Ballet Flats (a.k.a. Dolly Shoes or Flats) are inspired by and similar to the ballet shoe. Ballet flats contain a very thin heel or the appearance of no heel at all. They sometimes feature a ribbon-like binding around the low tops of the slipper, and may have a slight gathering at the top-front of the vamp (toe box). They may even have a tiny, decorative string tie. These can be adjusted and tightened to the wearer’s foot by means of this string tie.

Ballet flats are especially popular for women of all ages. They are usually worn as a more comfortable alternative to high heels, and are suited with everything from casual to formal wear. Ballet flats pair well with everything from jeans to shorts to skirts to dresses and to leggings. They come in a wide range of styles and colors, including the popular black ballet flat. They can be either plain or contain a shoe string bow or other decoration at the upper toe part of the shoe.

A number of schools allow ballet flats as part of their uniform, and many school bands require ballet flats in black as part of their dress code during performances.