French Sole Ballet Pumps

[Earlybird]

Would love some advice from anyone who has got (or has had) a pair of French Sole ballet pumps.

I stopped by their London shop a few weeks ago, and it was jammed. After waiting 30 mins, I left and resolved to look online - especially as the shop is so small, they didn't seem to have many of the styles/colours/sizes in stock.

If you've got a pair, are you happy with them? Any negatives, or things to be aware of? Do their sizes run big/small? Would love to think I could order online, and voila - perfect looking/fitting shoes arrive a week later, with no fuss/hassle.

Love them, but different styles run bigger/smaller than others (they give advice on their website).
The store tends to have lots more than the web though - they don't have every style on display though.
Personally much prefer the styles that are v low-cut.

Love them too; in my experience they tend to be on the small side, espexially the fabric ones (satin). Leather less so. Low cut styles are extremely flattering to the foot - something to do with toe cleavage?!?
Highly recommended, for some reason cheaper ballet pumps never look as good.
Other good makes: Jaime Mascaro and Repetto.

Thanks for the advice. I've got a wide foot (and unfortunately have inherited the family bunions), so though I love the low cut styles, they wouldn't suit me.

Interesting that you think the shop has more stock than online. When I was there, two pleasant but completely overwhelmed shop assistants said repeatedly to the dozen or so customers 'sorry, we don't have that, check the website'.

Other thoughts? Please..........

If you are in London there is an article about them in these evening's Standard (haven't read it yet as was just flipping through on Tube home).

Topshop carry a few of their styles.

Thanks for those tips.

Would they be good shoes for someone who walks a fair amount? About 5 miles a day.....trying to look smart and get out of trainers/birkies!

I don't think you can walk 5 miles a day in them (or any really flimsy little pumps) without risking tired feet and fallen arches (someone will come on now and say "oh no, I always walk the marathon in mine and a rhino outfit and theya re aFINE )

Thanks PPH. I know that many of the styles are thin soled and only appropriate for wafting from the car to the school gates.....or maybe at a push, from the M&S parking garage down the King's Road.

But, there are one or two sturdier versions that just might be suitable for something more demanding. It seems that Mumsnet is not populated with French Sole wearers...or else they're all out doing something else and not online!

i have got clarks ones, can't link to stupid site but they are excellent for walking in. i've got wide toes and high arches and they don't fall off. their only failing is tan coloured sole, but not on the black i believe.

here they are looks a bit like a dustpan in that pic but better in rl honest, nice shape to toes.

Thanks fishie. LOL at dustpan!

I have some from French Sole and they are on the small side

Whenever I have been to the shop they never have what I want in the right size - I think online stocks should be better

Have you tried pretty ballerinas? They now have shop in London in South Molton St plus you can order on the web. Personally I'd buy Campers for ballet-type shoes which you could actually walk in but they are expensive and quite casual-looking. I have some sturdy ones from a brand called Pump and Circumstance as well which are good for work. The very thin soled ones are only good for going out!

clarks = the poor woman's camper

So glad I've found this thread, as I started a similar one last week. I really fancy a pair of French Soles, but would have to buy them online, which makes me really nervous. I'd never even heard the term 'toe cleavage' before looking at their website.

CoffeeCrazedMama - thanks for Evening Standard tip. I picked it up on the tube on the way home, and will read article once dd is in bed.