here!
Vivaia Margot Square-Toe Flats
Vivaia Margo
Vivaia flats are made for comfort, but unlike some comfort-focused shoes, this brand keeps their shoes trendy and chic. Their flats include the ultimate cushioned comfort with arch support, as well as heel cushion to prevent blisters, and a durable yet flexible rubber outsole that you can stroll around in.
The Margo square-toe flat is one of the best simple black flats. It has a classic silhouette and timeless style you can wear for years on end. One traveler says, “These are lightweight, packable, and so comfortable, even on cobblestone streets!” Buy it here!
Dr. Scholl’s Massaging Gel Insoles
Don’t Forget About Gel Inserts!
You can create a soft and comfortable fit in many black ballet flats by adding your own padding. Whether they’re sneakers, boots, heels, or flats, add a padded insole to massively increase your comfort. Here are our readers tried and tested recommendations for supportive insoles.
Even during long promotional modeling gigs where I was required to wear high heels, I survived with specialty insoles for heels like these. For most other closed shoes, like cute black flats, I use a style like these. You can also find a large variety of insoles to meet your needs on Amazon.
Do you have a pair of black ballet flats? Tell us in the comments!
For the most recommended travel shoes, please read:
- How to Choose the Best Travel Shoes for Any Trip
- Most Cute and Comfortable Ballet Flats For Travel
- Reader’s Choice: The 40 Best Travel Shoes of All Time
- The Best Women’s Waterproof Leather Boots
- 13 Comfortable Walking Sandals that Don’t Sacrifice Style
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Can’t beat a good pair of flats! They don’t take up much room and they go with almost any outfit. Buy the most comfortable pair you can find, even if you spend a little extra. You won’t regret it!
I love your posts but it would be great to get suggestions for those of us who don’t quite fit grown-up shoes. I wear a size 3 (wide) and it is getting harder and harder to find nice adult looking shoes in small sizes.
I always travel with my Vionic flats and/or booties I have plantar fasciitis in one foot and these are the best. The booties are also great for a rainy day.
Thank you, this list is so helpful! I absolutely love the versatility of ballet flats but I didn’t know how to find good, comfortable ones I can really walk in all day. Thanks for doing the research!
We are leaving for Italy in two days. After looking through all my flat black shoes, Sam Edelman ballerina leather flats are the clear winner. I am planning to wear them on the flight, as an easy slip on, when I take the tennis shoes off, and later on the trip, when I need a dressier shoe for going out to a nice dinner.
This is so helpful, thanks!
For a recent trip to Italy I purchased the Cole Haan Women’s Cloudfeel All-Day Ballet Flat and they are perfect in every way! They have a memory foam interior and rubber grip tread so you won’t slip on wet surfaces! They are my favorite!
I’m a huge fan of Vionics for the support and stability they provide. Also, the quality of the products. I’ve had a pair of the black flats for almost 10 years now!!!
I love the Vionic flats. I’m on my second pair…they are comfortable and have good support.
These are such great suggestions. I’m going to get a pair of Skechers. I also like the Charleston Shoe Company Monterey
I use the Lucky ballet flats for travel because they take up very little space and look good for dinner over my daytime, walking shoes. I also have Croc leopard print flats that I can also use for dinners and they are great in the rain! I think the Crocs are a bit better for longer walks too.
I always look here for the latest tips before a big trip. Time to go shoe shopping!
I’ll put a plug in for the Amazon basics flats. I’ve worn them for a full day of running around.
Thanks so much for this post! I love wearing flats and finding good, sturdy black ballet flats that will last a long time has been difficult for me! I think I will get a pair from Rothy’s; I know someone else who wears them, and they recommend them as well.
I’m always looking for some great black flats so I can’t wait to check these out! Thank you!
These are all so cute!! I’m going to add a new pair of ballet flats to my wardrobe!
Very helpful list! I’m headed to Scotland for two weeks soon and have been struggling with shoe selection. Due to a recently sprained ankle, I’ll be wearing hiking boots most of the time for support. But then we are going to a wedding one day while there – but it’s on the beach in the Highlands. Hiking boots won’t work – but don’t want anything too dressy either!!
Trying to find best recommended flat to dress up pants fir nice dinner for Poland/Prague trip in early November.
I love Rothy’s but if you need arch support they really don’t have it! Wore mine all over Scotland!
I just found this blog and love it. I have a slightly different pair of Skechers black ballet flats,which I love. They have a sneaker bottom, so it is the best of both worlds! Skechers are SO comfortable!
I retired at age 62 (downsized out of my job) and decided to travel for the first time since before I had children. Since then I have visited Italy and Sicily twice, Ireland, Barcelona and Cancun.
I have looked to Travel Fashion Girl for tips on footwear, fashion, packing light, and other topics that have helped me travel with confidence to all these places. I especially love the Clarks Women’s Ayla Low Ballet Flat for walking and touring all day.
Love my Skechers black flats. Can walk in them all day. Also love crocs and Tory but for short periods of time.
I’m always on the lookout for sensible, comfortable, & stylish black shoes so this will give me a lot to check out. Thank you!
Tieks are my go-to flats for travel. They are more expensive than those on your list but they last! They’re legit the most comfortable ballet flats I’ve ever owned, come in more colors than you’ll ever need, and are the only flats I can wear without socks!
