A New Day Ballet Flats

Discovering comfort, style, and affordability in Target’s signature ballet flat collection

I’ll be honest with you – I never thought I’d become the type of person who gets genuinely excited about ballet flats. But here I am, after months of wearing and testing A New Day Ballet Flats, ready to share everything I’ve learned about what might just be the most underrated shoe in your local Target store.

My journey with these flats began out of pure desperation. I was standing in Target at 8 PM on a Sunday, having just realized that my go-to work shoes had finally given up after two years of faithful service. I needed something comfortable, professional-looking, and budget-friendly – basically, a miracle shoe. That’s when I spotted the A New Day Ballet Flats display, and my life honestly hasn’t been the same since.

What Exactly Are A New Day Ballet Flats?

Let me start with the basics. A New Day Ballet Flats are Target’s private label ballet flats, part of their A New Day women’s clothing and accessories line. These aren’t trying to be luxury shoes, and they’re not pretending to be something they’re not. They’re honest, straightforward ballet flats designed for real women living real lives who need shoes that actually work.

What sets them apart from the generic flats you might find elsewhere is the attention to detail despite the affordable price point. The brand focuses on creating versatile pieces that can transition from casual weekend wear to office-appropriate attire, and these flats embody that philosophy perfectly.

I’ve owned probably fifteen pairs of ballet flats over the years from various brands – some expensive, some cheap, some that promised the world and delivered blisters. A New Day Ballet Flats fall into that sweet spot where you’re getting genuine quality without the markup that comes with designer labels.

Where to Find Your Perfect Pair

The beauty of A New Day Ballet Flats lies partly in their accessibility. Since they’re Target’s house brand, you’ll find them exclusively at Target stores and on Target’s website. This might seem limiting at first, but I’ve actually found it refreshing. There’s no hunting around different retailers, comparing prices, or wondering if you’re getting a genuine product.

I’ve shopped for these flats both in-store and online, and each has its advantages. Shopping in-store allows you to feel the materials and try on different sizes, which I highly recommend for your first pair. The Target app also has a handy feature where you can check if your size is in stock at your local store before making the trip.

Online shopping gives you access to the full color range and sometimes exclusive online-only styles. Plus, Target’s return policy is incredibly generous – you have 90 days to return shoes, even if you’ve worn them, as long as you have your receipt.

One thing I’ve learned is that A New Day Ballet Flats tend to sell out quickly in popular sizes and colors, especially during back-to-school season and the holidays. If you find a pair you love, don’t hesitate too long.

The Price Point That Makes Sense

Let’s talk money, because this is where A New Day Ballet Flats really shine. Most pairs retail between $15 and $25, depending on the style and materials. Compare that to similar flats from other brands that can easily cost $50 to $100 or more, and you start to understand why these have become my go-to recommendation for friends and family.

But here’s what I’ve discovered about the pricing – it’s not just about being cheap. The value proposition is genuinely impressive. I’ve had pairs of these flats last me over a year with regular wear, which works out to pennies per wear. My most expensive ballet flats, on the other hand, developed holes after six months of office wear.

The seasonal sales make them even more attractive. I’ve snagged pairs for as low as $10 during Target’s clearance events. My advice? Buy multiple pairs in your favorite styles when they’re on sale. Trust me, you’ll thank yourself later when you inevitably wear out your first pair and find that your preferred color is sold out.

Materials and Construction: What You’re Actually Getting

I’m not going to lie and tell you these are handcrafted Italian leather masterpieces. But what I will tell you is that the materials used in A New Day Ballet Flats are surprisingly thoughtful for the price point.

Most styles feature synthetic leather uppers that actually look and feel remarkably close to genuine leather. The texture has improved significantly over the years – my newest pairs feel much more supple and natural than the ones I bought two years ago. The synthetic material also means easier care and, for those who prefer it, a vegan-friendly option.

The construction is where I’ve been most impressed. The seaming is clean and consistent, and I haven’t experienced any of the separation issues that plagued cheaper flats I’ve owned in the past. The toe boxes are reinforced without being bulky, and the heel counters provide just enough structure to prevent that dreaded heel slippage.

The soles are typically rubber or rubber composite, providing decent traction on most surfaces. They’re not miracle non-slip soles, but they’re perfectly adequate for normal office and casual wear. I’ve worn them on wet pavement without any scary slipping incidents.

The Comfort Factor: All-Day Wearability

This is probably the most important section for most of you reading this, because what good is an affordable, cute shoe if it leaves your feet screaming by lunchtime?

I can honestly say that A New Day Ballet Flats are among the most comfortable flats I’ve ever worn right out of the box. There’s minimal break-in period required – I’ve worn new pairs for full workdays without developing blisters or pressure points.

