https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-lovehate-relationship-with-ballet-flats Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Fri, 17 Apr 2026 07:29:11 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-lovehate-relationship-with-ballet-flats/page/2#post-992253 Sun, 28 Jul 2013 09:25:50 +0000 Irene 992253@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I hear you!</p> <p>I am done with my search of ballet flats. Either stick to mary janes or ballet flats with ankle straps that hide underneath long pants and that don't look too bad over darker tights. I wear canvas converse sneakers during spring and fall for this reason also: not warm enough for sandals, not cool enough for boots and booties. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-lovehate-relationship-with-ballet-flats/page/2#post-991891 Sat, 27 Jul 2013 14:00:35 +0000 Anonymous 991891@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Zalando have a vast selection of shoes and have a German website as well as UK and other European ones. Here is just one example of an ankle strap ballet shoe :&nbsp;<a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.zalando.co.uk/vagabond-bounce-ballet-pumps-black-va111a0az-802.html">http://www.zalando.co.uk/vagab.....z-802.html</a> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-lovehate-relationship-with-ballet-flats/page/2#post-991871 Sat, 27 Jul 2013 13:07:55 +0000 Betti 991871@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I have one pair of ballet flats, they are the ONLY pair I have ever found to stay on, are comfortable and give enough support for a post-broken foot and plantar fasciitis. Amazingly, I found them at The Rack for about $45 in pewter metallic.<br /><a rel="nofollow" href="http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/munro-merrie-flat/3321752">http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/mu.....at/3321752</a>&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-lovehate-relationship-with-ballet-flats/page/2#post-991867 Sat, 27 Jul 2013 12:54:12 +0000 Lyrebirdgully 991867@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Ballet flats are&nbsp;not my friends, for the same&nbsp;reasons cited by&nbsp;most other commenters. The single pair I own makes the cut only because they are structured like &nbsp;proper leather court shoes,&nbsp;and lace onto my feet. The style is not available any more, so I couldn't get a good pic.&nbsp;<br /><a rel="nofollow" href="http://thumbs3.ebaystatic.com/m/m5SgGl_7AQyTSYUazh7zVAA/140.jpg">http://thumbs3.ebaystatic.com/.....AA/140.jpg</a><br />The construction is more visible in this similar pair:<br /><a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.lyst.com/shoes/nina-ricci-bow-flat-black/">http://www.lyst.com/shoes/nina.....lat-black/</a><br />The downside of laceup styles is that they are real statement shoes -&nbsp;so they don't go with as much, unlike&nbsp;a simple basic flat. And as they have the sole of&nbsp;a dance shoe, not a street shoe, they are no more suitable for walking the streets for any distance than&nbsp;a pair of dress stilettos.</p> <p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-lovehate-relationship-with-ballet-flats/page/2#post-991719 Sat, 27 Jul 2013 03:06:00 +0000 marit 991719@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I want to like ballet flats but I have never found a classic-style pair that actually works for me. I prefer flats to heels but I find most ballet flats have no arch support at all - they are <i>too</i> flat, the soles are usually slippery as hell and the upper pinches in spots if it will stay on my foot, such that I worry about blisters. I could buy something nice with arch support but honestly I'm a bit of a shoe hoarder and I go for quantity &amp; bargain prices. =) I have other flats that work well enough to give a ballet-flat look if I want it.</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-lovehate-relationship-with-ballet-flats/page/2#post-991652 Sat, 27 Jul 2013 01:55:36 +0000 amiable 991652@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Yeswalker has a few ankle-strap flats.&nbsp; Not as great as your pin, but not terrible either.