Are Ballet Flats Really the “IT” Shoe of Spring/Summer 2025?

Simple, stylish, yet subversive.

3/22/20253 min read

Ballet flats are back—again. But this time, they’re not just for dainty, hyper-feminine looks. In 2025’s street style landscape, ballet flats are getting the subversive treatment, pairing with oversized tailoring, baggy jeans, and deconstructed layers. The rise of quiet luxury might have nudged them back into the conversation, but it’s the underground, DIY stylists and off-duty models who are giving them new life.

From The Row’s ultra-minimalist leather iterations to Miu Miu’s intentionally worn-in styles, ballet flats are proving their versatility. They’re slipping into streetwear rotations, balancing out statement outerwear and sporty silhouettes. Think bomber jackets with scrunched-up socks and ballet flats, or wide-leg cargos meeting sleek, patent leather pairs. The contrast? Perfect.

What’s making them stick this time? Comfort, nostalgia, and the realization there’s more to life than overtly chunky sneaker hauls. The sporty shoe-fatigue era is setting in, and ballet flats are the antidote—easy to wear, deceptively chic, and just a little rebellious when paired unexpectedly. Whether it’s Mary-Kate Olsen’s downtown aesthetic or TikTok’s latest take on indie sleaze 2.0, ballet flats are shaping up to be the shoe of the moment. Street style loves an unexpected revival, and this one is here to stay.