If you’re like me, you’re usually running a little late on your way to yoga class. You throw open the door, flash a sheepish smile at the instructor, and rush to take off your shoes before heading into the studio.

This experience, repeated many times, has lead me to the conclusion that the best shoes for yoga are easy to slip on and off. They’re also uber-comfortable, to keep you calm and relaxed as you head to class. Accommodating space in the toes allows your toes to relax and spread, which brings additional support to balance poses. Finally, the style of shoe expresses your perfect inner beauty and sense of style– your part of the truth in each student and teacher that is saluted with every ending namaste.

For all of these reasons, ballet flats are great yoga shoes. They’re comfy, you can take them off with no hands, and they’re usually cute. Here are two of my favorite yoga flats from Shoeflyer’s collection:

Katie by Pour La Victory, shown above, is a great yoga shoe for cloudy work days, when you squeeze in that hour of practice on your lunch break. Reg. $149, now on sale for $104.

For more grounded, peaceful days, slip into Kassel S08 by Palladium, at right. Their zigzag stretchy straps and cushioned interior will make for a delicious weekend walk or bike ride to the studio. Regularly $77, they’re on sale for just $46.