The secret seems to be in the footbed design. While they don’t have the cushioning of athletic shoes, they do feature a lightly padded insole that provides just enough support for all-day wear. The arch support is minimal, so if you have high arches or specific foot issues, you might want to add your own insoles.

I’ve worn these flats for 10-hour workdays, weekend shopping trips, and even light sightseeing while traveling. My feet definitely feel tired by the end of very long days, but I don’t experience the sharp pain or hot spots that I’ve gotten with other flat shoes.

One thing to note – if you’re used to wearing heels or very supportive athletic shoes exclusively, there might be a brief adjustment period as your feet get used to the minimal heel height and different support structure.

Sizing and Fit Considerations

Getting the right size in A New Day Ballet Flats is crucial for comfort, and I’ve learned some tricks through trial and error. Generally speaking, they run true to size, but there are some nuances worth discussing.

For width, most styles are designed for average-width feet. If you have particularly narrow feet, you might find them a bit loose, especially after they break in slightly. Conversely, if you have wide feet, you might feel a bit cramped, particularly across the toe box.

I’ve found that the pointed-toe styles run slightly smaller than the round-toe versions, so you might want to size up a half size in those. The slip-on styles also tend to stretch a bit with wear, so starting with a snug fit isn’t necessarily a bad thing.

Target has been expanding their wide-width options in recent years, though the selection is still more limited than their regular width offerings. If you need wide sizes, I’d recommend checking online, as they typically have more wide-width options available there than in stores.

Color Options That Actually Matter

One of the things I love most about A New Day Ballet Flats is the color range. Unlike some brands that seem to think women only want black, brown, and navy, A New Day offers colors that reflect how we actually want to dress.

The classics are always available – black, cognac brown, and navy remain staples. But they also offer seasonal colors that let you inject some personality into your wardrobe. I’ve collected pairs in blush pink, emerald green, burgundy, and even a gorgeous dusty blue that I get compliments on regularly.

The neutral colors are particularly well done. Their nude/tan shades actually work on a variety of skin tones, and their gray options range from light dove gray to charcoal. These neutrals have become my workhorses – they pair with almost everything in my closet.

Seasonal colors typically arrive in spring and fall, with bolder options appearing in summer. I’ve learned to grab interesting colors when I see them, because they don’t always come back the following year.

Style Variations: Finding Your Perfect Shape

A New Day Ballet Flats come in several different silhouettes, and finding the right one for your foot shape and style preferences can make all the difference.

The classic round-toe ballet flat is probably their most popular style, and for good reason. It’s universally flattering, comfortable for most foot shapes, and works with virtually any outfit. This is the style I recommend for first-time buyers.

The pointed-toe versions offer a more sophisticated look that works particularly well in professional settings. They elongate the leg line and look great with both pants and skirts. However, they can be less comfortable if you have wider feet or prominent bunions.

Some seasons feature square-toe options, which offer a modern, fashion-forward look while providing more toe room than the pointed styles. These have become increasingly popular and are a great middle ground between comfort and trendiness.

There are also occasional embellished versions – think subtle studs, small bows, or textured materials. These add visual interest without being overwhelming and can elevate a simple outfit.

The Comfort Technology Behind the Scenes

While A New Day Ballet Flats don’t advertise fancy comfort technology like some athletic shoe brands, they do incorporate several thoughtful design elements that contribute to their wearability.

The insoles feature a slight arch contour and heel cupping that provides basic support. The padding is firm enough to provide structure but soft enough to cushion your feet during long wear periods. It’s not memory foam, but it’s definitely more supportive than the flat, hard insoles you’ll find in many budget flats.

The interior lining is typically a smooth synthetic material that prevents friction and hot spots. I’ve never experienced the kind of rubbing and chafing that used to plague me with other inexpensive flats.

The toe box construction deserves special mention. It’s roomy enough to prevent cramping but structured enough to maintain the shoe’s shape. This balance is harder to achieve than you might think, and A New Day has nailed it.

Performance in Real-World Conditions

I believe in testing shoes in real-world conditions, not just walking around the store for five minutes. So let me tell you how A New Day Ballet Flats have performed in my actual life.

For work wear, they’re fantastic. I spend a lot of time on my feet in the office, walking between meetings, and standing during presentations. These flats provide enough support for professional demands without sacrificing style. They look polished enough for client meetings and comfortable enough for long days.

I’ve also worn them while traveling, and they’ve become my go-to airport shoe. They slip off easily for security lines, they’re comfortable for long walks through terminals, and they pack flat in suitcases. Plus, if something happens to them while traveling, I’m not out a significant investment.

