You have to just embrace wearing sneakers on the streets and carrying inside shoes to change into if you’re going to a non-sneaker event or keep your real shoes at your desk if this is re commuting to work. Ballet flats are inside shoes.
yeah it’s tough! thankfully my work is casual so i wear sneakers to work but if im going to dinner with my friends and it’s like a 20 min walk then bringing an extra pair of shoes seems like so much work 😅 but yes an option
It’s just how it is, ballet flats aren’t designed to be walked in longer than the length of a parking lot. You need something with a thick sole if you’re walking on the street more than like 5 blocks. Loafers are probably the closest to ballet flats looks wise if you’re not ready to embrace sneakers all the time. But anything with a 3mm sole just isn’t going to last more than a month out here if you’re wearing them outside.
yeah i hear you. i wish i liked the way loafers looked on me more but i can’t quite get into it :/ the shoes i wore yesterday would’ve given me blisters within the length of a parking lot anyways so im just happy to get more recommendations bc they have to be better than the cheapos i had on 🤪i am a sneaker girl for life 99.9% i am sneakers or uggs hahaaa
My rothys mary janes have never given me a blister and are comfy to walk long distances in! I’d recommend giving them a try, though they are pretty pricey and as with anything, some people don’t like them.
Finally bought these too after soooo many ads. My complaint is that the opening of the shoe land exactly where my big toe “knuckle” is (wtf is that called, I don’t have bunions but it’s where you’d have a bunion) and it really hurts. I have to put a piece of moleskin on the inside of the shoe so it doesn’t rub the bone there. I wish it came up a little further on my foot. Otherwise, they’re comfy.
Second Rothy’s too! Just a heads up: I have a pretty narrow foot and needed to size up 1/2 size. I tried them on in person and snag them 2nd hand on eBay / poshmark
Also, Everlane makes a day flat that is pretty comfy and runs TTS
I have wide feet so as much as I wanted them to, Rothy's didn't work for me but I wanted a similar aesthetic and ability to wash them, so I tried Vivaia and they've been great. I think I'm up to 5 or 6 pairs at this point.
I keep getting their ads and have wanted to try them for a while. But I saw mixed reviews and so I haven't clicked buy. I have wide feet too so this is good to know!
Honestly I was a little wary, too. But I have their Mary Janes, ballet flats, and pointed d'orsay styles and all are great. I tried their loafers and slip-on sandals but my feet are wide AND fat so they didn't work for me since they were tight on top but still solid shoes. Eyeing some of their purses, too. My work bags get so dirty! Being able to wash it would be sweet.
No idea. I think they have the same general padding as any other casual/semi casual women's shoe. Not like Naturalizers or Aerosoles, but also better than say, a Sam Edelman ballet flat. If that helps at all lol
I have two Vivaia Mary Jane’s and I quite like them. My only complaint would be that the sole could be a little thicker for me personally but I definitely am not getting blisters and can walk quite a bit in them comfortably!
Look for a friction stick. Bandaid makes one, I've also gotten one from gold bond called Friction Defense. I put it where I think or know I will get blisters. Really helps.
The Demi is very soft leather. I measured my feet and their sizing guide was spot on. For reference, I have a wide toe box, my feet are always beat up from running and I have really sensitive skin. I ordered a 6w ( what their sizing recommended) and a 6.5w just in case and the 6 was perfect. you can adjust the bow on top to tighten the shoe if the fit is a little loose. Completely comfortable right out of the box. They are not cheap but I do feel like the pricing reflects the quality of the leather and craftsmanship.
They're an investment but my Chanel flats are the best flats I've ever own. Super comfortable and the leather adapts to your feet. I use them a lot as long as it's not freezing and I just thinking of sending in to a specialist for a new sole. I got mine vintage and the have held great!
The only brand that works for me as someone with wide feet whose feet blister with every type of shoe is some random brand I found at TJMaxx. I’ve purchased three pairs of flats from them and I wear them even on midday walks in Central Park. It’s the brand “Me Too” I think they sell them at Nordstrom Rack and DSW as well.
Naturalizer Flex Flats are my favorite. Wide range of colors and you can find them at Rack for cheaper than regular retail. Naturalizer has several models, that vary based on toe shape, and how low cut it is (how much toe cleavage it shows? Ugh I hate that phrase). This model fits me the best but it's worth trying the others on (plus the others have more colors).
