Thanks, Kat. I do have a couple of Mary Janes that I wear with other things. The problem is that I need flats for some pants that are too short to wear with heels. I also have those new black ankle pants that I don't quite know how to style other than to tuck them into boots. The ankle wrap on the Gentle Souls ballet flats may be the answer to that issue. We shall see!

Bettycrocker, I've been meaning to get back to this thread all week (I only really have time on weekends) to offer you my empathy.

I too have feet that will NEVER keep shoes on and have to have straps. I have about 4 strapped pears of shoes now. When I first started on YLF ballet flats ruled supreme and I kept getting outfit advice telling me to try low vamped shoes (I have short legs) - but I just can't. A lot of the time I try to wear orthotics shoe too which further restricts my options and budget.

Anyway it looks like you have had some great advice - I can't offer you brand recommendations as I am in Australia.

 I did want to say generally to all the Mary Jane haters out there that one pair I have consistently earns me compliments!

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I haven't read all the replies so I'm sorry if this has already been said but I prefer an ankle strap to keep my foot from falling out of a shoe. I do find these a little frumpy. Can you wear a pointy toed shoe? If so I would recommend a pointy toed ankle strap shoe or a lace up oxford.

BC - I do hope they fit - I have them in the black leather and suede. As I said they are quite roomy and the leather is very soft - you could have the toe box stretched or do Angie's wet feet stretch. The suede is even softer. They were the only shoe I could wear when I broke my toe. I can't imagine you'll need more room in the middle or back (they are a bit big on me and I will ocassionally size up to a wide or 1/2 size up if a shoe runs on the narrower side. I am dying to know what you think. I usually find flats uncomfortable and a 1-1.5" heel better but the footbed is lovely. I actually bought duplicates of both which tells you something!! Good luck and fingers crossed!!

Thanks, everyone. I can't wear pointed toes or lace-ups, and don't think all MJs are ugly--though most are, and a lot depends on how you style them.

Griffin, I was sold on the Gentle Souls after reading a review from someone who said she could wear them with her orthotics. I figure they must have a generous width for that. I have always wanted to wear ballet flats but have never seen a pair that I thought could possibly work. These look promising.

Thanks to everyone for the recs and advice. I'm getting into more comfy shoes this year in the hopes of preventing future grief, and am adjusting my style accordingly. It's a process.

My shoes were supposedly delivered today (I say supposedly because we've had trouble with our mail carrier; the entire neighborhood has complained). I can't wait to get home and try them on. If they aren't wide enough for my feet, I'm gonna go after Gryffin! (just kidding)

Thank you, thank you, thank you!!! The shoes are indeed wider than marked. I ordered my usual size 7.5 and they fit perfectly.

Thanks also to everyone who made recommendations, gave advice, and commiserated with me. I realty appreciate the friendly guidance.

Yay!!

Gryffin, you are the shoe-whisperer this month!! First my slippers and now bettycrocker's flats!

Oooh! glad to hear the Gentle Souls worked for you!

BC - thrilled you like them!! So difficult to make recommendations and was getting quite concerned that I'd find a bunny boiling on my stove (which would be bad since I'm vegan and love me my mammals!!) if things went awry!! Enjoy your GS and I hope you find them as comfy and versatile as I do!!