This season, there is no escaping the ballet flat. The simple, chic French girl staple that took over our shoe collections in the early aughts is appearing in TikTok feeds and on runways alike. But, thanks to Ganni, the basic ballet flat has now been given a Copenhagen-style edge with studs, buckles and bling aplenty, and it’s safe to say they’re now a fashion fan favourite. 

A staple of the brand’s Copenhagen Fashion Week show, the Ganni Buckle Ballet Flats, £295, became the centrepiece of the new collection, and they were paired with everything from metallic trousers to maxi dresses, checked co-ords and more. In fact, they proved so popular that the black shade is now almost all sold out, with white, red and snake styles slowly following suit. They’re even taking off on TikTok, with users showing off their styling of the new footwear find in videos such as this one, pairing them with wide-legs jeans and an oversized sweatshirt, and this one, completing the look with black trousers, a striped T-shirt and beige blazer. 

So, of course, they had me hooked — although the popularity of the style may mean they fly off the shelves before I can secure a pair of my own. Luckily, thanks to Ganni‘s influence, it seems buckled and studded ballet flats have been given the green light across the fashion industry, with a handful of other popular brands starting to bling up the simple shoe, as well. Keep scrolling to discover my favourite adorned ballet flat finds from Free People, Pull & Bear, Maje and more.

At Refinery29, we’re here to help you navigate this overwhelming world of stuff. All of our market picks are independently selected and curated by us. All product details reflect the price and availability at the time of publication. If you buy or click on something we link to on our site, we may earn a commission.

Ganni Red Wide Welt Buckle Ballerinas, £295

The OG buckled ballet flat is, of course, incredibly popular — so much so that getting your hands on a pair may not be an easy task. Crafted from calf leather with a pointed toe, two buckles and a slingback rear, they’re certainly an upgrade from the basic ballet flat. To break away from black, you may want to go for red, white or the snakeskin style if you’re feeling daring.

Ganni Red Wide Welt Buckle Ballerinas, $, available at GanniImage Courtesy of Ganni

Pull & Bear Ballet Flats With Studded Buckles, £35.99

Perhaps most similar to the Ganni option (yet without the luxury label price tag) is this pair from Pull & Bear. Made from faux leather, they’re slightly shiny with flat silver studs and a big ol’ buckle pulled across the toe. If you’re after the Fashion Week look on a budget, this is certainly the pair I’d be picking up.

Pull and Bear Ballet Flats With Studded Buckles, $, available at Pull and BearImage Courtesy of Pull & Bear

Free People Mystic Mary Jane Flats, £118

Free People is always a great place to find luxe-looking pieces at an affordable price point, and the brand doesn’t disappoint when it comes to striking shoes. Making a case for classic Mary Janes, this soft leather style has been instantly upgraded with rounded silver studs across both the shoe and the strap. For those tempted by the trend yet not too fond of OTT types, this could be a great place to start.

Free People Mystic Mary Jane Flats, $, available at Free PeopleImage Courtesy of Free People

Reformation Bethany Ballet Flat, £298

More like a Mary Jane, these Reformation shoes certainly look both functional and fashionable. Playing with a more classic ballet pump shape, the supple leather has a soft round-toe curve sharpened up with silver studs that sit around the outside, while an oversized buckle adds extra interest.

The Reformation Bethany Ballet Flat, $, available at The ReformationImage Courtesy of Reformation

ASOS DESIGN Legend Premium Soft Leather Cross Strap Ballet With Hardware, £75

Breaking up the sea of black, this wonderful white style is rather striking. Leaning more into the buckle trend than studs, one long wraparound strap sits across the front of the ankle, holding the shoe in place while creating a standout style.

ASOS DESIGN Legend Premium Soft Leather Cross Strap Ballet With Har, $, available at ASOSImage Courtesy of ASOS

Stradivarius Ballet Flats With Studded Straps, £35.99

While the basis of this shoe is a basic fabric ballet pump, the edge comes from two silver studded cross straps covering the top of the foot. They’re chic, simple and sit within a pretty purse-friendly budget, too.

Stradivarius Ballet Flats With Studded Straps, $, available at StradivariusImage Courtesy of Stradivarius

Maje Faby Stud-Embellished Leather Ballet Courts, £329

On the more luxury side of the trend, these Maje pumps certainly add a punk-like vibe to the basic ballet flat. With silver spikes and studs adorning the soft leather shoe, they’re incredibly stylish yet still simple in shape. Again, they’re selling out rather rapidly, so if this is the pair that catches your eye, be sure to act fast.

Maje Faby Stud-Embellished Leather Ballet Courts, $, available at SelfridgesImage Courtesy of Maje

Ganni Snake Printed Chunky Buckle Ballerinas, £295

If you’re looking to really break away from the basic ballet flat mould, this Ganni snake style is certainly a standout. Unlike like the red pair, the snake print is made from a blend of new and recycled polyester with the same silver-toned buckles sitting front and centre.

Ganni Snake Printed Chunky Buckle Ballerinas, $, available at GanniImage Courtesy of Ganni

Sam Edelman Gem Buckle Ballet Flats, £148

If you’re looking for a silver moment, this Sam Edelman pair really makes its studs the standout star. Completely covered in rounded metallic-shaded embellishments, they really are a pick for those who like to buy into bling, instantly livening up any outfit, from a simple pair of jeans to an all-black co-ord.

Sam Edelman Gem Buckle Ballet Flats, $, available at Free PeopleImage Courtesy of Sam Edelman

Like what you see? How about some more R29 goodness, right here?