The ultimate ballet flats

[RecursiveMoon]

Does anyone know where to buy the ultimate ballet flats?

My wishlist:
Black
Leather
Plain
A small amount of toe cleavage on display
Last >1 week
Cost

I've got my eye on these Massimo Dutti beauties.

Hmm, I like those ones, but I don't think that they're the One. I'd like them more if they were plainer (no trim, no bow etc).

Why do you want toe cleavage? Genuine question, I hate that and always thought it was when shoes fit badly. Have I got it wrong, are they meant to look like that?

I'm about the toe cleavage! I just like it. I like shoes with not a lot to them (e.g. Converse Oxford Lites), so I think it's that. I dream of very minimal shoes .

I hate toe cleavage - also think of it as cheap badly designed shoes - never thought anyone actually liked it. Have been looking for some pumps for ages but they are all hard & uncomfortable, don't fit properly or have toe cleavage and bitter experience teaches me - uncomfortable in the shop means they won't stretch & soften with wear because they'll be too bloody uncomfortable to ever wear In the first place!!!

Oi, stop dissing toe cleavage ! I still like it.

What about these ? Reduced from £80 to £39.

I have just bought these ones in both colours and they are very very comfy, but realise they don't meet you 'black' criteria

I'm willing to compromise on the toe cleavage. But they have to be leather, lovely, flexible, comfortable, and last for longer than 5 mins.

The big button thing is a bit too big I'm afraid One. Can you do your second link again?

Second shoes hopefully. You might think the flower thing is too big....

Bloch. Hideously expensive, but the only ones that don't rip my feet to shreds, and if you take them to a cobbler and get the toes and heels of the soles reinforces, they last brilliantly.

Sometimes they're reduced in TK Maxx.

reinforced

These?
Nine West shoes are so so comfortable and don't tend to fall apart.

I'm going to order these in black and nude. Plain and simple, real leather for £26 per pair, I'm not sure I can go terribly wrong.

rockin, how do the cobblers reinforce the toe? I do live those shoes btw, but I'd like a very plain pair or 2 for every day.

French Sole have lots with toe cleavage. I don't generally like it, but had some nice red ballet flats in that style, they were very comfortable too.

niniane, they're lovely actually, although they're not what I had mind initially.

BuildersTea, they're lovely and plain!

The Harriet is the style (or one of them) you need for toe cleavage:
www.frenchsole.com/styleguide.php

Recursive, they put a rubbery plastic bit over the heel and toe part of the sole. Thin but strong. Made no difference to the feel of the shoe, but just made them a bit stronger, as the soles are leather. I haven't had it done to all my pairs, as I'm too lazy, but they do feel that bit more cushioned when you walk and I'm sure they'd be better in dodgy weather.

Oops, wrong link
www.frenchsole.com/style_info2.php?group_request=searchbar&style=22&colour=x&size=x

Toe cleavage is supposed to be sexy, alluring, suggestive, subtle, and currently en vogue, apparently. French Sole are very minimal and have a huge variety of shapes and fabrics. Black is generally not on sale though. They are small fitting.

I've got some loverly ones from toast

Have had them years and still going strong

Oh MrsBovary!

I always liked Itsafineline .

Thanks for all of the suggestions!

I have these in purple. They are leather, really comfy, haven't fallen apart and show approximately 2mm of toe cleavage. They also go with everything.