Ballet flats, yes or no?

[Shooop]

I think of ballet flats as timeless. However, on wearing a new simple black pair, my husband said I looked like a Tory councillor.

For more context, I am 50. I think I was wearing a simple black dress. My style is quite minimalist tbh. Sadly, my shoe choices are a bit limited these days because of foot pain, happy days.

I KNOW it’s up to me/ all of us what we wear but Im intrigued. …stylish women of S&B, what’s your view on ballet pumps atm? Are they in or out atm? Do you like them? Only with trousers? Or not at all?

Oh and bonus question: if anyone can suggest any cool shoes that work for someone with foot problems (Morton’s neuroma!) then I’d be v grateful.

No, my plantar fasciitis is aching at the thought.

You need to wear what you like and tell your husband his views are not welcome.

I can't wear ballet flats or any kind of really flat shoe, I have really high arches. I can't wear flip-flops or basic Birkenstocks at all. I tend to live in Fit Flops of various styles these days..and I've just discovered Allbirds (in TKMaxx!).

Also, I have had Morton’s neuroma. A steroid injection sorted it out brilliantly, but you probably have to make a bit of a fuss to get one, otherwise you’ll get fobbed off with orthotics and other more or less useless measures.

They’re ok and I used to wear them a lot but they give little support.

I do have some black patent fit flop ones though.

They’re pretty much my default for office wear with 7/8 trousers now things are more casual post covid.

I favour Sophia Webster butterfly flats for pointed toes and find Charlotte Olympia really comfortable although I don’t do much to skiing in them to be fair and avoid her really out there looks!

Loafers are more mainstream current fashion than ballet flats - although the latter are coming back, and much much better for your feet. But your average middle aged husband with no special interest in fashion will categorise them as Tory Councillor shoes anyway.

I love em, well, especially ones with a little bit of a strap across the top.

The only downside to them is it's bound to discourage you from walking far, compared to a more cushioned/substantial shoe.

Is your husband trying to make you wear heels?

Unfortunately I agree that you need to have delicate ankles and slim legs for them to look good. Otherwise you need more shoe to balance your proportions.
Also they are often very unsupportive so prime for plantar fascitis.

@SisterMaryLoquacious Loafers really do look to me like someone older would wear. I suppose most things do eventually come round again, though.

Pointed shoes do serious damage to your toes, you actually need a wide toe box to enable you to walk properly. I've seen some ads for fitville who specialise in shoes that are anatomically correct.

I have the most horrific feet to shoe so my choice is limited but I have a pair of tan leather pointy flats I wear for smart work stuff.

I also have some dirt cheap white loafers from primark that are shocking for foot health but have seen me through a couple of work events (wear them with navy wide legged trousers).

Never wear either pair for a lot of walking and generally only for a few hours.

Tbh it's leather trainers most of the time event to work stuff - smarter end of smart casual but even mega seniors do the same these days.

Imo round toe ballet flats are timeless and classic!

Nothing wrong with ballet flats but they are too flat for anyone who needs arch support.

I think, like your footwear choices, your husband needs to be more supportive. Why is he making comments like that?

Also does he feel his own fashion is tip top

Agree they are awful for foot pain. I try not to wear mine now.

I dont care how they look but I find them really uncomfortable to wear

The Fitflop ballet pumps seem to have a bit more cushioning and look really soft.

https://www.fitflop.com/uk/en/shop/womens-ballerinas-uk

But you might still want orthotic insoles in them.

My issue is different - flat feet, wonky right foot due to being slightly knock-kneed, one leg slightly longer than the other and PF in the past, but I can get away with almost anything now with the right insoles.

Absolutely not.

I mean, taste is subjective. Personally I cannot stand ballet flats in any form, but more than that they cannot be helping any foot issues.

How about a loafer? Mid point between a ballet flat and a brogue? Kinda... (these not my faves but first that came up when I googled).

Boden example here.

I think they can look terrible, or great! Very hit and miss, but I would always avoid black ones. I've never seen anyone look nice in black ballets. But for more comfort and to be better for your feet (and your back), I would go for a ballet style with a bit of a wedge heel.

I like a pointed ballet flat with trousers, but with any length of skirt I think they look really dated now, Alexa Chung 15 years ago sort of thing.

I do struggle with skirts/dresses when it's not appropriate to wear trainers and too hot for boots - so I just tend to avoid them. I've got skinny legs and big feet so loafers make my legs look like golf clubs.

Tempeted to get the beige ones as my other ones are black And for summer i would get more use from this colour

Chanel, Manolo Blahnik, LK Bennett, Prada, Russell and Bromley, Pretty Ballerina, French Sole have had ballet flats as a staple of their collections since as long as they've existed. Vogue and The Times seem to run annual articles telling us each year that ballet flats are back.

I think I'll take them as a bit more authoritative of the merits of ballet flats than the musings of some random person on MN telling me they're dated.