omg shoes March 29, 2016 2:19 PM Subscribe
I swear there used to be a shoe (I think on Amazon) that people always recommended and linked to for inexpensive flats of many colors needs. I can't find it.
It's some brand/style of ballet flat, the amazon sale page has it in about a billion colors/patterns, and I could have sworn I've seen it linked a handful of times over the last two years. (Could have sworn I saved it as a favorite, too, but it seems I didn't. One of those things where I thought, oh, I'll want this when the weather's warm again and then oh, I'll want this when I have money again. Time has come. Warm weather's around the corner, have some money, have no shoes.)
I've searched through links on likely questions and don't seem to see anything like what I'm remembering. (Also searched on Amazon but nothing popped out as Obviously The Thing.) Does anyone else happen to know what I'm talking about?
It's some brand/style of ballet flat, the amazon sale page has it in about a billion colors/patterns, and I could have sworn I've seen it linked a handful of times over the last two years. (Could have sworn I saved it as a favorite, too, but it seems I didn't. One of those things where I thought, oh, I'll want this when the weather's warm again and then oh, I'll want this when I have money again. Time has come. Warm weather's around the corner, have some money, have no shoes.)
I've searched through links on likely questions and don't seem to see anything like what I'm remembering. (Also searched on Amazon but nothing popped out as Obviously The Thing.) Does anyone else happen to know what I'm talking about?
Geox? That's mentioned in a lot of askmes.... Tieks? That's not on Amazon or cheap, but they have a million colors.
posted by Fig at 2:36 PM on March 29, 2016
posted by Fig at 2:36 PM on March 29, 2016
This one has 34 colors and has been an Ask answer a couple of times.
Lucky Women's Emmie Ballet Flat
posted by that's how you get ants at 2:40 PM on March 29, 2016 [23 favorites]
Lucky Women's Emmie Ballet Flat
posted by that's how you get ants at 2:40 PM on March 29, 2016 [23 favorites]
YES. That's it!
posted by phunniemee at 2:41 PM on March 29, 2016
posted by phunniemee at 2:41 PM on March 29, 2016
Oh right I can't best answer in metatalk. that's how you get ants found it. Thank you!
posted by phunniemee at 2:42 PM on March 29, 2016 [2 favorites]
posted by phunniemee at 2:42 PM on March 29, 2016 [2 favorites]
Aaand of course there are basically none left in my size.
posted by phunniemee at 2:44 PM on March 29, 2016 [3 favorites]
posted by phunniemee at 2:44 PM on March 29, 2016 [3 favorites]
Yay/boo.
I also saw these ones when I was searching that are more expensive but have more colors.
Hush Puppies Women's Chaste Ballet Flat
posted by that's how you get ants at 2:52 PM on March 29, 2016
I also saw these ones when I was searching that are more expensive but have more colors.
Hush Puppies Women's Chaste Ballet Flat
posted by that's how you get ants at 2:52 PM on March 29, 2016
Nordstrom Rack carries Lucky brand stuff. They've got a few listed online.
posted by carsonb at 3:26 PM on March 29, 2016
posted by carsonb at 3:26 PM on March 29, 2016
It looks like those same flats are available on Zappos, also in a variety of colors. Maybe you'll have more like with size availability there?
posted by litera scripta manet at 3:28 PM on March 29, 2016 [2 favorites]
posted by litera scripta manet at 3:28 PM on March 29, 2016 [2 favorites]
This thread is delightful.
posted by crush-onastick at 3:41 PM on March 29, 2016 [2 favorites]
posted by crush-onastick at 3:41 PM on March 29, 2016 [2 favorites]
$20-200 is quite a range.
posted by ChurchHatesTucker at 5:15 PM on March 29, 2016 [4 favorites]
posted by ChurchHatesTucker at 5:15 PM on March 29, 2016 [4 favorites]
That's how Amazon says "about fifty bucks." Price the ugliest pattern in the least popular size at the cheapest price so it shows up early in searches, price a glittery one in the largest size at $200 so you think "wow I'm getting a deal!" and everything else is in the $45-60 range because that's the actual msrp of the shoe.
posted by phunniemee at 5:29 PM on March 29, 2016 [13 favorites]
posted by phunniemee at 5:29 PM on March 29, 2016 [13 favorites]
Checks out.
posted by ChurchHatesTucker at 5:51 PM on March 29, 2016
posted by ChurchHatesTucker at 5:51 PM on March 29, 2016
$20-200 is quite a range.