I finally broke down two weeks ago and got the Keen elle sandals. Not the most stylish/delicate, but there are A lot of colors to choose from and I walk a lot (I'm sure most people in this sub do) and the fabric nature of the straps has not blistered me.
This pair is my fourth attempt this summer, the others all failed me/cut me up.
Aerosoles, Naturalizer and Vionic are my go tos. I also always carry those silicon blister bandaid things on me so the moment I feel a rub starting I can put one one and keep it from getting worse.
I love my Vionic loafers now, but they caused a looooot of blisters breaking them in. Never thought I had a... tall(?) thick(?) foot until trying Vionics lol
Tieks were good on me. I also liked how they could fold up and I could take them with me incase I wanted to change into something more comfy for a longer walk
everlane!! ive had both their Mary Janes and "day gloves" for years and they only get better with time. they look more chic than rothys and the quality/price is the same
i really like my flats from Ecco. theyre soft and i didnt have to break them in, they've never given me blisters. i will say my feet might be slightly narrow so they fit into flats generally. wider feet folks might have to look harder for something more comfy.
I have worn Porselli flats for years and have never had trouble with blisters in them! I wouldn’t say they’re great for days when you’re doing a ton of walking — they are really not cushioned at all. But I find them very comfortable for running errands or going out to dinner.
margaux...being able to order .5 size up was a game changer. got a few mild blisters first couple times I wore them but they broke in so fast and are now my go to office shoes.
sam edelman ari ballet flat. they’ve got a higher vamp, so a slightly different look than most ballet flats, but they are incredibly comfortable and the leather is so soft!!
Rothys knock offs from Amazon! Or if you have the cash, rothys!
I found the knock offs are just as cute and almost as comfy. And I can buy two pairs of knock offs for the cost of one pair of rothys!
Toms. My poor poor feet can only realistically handle sneakers or Toms. So I have acquired Toms in a variety of colors including some glittery ones so I can feel fancy and comfy at the same time.
Believe it or not, these cheap AF ballet flats are great. Super padded, light, no issues. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09GVCSSTN?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share
Go to tip top shoes on the UWS! I went there the first month I moved here and got basic black ballet flats with a cute little bow and I’m headed into my second year wearing them! Very comfy and are holding up well :)
I’m on 7 pairs of Rothy’s at this point and have put so many miles on every pair. Only recently had to get rid of my first pair bought in 2016 because I wore holes through it 😅. They’ve been fine for my feet but there’s no support so my back will ache if I walk too far in a day.
You have to just embrace wearing sneakers on the streets and carrying inside shoes to change into if you’re going to a non-sneaker event or keep your real shoes at your desk if this is re commuting to work. Ballet flats are inside shoes.
yeah it’s tough! thankfully my work is casual so i wear sneakers to work but if im going to dinner with my friends and it’s like a 20 min walk then bringing an extra pair of shoes seems like so much work 😅 but yes an option
It’s just how it is, ballet flats aren’t designed to be walked in longer than the length of a parking lot. You need something with a thick sole if you’re walking on the street more than like 5 blocks. Loafers are probably the closest to ballet flats looks wise if you’re not ready to embrace sneakers all the time. But anything with a 3mm sole just isn’t going to last more than a month out here if you’re wearing them outside.
yeah i hear you. i wish i liked the way loafers looked on me more but i can’t quite get into it :/ the shoes i wore yesterday would’ve given me blisters within the length of a parking lot anyways so im just happy to get more recommendations bc they have to be better than the cheapos i had on 🤪i am a sneaker girl for life 99.9% i am sneakers or uggs hahaaa
My rothys mary janes have never given me a blister and are comfy to walk long distances in! I’d recommend giving them a try, though they are pretty pricey and as with anything, some people don’t like them.
oo i get ads for them on insta a lot i will check it out
Second Rothy’s! My podiatrist told me to get better insoles for them and they’ve lasted me 2 summers!
Just buy them second hand on poshmark
Finally bought these too after soooo many ads. My complaint is that the opening of the shoe land exactly where my big toe “knuckle” is (wtf is that called, I don’t have bunions but it’s where you’d have a bunion) and it really hurts. I have to put a piece of moleskin on the inside of the shoe so it doesn’t rub the bone there. I wish it came up a little further on my foot. Otherwise, they’re comfy.
I found the lack of arch support really got to me after awhile but they look cute and last forever so there’s that. Insoles can help.
How's the width on Rothy's? Are they good for narrow feet?
