by The “It Shoe” of the moment is less of a shoe, and more of a window to your bare feet. Alaïa’s cult mesh pumps come with the moniker “fishnet ballet flats”, perhaps because your feet need to look like the catch of the day if you’re going to wear them. Hardly more than one sole (no pun intended) with a top strap and mesh buckle, they’re a favorite of influencers who probably have time for regular winter pedicures and working from home rather than tackling the soggy streets of the UK. .
Celebrities are fans too; OG ballet-flat champion Kate Moss is back, and Jennifer Lawrence takes the look a step further with her illusion nude ballet flats from The Row. At this point, I’m wondering if it would be easier to give up on shoes altogether.
These aired versions of the dance shoes were so popular that many high street stores restocked copycats for less than a tenth of the price of the originals (the Alaïas will set you back £650). As someone who hasn’t worn heels in 12 years (I literally wrote the book), you’d think I’d be happy that flat shoes are still as relevant as they were when we started looking away from vertiginous heels a decade or so ago. since then. But of all the flat shoes, ballet flats have to be my favorite. And yes, I am including Crocs in that statement.
When we really got into ballet flats in the mid-00s, I had just started working in fashion and was on an intern salary. Who had no pay. I bought myself a pair of cheap ballet flats because I thought they would be practical for running around the streets of London. However, the flimsy yellow pumps were the exact opposite; my feet and ankles were always cold, often wet, and worst of all, they hurt. I can honestly say that my right big toe has never been the same since I first developed a bunion when I walked everywhere in them to save on Oyster card fees.
A year or so later, with one of those newfound junior fashion editor discounts in hand, I bought a more expensive pair of ballet flats, and was terrified of solving the same problems I had with the cheap pair. From that point on, ballet flats were difficult for me.
Unlike actual ‘barefoot’ shoes, such as those made by Vivobarefoot and Tabi, which do not restrict the feet and have numerous health benefits including increasing toe strength and relieving back pain, many agree podiatrists that ballet flats can cause bunions, shin splints and even. plantar fasciitis.
I don’t buy many new pairs of shoes these days, thanks to more thoughtful, practical purchases than those ballet pumps, and because I’ve embraced a slower, loving way. I like my clothes to work hard for me, to last a long time, and to be repairable.
My local cobbler would laugh me out of the shop if I gifted them a pair of £30 beaten up polyester and polyurethane pumps. I’m referring to those high street copycats that, incidentally, wouldn’t biodegrade when they inevitably end up in landfill after they can’t be repaired or recycled.
But I admit there’s a certain beauty to the minimal look of ballet pumps, so here are three great alternatives that won’t have you running to the podiatrist (with the bonus that you’ll still be able to run).
Mary Janes
These super comfortable beauties have amazing rubber soles (great for grip and a little extra support) and the sturdy strap avoids the need to hold on to your toes for dear life, otherwise you’ll lose the shoes down the gap on the train platform. Be aware that some Mary Janes do not have these qualities and can be just as troublesome as ballet pumps.
Gloss red, £215, AugustaElastic pumps, £287, About Arianne
Fisherman’s sandals
Perfect for those who are fans of a little ventilation but perhaps more involved in a home pedicure, or none at all. Mine are about 10 years old and I’ve put them through a lot – proof, if anything was needed, that well-made leather shoes last. Unlike mesh ballet flats, these look great with socks – in my opinion! – and come up with that all-important fishing reference.
Green sandals, £195, MafaldaTaupe sandals, £205, Ann Thomas
Loafers
A loafer won’t give you a chunky look like a ballet flat, but if you can find something with a delicate silhouette, like this, you won’t be far off. The key is to look for a vamp – that’s the bit of the shoe at the top of your foot – that doesn’t come too far; it is a little longer leg extension. Oh, and I can guarantee your cobbler won’t laugh at you; this 14 year old pair has been resold more than once.
Polished leather, £335, Grensontassel loaf, £130, Black Tulip
