I think there are "ballet flats" which are epitomized by very minimalistic, thin-soled shoes, usually with very low vamp--that part gets me because of showing toe cleavage and cutting right across bunion--often with the gathered top or heel, and then there are round-toed, generous toe-box'd, thicker soled good fitting "flats" some of which look more like ballet flats than others. So yes, I'm off the paper-thin ones but still try on some other flats from time to time to see what's what. I can usually eliminate a lot just by the eyeball test.

I have high arches also, and most ballet flats are very uncomfortable, but I find the Sam Edleman Felicia flats just wonderful. They are soft and flexible when I walk, and without elastic, the heel part just hugs my heel perfectly. The good thing is they seem to be a year round shoe and you can always find them marked way below retail - especially at some of the discount shoe places online.

I'm not a fan of ballet flats because I prefer to sport a sock with my footwear and the footpeds would always show. I like oxfords and loafers for days when I want to wear a shoe with skinny jeans but not a boot. Also I find wedge sneakers are a nice alternative to a bulkier pair.