Lecture from a shoe saleman on my wearing ballet flats.

Cilleena

I am on a hunt for comfy, cute ballet flats. I love, love the look, but can't seem to find a pair that doesn't either pinch my toes, cut tightly across my big toe joint or dig in at the heel. So, I tried on about 6 different pairs today.

At my last stop, I went to a quality shoe store to see what they had to offer. The gentleman that came to help me told me that ballet flats are terrible for my feet. He said that most ballet flats have no support, cause bunions because of the toe box and possibly cause hammer toe because of the way the toes have to curl to fit in the toe box. I didn't find any ballet flats in that store...needless to say.

What is your opinion on ballet flats and foot health? Am I going to ruin my feet wearing them? Has anyone found any ballet flats that are comfy, somewhat supportive and cute? Actually, I'm not too worried about supportive, I just want a pair that doesn't hurt.

If ballet flats are a no go for me. What are some non-boot alternatives to wear with skinny jeans, jeggings and leggins and tunics? I was thinking of a driving moc, but I'm not sure if the high vamp would ruin the look.

14 years ago

Shopping

32 replies

Latest reply was from Lisa

Aziraphale

Veteran

Well, it seems to me that ballet flats can't be worse than stilettos, and plenty of women wear those anyway!

I don't own any ballet flats, but the shoe salesman has a point about most of them being unsupportive. Most pairs I've tried on do seem to be lacking in the arch support department. I shouldn't think a good quality, properly-fitting pair is supposed crush your toes, though. I say keep looking -- there MUST be a pair out there for you, if you like the look!

14 years ago

Janet

(website)

Veteran

I don't know how healthy they are for the feet, but I find my Repettos quite comfortable, but be warned, they're pricey. I found mine on one of those online deal places -- Gilt or HauteLook.

I find that most flats feel a lot like walking around all day barefoot -- my feet get a bit tired from having no cushioning on the bottom.

I don't know if a ballet flat with good support exists!

I do have a pair of low-vamp flats made by Sofft that are a very appealing combination of support, comfort, and style. Check these out: http://www.zappos.com/sofft-wo.....gMYAgo.zso

I've been scolded by a SA in a Walking Company store for wearing shoes that are "bad" for my feet. I wonder if it's part of their sales tack?

14 years ago

Diana

Veteran

It depends on your feet. For me, with my narrow heels, flat feet, and bunions, your shoe salesman is absolutely right. In addition to having no arch support and often pinching my bunion, the fact that my heels won't stay in the shoe means that I also clench my toes to keep the shoes from flying off. In addition to being uncomfortable, it also changes the way I walk. By the end of the day, my feet are cramping, my arches have collapsed, and my bunion is sore. I also see women all the time who seem to be wearing ballet flats that are too narrow for them, as in they're walking practically on the side and not the sole of their feet, which cannot be good.

I can on occasion get away with a "fake" ballet flat - with a slight hidden heel and a strap or cuff. The ones with thicker soles (like Clarks) might be better too as they at least have a little arch support. My cuffed ballerinas actually have a hidden 1" wedge, and while they are not the most comfy shoes around, I can walk all right in them.

14 years ago

Aziraphale

Veteran

Janet, I'm sure it's part of their sales approach. I've had the same thing happen -- being told off -- and it annoys me. I get that they want you to buy their comfy expensive shoes, and they're all about preventing bunions, etc etc, but you know, they're my damn feet, and I'm a grown woman. I'll wear bad shoes if I want to.

I'm in a bit of a mood today.

14 years ago

Sylvie

Veteran

I agree that it probably varies by foot and by person.

A properly fitting ballet flat should have enough space that your toes don't curl under and I don't understand why they would cause bunions.

I personally have issues with the lack of support. Ballet flats feel like I'm walking directly on the ground with only a thin layer of fabric that can't protect my feet from the impact. And of course, that's exactly what I'm doing. I'll take a nice thick cushy sole in all my shoes, thank you.

@Janet, you're exactly right about insulting your shoes being a sales tactic. A Lush salesperson once told me a product was "probably better than whatever you're using right now". Said Lush product made my normally pretty darn good skin break out. *rolleyes*

14 years ago

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

It depends entirely on your feet. For my feet, ballet flats with a solid sole are heavenly and healthy. A true walking shoe - and I walk more than most. I do not need arch support and I prefer to wear flat shoes over heels. They must be very soft and cushioning.

For some, a heel is more supportive for sure as it helps out high arches. But this is not the case for everyone. I am blessed with bunion-free feet and have been wearing the right ballet flats for years.

