Men’s Ballet Flats Make Bold Debut on Red Carpets

LOS ANGELES, Feb. 24, 2025 — Men’s fashion took a daring turn at the recent SAG Awards, where ballet flats emerged as a surprising choice for red carpet footwear. Stars like Domingo and Justice Smith showcased these sleek, low-profile shoes, which contrast sharply with traditional men’s dress shoes.

The ballet flat, with its rounded vamp and almond toe, offers an alternative to the conventional oxford or loafer. Domingo’s choice of a custom Valentino pair featured a prominent bow detail that exposed his socks, breaking the conventional mold of men’s evening wear. Smith’s appearance at the Independent Spirit Awards further highlighted this emerging trend.

Under the creative direction of Alessandro Michele, brands like Valentino are reimagining men’s footwear. Michele’s selection of ballet flats signals a shift towards more varied styles for men, as designers embrace bold fabrications and creative designs. Valentino is currently marketing its Bowow Kidskin shoes, which feature a small heel of less than an inch.

The introduction of ballet flats is part of a broader trend in which designers are diversifying men’s options in formal wear. Traditional choices such as lace-up oxfords and classic ankle boots have long dominated men’s fashion, but recent seasons have seen an influx of chunky soles and unique designs from major brands.

Other notable collaborations and collections from prominent designers like Prada, Bottega Veneta, and Gucci have included updated silhouettes that bring a fresh aesthetic to male dress shoes. For example, Gucci has introduced a boot with an exaggerated toe box, while Dior offers lace-up styles with sophisticated embellishments. These variations reflect a willingness among men to experiment with their sartorial choices in more flamboyant ways.

Although this isn’t the first instance of men donning ballet flats—styles from Sandy Liang and Lemaire were spotted as early as 2023—their acceptance on significant red carpets marks a noteworthy moment in men’s fashion. The visual appeal of such footwear is set to challenge traditional perceptions and invites a re-evaluation of masculine dress codes.

With the increasing presence of ballet flats on red carpets, it seems that fashion is on the verge of a radical shift, redefining the landscape of men’s footwear options. As celebrities continue to embrace this style, more men may feel encouraged to experiment with their shoe selections, further evolving the dialogue around modern masculinity in fashion.