Ballet flats are light women's flat shoes with a thin flexible sole, a rounded toe and a low-cut top, inspired by ballerinas' soft ballet shoes (not pointe shoes). The modern rubber-soled ballet flat emerged in the mid-20th century (Claire McCardell with Salvatore Capezio; Rose Repetto, 1947) and was brought into fashion by Brigitte Bardot, and the style icon Audrey Hepburn made it a symbol of effortless, refined elegance. Ballet flats combine femininity with maximum comfort: you can walk in them all day without tiring, and they look graceful and neat. They go beautifully with dresses, jeans and trousers, giving a look lightness and French charm. Classically they are made of leather, suede or textile, often with a bow at the toe. Ballet flats are a timeless staple of the women's wardrobe and the ideal alternative to heels, when beauty need not cost comfort.
