where to find comfy ballet flats (i.e. with slightly padded sole or similar)

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Saw the sun today and flung on my trusty Topshop ballet flats, but really they aren't any good for proper walking. Zero support - like walking in bare foot on the pavement. Wonder if anyone does (nice) ones that are slightly more comfy if you want to walk any distance in them. Maybe squashy insole or something? But don't want them to look like worthy orthopaedic shoe if you know what I mean…… Anyone know if these things exist??

Banana Republic

I've struggled to find ballet flats for work - I sometimes have to do a fair bit of walking around the site so need comfortable and supportive.

I searched high and low but have gone back to Clarks for the second year running.

TBH I never imagined buying shoes from Clarks before the age of 60 but they're not that bad for work really.

Bloch

I have bought some black patent ballets by Totes. I bought them from a local gift shop.

The inside is all padded with extra padding where the arch is. They had them in lots of different colours and styles.

Clarks and dare I say it marks and spencers.

I have a pair by a company called aerosoles, absolutely amazing. Good support, formal enough for work but can be dressed down too. Lovely sole. I luuuurrrrvvveee them.

Clarks Originals ballet pumps are super soft and comfy.

Those Clarks one look good Twirly, think they would look even better with a dark sole. Are they true to size?

Hush puppies are soooo comfy. They do some pump type styles.

I bought some nude m&s ones with insolia that are comfy

My DKNY flats took some breaking in but have padded soles are not as flimsy as most.

Pannacotta yes I found them true to size, maybe a tiny fraction on the smaller side but they do half sizes as well and my usual size 6 is fine for me. I thought the same about the white sole when I ordered but actually in real life you don't really see the sole as much as on the photos.

This probably isn't the best way about it... but I buy whatever flats feel comfy, and then add decent insoles to add extra foot protection and stop the 'stamping on the street' feeling.

Also toms espadrilles are amazingly comfy, and they also do a few pairs of ballet flats which are far more substantial than standard high street ones, but they are a bit pricey for flat shoes!

How is the sizing with the Banana Republic flats?

I second the Bloch ones, they are not cheap but I got some in the sale a couple of years ago and they are padded and comfy without being too clumpy.

Thanks Twirly will order if I can find a code for Clarks. Good to know about the sole as that put me off before,
Which colour did you go for?

Clarks here too. I've been buying them for a couple of years and wouldn't get my ballet flats from anywhere else. They've been doing some beautiful colours recently too.

Pannacotta - I went for Anthracite which I really like as it is a pretty colour but also not too bold so goes with most outfits.

Lots of excellent ideas here. right - will try not to be sniffy about Clarks and give them a go accept the fact that I am turning into an old lady which is why I am even asking this question .Banana Republic sounds v. interesting.Have never bought shoes there; may try a cheeky online order and see. Had been planning on checking out M&S too. Bloch v. interesting as thought they only did genuine ballet shoes. As in - satin pointe shoes for professional dancers. Many thanks all!

Blimey - just checked out Bloch website. They aren't giving them away, but they are gorgeous. Can I ask how they come up size wise? Seem to remember buying ballet shoes (for dancing) from them years ago and them running really small, but may be mistaken. Sorely tempted to order some…….

Hush Puppies Janessa. Supercomfy padded soles. The only thing is, you need to slip a bit of ribbon through the loop at the back of the heel and fasten round your ankles, otherwise they tend to flip-flop off at the back.

www.amazon.co.uk/Hush-Puppies-Womens-Janessa-Flat/dp/B001OI2MY4

Bloch - I'm a standard 7 and size 40 fit well. You can tighten the front with the elastic. Rubber heel tips mean they last a long time but the soles make them a bit slippery when it's wet.

Thanks, resipa. I am the same size as you. Think I'll give them a try.