High-Vamp Flats Are the Mock Turtleneck of Shoes
Ballet flats have been back on the scene for a couple of years now, but I’m finding that the more interesting styles have a higher vamp (that is, the top front part of a shoe, kind of like a shirt’s neckline but for the foot). If you adhered to a no-toe-show summer, then the modesty of the high-vamp flat will take you seamlessly into fall. I think of it as the mock turtleneck of shoes, a more elevated option that has just the right amount of coverage without being a full shoe like an Oxford or loafers. Below are some of my personal favorites — from ballerinas to fitted glove shoes to more grown-up Mary-Janes, in a range of price points — to wear right now.
New! You can now save this product for later.
Perhaps the Ur-high-vamp shoe, Martiniano’s glove shoes fit like, well, a pair of gloves made from the softest, supplest leather.
New! You can now save this product for later.
A less expensive pair from Everlane to try.
New! You can now save this product for later.
These have a v-vamp and a square-ish toe.
New! You can now save this product for later.
New! You can now save this product for later.
Some in suede.
New! You can now save this product for later.
I’m also into these more slipperlike suede ballerinas. They have a slight heel, too.
New! You can now save this product for later.
An almond-toed flat with a middle seam that adds just a bit more character.
New! You can now save this product for later.
The scrunchy trim ensures a closer fit.
New! You can now save this product for later.
I’ve had these Mansur Gavriel ballet flats for two years and they’re pretty much perfect, especially in this poppy hue that’s a magnet for compliments.
New! You can now save this product for later.
These, from the Florentine house behind Porselli, with an even higher vamp in a enticing fuchsia suede.
New! You can now save this product for later.
And another from Rome-based Ballerette. (The style-name — “high-vamp glove shoes ballet flats” — encompasses all of the key words, in case you had any doubts.)
New! You can now save this product for later.
Intrigued by these high-vamp mesh flats in chocolate.
New! You can now save this product for later.
I like the chunky wedge sole on these glove-y shoes.
New! You can now save this product for later.
These opera pumps, based on a traditional men’s tuxedo shoes, are my new favorite pair to wear with jeans and a blazer. (They remind me of these Chanel mocs that were all over influencers last year.) They’re not a ballerina per se — more like a hardy flat.
New! You can now save this product for later.
New! You can now save this product for later.
A cute shiny pair from & Other Stories.
More From The Strategist
- Hark, the Advent Calendars Arrived (Very) Early This Year
- The Best Things Strategist Editors Have Bought This Year (So Far)
- 63 Things You Should Never Buy Full Price
- The Strategist Fall 100
The Strategist is designed to surface useful, expert recommendations for things to buy across the vast e-commerce landscape. Every product is independently selected by our team of editors, whom you can read about here. We update links when possible, but note that deals can expire and all prices are subject to change.