I've been seeing that a lot lately. I've been assuming that some sellers are deliberately putting in expensive outliers hoping that no one notices that one or two particular color/size combinations are ten times more expensive than all the others. It seems like one of those things that are both legal and unscrupulous; perhaps it will get egregious enough for Amazon to crack down at some point.
posted by Dip Flash at 6:05 PM on March 29, 2016 [4 favorites]
I've been seeing that a lot lately. I've been assuming that some sellers are deliberately putting in expensive outliers hoping that no one notices that one or two particular color/size combinations are ten times more expensive than all the others. It seems like one of those things that are both legal and unscrupulous; perhaps it will get egregious enough for Amazon to crack down at some point.
posted by Dip Flash at 6:05 PM on March 29, 2016 [4 favorites]
Anyone have any reviews? I am in the market for some closed-toe flats!
posted by ArbitraryAndCapricious at 6:30 PM on March 29, 2016
posted by ArbitraryAndCapricious at 6:30 PM on March 29, 2016
My favorite ballet flats are these ones by Born. They're somewhat pricy, but you can usually find deals on them. I love them because they are more supportive than other flats I've tried, and also they're pretty cute and can be dressed up or down pretty easily. Also, they're made of a nice, soft leather so they conform to the foot very nicely once you break them in.
(I've been wearing them for years, and I have one or two unworn pairs in the back of my closet in case they stop making them. That's how much I like these shoes.)
posted by litera scripta manet at 7:33 PM on March 29, 2016
(I've been wearing them for years, and I have one or two unworn pairs in the back of my closet in case they stop making them. That's how much I like these shoes.)
posted by litera scripta manet at 7:33 PM on March 29, 2016
Do any of these shoes besides the Borns offer any support? I love ballet flats but the older I get, the more my feet hate them. :(
(I love this thread)
posted by lunasol at 8:01 PM on March 29, 2016
(I love this thread)
posted by lunasol at 8:01 PM on March 29, 2016
I was recently reading past askmes about shoes for plantar fascitis, and the orthoheel/vionics brand got recommended a lot for being supportive and comfortable. I've browsed through what they have available on Zappos, and they have some ballet flats in their line up, although I haven't personally tried any of them yet.
But seriously, Born is great. I also have several pairs of Born boots, because they are one of the only brands of shoes (other than my Birkenstock sandals and running shoes) that don't leave me in lots of pain.
I have tried on the Lucky ballet flats linked in this thread (or a similar style by Lucky) and didn't find them supportive enough for my needs, but I have very picky feet, so YMMV.
posted by litera scripta manet at 9:25 PM on March 29, 2016 [1 favorite]
But seriously, Born is great. I also have several pairs of Born boots, because they are one of the only brands of shoes (other than my Birkenstock sandals and running shoes) that don't leave me in lots of pain.
I have tried on the Lucky ballet flats linked in this thread (or a similar style by Lucky) and didn't find them supportive enough for my needs, but I have very picky feet, so YMMV.
posted by litera scripta manet at 9:25 PM on March 29, 2016 [1 favorite]
Oh and here are a few specific ask mefi questions about comfortable/supportive ballet flats or similar shoes: one two three
Personally, what I would love to find is more shoes that are cute and stylish but that have a removable insole so I can use my superfeet orthotic in them.
posted by litera scripta manet at 9:29 PM on March 29, 2016 [3 favorites]
Personally, what I would love to find is more shoes that are cute and stylish but that have a removable insole so I can use my superfeet orthotic in them.
posted by litera scripta manet at 9:29 PM on March 29, 2016 [3 favorites]
I can vouch for Lucky Brand shoes in general. I have medium-ish wide feet and they always fit like a dream, also nice materials/construction for the price point.
posted by stoneandstar at 9:45 PM on March 29, 2016
posted by stoneandstar at 9:45 PM on March 29, 2016
I, you, er, I'm sure you mean William's Wish Wellingtons, right?
posted by Namlit at 5:08 AM on March 30, 2016
posted by Namlit at 5:08 AM on March 30, 2016
I knew this was a phunniemee post before I got to the byline.
posted by beerperson at 6:37 AM on March 30, 2016 [3 favorites]
posted by beerperson at 6:37 AM on March 30, 2016 [3 favorites]
inexpensive flats of many colors
Phunniemee and the Affordable Technicolor Comfyshoes
posted by Rock Steady at 7:19 AM on March 30, 2016 [13 favorites]
Phunniemee and the Affordable Technicolor Comfyshoes
posted by Rock Steady at 7:19 AM on March 30, 2016 [13 favorites]
I have a pair of the Lucky Brand flats and they're ok- they cover more of my foot than other flats I've owned which I don't love, but they are comfortable. The leather is really soft (at least in the color I have) and they've started to like, conform to my toes which is kind of weird.
