8 Pairs of Ballet Flats with Arch Support That Are Comfy and Stylish

Dr. Mehta recommends the Vionic Lena flat, which is designed with the company’s Vio Motion technology. According to Vionic, their technology works to provide cushioning, arch support, flexibility and stability in shoes, while correcting posture and promoting full-body alignment. What’s more, it garnered the attention of former PureWow Fashion Editor Abby Hepworth, who is a fan of the brand’s comfortable ballet flats. She says, “They’re incredibly comfortable, even after a full day of walking around the city, and the insole feels so cushy—you can really tell it’s supporting your foot. They also just look really chic and expensive, which is always a lovely bonus.” I especially love that it features a subtle square-toe upper and comes in three fits (narrow, medium and wide), guaranteeing a roomy toe-box and comfortable fit.

Fast Facts

• Best For: wide feet, high arches, flat feet
• Size Range: US 5 to 13
• Widths: 3
• Colors: 5
• Materials: leather, suede, microfiber wrapped EVA, synthetic

This popular ballet flat, made from recycled plastic, comes in a rainbow of colors—and it’s PureWow editor approved. (Trust us, we tested all their evergreen styles.) With its rounded toe and lightweight, flexible design, the shoe is a versatile addition to any wardrobe. A buttery heel backing prevents irritation from rubbing, and they’re machine washable.

I've been wearing Rothy's for years and was incredibly excited to see that the brand was evolving its footbeds. Previously, I found the insole to be rather thin. When I walked, I could feel the pavement beneath my feet. Recently, though, the brand has been rolling out updated designs in select shoe styles, and I've been walking around in them quite impressed. The Daily Flat is an upgrade on one of Rothy's pillar styles, this time with the Arch Effect insole. Rothy's promises "ultra-comfortable arch construction. Cushy enough to sink into, strong enough to support you all day." Based on the time I've spent padding around in my Rothy's, I'd say that's correct.

Fast Facts

• Best For: wide feet
• Size Range: US 5 to 13
• Widths: 1
• Colors: 9
• Materials: knit made from plastic bottles

Promising “flats that feel like sneakers,” Vivaia creates machine-washable shoes out of recycled plastic bottles. I've been wearing the pointy-toed Melia D'Orsay flats in bold leopard, though there are seven colors to choose from. The herbal foam insole provides elasticity, softness and arch support, while the heel padding is described as a “pillow” for ankles. I love both features, and have never gotten blisters.

Another draw is the moisture-wicking insole lining, made from the herb Artemisia Argyi, which the company says inhibits bacterial growth. And if you’re wondering how Vivaia vs. Rothy’s stacks up, I took both for a test drive. The verdict: They’re both great, but emphasize different features. Personally, I really like Vivaia's footbed, but Rothy's designs feel more streamlined.

Fast Facts

• Best For: flat feet, high arches
• Size Range: US 5 to 11
• Widths: 1
• Colors: 7
• Materials: knit, recycled bottles, rubber

Promising French girl sophistication, Margaux’s The Demi ballet flat is a classic style featuring a charming grosgrain strip and ultra-plush five millimeter foam insole. It’s made from a soft and luxe Italian leather and has a working cord bow that lets you customize and adjust its fit to your liking. It’s also a personal favorite of mine. This shoe comes with me everywhere, and I can wear them all day tromping around NYC and hardly be worse for wear. They’re so versatile, dressing up a casual outfit and making formalwear feel more fun.

I could go on, and I will: The color options are always fab, and the shoes are made to last—I have two pairs of Demis, including this mesh version, and in the summer wear them nearly daily. They’ve withstood it all. My favorite thing about these shoes (besides the effortless French charm) is their inclusive sizing. All shoes come in sizes 3 to 14 with medium, narrow and wide fits available.

Fast Facts

• Best For: flat feet, wide feet, small feet
• Size Range: US 3 to 14
• Widths: 3
• Colors: 12
• Materials: leather, foam

I was just turned on to the magic of a Birkenstock footbed last year when I walked nine miles in the Bend Lows right out of the box. When I discovered the sandal manufacturer also made Mary Janes, I was intrigued, because I prefer to avoid sneakers at all costs. I took the patent leather Mantovas for a spin and can confirm—the footbed is amazing, with the best arch support out of any flat I've tried. Birkenstocks basically transplants its signature cork insole into a Mary Jane silhouette. My only caution is that the shoes run in 1.5-size increments instead of straight whole sizes, and that was a little tough to navigate. I'd also opt for the suede Mary Janes ($150) over the patent leather, as the high heel counter was difficult to break in with the latter.

Fast Facts

• Best For: flat feet, wide feet, high arches
• Size Range: US 4 to 12
• Widths: regular/wide and medium/narrow
• Colors: 2
• Materials: leather, cork

I'm not the only editor who loves Vivaia. PureWow Senior Commerce Editor Stephanie Maida loves the brand's Mary Jane sneakers (which, BTW, are majorly trending right now). The Walker Pros take the classic Mary Jane silhouette and turn them into an ultra-comfy, sporty shoe. With dual arch support, extra-thick EVA foam outsoles and roomy toe box, they'll keep you on your feet all day.

"I have high arches, so finding shoes that feel like they offer enough cush in the area can be challenge," Maida says. "I love these Mary Jane sneakers. They're supportive without being heavy—in fact, they're notably lightweight—and put a light spring in my step."

“This Aldo ballet flat is my go-to for spring outfits,” says former PureWow Senior Editor Dana Dickey. “The two-tone style is so versatile, and the heavy foam padded insole is really comfy.” What’s more, it’s incredibly chic (very reminiscent of Chanel). From the classic ballerina style to the quilted material and gold hardware embellishments, Dickey and I are both obsessed with how luxe these look, and—get this—the refined shoes are under $100. Thanks to the dual-density foam and padded insoles, these flats boast a pillowy walk in every step. “They’re my go-to travel shoes because they work with dresses, shorts, jeans, everything…and I can have a full day of sightseeing without an ache. Also, the medium-deep rounded toe box design is roomy enough so that my foot has a little room to swell without chafing after a long day of walking,” Dickey adds.

Fast Facts

• Best For: bunions
• Size Range: US 5 to 11
• Widths: 1
• Colors: 4
• Materials: synthetic, rubber, foam

According to former PureWow Beauty and Cultures Editor Chelsea Candelario, Vivaia’s Margot 2.0 is *the* flat that’ll persuade skeptics into loving ballet flats. She tells me, “They’re SO comfortable. I didn’t like wearing flats for a long time, but these made me a convert. I feel like I walked all over NYC and my feet are never in pain. I also love the square-toe design that makes it different from a traditional ballet flat.” If you were wondering what the 2.0 refers to, it’s referencing a few upgrades the brand made to its original Margot style, including a heel cushion that prevents blisters, extra arch support and insole built with the utmost comfort in mind.

And, the brand has now launched a 3.0 style ($129), which is specifically designed for wide feet with a honeycomb insole that increases arch support by 10 percent versus previous designs. But there are so many more features than that to love—these shoes are antimicrobial, breathable, machine-washable and come in a more colors and patterns than I can count.

Fast Facts

• Best For: flat feet
• Size Range: US 5 to 13
• Widths: 1
• Colors: 47
• Materials: synthetic, rubber, foam