&nbsp; </p> <p><a href="http://www.yeswalker.com/t-strap-bow-detail-flats/info.html/pid.1032167843" rel="nofollow">http://www.yeswalker.com/t-str.....1032167843</a></p> <p><a href="http://www.yeswalker.com/t-strap-bow-detail-flats/info.html/pid.1032167843" rel="nofollow">http://www.yeswalker.com/t-str.....1032167843</a></p> <p><a href="http://www.yeswalker.com/metallic-mary-jane-flats/info.html/pid.1032167819" rel="nofollow">http://www.yeswalker.com/metal.....1032167819</a></p> <p><a href="http://www.yeswalker.com/ankle-strap-flats/info.html/pid.1032215948" rel="nofollow">http://www.yeswalker.com/ankle.....1032215948</a></p> <p><a href="http://www.yeswalker.com/ankle-strap-flats/info.html/pid.1030940433" rel="nofollow">http://www.yeswalker.com/ankle.....1030940433</a></p> <p>I haven't tried their shoes, and considering the price, they're probably not very good quality.&nbsp; But it looks like they ship international :)</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-lovehate-relationship-with-ballet-flats/page/2#post-991566 Fri, 26 Jul 2013 23:44:19 +0000 qfbrenda 991566@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I don't have time to read all the replies but you mentioned ballet flats work barefoot.&nbsp; I thought it was a no-no to wear them any other way so maybe there isn't really a problem at all.&nbsp; I have fussy feet and couldn't handle most of the brands out there but my feet love Born brand ballet flats.&nbsp; I can wear them for many hours since they have an actual arch support. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-lovehate-relationship-with-ballet-flats/page/2#post-991505 Fri, 26 Jul 2013 22:36:54 +0000 Angie 991505@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Try slipper flats, Astrid! The higher vamp makes the shoe stay more securely on the foot. </p> <p>I find ballet flats extremely comfy and wear them as a walking shoe. CLEARLY I am in the minority!!! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-lovehate-relationship-with-ballet-flats#post-991494 Fri, 26 Jul 2013 22:26:40 +0000 Lisa 991494@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>My problem with ballet flats is, my feet sweat and you always see the foot peds.&nbsp; I wear loafers instead, because you don't see the footpeds.&nbsp; I generally stay away from footwear I cannot wear with a sock.&nbsp; Booties are a great option because they are still short but I can wear a sock with them. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-lovehate-relationship-with-ballet-flats#post-991387 Fri, 26 Jul 2013 19:53:45 +0000 Astrid 991387@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Wow, thanks everyone for all the answers! I will have to get up in the middle of the night to catch my train so I'm off now - sorry. But I will come back to this thread. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-lovehate-relationship-with-ballet-flats#post-991316 Fri, 26 Jul 2013 17:46:23 +0000 milehighstyle (Linda) 991316@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I have quite a few ballet flats that I can wear when I won't be walking a lot - at my desk, the movies, etc. I did find one pair that I can wear on my commute that don't look orthopedic - by Lifestride, at Famous Footwear. The bottoms are pretty thick, the insides are cushioned, and the toe box big enough not to pinch. I mostly wear sandals in the summer, boots or booties in the winter, and oxfords. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-lovehate-relationship-with-ballet-flats#post-991299 Fri, 26 Jul 2013 17:27:17 +0000 Scarlet 991299@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>If you like mocassins, a Minnetonka store opened up in Steglitz recently.</p> <p><a href="http://www.minnetonkamoccasin.com/Products/Category/Womens/moccasins" rel="nofollow">http://www.minnetonkamoccasin....../moccasins</a> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-lovehate-relationship-with-ballet-flats#post-991295 Fri, 26 Jul 2013 17:25:29 +0000 Thistle 991295@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I am with you!!&nbsp; </p> <p>I want to love ballet flats, but I don't. Most just aren't comfortable. I know others love them, so I will set up camp with you!&nbsp;They don't stay put, I agree, and my foot has too much volume&nbsp;for them! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-lovehate-relationship-with-ballet-flats#post-991293 Fri, 26 Jul 2013 17:23:48 +0000 rachylou 991293@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>The reason I don't like ballet flats so much is that you can feel the ground right through them. The worst is when they are constructed just like ballet shoes, with an undersized sole. Sometimes I feel tough and can do it, sometimes I can't. I prefer a "flat" with a substantial sole and maybe a 1/2" heel, which to me are "court shoes." I will say I am really liking my Chinese Laundry D'Orsay flats. They have a bit more sole to them.