Suddenly got my eye on ballet flats..

[LouraLoura]

Not sure why, but I used to love wearing them with ankle jeans and a sloppy top.

Sadly they often hurt my feet. If I take the plunge and look for some, what would you recommend? I used to buy cheap ones so maybe that is why they hurt? Would soft leather be better?

I would imagine MN still thinks they're dated but I don't care! Then again I don't want to pay much for shoes I would only do short distance in.

I like them styled like this

Mules or loafers are similar but sometimes have better arch support

Pretty Ballerinas have ballet flats with a slight heel which I think would be better for your feet. I can't do links, perhaps someone would do a link please.
Pretty Ballerinas Joanna

Also Pretty Ballerinas Lindsay

I have very high insteps and have been wearing them since the 1980's and I'm fine

I paid £96 for a pair of soft leather ones for a wedding (bridesmaid) thinking they'd be better than a pair 1/4 price in ASOS thats i'd seen. They were not. They scuffed so easily and I know I will barely wear them again because of this.

You might just need some bridge supports to make them comfier or try a brand like Hush Puppies or M&S's forever comfort range.

I have these from Russel & Bromley, they're very comfortable and come in various colours

In terms of arch support - what does it actually do? It sounds obvious, but I have never yet found a pair of shoes where the arch support is anywhere near the actual arch of my foot, and the shoe would have to be a really weird shape for it to physically touch…. Are my feet just odd? Are most people’s arches the shape of arch support shows or do they work by a different mechanism?

Just ordered 2 pairs of A Pedi ballerinas same as these

apiedi.co.uk/collections/flats/products/freya-beige

From TKMaxx at £19.99, pink and blue, bargain! See what they are like this week.

I also have a pair of Fit Flops tan suede, quite comfortable so far in the 3 times I have worn them

Moshulu Vinaigrette 2 may be what you're looking for. They come in 9 different colours, are a bit more supportive with a very slight 1 cm heel. Not cheap, £59 currently, though they often have offers and their shoes do last well.

apedi and the russel & bromley, really amazed at the number of places that sell what i would consider a high end price for flats. roger vivier and salvatore ferrigamo included. and yes i wonder if or how the foot bed feels at these prices.
@Rina66 , do tell does a L250 pair feel much different than say L59. don't misunderstand i love the look of salvatore but wonder if they are comfy for all feet?