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.

@Shooop , what does your DH look like in his shoes? Just curious that he is so obsessed with what you put on your feet, and wondering why his opinion matters? Does he always “neg” you like this?

This thread reminds me of the comment about ballet flats in the film 'I give it a year'. It's funny how ten years later fashion people are talking about them like they're a new invention. Jeez I'm getting old.

Anyway I also love practical/ugly shoes. I have many of all styles and I would say it's not the shoes, it's what you wear them with that's the issue. I think flat unchunky shoes look really prissy with midi dresses. Whereas if you wore the shoes with wide leg trousers they'd be good. I'd you're set on wearing the dress you have, have you got any ankle boots that might work with it?

he looks like a 50 year old in trainers, or actually in walking boots - they are merryls (spelling?). He is really good with colour, style, but specifically related to interiors: that’s his profession. I would not say his clothes are stylish. They are practical.

About negging, I should defend him: I asked for his opinion. He didn’t really want to engage in my (non) fashion show. I made him give opinions on every set of shoes.

My low self confidence on footwear choices comes directly from another woman: my judgemental mother. Her utter weirdness about weight (hers and everyone else’s) and clothes and what’s suitable and what’s not comes (1) from the patriarchy and (2) from her Catholicism.

She’s 80 now and still thinks she’s the best looking woman in the room. She loves judging others negatively and putting them down. She’s very tiresome. So yeah I should just wear what makes me happy ey.

Rogue Matilda are beautiful brogues but have stopped being made. You might find some with other sellers. Worth a look.

Oh @Shooop - that really sucks! Sorry for assuming it was unwanted criticism.
However, I can see both why you are asking for reassurance and he, bless his heart, is being truthful. As it’s not helpful, try asking the people in the shoe shop if they look ok instead.
FWIW, I also had a Morton’s neuroma, and I find that Hotter Shoes are great for flats with support - the Mary-Jane’s are my favourite!

Mostly, No

But, it depends. Mostly, ballet flats accentuate bad posture. The cheaper versions, particularly, as they have little structure and make the wearer look down at heel. If you can find a pair of well-made leather ones, with a solid sole and properly structured and reinforced upper, then - maybe …

I think, for me, the problem is proportion, particularly on anyone who doesn’t have slim ankles and calves. Because the ballet flat is so minimalist, it can look I’ll-proportioned against thick ankles or calves.

And there are nowadays many more flat heeled choices than ballet flats. I’ve spent all the years of my adulthood seeking out interesting flat shoes, and nowadays there is so much choice! The basic ballet flats are just boring.

unpopular opinion

Unless if you are a very small framed, thin short woman, ballet flats make you look dumpy. I am 5'2 and a size 8 but still look frumpy in ballets.

The problem is some outfits (especially in summer) are hard to wear without sandals or ballets, and if the weather is poor, sandals are not practical.

I find ballets are also unsupportive on the feet, you can feel everything and they are so flat they are uncomfortable.

I should add, you need tiny feet to carry off ballets too.

I started wearing ballet pumps because I walk with a limp and:

a) they dont catch the ground with my limp (any type of heel drags, snaps or tears within days)

&

b) they are super cheap from Primark (like £4) but surprisingly last for every single daily wear up to a year. After throwing away thousands of pounds worth of ruined old shoes I just CBA spending hundreds on a pair of nice leather boots etc... that are just going to ruin quick because of my disability.

Those cheap UGG boot things work well too for me, I'm MORE than aware they are ugly but they are just cheap and practical and I'm too old to care lol.

If you're lucky enough to be able to go on holiday to Spain or Italy, buy there. Much much better quality comfort and style usually. Also boots! Boots nearly always make an outfit look cooler! More problematic in summer I admit but the trend for cream/ tan boots for summer use is a godsend at least on rainy days. They look particularly good with maxi dresses.

As you have issues with your feet I would stay away from ballet flats as others have already told you they give you no support. The shoes you were wearing are a bit boring ,probably more suited for work and would look better with trousers. We are the same age and if I was going down the ballet flats rabbit hole I would rather spend (a lot) and stick with the classics like Chanel,Ferragamo,Roger Vivier and Manolo Blahnik (for pointy ones). I also wouldn't buy them in black and I would wear them with trousers.

I like them on other people and believe they're stylish again (or still) but I no longer wear them. I spent my 20s in skinny jeans or skater dresses and flats and it looked great then, but looks all wrong on me 10 (plus) years later.

I've been trying to make brogues and midi dresses work, but my husband has made similarly supportive comments about that look

Mothers. Mine is 81 'you could do with losing a few pounds dear'. Yeah thanks I know that. Ballet flats are bad for your feet - but some are ok with arch support. Wear what you want and smile.

i love Josef Siebel shoes and sandals as they make my feet happy. Also wear Veja and other trainers, and the odd clarks kitten heel if it's a 'dressy do'. But combat boots and trainers are my go to (even with suits). I'm mid 50s and refuse to do what they tell me.... :-)

I'm not keen on ballet flats and I always thought they were really bad for your feet, I remember people saying they were worse for your feet than heels. I am loving ravel's brogues and loafers I've got both of these, really cushioned and comfortable.

Geox do flat Ballet type shoes but much more robust and supportive. A decent sole and heel.

I love them (always did) and don’t care if they are in or out or what my horrified mum and husband tell me about 😁