posted by MadamM at 9:30 AM on March 30, 2016
posted by MadamM at 9:30 AM on March 30, 2016
I'm currently leaning towards the Born Julianne ballet flats. My main problem is that I need them in something boring and neutral like black, but I want them in something fun like red. I think this may actually be a metaphor for my life.
posted by ArbitraryAndCapricious at 9:34 AM on March 30, 2016 [5 favorites]
posted by ArbitraryAndCapricious at 9:34 AM on March 30, 2016 [5 favorites]
I cannot say enough wonderful things about Tieks. They are worth every penny. Super comfortable, the perfect travel shoe, and really sharp looking.
posted by bearwife at 1:07 PM on March 30, 2016 [2 favorites]
posted by bearwife at 1:07 PM on March 30, 2016 [2 favorites]
I have three of the shoe styles mentioned in this post, including the Luckies, and now I feel like the patron saint of comfortable flats.
posted by DrGirlfriend at 7:28 PM on March 30, 2016 [1 favorite]
posted by DrGirlfriend at 7:28 PM on March 30, 2016 [1 favorite]
OMG. This is like the infamous purse thread. I've now bought three pairs of super cute shoes....
MOVE AWAY FROM THE LAPTOP!!!!
posted by pearlybob at 4:54 AM on March 31, 2016 [2 favorites]
MOVE AWAY FROM THE LAPTOP!!!!
posted by pearlybob at 4:54 AM on March 31, 2016 [2 favorites]
I have a pair of these Taos ballet flats and they are wonderful. Great arch support, very comfortable.
(I actually bought these while on vacation, at a store-closing clearance sale and re-discovered them when I went to go put the suitcase away 6 weeks later because I am the laziest and realized I never finished unpacking. A pleasant surprise from past me to current me!)
posted by Fig at 6:04 AM on March 31, 2016 [2 favorites]
(I actually bought these while on vacation, at a store-closing clearance sale and re-discovered them when I went to go put the suitcase away 6 weeks later because I am the laziest and realized I never finished unpacking. A pleasant surprise from past me to current me!)
posted by Fig at 6:04 AM on March 31, 2016 [2 favorites]
Those Born Julianne's look nice! Let me know how they work out if you do try them out.
Those Taos ballet flats look good too. It's so hard to find flats with decent arch support. Oh, and it looks like they have a removable insole! I wonder if they're roomy enough for me to fit in my orthotic if I take out the standard insole.
Also, this thread is awesome.
posted by litera scripta manet at 7:09 AM on March 31, 2016
Those Taos ballet flats look good too. It's so hard to find flats with decent arch support. Oh, and it looks like they have a removable insole! I wonder if they're roomy enough for me to fit in my orthotic if I take out the standard insole.
Also, this thread is awesome.
posted by litera scripta manet at 7:09 AM on March 31, 2016
bearwife, I have found myself coveting a pair of Tieks lately (specifically the Silver Lake), so I'd really love to hear more, if you don't mind sharing. I don't really have any foot issues, but the lack of arch support gives me pause. It really shouldn't, considering I would live year-round in flip flops if I could.
I feel like I need to give back to this thread after all of the wonderful suggestions for flats, so I shall share my favorite sandals: Sanuk Yoga Slings.
posted by alynnk at 9:26 AM on March 31, 2016
I feel like I need to give back to this thread after all of the wonderful suggestions for flats, so I shall share my favorite sandals: Sanuk Yoga Slings.
posted by alynnk at 9:26 AM on March 31, 2016
Thank you all for the supportive-ballet-flat recommendations! I have a bunch of travel coming up and none of my current shoes are up to the task.
posted by lunasol at 9:50 AM on March 31, 2016
posted by lunasol at 9:50 AM on March 31, 2016
bearwife, I have found myself coveting a pair of Tieks lately (specifically the Silver Lake), so I'd really love to hear more, if you don't mind sharing.
Mind talking shoes? I hate that about as much as I hate brownies, red wine, and snuggling with my Bear and dog.
So, I bought my first Tieks (in purple) for a Holocaust trip last summer. We walked all over Warsaw, Cracow, and extermination sites, as well as many places in Israel. I have completely flat feet but they never got sore. I think that is because the sole of the shoe is so well constructed, and because Tieks are so comfortable. The Tieks are compact enough to fold in half, so they fit beautifully in my luggage. However, they never looked like shoes that had been folded in half -- they looked gorgeous on my feet, whether I was wearing dresses, a skirt, or ankle pants. The purple went with everything.
On my return, I bought the Starstruck Tieks, which are my go to shoes whenever I am going out to dinner or the symphony or something similarly sparkly and wearing black pants. And most recently I bought the classic Matte Black Tieks, which work with everything I own and are great work shoes. Both came with me on a January trip to Mexico, and that was all I needed in footwear.
