Ask Angie and others: Can I wear loafers as ballet flats?

I love flats, especially since I can't wear heels of any height. Ballet flats don't love me, though. I wear a size that is hard to find (10.5) and anything without a T or mary-jane strap is either too small or too big. I sometimes opt for an 11, which is too big, if it has a strap. But as my size is hard to find, so are flats with straps!

I've been looking for red patent ballet flats for at least 4 years. I had one pair that lasted a year before they gave out. I've bought at least two other contenders since then, only to get rid of them shortly after because they didn't work (too big, too small, not patent, etc.).

Today I stumbled upon a great prospect: shiny red patent, VERY comfy, fit like a glove... but they are loafer-style, not ballet-style. Can I wear them exactly the way I would ballet flats? Skirts, dresses, skinny jeans (rolled up or ankle length), bootcuts, etc? Is there any combination that is NOT good for this style of shoe, but would work with a standard ballet flat?

http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/st.....er/3436394

(They did manage to come home with me...)

12 years ago

catgirl

Veteran

You have NO idea how close to buying those I was today... the only thing that stopped me was money (or lack of it). I'm a huge YES - ballet slippers and this style seem interchangeable to me.

Eliza

Love this shoe and am so glad they came home with you. I see them as a shoe that would meet your criteria and if they were comfortable, would be sorely tempted by them myself. Of course, the real test is to try them. They are beautiful.

Jaime

(website)

They look great and I agree they would work everywhere a ballet flat would.

Angie

Fashion Stylist

Sure! High vamped footwear is very on trend! It really depends ON YOU, and whether you like to wear high vamped footwear with skirts and dresses. A low contrast shoe is more elongating of course, but that's by no means a rule. Beautiful shoes

Firecracker (Sharan)

Those shoes are gorgeous! For me some people, these can work the same way as ballet flats.

For me, they would not, and here's why: The low vamp of ballet flats looks quite different than the higher vamp of a slipper flat or loafer on me, and I don't like it as well with skinny pants or skirts. I have slightly wide feet, thick calves, and short ankles, all of which combine to make me very particular about the vamp of a flat shoe on me--there are a lot of ballet flats that I don't like on me, either!

I do wistfully admire the look of slipper flats and feminine loafers on others, though!

Anyway, that's just some food for thought. I think your mirror will tell you if you feel these are good substitutes for the elusive ballet flats! I hope you'll post some looks with them, too.

Anonymous

I think you're golden! Those a sharp looking shoes.

pastrygirl

Thanks, all! I just wanted to make sure that a loafer, even dressy, isn't meant to be worn more like a Sperry Topsider shoe... which is how I've always viewed loafers before. My 3yo desperately wanted me to get the blue ones, too!

@Alaskagirl -- I sprang for them because 1) I'm tired of looking after so many years, and 2) my bill won't be due until July, LOL!

@Angie -- I've been drawn to the dainty oxford look with skirts, but haven't found a pair that works for me. I hadn't thought of these as being high vamp, but I guess they are, and that could be why I liked them so much! I don't always love the way the toe cleavage shows with ballet flats.

@Firecracker -- All food for thought! Can't wait to put together some WIWs.

I forgot about the great return policy at Nordstrom. I end up throwing away so much money on less expensive shoes that don't work. Though it's not uncommon for me to spend this much or more on two pairs of shoes in a single purchase, so I don't know why I feel sticker shock!

Caro in Oz

I have exactly the same problems with ballet flats. Can't wait to see how you style these lovelies

jenanded

These are super cute! have you tried shoes of prey online who will make shoes to your size/fabrication etc etc and I see you can get a small maryjane strap put on as well... Deborah and some others on YLF have these shoes and say they are lovely... I am just waiting to get home to get a pair as I have hard to fit feet and can wait years to get anything not matt flat and black (or drag queen shoes!)

Adelfa

Cutest. shoe. ever!!!!!

I agree that it will end up being a personal preference whether you treat these as ballet flats. Many would. I, like Firecracker, would not, for the same reasons. But try them!

Shoot. I might need to take these back. I tried them on again before bed last night, and my heel was slipping out. I just tried them on again (it's hot and humid out) and they were tight everywhere, it almost felt like my foot was forced into an arched position.

I'm looking into Shoes of Prey -- that sounds interesting!

T-Rex

Those are very cute. I can't think of anything that would work with a ballet flat and *not* work with these.

unfrumped

I'm good saying, if they work, they work. Not feeling as much external rules as just rules of proportion and what looks good on your foot.

I am wearing a slipper flat/loafer with some skirts but found it's very shoe- and outfit specific--or that I'm really picky. A loafer or slipper flat that is slightly more refined, sometimes lower contrast, lower vamp if possible or a nice dip or something that breaks up my LONG foot. I actually don't like how very low-vamped snubby toe ballet flats look on my feet so something in between is best. Once I figured that out, it helped me keep my eye out for possible styles or brands.

bj1111

pastrygirl...could you let me know your experience?

the poster formerly known as k can shop AKA k has ordered a pair from them before. i also spoke to them once, very very helpful. they will even make an "inspired" version of a designer shoe if their shoe makers can do.

rachylou

Definitely. I've gone off ballet flats anyways... lol.

Beth

Love them, and I'd wear them in every possible way!

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