</p> <p>Also, I'm starting to find them too girlish, even on the very young. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-lovehate-relationship-with-ballet-flats#post-991185 Fri, 26 Jul 2013 15:25:25 +0000 Aziraphale 991185@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Hi Astrid. &nbsp;I don't wear ballet flats either, although for me it's more of a style issue, in that I just don't think they are my style. &nbsp;I love footwear, but I never buy a pair of shoes I'm not in love with. &nbsp;I have yet to fall in love with a pair of ballet flats. &nbsp;I always put them on and think "meh". &nbsp;This might be because&nbsp;they don't do much for my body shape (they don't), or because I'm just not attracted to that particular shape of shoe.</p> <p>So for giving&nbsp;advice about how to keep your ballet flats on, I'm no help at all. &nbsp;:-) &nbsp;But I do like and wear other flats.&nbsp; How about Converse? &nbsp;I prefer the unisex Chuck Taylors, but more feminine versions are available. &nbsp;Oxfords are very appealing, too -- both the laced and laceless versions, pointy or round toe. &nbsp;Or how about slipper flats? &nbsp;Lots of people are hopping on the slipper flat bandwagon right now, and they seem like they'd stay on your feet better than ballets. &nbsp;Also, what about flat maryjanes? &nbsp;The pointy-toed ones, reminiscent of the mid-1980s, are good if you're looking for something&nbsp;less "sweet". </p> <p>I also wear flat boots, both tall and short. &nbsp;The ones in my closet that get the most wear are these. &nbsp; They look a bit like refined work boots:</p> <p><a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.fluevog.com/code/?w=family%3ARadios&amp;pp=1&amp;view=detail&amp;p=2&amp;colourID=3479">http://www.fluevog.com/code/?w.....ourID=3479</a></p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-lovehate-relationship-with-ballet-flats#post-991158 Fri, 26 Jul 2013 15:05:06 +0000 AviaMariah 991158@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I can't wear ballet flats because they usually rub on my big toe joint and don't have good support. &nbsp;But I am loving the slipper flats that are out right now. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-lovehate-relationship-with-ballet-flats#post-991155 Fri, 26 Jul 2013 15:01:51 +0000 shedev 991155@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Suz and Diana summed it up for me too, I have a narrow heel that slips out of all slip on flat shoes. This includes loafers and smoking slippers. I also wear an insert. I wear boots and booties, oxfords, sassy sneaks, and comfort sandals most of the time. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-lovehate-relationship-with-ballet-flats#post-991152 Fri, 26 Jul 2013 14:59:02 +0000 texstyle 991152@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I just received these and they felt comfortable immediately. I'd been trying various flats all summer. I guess these aren't completely flat and that's why they feel better. Taos makes a few other similar style flats as well so it's worth a look if you can get them in your area.</p> <p><a href="http://www.zappos.com/taos-footwear-uncross-mushroom?zfcTest=fcl%3A0" rel="nofollow">http://www.zappos.com/taos-foo.....st=fcl%3A0</a> </p> <p>Edit: I think they also look better on than in the photos online.</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-lovehate-relationship-with-ballet-flats#post-991077 Fri, 26 Jul 2013 13:39:14 +0000 Anonymous 991077@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I have only ever had one pair of ballet flats in my life, I wore them about 3 times then sold them on Ebay. I don't miss them at all. Though I do wear heels of all heights up to 2 3/4". In flats I have oxfords or cage sandals or Cons. I have noticed a few styles coming out now where they are a ballet flat with an ankle strap, I think they look nice. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-lovehate-relationship-with-ballet-flats#post-991074 Fri, 26 Jul 2013 13:36:02 +0000 Transcona Shannon 991074@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I struggle with true ballet flats too Astrid. The only pair I have that stay on my feet have a fairly high vamp so that's how they stay on. Otherwise I wear a tiny heel or flat oxfords. