High-Vamp Flats Are the Mock Turtleneck of Shoes

By,a senior writer at the Strategist covering home and parenting.She joined the Strategist as a writer in 2018. Previously, she was an associate editor at Curbed.
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Photo-Illustration: The Strategist; Photos: Retailers

Ballet flatshave 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 ano-toe-show summer, then the modesty of the high-vamp flat will take you seamlessly intofall. 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.

Martiniano Glove Shoes
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Perhaps the Ur-high-vamp shoe, Martiniano’s glove shoes fit like, well, a pair of gloves made from the softest, supplest leather.

Everlane the Day Glove
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Everlane the Day Glove

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A less expensive pair from Everlane to try.

Madewell The Mylie Ballet Flat
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These have a v-vamp and a square-ish toe.

Sam Edelman Kasey Flat
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I like the block heel on this one.

Steve Madden Leni Ballet Flat
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Cos Suede Heeled Ballerinas
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I’m also into these more slipperlike suede ballerinas. They have a slight heel, too.

& Other Stories Almond-Toe Ballerina Flats
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An almond-toed flat with a middle seam that adds just a bit more character.

Le Monde Béryl Mica Flat Fawn Leather
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The scrunchy trim ensures a closer fit.

Mansur Gavriel Dream Ballerina
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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.

Spelta Milano Ballet Flats High Vamp Slipper
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These, from the Florentine house behind Porselli, with an even higher vamp in a enticing fuchsia suede.

Ballerette Black Leather High-Vamp “Glove Shoes” Ballet Flats
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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.)

Loeffler Randall Landon Chocolate Mesh Ballet Flat
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Intrigued by these high-vamp mesh flats in chocolate.

Hopp Studios Io Slipper
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I like the chunky wedge sole on these glove-y shoes.

Suzanne Rae Opera Pump
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Photo: Retailer

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 theseChanel mocsthat were all over influencers last year.) They’re not a ballerina per se — more like a hardy flat.

Soeur Capri Shoes
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An unembellished, non-patent version from Soeur.

& Other Stories Buckled Leather Ballerinas
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A cute shiny pair from & Other Stories.

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