I think they pinch because you have a broader foot, Cilleena. Ideally, you need a wide, unless your heel slips out like Diana mentions.

14 years ago

KikiG

Veteran

I tried these on and they were heaven on my very fussy, demands support, feet:

Sperry, style is Kendall. The insides are squishy and wonderful.

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14 years ago

(website)

Veteran

I have some by Dr Scholl's that have a small heel and nice arch support (which is important for my high arches). They are very comfy. In the pic they're the cream middle pair - you can see the support clearly.

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14 years ago

krishnidoux

Veteran

Beautifeel ballerinas:

http://www.polyvore.com/beauti.....d=25257500

Clark Artisan ballerinas:

http://www.sears.ca/product/cl.....31768_5_87

Josef Seibel:

http://www.amazon.de/dp/B004CY.....B004CYFT4W

Ask the nice clerk to put some arch under the insole; try it in a larger size with the arch if your size feels too snug.

14 years ago

rae

(website)

Veteran

It definitely depends on your feet. I cannot wear them, personally, but I wear 3.5-5" heels fine.

I do remember somone recommending Bloch ballet flats a while back, and they were so cute I truly lamented my flats-averse feet..

14 years ago

Cilleena

Veteran

Great tips and solutions everyone! I'll check out a few of these styles and try some in a wide. My foot is somewhere between a medium and a wide. I've never actually purchased a wide shoe, but it might help.

I've only got about 2 more weeks of weather suitable to flats for the year, so I'll probably just move onto finding my perfect ankle boots and knee high boots after that.

14 years ago

Suz

(website)

Veteran

I love the look of ballet flats but cannot wear them. The combination of high arches plus narrow heels means my feet just fly out of them. I did find ONE pair that felt okay at Ecco; they had the hidden wedge that others have mentioned. Unfortunately they didn't have my size left.

I think that what others have said is correct; it all depends on the foot, and the use to which they will be put.

The shoes may or may not be painful, but getting a lecture from a SA definitely causes pain!!

14 years ago

Cilleena

Veteran

Suz-Love your new haircut! Yes, I too have high arches and narrow heels, yet my feet are also broad across the toes. Duck feet I guess. I had a pair of ballet flats as a teen that were pretty comfy, but they were hard to keep on my feet.

14 years ago

Anonymous

I wear ballet flats. I have really high arches. I add an arch support. If the insole peels up I add a half moon foam pad under it. If it doesn't peel up then I used to not buy the shoe but now I found some really comfy gel arch supports that I use.

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14 years ago

MsMaven

Veteran

Superfeet 3/4 insoles for wearing with shoes that don't have removable insoles. My podiatrist told me about them a couple of years ago and I got a pair. The are interchangeable.

I just bought a pair of Stuart Weitzman like Angie's black and cream flats. They feel pretty good with the Superfeet and I bought another pair in red suede. I have all kinds of foot problems including bunions. Yesterday I went to the mall in my new SW's and shopped two hours, which is about all I do normally before I run out of juice. They aren't cheap but I am so grateful for Mr. Weitzman and his shoes.

I've also got those half-moon pads and Footpetals for shoes that don't work with the insoles.

Superfeet low volume (black)

http://www.google.com/products.....LABEPICMAs

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14 years ago

qfbrenda

Veteran

I don't know how one defines "supportive" exactly, but I find my Born ballet flats very comfy all day long. I have bad feet so that's saying something. They are your feet... do what you want.

14 years ago

Cilleena

Veteran

Brenda, you have the Born Adele? I actually tried that shoe and almost kept it. It pinched my big toe just a tad, but would probably have broken in ok. I sent them back because I had order them in red and they didn't have the color I wanted in my size. The born flats do have a little arch support in them.

Those gel pads are cool looking. I will look for some if I can find some ballet flats that are comfy otherwise.

14 years ago

Jjsloane

Veteran

I love my Born flats (like qfbrenda) and Me Toos that have the tiniest of heel but a full flexible sole support. As with jeans I think ballet flats are now done everywhere in every style and price point so you should be able to (eventually) find the one that works for you. I would not be motivated to support that SA. Most shoe sites offer free shipping and returns if you can't do B&M until you find the ones that work for you.

14 years ago

Charmian

Veteran

I am an insole junkie! It totally depends on your particular foot what you should put in your ballet flat, but I'm of the belief that you can make this look work for you if you're willing to introspect and experiment a bit.

