Active discussions

Meet the Other Phone. Protection built in.

Meet the Other Phone.
Protection built in.

Buy now

Please or to access all these features

Talk
Style and beauty

Looking for style advice? Chat all about it here. For the latest discounts on fashion and beauty, sign up for Mumsnet Moneysaver emails.

Original poster

Has anyone seen smart black ballet flats with elastic on the heels?

35 replies

GoogleyEyes · 27/03/2015 19:19

I am getting increasingly desperate for some work shoes that aren't boots, as the weather warms up. But I have awkward feet - very wide on the toes, very narrow and bony on the heel.

I was wondering if those ballet flats which are elasticated around the heel would be the answer, ideally ones with a bit of foam / support under the soles as I'll be commuting in them.

Has anyone seen smart enough for work black ballet flats that have an elastic bit rather than a hard leather bit that rips holes in my heel within five minutes around the heel?

OP posts:
OldRoan · 27/03/2015 19:41

Keep an eye out for Bloch - TK Maxx normally has them. They can be a bit expensive full price, but they are really comfy.

polyhymnia · 27/03/2015 19:57

I love the slightly quilted black ones with elastic at heel LK Bennett have at the moment - called Cheri ( sorry can't link from pad). Have tried them on and they are nice and comfortable as well as smart but not cheap!

specialsubject · 27/03/2015 20:04

not that I've ever worn ballet shoes, but a physio told me that dead flat shoes are really bad for your feet. It is really hard to find wearable shoes now, with the choice either flimsy slippers or fugly duck walk stupid high heels, but do persevere. You don't get spare feet.

those seventy quid flimsies are a foot disaster.

Original poster
GoogleyEyes · 27/03/2015 20:06

Thanks for all the suggestions. I'll have a look.

specialsubject I choose to have bare feet / socks when I'm at home and find it comfy, so I don't mind ballet style shoes with less support at all. I do mind if they hurt, don't stay on, make holes in my feet etc though...

OP posts:
KatyMac · 27/03/2015 20:08

I would second Ballet flats being bad for feet - DD (aspiring dancer) has been banned from wearing them by 3 dance schools & 2 physios for the last 3 years

I know what you mean about comfortable tho' I like Eco shoes - my ankles are so narrow - I often wear slingbacks

KatyMac · 27/03/2015 20:10

I agree bare foot is better but if you have to wear shoes wear ones you won't have to hold on with your toes (it's unconcious but you do with ballet flats)

CurlyWurlyCake · 27/03/2015 20:24

If bare foot isn't an option and ballet flats are out what are can we wear for commuting and work?

hydeparkhottie · 27/03/2015 20:37

repettos! you can get some at affordable prices on vestaire.

BlanketSky · 27/03/2015 20:52

you could be describing my feet!

I have 'feature film' from Clarks, normal width (I normally need wide), they have a strap. They rubbed a bit on my heel to start with but better now and they're pretty comfy.

FreiasBathtub · 27/03/2015 20:58

J Crew have fantastic ones with a kind of hidden internal wedge heel so they are more comfy and better for your feet. I'm not sure whether they have any in black at the moment, though, and they aren't cheap.

InkleWinkle · 27/03/2015 21:00

My DD has narrow feet & has GEOX ballet flats. Only a size 2.5 but maybe they have adult ones too.

Pippin8 · 27/03/2015 21:05

I like this style for the same reason. Had a pair from moda in pelle 2-3 yrs ago & they are so comfy. However, the new styles they have in are a bit garish.

I was tempted to buy a similar pair from dune but they felt and looked awful.

Petal02 · 27/03/2015 21:58

shopeu.ecco.com/uk/en/ecco/ecco-owando_3874890/3967844?navId=193&ajax=1&page=-1&color=1&price=70-125

I bought these in January, they are divine.

tartiflette · 27/03/2015 22:33

Petal they're lovely, what is Ecco sizing/width like?

Original poster
GoogleyEyes · 28/03/2015 07:28

They look just right but they're out of stock in the black in my size! I'm a bit worried about the sticky up bit right on the heel, too, it looks as though it might be hard and rub?

OP posts:
nottheOP · 28/03/2015 08:13

Next girls school shoes fit the bill and go up to a 7

stripytees · 28/03/2015 08:26

If you want barefoot then go for actual minimalist shoes. They are flexible and with zero drop heel so they are better for your feet. Merrell does several styles and Vivobarefoot Jing Jing or Daisy are just like you describe with the elastic back.

KiaOraOAotearoa · 28/03/2015 08:29

Stylesnob does some amazing elasticated flats :)

carrie74 · 28/03/2015 09:22

Banana Republic do them, often in the sales, and they're padded so comfy to wear, elastic aged the whole way round, so no toe crunching to keep them on.

I can't wear them anymore though because of the lack of arch support.

Trills · 28/03/2015 09:32

These from Accessorize are the comfiest ballet flats ever - I have a red pair that are fading and I'm very sad that they are not making red ones any more.

Petal02 · 28/03/2015 09:49

tartiflette I found the Ecco size and width to be quite normal, and the style in my link has a small amount of stretch, which no doubt helps.

Having read the latest posts, I'm very interested in some of the ballet pumps in the Next 'Older Girls' section. And I'll be checking out other children's sections too!

Petal02 · 28/03/2015 09:52

OP - Butterfly Twist make really soft, bendy ballerinas; no suitable for hiking, but great if you just want something soft on your feet.

Pumpkinette · 28/03/2015 10:46

How about this from clarks. I was going to get them last week as I was looking for elasticated flats (I'm a 1/2 size so normal ones flap about). In the end I got this pair from topshop. Not elasticated but fit perfect and soft as butter.

LondonRocks · 28/03/2015 16:21

What size are you? I have some LK Bennett ones (never worn) that I am thinking of ebaying...

Swipe left for the next trending thread