Best ballerinas?

[carrie74]

I think it's time to retire my old Boden ballerinas. I've had them for years, and they've worked v v hard for me, and resoled several times. Now though, they're getting harder to keep on my feet, and I actually stepped out of one of them the other day, plus am noticing that I'm doing that toe crunch thing to try to keep them on.

So, what are the best ballerinas in terms of comfort, longevity and fit?

I'll only be wearing them for work, but don't want to get something cheap that just hurt my feet and last 3 months. Equally, I don't want to spend mega-bucks and be frightened to actually wear them in the rain.

My budget is probably up to £75, but I can stretch to £100 for the perfect pair. Any recommendations?

[Grammaticus]

Thanks hedgefund, I have ordered the black ones half price

[hedgefund]

\link{http://www.office.co.uk/womens/office/academic_ballerina/30/7981/22260/1/\office} on sale, look nice, smell nice too (the tan ones are lush)

[Grammaticus]

My Boden ones seem comfy and good quality. A bit wide for my narrow feet but that's always a problem for me.

[thebeastandbeauty]

I got some nice Bertie ones last year that are still going strong..

[YoniOno]

I've recently discovered Yosi Samra for ballerinas, similar to Bloch but much cheaper. I got some off EBay BNWT, lovely two-tone cobalt ones.

[phinz]

I have a couple of pairs of Blochs and they are so comfy. I get the cobbler to put rubber soles on them before I wear them and this makes them more waterproof and grip better when it is wet.

[happyyonisleepyyoni]

I've got some v comfy patent nude ones from Asda, £7. May get a second pair for when they wear out.

[polyhymnia]

Russell and Bromley, L K Bennett, Hobbs. Have also had successful ones from Pretty Ballerinas and Boden. Not a Clarks fan.

[GraduallyGoingInsane]

I rate Dune for ballet flats, I've had a couple of pairs that lasted a good 2-3 years without going baggy.

I have a very comfortable pair from Boden in navy that are onto their second year, but whispers they're actually Mini Boden as I'm only a size 3! If you're small of foot, I recommend them! I ordered some grown up ones shortly after as I wanted a tan pair and there were no kids ones in that colour, the adult ones were twice the price and not as comfortable so went back.

I've never had Blochs but I have got Repettos - very comfortable and soft leather but they're too 'nice' and delicate for rainy days.

My older DDs swear by Topshop and they've lasted a lot better than I expected, but for me the soles are far too thin.

[ZaraW]

I just got a pair from Jones Bootmaker, I'm really heavy footed and do a lot of walking and the ones I bought seem up to he job as they are rubber soled and are well cushioned.

[BahrainB]

Blue Velvet on Kings Road have a website. I always stock up when in London as they are comfortable, last ages and all leather.

[CointreauVersial]

Anpther vote for Clarks.

I bought some leopard print ones recently....sooooo comfy. Even though I am a bunion-ridden wide-footed old hag they look lovely, are well-made, and cost (iirc) £36.

[abbyfromoz]

Love russell & bromley
I had a pair of bloch ballet flats and unfortunately wasn't a huge fan as they had a leather sole and weren't very hardy. They got wet, i put them in the box, pulled them out after a week or so and they had grown mould!! Probably my fault for getting them wet but... These things happen.

[Ginformation]

I adore my Fit Flop Due ballerinas. Very very comfy. I had spinal surgery so was essential to have proper supportive soles, also have wide feet. I wear them for work and with skinny jeans. The mink colour is perfect neutral and now I'm wondering about getting a canvas pair in sunflower

[Jellybellyrbest]

I've been lurking....LOVE ballet pumps but I've got v narrow heel cup & I've always been unable to keep non-strap shoes/lace-ups on my feet! Since DD3 my feet have got broader & I'd LOVE a pair. J Crew look lovely but I'm wondering how true the sizes are to UK sizes. They're £77 to ship here in the sale & are non-returnable so an expensive mistake for me....

[BeaLola]

Do any of you have wide feet & successfully wear ballerina shoes?
I would love a pair ... crossing fingers x

[Fairylea]

I second Clark's. Very good quality and cheapish. Well worth a look !

[Grammaticus]

I tried LKB and Hobbs today. Only patent in LKB but Hobbs had some with £30 off. I ordered some Boden ones for £44 with the mumsnet discount code. Don't know if they're any good yet, though!

[carrie74]

I have thought about Boden again, but my experience with the clothes in the last 18-24 months has been that the quality hasn't been up to much, while prices have stayed the same or crept up. So I'm reluctant to pay £60-£80 on shoes from Boden that won't live up to the ones I'm replacing.

I don't mind resoling, but I do want fairly comfy shoes that don't slip off my feet as I'm walking, or require me to curl my toes in the manner of an eagle to keep the shoes on . I think I need to go and try on, which means High St really, although can also try R&B and LKB. Will also try to see what pops up in TK Maxx, but it's v v rare for me to drop by there (live rurally, don't actually go bricks and mortar shopping v often).

[homeaway]

Can I whisper Clarks? I have just bought a pair and they are really comfy and everybody is asking me where i got them from !

[Spottyegg]

I have Pretty Ballerinas, Blochs and J Crew. There is a trade-off in terms of comfort and longevity - the J Crew are comfy but rubber soled and quite thin - so may not last long (but got v cheap in final sale) this style. I have the pointy toed flats as well which are pretty durable but not that comfortable (hard patent leather).

The Blochs are also thin soled and not quite as comfy for me but got them cheap at TK Maxx. The Pretty Ballerinas are the thickest and the leather probably the most durable but they have needed breaking in. And I have another cheapy brand which rub my toes something terrible. The Bodens look quite good - agree why not try again?

[santamarianovella]

carrie i highly rate bloch,and there are some on the outnet for 50%off. tory burch flats are regarded as very comfy though i dont own one.but a friend does and she loves it.

[shopalot]

The best ballerinas I have are accessorize. But then I find that none of the ballerinas I have wear that well so prefer to buy from monsoon cheaper and chuck when worn.

[Grammaticus]

Why don't you get a new pair from Boden?