Ballet flats - school me - YouLookFab Forum

Ballet flats - school me

elpgal

I can't seem to get ballet flats to stay on my feet (wide forefoot, narrow heel and medium volume, thin ankles). I am looking into custom flats because I need something closed toe/closed heel but am very tired of wearing shoes in summer.

These are my options
a) two high ankle straps b) single strap around the ankle but slightly lower c) diagonal strap across the top of the foot.

Which of these styles has a reasonable chance of staying on? Returns are not an option in one case.

Other ideas?

9 years ago

General

10 replies

Latest reply was from elpgal

rabbit

Veteran

I've never had luck having ballet shoes stay on my feet without ankle straps or laceups. I'd say a slightly thicker ankle strap (if soft) can work slightly better than a single very narrow one. I haven't noticed a particular difference based on how high up the ankle strap is. Is it your heel that comes loose, or do your little toes come out because the vamp is too low for your foot?

I'd beware anything that you can't return since with a low vamp shoe there is no margin for socks or insoles to fill in a bad fit or a lose strap.

9 years ago

elpgal

Veteran

It is my heels that are the problem. I am not explaining very well, so here are the links to the styles I am considering.

https://www.etsy.com/listing/2.....ballerinas

https://www.etsy.com/listing/1.....her-ballet

9 years ago

elpgal

Veteran

They do offer a style with a thicker ankle strap but I am not sure how fussy those ties are.
https://www.etsy.com/listing/2.....p-handmade

9 years ago

Summer

Veteran

I would guess that the thicker-strapped shoes would be the most secure, but, as you say, the ties might be a nuisance.
As all pairs would be custom made, they should all keep your heel in place, but it's a bit risky to order without being able to return, especially since they are quite expensive. Are there any product reviews that might help?

9 years ago

retailgirl

Veteran

Have you tried Shoes of Prey? No personal experience but they are custom made shoes and you can return them if they're not right. Under $200, I believe.

9 years ago

unfrumped

Veteran

Must you wear ballet styke specifically vs another flat? Something more structured such as a liafer or slipper flat could wirk. However the surge of higher -ankle -strap styles as Angie shows with cropped pants may also be " your moment" as these offer some stay- on power.

9 years ago

UmmLila (Lisa)

Veteran

Have you tried the kind with slight elastication? I have a similar foot issue and this type of shoe has worked for me http://www.colehaan.com/tali-b.....38;start=4

9 years ago

rabbit

Veteran

I think all the ones you linked to could stay on (depending of course, on your foot, can't know until you try). The one with the toe cutouts has the lowest vamp covering on the back part of the shoe, which could potentially make it less secure, but might not.

I actually find it easier to tie laces on a flat then thread those tiny buckles each time, but for me neither would be particularly fussy. (I have some 20 eyelet lace up boots with no zipper and those on the other hand... )

9 years ago

rachylou

Veteran

I think the second pair will be more secure because the strap is attached right at the heel of the shoe itself.

9 years ago

elpgal

Veteran

Summer - this site is oft cited on minimalist shoe sites but haven't found any reviews except on Etsy.

Retailgirl - Thanks for the link. SoP does not offer custom sizes unfortunately.

Unfrumped - I really want to, I don't want to wear covered shoes in summer. Ballet flats are my HEWI and I jump at every chance to find something that fits.

Lisa, interestingly Cole Haan is the only style that fits my wife forefoot but I couldn't figure out the heel slippage issue when I walk. I read somewhere that most women have a bony profusion in the back of the ankle that keeps shoes on. I wonder if it is really common. I must pay attention to other women's feet!

Rabbit - thanks for pointing that out; I hadn't noticed that. I also have this terrible habit of slipping shoes on and off throughout the day, so laces make me especially antsy. I may just have to get over my aversion because they style of flat seems more secure than the others.

RachyL, I hadn't noticed that! I may just have to order a few pairs and try. I have also considered the crazy idea of sewing my own shoes and bras (I know they sell bra patterns!).

9 years ago

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