Speaking of happy feet, thanks Angie and YLF!

Thanks to Angie’s shoe recommendations, I finally have flats that I can wear for hours.

I can’t believe the number of flats I’ve bought then given up on. Comfort brands and designer ballet flats were equally bad. But it really seemed like I should have some flats. They’re perfect for conferences, interviews, etc.

We all have ‘weird’ feet in some ways. My short, square toes don’t keep flats on; the high bump on my instep hurts in maryjanes; flexible soles exacerbate an old dance injury; etc.

So here are the winners, the first flats I’ve owned and worn as daily wear without regrets.

1. Paul Green ‘Margo’ x-strap flats. Everyone here bought these last summer. The rigid sole makes a huge difference. The arch support is comfortable. The straps hold them in place. I had to size up, and my toes rub too much by the end of a day, but these are solid. Perfect with ankle trousers.

2. Free People ‘Royale’ flat. I loved the asymmetry but I wasn’t expecting these to be so comfortable. In fact, I had a very similar pair of flats from (I think) the same manufacturer (but labeled as Sixtyseven) and they were a flop. Not these. The higher vamp keeps them on my foot but it isn’t tight over my instep bump. I was able to size up (since they stay on securely) so my toes and heels don’t rub at all. Again, the rigid sole helps. I wore these for hours of walking yesterday, and all day today including my walk to and from the subway (usually I wear dressier shoes only when I drive to work). Win!

Now I have to get in the habit of wearing these more. I’m saving the Paul Green shoes for nicer occasions but I shouldn’t keep them totally unworn.

Anyway, thanks to Angie and others for finding these!

Nordstrom

Paul Green Margo Cross Strap Flat

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Top Pick

Nordstrom

Free People 'Royale' Pointy Toe Flat

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Top Pick

5 years ago

Greyscale

Veteran

A collection of flats that have not worked, since 2012 or so. That's almost one pair per year.

FS/NY Sloop flats - too flat, not enough support, though I did wear them a few times.
Born Bennett ankle strap flats - sole too flexible, made my big toe joint hurt. Sold after one wear.
Sixtyseven Erin flat - these were actually pretty good except they always rubbed my heel and toes and left my feet sore. I got a fair bit of use out of them but they were always imperfect. I'm replacing them with the FP shoes (made in the same factory, I suspect, but softer, higher quality leather).
J Jill skimmer flat - should have been awesome, but again, just didn't work, and hurt my big toe joint. Too flexible? Mysterious disappointment. Sold after one wear.
Bloch Prima ballet flat - not comfortable, and to be honest the red was a stretch for my wardrobe. Worn once I think.

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Jane

I like the PG flats - I tried to get some last year but they didn’t seem to be available in Europe. I like the Free People ones.

I nearly ordered some Bloch ballet flats like your red ones, but didn’t. I was wary about the lack of support. So I’m pleased to see your comments.

I only saw those PG flats at Nordstrom, and I looked all over the web, so I wonder if they were only sold at Nordstrom. There's a very similar style that might be available more broadly - I added a Find for it.

The Bloch flats are similar to Repetto for a lower price, and the construction is quite nice. If I had them still, I might try them with my great Pedag inserts. But ballet flats might be too feminine for my usual style, anyway.

Amazon

Paul Green Women's Henly Flat Sandal

Molly Mac

I own the open toed version of the FP flat and LOVE them. I have a high arch so I struggle with flat shoes but I have walked miles in these shoes without a blister or a bit of discomfort. They come in the best colors, AND they are ridiculously cute. I am thinking of getting the closed toe version for fall.

Anonymous

Both the winners are beautiful.

RobinF

I absolutely love the Free People ones and have been drooling over them since I first saw them. I was afraid the heel would slip but never actually tried them.

Suz

(website)

Thanks for these reviews. I also struggle with flats. I seem to do better with a flexible sole, but apart from that, some of our issues are similar. Very interested in both these styles or variations thereof.

viva

Thanks for this comprehensive review! I really love the FP ones (and also the open toe version). I'm adding these to my possibilities list.

Chris987

Great posting, and it's always interesting to hear other people's discoveries about what footwear does and does not work for them.

The stiff vs. flexible sole is a particularly interesting one. I don't find shoes with stiff soles (like wedges) comfortable unless there is some flexibility at the ball of foot hinge. For you the rigid sole is what you need.

I tried those FP Royale and loved them but there were horribly uncomfortable for me.

I wish I had tried those Paul Greens last year. I've been unwilling to go to that price point but I may change my thinking.

Footwear purchasing seems to require a very analytical and picky approach, knowing your own feet and style, and lot sof patience! Again, thanks for all the thoughtful ideas.

Angie

Fashion Stylist

WOOOHOOO. Go Team Happy Feet.

I have your black PG's in blue and they're extremely comfy. We have very different shaped feet - yet PG is magical that way - fits a diverse set of foot shapes. A quality brand.

Bijou

I think I need the PG’s too. Finding comfortable flats is a big challenge for me.

cindysmith

Love that Free People pair!

Sarah Haider

Member

I love this style.

Joy

Thank you for your review. I also have sensitive high topped feet so straps and high vamps are tricky. Your winners are great looking for your wardrobe. Ack, the PGs are sold out at Nordstroms and I was going to order them in blue.

Style Fan

Thanks for your review. I love the PG flats. I wonder if they would work for my feet.

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