Despite our protestations and to the chagrin of podiatrists the world over, ballet flats have reentered the collective consciousness—and slipped onto the feet—of the fashion world. This time around, they’ve received a bit of an upgrade; while still far from orthopedically friendly, they boast an iota more support and are typically a little more structured than the positively floppy iterations of yesteryear (i.e. just over a decade ago). Many versions also borrow from their cousin Mary Jane and come with a strap across the vamp.
However the latest take on the trend sees the formerly twee footwear choice given an edgy makeover, bestowed with silver hardware in the form of studs, grommets, buckles, and spikes. Despite their statement-making appearance, hardware-heavy embellished flats are surprisingly versatile, enlivening otherwise pared-back outfits and working cohesively with equally striking ‘fits.
You’ve likely seen the somewhat viral Ganni Buckle Ballerinas gracing your feed, however there are several other viable options. If you’re keen to take the trend for a spin, these are the best studded and buckled flats to try.
1. Reformation Bethany Ballet Flat
Crafted from supple nappa leather, the classic rounded toe silhouette of the Reformation Bethany Ballet Flat is made edgy thanks to a strap with an oversized bucket detail and dainty silver studs around the topline.
Price: $465AUD
2. Charles & Keith Studded Pointed-Toe Mary Jane Flats
We’re partial to the leg-lengthening pointed toe silhouette of the Charles & Keith Studded Pointed-Toe Mary Jane Flats. The dainty straps and studded details are visually striking without being too much, allowing them to pair well with summery dresses and heavy-duty denim alike.
Price: $89AUD
3. Sam Edelman Michaela Stud Mary Jane Flats
The all-over metallic embellishments on these Sam Edelman Michaela Stud Mary Jane Flats preclude even the simplest outfits from being boring. The red version makes for a fun statement (think a contemporary take on Dorothy from the Wizard of Oz!), but they also come in black and white.
Price: $257.34AUD
4. Mango Studded Ballerinas
Adding interest to even the most pared-back black trousers, Mango’s styling has inspired us to take these studded flats for a spin during the workday.
Price: $109.95AUD
5. Pull & Bear Pull & Bear Ballet Flats
The pointed toe, oversized buckle detail and vivid red hue contribute to the statement-making prowess of these flats. We’d recommend teaming it with neutral tones to allow the red to pop.
Price: $75.99AUD
6. Alaïa Strass Lambskin Ballet Flats
For those for whom too much is never enough.
Price: $1450AUD
7. Rubi Gia Square Mary Jane Ballet
This restrained take on the style confines the hardware to the grommets on the buckled strap.
Price: $39.99AUD
8. Ganni Feminine Buckle Ballerinas
Copenhagen-based brand Ganni is largely responsible for the rise of the grommet (though they’re often erroneously referred to as studs) flats trend. The pointed toe, double strap details, oversized buckles, and slingback silhouette have curried favour with the fashion crowd, with the black iteration of the Ganni Feminine Buckle Ballerinas a staple on the Instagram feeds of stylish women the world over. You can’t go wrong with the black version, however we also like the burgundy take as the temperature down under continues to drop.
Price: $545AUD
9. Billini Jaba
The angled topline paired with the grommet and bucket details on the strap lend this elegant silhouette a hint of edge.
Price: $89.95AUD
10. Betts Verite Diamante Bling Buckled Flats
Opting for rhinestones over studs, the Betts Verite Diamante Bling Buckled Flats take on a more coquettish tone than their grommeted or studded counterparts.
Price: $119.99AUD
Words by Arabella Johnson
