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.

I used to wear ballet flats all the time when I was working, a lot of standing at work. I developed plantar fasciitis and still suffer from it from time to time.

The podiatrist who treated me ( this was at NHS hospital) told me they are worst things to wear as they do give your feet any support especially foot arch.
Worse than wearing heels .
I would never wear them again and always look for flat shoe with some support. I do really miss wearing them though.

I've stopped wearing them, more or less, as they can cause my achilles problem to flare up. If you want flats and have narrow feet try James Inglis or Special Feetures. I'm older than you and think some of their stock is a bit old for me (!) but I like Trotters or Ros Hommerson brands.

I never wear them; they give me that cankle look lol its like wearing slippers
A thicker sole is much more flattering imho and much better for your tootsies too

Those aren’t ballet flats they’re just pumps. They’re classic. Send us a pic of your DH’s style and we will find similes for him.

I have loads of flat shoes - loafers, brogues, slippers, pumps. I like them to have a padded rubber sole though, otherwise they’re not good for your feet.

Currently wearing some of these in pewter.

I’ve had years of foot problems, including plantar fasciitis. Try HOTTERS (podiatrist recommendation), ARCHE, fit flop, Ecco, Mephisto, Birkenstock, https://josefseibel.co.uk/
also, Merrell, are very supportive and comfortable. But casual.
ARCHE are super-comfy and have a great range of styles- I’ve got their sandals, boots, and shoes. Trainers often don’t provide needed support. But try the brand HOKA for best trainers

This is what I was thinking. I’m 5’2, slimmish, with size 4 arched feet but ballet pumps would give me zero support. I would prefer loafers.

I have the most awkward feet. EEE width,7-7.5 (depending on the retailer) high arches and thick ankles. Ballet flat look awful on me. If I had a trendy coloured ballet-type shoe with a slight heel it's a bit better. But my complicated requirements may still mean they are far from comfortable.

Not true about them being out of style. They made a comeback this year.

Love your H's humour😂.

Ballet flats are terrible for your feet. & I do think they give an ungainly look/walk after a while. I see some I like and I'm all for comfort but, no. I'd have a sparkly pair in my bag to change into late at a party/wedding etc but that's it. I like them with a wedge heel tho, they look good.

I disagree. I don't think women should feel that they have to wear heels to look good.

I’m back into ballet flats but I need them to have a Mary Jane strap so they stay on my feet.

I have a pair from Moi and they are so comfortable and versatile, also recently got a pair from OB.
https://www.moilondon.com/mary-janes

@Mirabai Those John Lewis Harriet ballet flats look like ballet flats to me. What is the difference between ballet flats and pumps? (when I was growing up pumps were another word for plimsolls BTW)

I'd think about low Mary Janes with a strap, with a bit of a heel (sorry can't do links) ie

Dune Hipplie

Russell and Bromley Prima Jane - these are chic with the double strap.

Or even Geox Plie - these are very comfortable and the patent version are pretty. Definitely worth a look.

I think the stress it puts on feet of wearing shoes without a strap is not good at all. Combined with very flat or non-cushioned soles like most ballet flats.

I think "pumps" means ballet flats to some and it means PE shoes to others. I have a friend who calls ballet flats "pumps".

in terms of going out options, I actually d found a low heeled sandal (with a block heel) to be better than a totally flat shoes. Although you can get some really nice pointed / bejewelled flats - with a narrow foot they look great. I would just trade off the perfect shoe for a bit of aesthetic when I’m out

@stealthbanana yes, sandals (and boots) often provide better choices/options than shoes but I also love pointy flats.

I hate pointy shoes. They look so painful and are so bad for your feet. It makes me think bunions.

Ballet flats are a classic staple, they've been around since (at least) the Audrey Hepburn days so they are not a passing fashion fad. It's the combination of classics plus whatever current fashion item that makes them trendy or not, not the items themselves.

Pumps are ladies shoes - can be round, square, pointed toe, low cut no fastening.

Ballet flats are a kind of pump with a thin sole and a narrow band around the foot and a little bow that look exactly like ballet shoes.

When ballet flats were in a lot of pumps were rebranded ballet flats but they weren’t.

LTB

HTH. 😉

I love battered, leather pumps. Which is why I don't mind spending on them, as they look great new and aged!

I bought these silver ones from Marks and Spencer recently and am finding them very comfortable.

I've got some lovely ones from Boden and Clark's, I wear with ankle grazer skinny trousers and jeans (not the style that are glued to your leg past the knee) and a shirt, blouse or tshirt. Always feel smart.

I laughed at Tory councillor but was a bit more 🤔 at the further criticism of brogues. Does he prefer you to wear heels by any chance?

I used to love heels and nothing looks as good on me with a dress as beautiful heels. But I just cannot wear them anymore and so compromises must be made and there's only so much you can do with flats in terms of elegance and glamour.

Yes, I u think most of what are called "ballet flats" aren't the strict definition of the very thin soled, very, flat shoes with no heel

French Sole sell them - Pretty Ballerina don't really do that - even their flattest style has a bit of a hell. They also have versions with a low heel and up to a 2cm block heel and some that have a low hidden wedge that are very comfortable.