Pinching your toes sounds like a width issue, so you might want to try another width. After you solve that issue, what's your next issue? The solution might be some mixture of heel support, ball-of-foot padding, arch support, etc -- and each will come with its own set of recommended brands, products, etc.

I personally have high arches and a healthy foot, so the Dr. Scholls gel arch support cushions that Tracina has are all I need. I just bought a pair of 3/4 length Birkenstock insoles last week, which was a total splurge (I don't need the heel support or extra padding) ... but the arch support is just amazing. What works for you, however, may be very different from me.

14 years ago

Allison

Active Member

I have always heard it is best to wear different heel heights everyday and it is something I try to do. It really helps keep my feet from hurting. So I would think ballet flats sometimes cannot be too bad (moderation in everything)- though I try to avoid flats back to back. Check out Indigo by Clarks for supportive and stylish flat shoes. I always find them really cheap on amazon.com. As far as other flat shoes to wear with skinny jeans besides boots I love my mocs and vans classic tennis shoes.

14 years ago

qfbrenda

Veteran

Yes, my favorite are the Born Adeles. Maybe Born has some that are wide and that would help? I don't know. But must be some out there that would be comfy for you.

14 years ago

Nicky1234

Active Member

I had been on a quest to find the perfect ballet flat for ages, so I just ordered about 10 different pairs (my husband about died when he saw the $1500 credit card bill), and picked the ones that worked best for me. I have flat, wide feet, so ballet flats typically lack the arch support that I need, and they often pinch my pinky toe. I tried the above mentioned Stuart Weitzmans (I LOVE SW shoes,) the Born Adeles, and many more. The winners were the Gentle Souls "Gabby" flat. They have a good amount of cushioning and arch support, they are wide enough, and the elastic strap keeps them from flopping off when I walk. I really like them.

14 years ago

Ginny

Veteran

I love wearing flats, I have not tried Born flats , but if they are anything like thier booties, your feet will love them. I have 2 pair of Antnio Meloni flats and they have a fair amount of cushion and I love them. I don't see hoe flats can be any worse for your feet thean a heel, but in the end gotta go what feels best on you! I have no issues wearing flats all day, and give fossil flats a try, I have some flats and wedges from them and they are super cushy, love them!!

14 years ago

modgrl

(website)

Veteran

I have me too Linda's. They fit my fat little feet. I also like Cole Haan's and Soffts, they both come in wide. It took me a lot of tries to find a ballet flat that worked for my feet.

14 years ago

Kari

Veteran

I'm currently in love with these ballet flats because, though the sole is not stiff, they have a lot of padding in the arch area that adds more support than the average ballet flat.

http://www.zappos.com/me-too-legend-pewter

14 years ago

Aida

Veteran

"I too have high arches and narrow heels, yet my feet are also broad across the toes."

This sounds just like me! I'm afraid I can't offer good advice, just commiseration Flats generally don't provide enough arch support for me, but I do have 2 pairs that I wear and like (though I wouldn't call them "all day walking shoes" for myself). One is slim and made of a thin, soft leather, that has molded around the shape of my foot (as opposed to trying to force my foot into its shape); the other is actually narrower at the heel and wider and more rounded on the toe. Some great advice in this thread, going to bookmark to read through again later!

14 years ago

Anonymous

I realize that this thread is old but I can't help but add a comment. Ballet flats are bad for your feet if they hurt OR if they make you scrunch up your toes to keep them on your feet. They need a good enough fit (secure enough) that you can walk normally, flexing the rear foot at the toes to push off, not "skimming" the foot or scrunching the toes. If you can't do that, don't wear them. They won't cause bunions - heels and very pointy shoes do that. They should allow natural movement in comfort. Or so says a source that I trust - a biomechanist who specializes in things like this. She advocates for no heel at all on shoes for best results.

12 years ago

Missey

Veteran

Try Lands End... They have various widths in their ballet flats with very good construction

12 years ago

Janet

(website)

Veteran

Interesting to see this thread revived. I agree that if you can feel your feet working too hard while you're walking in a shoe, you're probably not doing yourself any favors! I wear some moderate heels for full days of walking around (I am discovering with my Fitbit that I can easily walk 4+ miles in a day), and by the end of the day, my feet are tired. I alternate heeled days with unheeled days for that reason.

Some people have very demanding feet, while others of us are relatively lucky and can wear a wider variety of shoes without hurting ourselves. I'm getting more demanding of my footwear since I started running, and have less tolerance for discomfort. I imagine that as I get older, my heel preferences will continue to get lower. But in the meantime, I'm gonna enjoy what I can!

12 years ago

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