bensimon? anyone wear these?

[overthemill]

ok, i want a pair of pumps/sneakers but converse are not comfy on my (narrow and small) feet. Another thread suggests superga as the biz but what about besimon, they also have the vintage look i crave and are much cheaper! So ladies, any views please
spartoo

I love Bensimon plimsolls but never owned as my feet are slightly wide so fear they wouldn't fit correctly. I agree that they do have a lovely vintage feel to them. Toast used to stock them and so do La Redoute.

Lovely. Delicate enough to wear with a summer dress (depending on the style) and reminicent of Jennifer Grey in Dirty Dancing, almost...

Brora sell them too. Here with laces.

They come up tiny weeny so don't fit my size 8 feet, and that's the biggest size

In France we wear these all the time - they are just multicoloured plimsolls but when it's really hot they're great. I do size up in them as my big toe tends to hit the end.

Warning - they do get smelly though and need to be put through the washing machine from time to time.

I have a pair that I have worn to death. The soles are a bit thin, but I find them much more comfortable than converse. They wear out quite quickly, but on balance that is because I wore them all the time. I am a size 39.5/40 and the 40 fits fine.

hattymattie, I'm off to France next month - where can you buy them (dept stores) and how much are they? I'm wondering if it is worth stocking up.

They are about 26? (expensive for what they are) and you can get them in lots of french shoe shops. Also I have definitely seen them in Galeries Lafayette.

Good luck and happy holidays.

They are not that thin fit, DD1 has super thin feet (E at clarks) and they are too wide for her.
I am "normal" and I love them. 1 pair usually last 2 years of heavy wearing and frequent wash (I agree with the smelly bit).
They are a bit thin for scotland (you will have cold feet if the weather is below 16 C even with socks).
They have many styles and colors. The only drawback is their sizing I am a 39.5 and had had 39, 40 and 41 as the sizing is not consistent depending on style and colours.

41 is actually 7.5 (not 8) ad it is the biggest size for women, they do have men sizes too (less funky colours but if you stick to the neutrals there is no difference).

I think they come in sizes larger than 8 in France as they make mens sizes too

Do they rub your heels ?

No heel rubbing or anything else rubbing here with super sensitive feet (if yo get the size right). I blister at the sight of a new pair of shoes

tahnk you! now, opinions please, laces or slip on?

I have a high instep so laces are more comfortable (same if you have a low instep as you can tighten) if that helps.

thanks - i really meant in terms of gorgeousness!

Thanks hattymattie - will look out for pairs on my hols. I think they may be a tad cheaper than in the UK.

I had slip-ons by the way and no rubbing anywhere.

I love the slip-ons - I do think they're expensive though. Am currently debating whether to buy a new pair for this summer...

Hey. Got a pair for girlfriend. They are soooooooo comfy she tells me. Like slippers. With or without laces. Thin soles. Rubber. Cotton uppers. Reminds her mum of old school plimsolls. And she says Jane Birkin and Marianne Faithful used to wear them constantly. Anyway hope this helps. Think the sole will wear out if you walk on them a lot. Probably last a 6 to 9 month UK summer. Great for Spain the Carribean etc and they wash and can go snorkelling in them as well.