Ah, ballet flats — they’re a classic for a reason, but for years, they’ve felt like a remnant of early-2010s style. If you’re anything like me, you used to insist flats in every color were a must for your work/school wardrobe in 2011, but in the past decade have shifted more to loafers, booties and sneakers for your everyday footwear. Well, I’m here to tell you that ballet flats are back in a big way, and they’re cuter and comfier than ever (thank goodness, because the ones I wore in high school always rubbed the backs of my heels).
Over the summer, I was in search of the perfect red flats to add a Parisian-chic pop to everything from denim to leopard print to stripes. I was specifically looking for something like this Dolce Vita pair I’d coveted that were sold out. My quest was additionally limited by the fact that I don’t wear leather for ethical reasons, so I was thrilled to find that one of my favorite brands—Sam Edelman’s fresh, fun, often vegan-friendly diffusion line, Circus NY—had a beautiful, bright satin pair. They turned out to be everything I wanted and more.
Circus NY Zuri Ballet Flats, $59.95+
I’ve worn these (in the Red Poppy satin) with so many outfits over the past six months, not just because of the style, but because they are just that comfortable. The insole and lining are both wonderfully cushy, and there’s the smallest block on the heel so your feet aren’t 100% flat on the ground. They’ve never rubbed or given me a blister, even on long days out and about in NYC. It wasn’t long before I caved and ordered another pair (the green satin Emerald City color, particularly perfect with Wicked movie season upon us), and I very may well talk myself into yet another before I’m finished writing this review. They’re available in 25 styles on Amazon plus more on Circus, including patterned, textured and embellished versions.
What really sets these apart style-wise are the criss-cross straps. They make them look more like authentic ballet shoes, without the rather impractical self-tie ankle ribbons that some styles have. The straps are also adjustable to ensure you get a secure, perfect fit, even as the shoes stretch with wear. I’ve gotten so many compliments on these shoes—way more than I would expect for what I consider a wardrobe staple. Even after being worn on heavy rotation lately, they’re still in great shape. They’ve also been the basis for some great styling inspiration — for example, turning all-neutral outfits into much more fun looks and freshening up pieces I’ve worn many times before.
Of course, shoes are very personal and one person’s everyday walking shoe can be miserably pinchy for another. However, it seems I’m not alone in my passion for this style; they have a 4.4 out of 5 star rating on Amazon, with many of those reviews commending their coziness. One reviewer declares them “the most comfortable ballet flat available” (I’m inclined to agree). Another Amazon customer calls these their “winners” after trying multiple brands of flats, and goes on to attest that they’ve worn them on walks over 2 miles “without issues.”
These flats are a serious bang for your buck. For only $60 (with select styles discounted to closer to $50 on Amazon or $41.95 on Circus), you’ll get seasons — if not years — of wear out of them, new outfit ideas, comfy shoes for all-day excursions and probably quite a few compliments in no time flat. Now if you’ll excuse me, it’s possible I need to add the black studded pair to my Hanukkah wish list.