Did I mention I constantly get compliments on them?
Now I have my eye on the Metallic Pewter and Arabian Nights Tieks. They've been in my cart for months now and I know one of these days I'll be buying them.
I just love these shoes, and they are the bomb for traveling.
Just ordered the Sanuks. Nice sandals! And yes I love shoes.
posted by bearwife at 10:49 AM on March 31, 2016 [2 favorites]
Mind talking shoes? I hate that about as much as I hate brownies, red wine, and snuggling with my Bear and dog.
So, I bought my first Tieks (in purple) for a Holocaust trip last summer. We walked all over Warsaw, Cracow, and extermination sites, as well as many places in Israel. I have completely flat feet but they never got sore. I think that is because the sole of the shoe is so well constructed, and because Tieks are so comfortable. The Tieks are compact enough to fold in half, so they fit beautifully in my luggage. However, they never looked like shoes that had been folded in half -- they looked gorgeous on my feet, whether I was wearing dresses, a skirt, or ankle pants. The purple went with everything.
On my return, I bought the Starstruck Tieks, which are my go to shoes whenever I am going out to dinner or the symphony or something similarly sparkly and wearing black pants. And most recently I bought the classic Matte Black Tieks, which work with everything I own and are great work shoes. Both came with me on a January trip to Mexico, and that was all I needed in footwear.
Did I mention I constantly get compliments on them?
Now I have my eye on the Metallic Pewter and Arabian Nights Tieks. They've been in my cart for months now and I know one of these days I'll be buying them.
I just love these shoes, and they are the bomb for traveling.
Just ordered the Sanuks. Nice sandals! And yes I love shoes.
posted by bearwife at 10:49 AM on March 31, 2016 [2 favorites]
Also, Tiek tip: if you are a half size -- I'm 7 ½ in US sizing -- order one half size up.
posted by bearwife at 11:09 AM on March 31, 2016 [1 favorite]
posted by bearwife at 11:09 AM on March 31, 2016 [1 favorite]
I bought some Tieks yesterday (that was pair number three). The more I research them the more excited I get! I bought ballet pink.....if those work out, I'm going to get some sparkly ones!!! I have big, wide feet and always have a hard time with shoes.....but these look like they may work for me!!! Yay metafilter!!
posted by pearlybob at 6:24 AM on April 1, 2016 [1 favorite]
posted by pearlybob at 6:24 AM on April 1, 2016 [1 favorite]
Guys, I am totally coveting Tieks. I also love their website with the rainbow color line thing that you can drag to see the different colors of Tieks. I am not sure that I'm going to forgive you for introducing me to the expensive cute multicolored shoes!
posted by ArbitraryAndCapricious at 6:53 AM on April 1, 2016 [1 favorite]
posted by ArbitraryAndCapricious at 6:53 AM on April 1, 2016 [1 favorite]
pearlybob, please report back. Preferably with a pic of pink Tieks on your feet.
posted by bearwife at 10:42 AM on April 1, 2016 [1 favorite]
posted by bearwife at 10:42 AM on April 1, 2016 [1 favorite]
Now I'm going to have to buy a pair of $175 shoes, aren't I?
posted by lunasol at 5:39 PM on April 1, 2016
posted by lunasol at 5:39 PM on April 1, 2016
So these all look super cute (but spendy!). But I don't own any ballet flats. Do you need to wear socks/tights with them?
posted by leahwrenn at 1:58 PM on April 3, 2016
posted by leahwrenn at 1:58 PM on April 3, 2016
Do you need to wear socks/tights with them?
I like them for non-boot weather, so I usually don't bother with tights. Though tights work fine. I think socks would be too heavy.
Are tieks the answer?
I think so. My feet are 7.5 US, but I have long toes, with a particularly long second toe (the one next to the big toe.) That's why I like my Tieks one half size up, at size 8. Unlike other flats I've tried, I have no issues with the tops of my feet or toe box when I wear them.
posted by bearwife at 2:40 PM on April 4, 2016
I like them for non-boot weather, so I usually don't bother with tights. Though tights work fine. I think socks would be too heavy.
Are tieks the answer?
I think so. My feet are 7.5 US, but I have long toes, with a particularly long second toe (the one next to the big toe.) That's why I like my Tieks one half size up, at size 8. Unlike other flats I've tried, I have no issues with the tops of my feet or toe box when I wear them.
posted by bearwife at 2:40 PM on April 4, 2016
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There's at least one ask mefi recommendation that links to those flats that I found here.
posted by litera scripta manet at 2:33 PM on March 29, 2016