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-lovehate-relationship-with-ballet-flats#post-991073 Fri, 26 Jul 2013 13:34:11 +0000 Susie 991073@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I know you aren't in the US, but while browsing yesterday I noticed several styles of ballet shoes/flats (more with pointy toes than the classic round toe) that had ankle straps too. I would think the strap would help them stay on.&nbsp;</p> <p>I'm not a fan of ballet flats because I've just never liked how they look on my foot. I have one pair, in pewter with a buckle, that actually look&nbsp;and are comfortable.&nbsp;</p> <p>Flats SEEM like they should be easy and comfy but I think lots of us realize that they aren't. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-lovehate-relationship-with-ballet-flats#post-991071 Fri, 26 Jul 2013 13:32:44 +0000 Vix 991071@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Hi Astrid --</p> <p>I just have a hate-hate relationship with them for all the many comfort/function reasons listed above. </p> <p>[Plus I have a wider foot and find I need more V shapes in my shoes to be remotely happy with the flattery angle.]</p> <p>I've seen some flat(ter) shoes that have a ballet shoe look and then a single, wider&nbsp;diagonal strap across them. Can't recall for sure, but the&nbsp;Fidji brand may do that look a fair amount.&nbsp;I actually prefer that style to a Mary Jane -- though I've worn heeled MJs for functionality. The elastic-heeled ballet flats already mentioned are another possible solution for you. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-lovehate-relationship-with-ballet-flats#post-991067 Fri, 26 Jul 2013 13:26:42 +0000 Anonymous 991067@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Diana and Suz perfectly described my problems with ballet flats. I'm glad to know there are a few of us because nobody in real life seems to understand that they just.don't.work for me. I haven't found a go-to alternative yet, but for fall,&nbsp;I'm pretty jazzed about all the slipper flats coming out. I'm thinking the higher vamp might make them doable. I've had some success with the Sperry Bluefish (also higher-vamped) boat shoes and hope to find a killer pair of oxfords this fall.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-lovehate-relationship-with-ballet-flats#post-991064 Fri, 26 Jul 2013 13:22:33 +0000 Nebraskim 991064@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I read on another site a piece recently about how ballet flats are so deceptive; they look as if they would be comfortable but because of their flatness, total lack of structure and support and the low vamp requiring one to clench her toes to keep them on, they are actually worse for your feet than el cheapo flip flops. I have never enjoyed them but I know many who do. i have had plantar fasciitis off and on for 25 years. It's always there in the background and can easily flare in literally just a couple of hours in the wrong shoes. And ballet flats, for me, are the wrong shoes. I need a stiff sole, so for me, as unattractive as they are, Sanita or Dansko clogs or sandals are my shoes of choice. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-lovehate-relationship-with-ballet-flats#post-991028 Fri, 26 Jul 2013 12:47:17 +0000 Caro in Oz 991028@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I can't wear them either I'm hoping this year that with all the fab ankle strap shoes around&nbsp;I may find a couple of pairs that will work.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-lovehate-relationship-with-ballet-flats#post-991016 Fri, 26 Jul 2013 12:35:33 +0000 JennyAnne 991016@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I really like ballet flats, but I know many women who don't.&nbsp; If they don't stay on for you, it sounds like some of the new flat styles are worth a try - loafers and oxfords and stuff. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-lovehate-relationship-with-ballet-flats#post-991015 Fri, 26 Jul 2013 12:31:00 +0000 Diana 991015@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I wore ballet flats for a couple of years right when they first became trendy. Notably, this was before i developed plantar fasciitis. Nowadays I don't wear them at all. I realized that there's a whole host of things that make them not work for me:<br /> --too flat, no arch support, generally can't fit an orthotic. I prefer a little heel lift, 3/4" or so. Post-plantar fasciitis, this is really important.