Alas, my Dexflex ballet flats and moccasins have finally worn out and there are no longer any Payless stores in Canada 🙁
I am seeing lots of cute ballet flats online that I will have to try out, but not many options for moccasins/loafers/driving shoes except super expensive Tod’s or heavily logo-ed Michael Kors and Ralph Lauren.
Can any of your readers suggest comfy, stylish, reasonably priced moccasins/driving shoes in black, navy or other neutral colour?
Hi Amanda, we do have more suggestions for flats on this roundup: https://www.travelfashiongirl.com/10-cute-and-comfortable-ballet-flats-for-travel/
Or maybe something like one of these might work for you: https://www.travelfashiongirl.com/comfortable-womens-loafers/
Hope this helps you in your search!
So helpful! This is a post that I come back to time and time again. Black ballet flats are like the LBD- always needed and just right for almost every occasion.
Everyone always needs a classic black flat. Personally I love the Hush Puppies Chaste black flats too! Super cute and pack well! They are my go to for work and dressing it up for a vacation!
Rothy’s are my go to flats, and shoes, for work, travel, life, etc!! I love them!! Their black ones are perfect additions to a wardrobe. Just a warning about them though, they don’t run true to size, especially any of their black shoes. You definitely want to size up at least a half size!!
You always make your travel clothes look so elegant and stylish. Especially with the way you accessorize. I’ve followed all of your advice on comfy shoes and clothing and use a lot of the pieces on my trip. Thanks for making it so much easier to travel!
I have read all the Travel Fashion Girl posts and have used them to purchase items for our upcoming trip to Europe this September. Solid advice on products and I like that you give a price range for the consumer. Thanks!
I’d add all birds to this list.
If people are looking for literally THE most comfortable, no break-in needed, ballet flats on a budget they should look at Payless shoe source for the dexflex ballet flats. I have them in plain black, leopard print, and metallic and through Spain, Scotland and Cuba this year they have been amazing! Under $30 !
Thanks Meghan, will check them out – sounds perfect!
I so enjoy your blog and all the great tips. And I’ve purchased several of the comfy travel items you’ve recommended. I’m wondering if you’ve ever reviewed visors or no show socks for shoes like ballet type, etc. I’m looking for a summer visor without large obnoxious logos and for low profile socks that don’t slip down. So many of the socks say no slip, but they all slip off and I end up throwing them out in some airport.
Thanks for considering
Hi Janelle, so glad you have found the blog helpful! 🥰
For no show socks, we have a range of reader recommendations here: https://www.travelfashiongirl.com/best-no-show-socks/
One brand that gets recommended all the time is Bombas. So many TFG readers and group members raved about them so Alex, TFG’s editor-in-chief, tried them out, too, and they really are worth it! Learn more in our review: https://www.travelfashiongirl.com/bombas-socks-review/
And for visors, we have a range of options on this post, they are featured towards the end of the post: https://www.travelfashiongirl.com/best-sun-hats/
Hope this helps!
I just discovered your blog and so happy I did! Helpful and informative.
I have two pairs of the Skechers.
They have quickly become my go-to shoes for outdoor summer parties.
They keep my toes protected from mud and other peoples’ feet in crowded backyards.
I just recently started wearing an Anne Klein sporty style of black flats that have taken a lot of wear, but are still great for walking around! (http://www.ebay.com/itm/ANNE-KLEIN-SPORT-WOMEN-BALLET-FLATS-SHOES-BLACK-LEATHER-SIZE-7M-/111685751961)
I haven’t yet tried Geox or Crocs, so thanks for the tips 🙂 I also like to switch up my black flats with either an animal or metallic print- I find they go with (almost) as much as black, and have more personality.
I love patterned shoes too, anything black/white usually catches my eye – good neutrals 😉
I love my Geox black ballet flats. They are very comfortable and breathe so they do not get smelly.
I’ve heard so many good things about Geox so I bought a pair of flats when I was in Rome and they really are comfortable!
I love my crocs…
Womens’s Cap Toe Flat
crocs.de/crocs-womens-cap-top-flat/12300,de_DE,pd.html?cid=81D&cgid=women-footwear-flats#start=12
They are so comfy and light.
Crocs is also a good travel shoe option!
At 270€ SJP ballet flats are somewhat over priced for me
There are many other options mostly under $100, SJP is just my personal pick 🙂
Thank you for this information! It is so difficult to find the right shoe for travel and business that look nice and are comfortable enough to wear when walking all day.
I agree that black flats are a great pick, especially in France, but sometimes I think black gets boring so I often go with a gray shoe which also pairs with everything; or even a classy metallic.
Black is definitely a great neutral but there are so many to choose from I also like leopard print as a neutral too 😉
I love leopard as a neutral
I’ve got this article bookmarked. I’m always looking for my holy grail black flats.
I just got a pair of flats from Cole Haan. I had lost my black flats at the mosque and needed new ones. I walked in and asked for the most comfortable pair of black flats they had. The ones they gave me were amazing. They didn’t need any breaking in and were travel ready immediately.
Cole Haan has an amazing selection of comfortable shoes for sure, worth the investment!