Ballet flats - better to be slightly too small or slightly too big?

[brokenshoes]

I've been saving up for ages and bought these the other day (over the internet, so couldn't try them on). I love them, but the size 7 are a smidgen too small. I can get my foot in, but there is no "wriggle room" at all. They feel like well-fitting gloves, but on my feet, if that makes any sense!

I know that leather will give, but these shoes are 2-3 times what I'd normally spend and I can't afford to take the risk and wear them in an attempt to stretch them, if it doesn't work and they still feel too tight.

I'm planning on returning them and getting the size 8, but I've a feeling they might be too big. I guess I'm probably a size 7.5 in these shoes, but they don't do half sizes, sigh.

Just wondering if I should persevere with the slightly-too-small 7s as I really do love the shoe. I've never had ballet flats before, so wondering how the "fit" should be.

Neither. I was just posting on another thread about an expensive pair of boots that were slightly too small - I talked myself into thinking they'd give. They didn't, not enough. Barely worn. Too big and your feet will be working to keep them on. Either way you won't enjoy them at all.

Tbh they don't seem that unusual - I'm sure the style and beauty mavens will be able to find you something similar?

Neither! Sometimes a style just isn't right for your foot, no matter what size.

You could try a pair of insoles with the too-big ones, but to be honest, if they are expensive you want them to be perfect.

came back to add - ballerinas are the worst style for being too big. Even if the length is perfect there's little to hold them on your foot other than (tense) toes.

A ruched style like this one is a great idea

Depends how much standing and walking you're going to be doing in them I would say. I practically never find comfy ballet flats as I have very wide feet, but I do like them. I am resigned to only wearing them when I don't need to walk far and have just had a similar dilemma with these.

I've bought them a little tight in 5.5 and they have broken in slightly but they are not fantastically comfortable. However they are not going to be every day school run type shoes for me, they are going to be for the odd occasion I need to look smarter and therefore not walking miles, so I can live with it. I think I would find too loose even worse.

Yes, I guess you're right. Don't want them to be too tight. I'll try the size 8s though.

I like these because the front of the shoe comes higher up the foot (no toe cleavage!) and the shimmery print on them. When they catch the light they go all greeny-purply.

But, yes, would love any alternatives anyone can come up with. Off to bed in a mo so might not reply tonight.

Re insoles, I find they makes the looseness even worse as it just lifts your heel higher out of the shoe. Also, driving in loose ballet flats is dangerous, I have one loose pair and they flop off my feet, I have to take them off.

I do a lot of walking, so they need to be comfy.