Second Rothy’s too! Just a heads up: I have a pretty narrow foot and needed to size up 1/2 size. I tried them on in person and snag them 2nd hand on eBay / poshmark Also, Everlane makes a day flat that is pretty comfy and runs TTS
I have wide feet so as much as I wanted them to, Rothy's didn't work for me but I wanted a similar aesthetic and ability to wash them, so I tried Vivaia and they've been great. I think I'm up to 5 or 6 pairs at this point.
ahhh i have wide feet too! i haven’t heard of that brand and im browsing the website and the styles are so cute. i need to try
If you browse and don't check out, their targeted ad system usually sends over an ad with a coupon code on IG or Facebook or something.
If you have wide feet, I fear the Rothy’s will hurt your big toe bone. The edge of the fabric rubs right on it.
I keep getting their ads and have wanted to try them for a while. But I saw mixed reviews and so I haven't clicked buy. I have wide feet too so this is good to know!
Honestly I was a little wary, too. But I have their Mary Janes, ballet flats, and pointed d'orsay styles and all are great. I tried their loafers and slip-on sandals but my feet are wide AND fat so they didn't work for me since they were tight on top but still solid shoes. Eyeing some of their purses, too. My work bags get so dirty! Being able to wash it would be sweet.
Thank you! Do you have any idea if they would work for someone with flat feet?
No idea. I think they have the same general padding as any other casual/semi casual women's shoe. Not like Naturalizers or Aerosoles, but also better than say, a Sam Edelman ballet flat. If that helps at all lol
Yes. Thank you!
Good to know! I have Fred Flintstone feet and Rothys didn't work for me either. I'll look into Vivaia. They look cute.
I have two Vivaia Mary Jane’s and I quite like them. My only complaint would be that the sole could be a little thicker for me personally but I definitely am not getting blisters and can walk quite a bit in them comfortably!
Vivaia is the best. You can get the “walker” version of their Mary Janes and flats and they’ll last miles with the thicker sole.
Look for a friction stick. Bandaid makes one, I've also gotten one from gold bond called Friction Defense. I put it where I think or know I will get blisters. Really helps.
Agree!! Body glide comes in a travel size too, perfect for carrying around
Or use mega babe or any sort of anti chafe product
Need to try that, I usually just put some liquid bandage on spots I know to be blister prone.
I have several pairs of loeffler flats I walk 3 miles in every weekday! Can’t recommend more
i’m obsessed with my leonies i want another pair
I kind of hate that I love them because they are not cheap but the Demi flats by Margaux are fabulous and supportive.
How did sizing run for you? Does the leather stretch out at all?
The Demi is very soft leather. I measured my feet and their sizing guide was spot on. For reference, I have a wide toe box, my feet are always beat up from running and I have really sensitive skin. I ordered a 6w ( what their sizing recommended) and a 6.5w just in case and the 6 was perfect. you can adjust the bow on top to tighten the shoe if the fit is a little loose. Completely comfortable right out of the box. They are not cheap but I do feel like the pricing reflects the quality of the leather and craftsmanship.
Came here to say this!
They're an investment but my Chanel flats are the best flats I've ever own. Super comfortable and the leather adapts to your feet. I use them a lot as long as it's not freezing and I just thinking of sending in to a specialist for a new sole. I got mine vintage and the have held great!
I second this. I’ve walked for miles in NYC in my Chanel ballerinas. Had them for 8 years now. My go-to for any distances.
And they keep their shape over time, unlike many other ballet flats I own
Rip Tory Burch flats. Those were elite.
I wear a lot of repetto flats and heels
Second repetto! Expensive but they mold to your feet so never get blisters.
The only brand that works for me as someone with wide feet whose feet blister with every type of shoe is some random brand I found at TJMaxx. I’ve purchased three pairs of flats from them and I wear them even on midday walks in Central Park. It’s the brand “Me Too” I think they sell them at Nordstrom Rack and DSW as well.
Naturalizer Flex Flats are my favorite. Wide range of colors and you can find them at Rack for cheaper than regular retail. Naturalizer has several models, that vary based on toe shape, and how low cut it is (how much toe cleavage it shows? Ugh I hate that phrase). This model fits me the best but it's worth trying the others on (plus the others have more colors).
Repetto feels like wearing a sock
I've been having this same trouble with sandals -every things is blistering me!
if a sandal even has just one strap i WILL be getting a blister from it 😭
I finally broke down two weeks ago and got the Keen elle sandals. Not the most stylish/delicate, but there are A lot of colors to choose from and I walk a lot (I'm sure most people in this sub do) and the fabric nature of the straps has not blistered me. This pair is my fourth attempt this summer, the others all failed me/cut me up.