<br /> --falls off my feet since I have narrow heels. Nothing has ever fixed this problem. This also means I clench my toes in weird ways when I walk to keep the shoes from falling off, which is uncomfortable and leads to a screwy gait. The ones with elastic either cut up my heels or still don't stay on.<br /> --many pairs cut right across my bunion. Ouch.<br /> --can't wear socks (I've never found secret socks low enough for ballet flats), which always results in toe rubbing and blisters.</p> <p>Anyway, I wear oxfords instead these days. Tried Mary Jane styles or cuffed ballet flats for a spell but they still had the bunion and no-socks problem. The only &lt;.5" heels I own are my two pairs of born arlettas (ok arch support,and fits orthotic) and 2 pairs of flat naot sandals (cork footbed, lots of arch support). </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-lovehate-relationship-with-ballet-flats#post-991002 Fri, 26 Jul 2013 12:11:26 +0000 Mary Beth (formerly LBD) 991002@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Ballet flats used to be my workhorses - but I'm kind of over them.&nbsp; &nbsp; I have blown through so many pairs that fell to pieces pretty quickly (seriously, Steve Madden, $88, and at the 10-day mark the heels were worn down). </p> <p>Round toe ones tend to pop off my foot, but I found that the ones that had more of a pointe-shoe shape, really stayed put.&nbsp; I wish those were still around.&nbsp; &nbsp; I have a very narrow heel, but if the toe box area fits properly, my foot doesn't slide forward, and the shoe stays on.</p> <p>I like Bloch and Repetto for ballet flats, they seem to last, and are pretty comfortable if the toe area is fitted right.&nbsp; &nbsp; I sometimes hunt around eBay to see what's out there. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-lovehate-relationship-with-ballet-flats#post-991000 Fri, 26 Jul 2013 12:09:12 +0000 Suz 991000@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I just stopped trying to wear flats unless they have laces or are booties. That's my solution. I gave into the fact that flats are ten times more uncomfortable to me than anything with a small &nbsp;wedge or heel. That's the reality. A shoe that will not stay on is not comfortable.&nbsp;</p> <p>Even slipper flats come off of my feet, although I'd do better with those. Oxfords have some potential for me because the laces help to hold them on -- but not the completely flat kind -- they have to have a 3/4 inch heel or so, and then they will be fine.&nbsp;</p> <p>My personal heel "sweet spot" is about 1.5 inches to 2.5 inches. I can go as low as 3/4" with the right shoe or boot. And as high as 3" with the right one. But lower or higher spell discomfort.&nbsp;</p> <p>In summer I wear sandals with a wedge -- this solves the problem. Straps plus a teensy bit of height, and I'm more comfy. (By the way, even my flattest sandals cause the same problem for me at the moment...as Mochi and Zapotee can attest -- they watched me flipping out of those in NYC. Grrr!)&nbsp;</p> <p>By the way,&nbsp;I can't wear <b>heeled</b> pumps or low vamp shoes either, unless they have elastic to keep them on. I am sure there may be a pair or two out there in the world that would stay on, but the only one I've ever found is from Ecco. And it's the only one of theirs that has worked. (Believe me, I try them as they come out every year, hoping against hope...)</p> <p>I do have one pair of almost flat lower vamp&nbsp;shoes that work pretty well for me. <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.ninewest.ca/product.asp?productid=7019">They're a very small wedge 9 West.&nbsp;</a>&nbsp; I have no idea why these ones work better than others I have tried, but on the whole, they stay on, and the wedge means they are not as hard on my feet as those without it.&nbsp;</p> <p></p> <p>ETA: I realized after I wrote this that one reason a higher vamped flat is difficult for me personally is that with high arches they can easily be poorly fitting on me. A shoe with laces helps that problem.&nbsp;<br />&nbsp;</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/my-lovehate-relationship-with-ballet-flats#post-990996 Fri, 26 Jul 2013 12:00:53 +0000 Karie 990996@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I love ballet flats!&nbsp;Oddly enough, the cheaper the ballet flat, the better they fit me. I always wear shoe&nbsp;supports with them - it helps to keep my feet comfy and supported, and it helps with fit, too. </p>