I’ve been in love with Chanel’s classic cap-toe ballet flats for YEARS, and that love has put me on a years-long hunt for Chanel flats dupes. While I definitely love to add classic and high-quality investment pieces to my wardrobe, I’m just not at the point where I can spend $1000 on a pair of ballet flats. Let’s be real – I’m not sure if I’ll ever be at the point where I’m spending $1000 on a pair of shoes!

But I haven’t been able to get the look of the classic tan and black cap-toe flat out of my head. I’m obsessed with all the ways I could style them. And yet, finding a Chanel flats dupe has been a challenge.

I wrote the original version of this post over two years ago, and at the time, I ordered (and still personally own) the Rothy flats (#1 on the list above) and the French Sole Index (#6 on the list above) and while I am very happy with them (especially the Rothys, because they give me the look in a very errand-running-friendly format). The French sole are pretty good, but lately I’m craving a more almond toe, rather than the rounded toe. So the search for a Chanel ballet flats dupe continues.

While working on my updated list of Chanel style ballet flats, I found a LOT of strong contenders. When I’m looking for a Chanel flats dupe, I will agonize over every tiny detail and obsessively compare every single option I can find before making a decision to add something to my wardrobe. If you’re into deep-dives on what makes a dupe worth it and which Chanel flats dupes I have my eye on for 2025…this one’s for you.

What I’m looking for in Chanel flats dupes

First, let’s talk about the OG Chanel ballet flats, with a breakdown of what I’m looking for when I shop Chanel style ballet flats. It’s a classic for a reason, but let’s break down what makes it so special. These are the criteria I’m holding shoes to when I shop for Chanel inspired flats.

1. The toe shape

This is the first thing I notice about this shoe, and it’s the hardest thing to get right in a Chanel ballet flats dupe. It’s a classic almond-toe shape, not too round. It’s actually a bit longer and narrow that most ballet flats on the market, which makes it look more classic and less trendy, as well as elongating.

2. The color combo

Chanel actually makes this ballet flat in many colors, but I am after the classic beige and black version. Shiny black toe caps will not do. This color combo – a neutral with a black toe – is an important part of the elongating, elegant effect of the Chanel flat.

3. A relatively high vamp

But not too high (because too high would be trendy.) You will not see toe cleavage while wearing a Chanel ballet flat (so this is a key component of finding a good Chanel flats dupes.)

4. Bow placement

It’s clear that the bow has no function, but it’s still placed in a logical spot on the OG Chanel ballet flat. Bows give the shoe that authentic ballerina touch (even though ballerinas tuck in or cut the bows on real ballet shoes.) Both the presence and the placement of the bow are important.

5. The double-C Chanel logo

Look, we’re not going to get this detail in any (ethical) Chanel flats dupe. While this is an important luxurious detail to owning a legit pair of Chanel ballerinas, I do not want any shoe that attempts to copy this element, because that would feel like too much of a direct copy-paste and feel a little cheap (so not chic!)

8 Chanel style ballet flats for your consideration

OK, now let’s get to the good stuff: eight of my picks for adding Chanel inspired ballet flats to your wardrobe.

1. Rothy’s The Square: I have owned these shoes for about two and a half years now (read the full review here), and they are really good! I love the toe, the color, and I have done some serious walking in these. They wash amazingly and still look new after being one of my go-to shoes for getting out the door fast, walking the dog, or days where I need to walk miles but still want to look cute. They definitely get the vamp-height right and are almost an almond toe. However, they are a decidedly more casual Chanel flats dupe. They’re not leather, and have a stripe detail on the back of the heel.

2. A. Solani Como: These are a top contender to add to my wardrobe soon. The toe looks right – a nice, elongated almond with a higher vamp. Maybe it’s too long? And while the beige/black and honey/black are both quite nice, neither is quite as pale as the Chanel beige. If I’m being picky, the bow on these Chanel inspired flats is a little large.

3. Tory Burch Cap Toe Ballet Flat: Ooh, the toe looks great on these! However, the leather is more than than beige and (personal nit-pick about Tory Burch shoes) I hate the charm attached to the bow. I know, I know, that’s pretty picky. Otherwise, they look like a very good option!

4. Margaux Demi: When I first wrote this blog, these were the exact Chanel flats dupes I was looking for! The toe, the color…it all looks like exactly what I want to wear. The only catch is I own the Margaux Demi in black, but I have always felt like I got the sizing a bit off, because somehow they feel both a little tight and like they’re about to fall off. If I can find the right size, these might be the Chanel style flats for me. Margaux also makes these in a Mary Jane style and they are SO CUTE. A definite deviation from Chanel flats dupe territory, but I love them as well.

5. Sam Edelman Marley: These are lovely budget-friendly Chanel inspired ballet flats. The toe, the bow, and the color are all there! The toe cap is fabric rather than leather, but they still retain the classic look of Chanel style flats. (I did notice that these also have a charm attached to the bow, if that bothers you!)

6. French Sole Index – A classic version of the beige leather with black cap toe combo I looking for in Chanel inspired flats. I personally own this shoe and have worn it for years. The quality is lovely; it’s held up beautifully through multiple wears. However, now that I’ve lived with it for a while, I’ve been craving a switch to something that looks more like the Chanel style ballet flats when it comes to the beige-colored leather and toe shape. In comparison, this shoe is missing that tannish-tinge to the leather and the toe feels a bit truncated (I am dead set on that longer almond toe!)

7. Quince Italian Leather Cap-Toe Ballet Flat: These are the most budget-friendly Chanel flats dupes on the list, and they also happen to be one of the best-looking. They’re a little more tan while the Chanel version is a creamier beige, but the toe, vamp, and bow all look good. I’m very curious as to how these look in person (I love Quince’s cashmere and sweaters but haven’t had great luck with their shoes.) These are constantly sold out, so I’m on the waitlist and will report back if I try them!

8. French Sole Passport – I love the classic cream-and-black combination and the quilted leather is another Chanel-adjacent detail. I’m personally so attached to the smooth leather and the bow that this isn’t my personal pick. But if you like the quilted leather detail and want something that isn’t quite so literally a ballerina-style shoe, this is a great pick!

Thanks for checking out my Chanel inspired flats roundup!

I hope you find something you like on the list. If you enjoyed this post and want to follow along with my wardrobe musings, style picks, skincare and makeup recommendations, and more, follow me on Instagram or subscribe to my Substack.