In 2026, This Specific Detail Will Be What Keeps Ballet Flats From Looking Dated

By Swedan MargenDecember 9, 2025

Ballet flats have been flying high for quite a few years now, with the variety of styles being the key to their continued success. You can't sit still in a volatile market like the shoe industry in modern times. Brands need to always be offering something new and fresh, and thus far, when it comes to ballet flats, they have. Standard ballet flats kicked it off, before suede and patent leather iterations popped up to switch things up. Then, Mary-Janes arrived, followed by almond-toe flats and high-vamp styles. Whenever the silhouette approaches any sort of risk of falling off our radar, a newer take revives it just in time. And in 2026, that sartorial hit of energy is coming from woven ballet flats, just like the ones Maya Hawke was recently spotted wearing in NYC.

NEW YORK, NY - DECEMBER 08: Maya Hawke is seen at the movie set of 'One Night Only' on December 08, 2025 in New York City.

The Stranger Things star was seen multiple times in the city this week as she is currently shooting a new film, called One Night Only. (Whether or not the movie is the same as another of the same title, starring Callum Turner and Monica Barbaro, is yet to be confirmed. With her brown, shiny-leather, woven Mary-Jane flats, the actress wore navy blue sweatpants and a black sweater. She also layered a pair of black socks underneath her shoes for added warmth in the winter chill.

Much like an Intrecciato handbag by Bottega Veneta, woven details make all the difference when it comes to making a simple shape or style feel elevated and intentional. They create a crafted look that feels one of a kind and special, instantly becoming the star of every look. Because of that, they're more than capable of prolonging ballet flats' reign of dominance in the footwear world, ensuring that your favorite comfortable shoe trend doesn't reach "dated" status in 2026.

Shop the style below.