These Packable Ballet Flats Are My Travel Go-to

As a food and travel writer, I'm constantly running back and forth from meetings to events and need to look put-together from day to night. Comfortable flats are essential for this, but they must also be appropriate for nice restaurants and professional scenarios while being lightweight, comfortable, and packable.

That's a lot to expect from one pair of shoes, and I've tried everything from fashion sneakers to sandals in an attempt to reach the holy grail of looking and feeling good while doing my job. I finally found the answer in a previously unexpected place.

White Mountain Sunnyside II Ballet Flat

About a year ago, I came across the White Mountain Sunnyside II Ballet Flat on sale at Amazon. I had never previously embraced ballet flats because I was worried about their arch support and narrow toe area—I have pretty wide feet and also deal with foot pain due to plantar fasciitis. But when I saw that these came in wide options and had tons of glowing Amazon reviews, I decided to give them a try.

These shoes come in a ton of colors, from classic black to more neutral shades like bone and even a fun hot pink. I started with the black in a wide width, and wore it on a travel day, everywhere from the airport to lunch straight off the plane, all with tons of walking in between, and I discovered they were shockingly comfortable. Not only do they offer memory foam cushioning, but the flexible sole makes it easy to stash in a carry-on or even my purse. I was so hooked that within a few months, I was back on Amazon ordering them in another color.

White Mountain Sunnyside II Ballet Flat

These shoes are currently on sale at Amazon and start at just $26, depending on the size and shade you choose. Amazon shoppers love them too, saying their classic ballet flat look and slip-on style “fit perfectly” and are “cute and oh-so-comfy.” For the price, another five-star reviewer agrees: “They look great, are comfortable, [and] have good support.” 

Comfortable flats are a must for travel, and whether you choose ballet flats, Mary Janes, or loafers, there are a lot of fun styles to consider. Keep scrolling for more comfortable and packable flats to grab this season from Amazon, Nordstrom, Zappos, and more—starting at $25.

Shop More Comfortable Flats:

Quince Italian Leather Glove Ballet Flat

If you’re looking for a timeless pair of leather flats at a reasonable price, this pair from Quince is a solid pick. Non-slip rubber outsoles offer flexibility and comfort for sightseeing adventures, while Ortholite insoles provide extra padding and cushioned arch support for comfort throughout the day. Even better: Side vents make the shoes breathable—a crucial feature for long stints of walking.

Hundreds of shoppers love the flats, too, with one five-star reviewer writing, “These are my favorite pair of flats; I own them in two colors. [They’re] perfect for dressing up or down and unbeatably comfortable.”

Vionic Orinda Square-toe Flat

These packable flats offer contoured arch support and shock-absorbing cushioning for comfortable wear, with lots of flexibility and stability. “The insoles with arch support are the comfiest I have ever felt in flats and stand up to walking all day in NYC,” gushed one five-star reviewer.

Vivaia Square-toe Margot Mary Jane 

Vivaia’s popular Margot Mary Jane flat comes with an array of quiet features that optimize its comfort and longevity. Plus, it’s one of the cutest shoes we’ve seen. An adjustable instep strap provides a tailored and comfortable fit, while the recycled knit upper design offers versatility for both casual and more polished looks. It’s truly a perfect shoe that blends style and utility. 

Semwiss Pointed-toe Ballet Flat

These flats bridge the gap between casual and dress shoes, with a memory foam insole and a non-slip outsole. Traction is important, as you never know when you'll be running from meeting to event to dinner and get caught in the rain. These can stand up to that challenge and stay comfortable while doing it. “[I] loved these! [They’re] super comfortable and convenient for work travel since they fold up. Reminds me of Rothy’s!” shared one five-star reviewer.

Everlane The Day Buckle Mary Jane

If you’re looking for a minimalist ballet flat that still offers a bit of flair, grab Everlane’s The Day Buckle Mary Jane shoe. The classic flat features a stylish, adjustable buckle and comes in both leather and sleek satin finishes in a variety of classic and unexpected hues, like golden yellow, tutu pink, and robin blue.

One shopper who bought the red colorway said, “These are some of the most comfortable and attractive ‘casual' Mary Janes that can be purchased today.” They added: “The placement and adjustability of the strap make for a close fit that encases the foot for great comfort, and the flexible sole ensures that you can dance down the street if you wish.”

Madewell The Greta Ballet Flat

Ballet flats don't always give a ton of support and cushioning, but this pair comes with Cloudlift Lite padding—great for a comfortable walk even on a long, busy day. One happy shopper called them the “perfect classic” ballet flat. Another added that “they’re still my go-to travel shoe since they pack easily.”

Rothy’s The Max Square Mary Jane

We couldn’t have a list of comfy ballet flats without including Rothy’s The Max Square Mary Jane. This is a simple flat that doesn’t compromise on comfort and functionality. The upper is made of a soft, flexible knit material, with a slim, no-frills strap to keep feet secure. Comfy insoles and sculpted outsoles offer heel-to-toe cushioning and support for long stints of walking and standing. Plus, they’re machine-washable.

Heawish Floral Ballet Flat

Perfect for spring, these floral-patterned flats would look super cute at a picnic or wine tasting. But the intricate design doesn't make them any less portable, as they’re super soft, flexible, and foldable. A five-star reviewer called them a “fantastic vacation shoe,” adding: “These shoes are amazing! I bought them for a trip to Cancun, and love them. They are easily packed, lightweight, wash easily, and come in many colors.”

Jessica Simpson Mandayss Criss-cross Ankle Ballet Flat

The Mandayys shoe is a fun spin on the classic ballet flat, with soft memory foam and a slip-on style, but also offers ankle support for an added level of flair. One enthusiastic shopper proclaimed, “I got 99 problems, but this shoe ain't one,” writing that the shoes are “insanely comfortable—the smooth, satiny straps wrap securely around the ankle without choking or chafing.”

Clarks Breeze Roam Shoe

The cut-out detailing on the Breeze Roam shoe offers breathability and ventilation, while the round toe design ensures toes aren’t crammed and uncomfortable while running around. They have a mesh lining and rubber insole and come in a variety of widths for the perfect fit.

“I liked them so much that I ordered two more pairs,” shared one reviewer, while another loved the “perfect support for high arches.”

Easy Spirit Glitz 2 Shoe

The Easy Spirit Glitz 2 shoe is a casual and comfortable slip-on flat with knit fabric uppers and a round toe. The cushioned footbed offers arch support and a comfy fit. Shoppers love that these flats are “cute and very light on your feet,” perfect for long travel days.

Earth Origins Berri Sandal

Earth’s Berri Sandal is a compromise between a closed and open-toe sandal, offering a slip-on style and round toe with tons of arch support and memory foam cushioning. One reviewer who is on their feet all day said, “These sandals are amazing right out of the box. Great arch support, easy to slip on and off without Velcro or a buckle…they look high quality, and the price was great.”

Love a great deal? Sign up for our T+L Recommends newsletter and we’ll send you our favorite travel products each week.