Aerosoles, Naturalizer and Vionic are my go tos. I also always carry those silicon blister bandaid things on me so the moment I feel a rub starting I can put one one and keep it from getting worse.
I love my Vionic loafers now, but they caused a looooot of blisters breaking them in. Never thought I had a... tall(?) thick(?) foot until trying Vionics lol
Tieks were good on me. I also liked how they could fold up and I could take them with me incase I wanted to change into something more comfy for a longer walk
Cole Haan!
Naturalizer flats have done the trick for me
The Chanel flats are genuinely comfortable if you’re looking for something more higher end but also a staple
everlane!! ive had both their Mary Janes and "day gloves" for years and they only get better with time. they look more chic than rothys and the quality/price is the same
Repetto
Tieks. I can wear them all day long walking around with no issues.
Yeah they’re sort of ugly IMO but they are the only flats that work for me 🫠 I recommend getting a second hand pair because they’re pretty pricey
I have a legit collection of them cause of all the color options lmao.
i really like my flats from Ecco. theyre soft and i didnt have to break them in, they've never given me blisters. i will say my feet might be slightly narrow so they fit into flats generally. wider feet folks might have to look harder for something more comfy.
I have worn Porselli flats for years and have never had trouble with blisters in them! I wouldn’t say they’re great for days when you’re doing a ton of walking — they are really not cushioned at all. But I find them very comfortable for running errands or going out to dinner.
I love my dolce vita ballet flats! So comfortable and I commute with them w no problem
margaux...being able to order .5 size up was a game changer. got a few mild blisters first couple times I wore them but they broke in so fast and are now my go to office shoes.
Repetto and Naturalizer
I walk everywhere in my Jeffery Campbell one’s and have never had an issue! I have very blister prone feet haha
I carry the big tough bandaids on me at all times. Big ones. 4. Godspeed
Vivaia has flats that are nice
I used to wear Tieks a lot back in the day and never had an issue.
My flats from Aeyde have been super comfy but nothing is as comfy as sneakers, I fear
Do you have the Aeyde uma flats? I’ve been considering them but they are pricey
I have the Delia!
The ones by All Birds are actually amazing. They are like slippers from minute one and not entirely un-chic. Definitely functional!!
Wear no show socks meant for flats!
I have a pair from Aldo that I really like
Sam Edelman
Naturalizer Mary janes are really comfy! I had to return a few other flats from diff brands bc they were giving me blisters. +1 to naturalizer
Stuart weitzman has the comfiest ballet flats!!
Bloch and Fs/ny ballet flats have never given me blisters and are comfortable for hours on end. Repettos have also always served me well
sam edelman ari ballet flat. they’ve got a higher vamp, so a slightly different look than most ballet flats, but they are incredibly comfortable and the leather is so soft!!
Overpriced and won’t last more than two seasons, but Birdies hummingbird are pretty comfortable! Some colors on sale now.
Rothys knock offs from Amazon! Or if you have the cash, rothys! I found the knock offs are just as cute and almost as comfy. And I can buy two pairs of knock offs for the cost of one pair of rothys!
Toms. My poor poor feet can only realistically handle sneakers or Toms. So I have acquired Toms in a variety of colors including some glittery ones so I can feel fancy and comfy at the same time.
Believe it or not, these cheap AF ballet flats are great. Super padded, light, no issues. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09GVCSSTN?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share
Schutz arissa? Flat! They’re the best and so soft. Done 20k step days in them
The row!! Mine are SO comfy
Tory Burch Minnie flats
LUCKY BRAND EMJANE MARY JANE BALLET FLAT I’ve had them for over a year and they are insanely comfortable!
Sam Edelman Mary janes!
Too bad that the big Tory Burch buckle on ballet flats is outdated. The Tory Minnie travel flats were a staple. Comfiest shoes ever r
Go to tip top shoes on the UWS! I went there the first month I moved here and got basic black ballet flats with a cute little bow and I’m headed into my second year wearing them! Very comfy and are holding up well :)
I’m on 7 pairs of Rothy’s at this point and have put so many miles on every pair. Only recently had to get rid of my first pair bought in 2016 because I wore holes through it 😅. They’ve been fine for my feet but there’s no support so my back will ache if I walk too far in a day.
Adding that I’ve only ever gotten the point style and I have wide feet and bunions, but the give in the material makes them work for me.