s/o ballet flats

[marytini]

Do you really think they are comfortable enough for walking all day? It had crossed my mind to take a pair when we go to Europe, but I am worried they won't be comfy as they have no support. If you have a pair that are comfy, can you link them here? Thanks.

[polarbearfans]

As is they are not comfy for a lot of walking but you can get inserts to make them better. They would be cute if you were going out for a shorter period of time light walking

[mdgirl]

They're not especially comfy, but my feet hurt at the end of a full day of walking around cities in good shoes, so for the last trip I just said "screw it" and went for cuteness. Entirely worth it when I got asked for directions by a French guy in Paris and his wife made fun of him for asking a tourist for directions. And even though they were sore they didn't blister or rub.

[Deleted]

I don't wear usually wear them for walking around all day, but I pack them for evenings or for a day when I'm not going to do a crazy amount of walking.

[Nonny]

I have bad joints, so ballet flats are pretty much a no-go for me even when I'm not being a tourist because I just can't handle not having enough support.

If anyone knows of such a thing as a supportive ballet flat I'm all ears.

[basilosaurus]

I'm the type that needs my custom orthotics (apparently I'm 70) and a good cushion to feel comfortable. Ballet flats look like misery.

I also don't terribly mind being pegged a tourist (by looks, not attitude). Since I'm a white girl who's lived in asia, I'm ok with people assuming I'm not from there. As a natural blonde, I'm also out of place in much of europe. So I might as well be comfortable. Ballet flats aren't good for comfort, walking or standing. They simply have no support.

[winterbride1220]

Cole Haan has some w/ a decent sole a a tiny wedge for support. They have the Nike Air insoles. you should try Nordstrom.

[basilosaurus]

I've also climbed to parc guell. Feet were not a concern since it's an easy walk. My legs were kind of tired, but my feet/back felt fine.

I do think it's mostly an issue of what you're used to. Because I've always had shoes with excellent support, I can't handle flat shoes. If you're used to heels and flimsy flats you might be ok with ballet shoes. They're just not for me. If I need band-aids, I return the shoes.

[merrhosyn]

I wear my Cole Haan Nike Air Bacara flats all day when traveling and sightseeing. You can normally get last season colors on sale via 6pm.com.

[Norticprincess]

Aug 1, 2012 19:06:18 GMT -5 merrhosyn said:

I wear my Cole Haan Nike Air Bacara flats all day when traveling and sightseeing. You can normally get last season colors on sale via 6pm.com.

Zappos sometimes has sales, if you live near an outlet they are cheaper too. I can walk all over in them as long as I have the toe area broken in and little footie socks if we are doing in town walking. I have other Mary Jane type ones (black merrell/keen/Ahnu ones) that I alternate if the weather or terrain calls for something heavier/more supportive.

[GilliC]

I find them okay on flat surfaces. Since it's not uncommon for me to walk an hour or more just getting around town, I bought a pair like this to wear with skirts (because sneakers and loafers look dumb with a dress):

The soles are thick enough to deal with broken sidewalks, tram tracks, etc. However, I do find them uncomfortable walking more than about 20 minutes on cobblestones or rocky paths.

(We have footpaths in the city that are very similar to that.)

[hz80408]

I swear by my Puma Zandy flats. I got the silver birch color off Amazon for $35 (watch the price, it flexes)
www.amazon.com/PUMA-Womens-Zandy-Ballet-Flat/dp/B004J4XNWU

[marytini]

Ok, this post is a problem. Now there are like 5 new pairs of shoes that I want!

[hz80408]

Haha, lol. Order them and see what you like and return what you don't!

[horseoutside]

Jul 22, 2012 21:17:09 GMT -5 Nonny said:

I have bad joints, so ballet flats are pretty much a no-go for me even when I'm not being a tourist because I just can't handle not having enough support.

If anyone knows of such a thing as a supportive ballet flat I'm all ears.

I have these and they are so comfy and have really good support. I'm usually a cheap ass about shoes but these are totally worth it.

www.salamandershoes.com/893,Gabor-gray-nubuck-ballerina.html

[natsnow]

I've been searching for a comfortable pair of flats since I'm going to europe soon and plan to do a ton of walking. I do a lot of walking here at home, but not on cobblestone streets and ancient ruins. I just bought these:

www.drschollsshoes.com/en-US/Product/24055-5187025/Dr.+Scholl's/Black+Metallic/Women's+Joliet.aspx

I found them for $45 at DSW. They have a memory foam insole.