For casual weekend wear, they work beautifully with jeans, casual dresses, and leggings. They strike that perfect balance between put-together and relaxed that makes them appropriate for everything from grocery shopping to casual brunches.

Styling Versatility: From Desk to Dinner

One of the reasons I keep repurchasing A New Day Ballet Flats is their incredible versatility. These shoes work with an impressive range of outfits and occasions.

For professional settings, they pair beautifully with tailored pants, pencil skirts, and shift dresses. The clean lines and classic silhouette read as appropriate and polished without being boring. I particularly love them with cropped pants, where they create a clean, modern look.

With casual outfits, they elevate simple pieces like jeans and t-shirts without looking overdressed. They work with both skinny jeans and wider-leg styles, and they’re perfect with casual dresses and skirts.

For dressier occasions, while they’re not formal shoes per se, they can work for casual date nights, family gatherings, and other semi-dressy events. The key is choosing the right color and pairing them with appropriately styled outfits.

Maintenance and Care: Keeping Them Looking Good

Taking care of A New Day Ballet Flats is refreshingly simple, which is another point in their favor for busy lifestyles.

For the synthetic leather styles, regular cleaning with a damp cloth removes most dirt and scuffs. For deeper cleaning, I use a mild soap solution and a soft brush. They dry quickly and don’t require special conditioning like genuine leather might.

I’ve found that using a protective spray designed for synthetic materials helps them repel water and stains. This is particularly useful if you plan to wear them in variable weather conditions.

The rubber soles can be cleaned with a more aggressive scrub if needed. I use an old toothbrush to remove dirt from the tread pattern, which helps maintain traction.

Storage is simple – they don’t require shoe trees or special care. I do stuff them with tissue paper if I’m storing them long-term to help maintain their shape.

How They Stack Up Against the Competition

I’ve worn ballet flats from brands ranging from Target’s other house brands to much more expensive options, so I feel qualified to make some comparisons.

Compared to other budget ballet flats, A New Day Ballet Flats are clearly superior in terms of construction quality and comfort. I’ve tried similar flats from other discount retailers, and they typically lack the attention to detail and thoughtful design elements that make A New Day flats wearable.

Against mid-range brands in the $40-60 price range, A New Day flats hold their own remarkably well. While they may not have the premium materials or advanced comfort features of more expensive options, they offer probably 80% of the performance at a fraction of the cost.

Compared to luxury ballet flats, there’s obviously a difference in materials and construction quality. But for the average person’s needs, A New Day Ballet Flats provide excellent value and performance.

Seasonal Considerations and Availability

One thing I’ve learned about A New Day Ballet Flats is that availability can be seasonal and somewhat unpredictable. Target tends to refresh their shoe selection regularly, which means your favorite style might not be available year-round.

Spring typically brings the largest selection, with new colors and sometimes new styles debuting. This is when I do most of my ballet flat shopping, stocking up on colors I love.

Summer selections tend to focus on lighter colors and sometimes include perforated or more breathable options. Fall brings richer, darker colors that work well with autumn wardrobes.

Winter availability can be hit or miss, as Target focuses more on boots and closed-toe shoes during colder months. However, basic colors like black and brown typically remain available year-round.

The Verdict: Are They Worth Your Investment?

After extensive wear testing and comparison shopping, I can confidently say that A New Day Ballet Flats represent one of the best values in affordable footwear today. They’re not perfect – no shoe at this price point could be – but they excel in the areas that matter most for everyday wear.

The combination of comfort, style, and price makes them an excellent choice for anyone looking for reliable ballet flats without the premium price tag. Whether you’re a college student on a budget, a working professional who needs multiple pairs for different outfits, or someone who simply appreciates good value, these flats deserve serious consideration.

My recommendation? Start with one pair in a classic color like black or cognac. Wear them for a few weeks to see how they work with your lifestyle and wardrobe. If you’re happy with the performance – and I suspect you will be – consider adding additional colors and styles to your collection.

At this price point, you can afford to have multiple pairs for different occasions and outfits. And honestly, once you experience the comfort and versatility of A New Day Ballet Flats, you might find yourself wondering why you ever spent more on similar shoes from other brands.

These flats have earned a permanent place in my closet, and I think they’ll earn one in yours too. Sometimes the best solutions are also the simplest ones, and A New Day Ballet Flats prove that you don’t need to spend a fortune to get shoes that look good, feel comfortable, and work with your real life.

In a world of overcomplicated, overpriced footwear, A New Day Ballet Flats offer something refreshingly straightforward: honest, well-made shoes at a fair price. And sometimes, that’s exactly what you need.