Ballet pumps/flats are round-toed footwear that normally appears lightweight much like ballet dancers’ shoes.
The classic pumps of ballet dancers influenced these «dolly» shoes. The flats were popularized in the 1950s by famous actresses like Marilyn Monroe, Audrey Hepburn and Elizabeth Taylor.
They are also manufactured with a single piece of synthetic, soft leather with a thin vulcanized, rubber sole for upper and insole for additional toughness and comfort. Other common fabrics, such as linen, PVC and nylon, are used to create them. Often they are constructed of a rough polyurethane paste, ideal for those who choose to wear something heavier.
Leather ballet flats and shoes used for everyday wear are quite popular nowadays among all women who seek lightweight and stylish footwear.
The following guide looks at top 5 leather ballet flats and pumps. Check the reviews with the pros and cons left by unbiased users. Also, the experts compiled the comparison table and buying guide for people who have never bought ballet flats.
Lucky Brand Women’s Emmie Ballet Flat (Brown)– the best for wide feet!
This sweet and cozy Lucky Brand Emmie flat is not only stylish but flexible. The classic design means they have leather uppers, rubber soles and high arches for wide feet.
It is a modern ballet flat with a topline and a silicone remembrance insole. For flexibility, the insole is also polished.
Pros
- Good for wide feet;
- Made of premium leather;
- Flexible TPR outsoles;
- Memory-foam insoles;
- Lightweight;
- Affordable;
- Available in many colors;
- Good for indoor and outdoor wear;
Cons
- Some pairs are stiffer than the others;
- Arch support could be better;
- Won’t do for lengthy walks;
- The break-in period is 1-2 days;
Lucky Brand’s comfortable leather pumps have a good deal for any budget. This model comes in large foot sizes – it is one of the best features.
Xielong Women’s Chaste Ballet Flat – the best for the arch support!
Chaste Ballet Flats for Women by Xielong are produced of warm buttery lambskin material. The traditional leather ballet flat is suggested for improved performance, with a round toe area and elasticated topline.
The shoes have versatile, smooth and painted soles. A pulmonary perforated upper with high arch support is one of the strongest features of this model.
Pros
- Very soft and flexible lambskin leather;
- Reinforced toe area;
- Small break-in period;
- Won’t cause blisters;
- Budget-friendly;
- Lightweight;
- Easy to clean;
Cons
- Smaller in size;
- Not good for long walks;
- Have a chemical odor during the break-in period;
- Insoles do not have cushioning;
The pumps are spacious and comfortable to wear. Besides the natural leather, the fabric is thick cotton, but it doesn’t crack. In the toe area there is plenty of space for a big toe.
Nine West Women’s Speakup Ballet Flat – the best for flexibility!
For a spring/summer season, Nine West provides excellent leather ballet shoes. It is trend-right, tapered-toe pumps. It’s well done and it doesn’t look flimsy.
These flats look wonderful, the design and fit are good, and they are quite fashionable.
Pros
- True to size;
- Tapered toes;
- The break-in period is one wear;
- Available in many colors and styles;
- Plain but comfortable construction;
Cons
- The leather is not very shiny;
- The back of the heel could be better by design;
These shoes match anything from casual skirts, dresses or denim to evening gowns. They fit by size and are really easy, especially when you’re on your feet all day long. The picked leather offers premium quality – outside and within.
Eldof Pointed Toe Flats – the best for all-day comfort!
Not a lover of calf leather? Then pick these sparkling and glossy shoes. In addition to the sleek, gradient look, this pair sports a pointed toe pattern and a chic black bow.
The Eldof leather flats are made of real patent leather. The classic style will match any office or casual clothes.
Pros
- Available even in standard and half sizes;
- Many colors are accessible;
- Made of real patent leather;
- Recommended for lengthy walks;
- The heel plate is stitched, not glued;
- Nice package;
Cons
- Heavy;
- Toe points should be more protected;
It fits according to the foot size. Eldof’s pair comes in an individual package decorated with a tiny silk rose. Also, the package with these flats include the set of pads to avoid blisters – just place them inside the shoes, as well as some pads if you require additional arch support.
Lucky Brand Women’s Emmie Ballet Flat (Black) – the best for memory foam insoles!
This is another Lucky Brand’s pair of ballet flats. It fully matches the description of the first product of this review. But a few things can be added. It is a black leather ballet pump, easy and plain.
The sole of the memory foam is small (as planned for a ballet shoe), and at first the heel is scratched, but it’s usually quite nice.
Pros
- Good for wide feet;
- Made of premium leather;
- Flexible TPR outsoles;
- Memory-foam insoles;
- Lightweight;
- Affordable;
- Available in many colors;
- Good for indoor and outdoor wear;
Cons
- Some pairs are stiffer than the others;
- Arch support could be better;
- Won’t do for lengthy walks;
- The break-in period is 1-2 days;
If you have big and wide feet, you certainly ought to order some shoes. Because of their softness, they are reasonably relaxed, but they took a bit of a break-in period. There is a couple of insulation in the bottoms, but not all day long, lightweight flats are designed to move about.
The Buyer’s Guide
Materials
Leather and suede provide feet ventilation in any weather, so it can be used in rain and heat. If you plan to wear ballet flats in extreme heat, it is recommended to pay attention to the models with the perforated upper. Another advantage of leather as the material for ballet pumps is that it can stretch slightly without chafing a leg.
If you’re hunting for a pair of ballet flats, watch out for an easy-to-flat pair of ballet shoes. The materials such as satin or soft leather match in a good way, they can also work the sore feet healthier. Stop rigid-top ballet pumps as they will take more room than required in your pocket.
The best option is to buy leather ballet shoes for a spring or summer season. This material has excellent wear-resistance and hygroscopic properties: leather ballet flats do not float in hot weather (especially models with the perforated inserts) and keep you warm during the cool evenings. In addition, they tend to stretch along the leg, exactly following the shape of the foot. The only disadvantage of genuine leather ballet flats is their price.
Sole
The main requirement for outsoles in ballet pumps is flexibility and durability. Most often outsoles are made of polyurethane – an elastic, durable material with good shock-absorbing properties. Do not choose ballet shoes with too flat soles – all pebbles and uneven roads are felt through them.
When choosing the sole’s material, make sure it is strong enough and at the same time flexible and lightweight. Strength is needed so as not to experience discomfort when walking on pebbles on the road. Flexibility can be tested by simply flexing the shoe several times with your hands. Ballet shoes with completely flat soles can contribute to the deformation of the foot, so it is better to refuse to purchase them.
The soles of leather ballet flats can be completely flat or have a small heel (about 0,25 – 0,5 inches high). The second option is preferable if you want to avoid flat-footedness.
Decorative elements
It would be better if sequins, beads, rivets and other decorations are sewn and not glued to the leather ballet shoes. Consider whether the decorative elements will interfere with shoe care.
Size
It is important to choose the right size of ballet flats: they should sit tightly on the foot (the natural leather material stretches a lot). When choosing ballet flats in an online store, measure the length of the insole of any shoe that is most comfortable for you, and buy a model with the same length of the insole.
Wide or narrow feet?
When choosing ballet footwear, make sure they are firm enough to hold onto your feet. Many models of these shoes are designed in such a way that they literally stick to one toe. To prevent ballet flats from simply falling off, the user has to constantly strain the leg and bend the toes.
If you do this constantly, over time, knee pain, deformity of the fingers, and calluses may appear. So measure your shoes carefully and make sure they fit snugly around your foot. Some ballet flats have laces or elastic bands that effectively solve this problem.
How to clean leather ballet flats?
It will be better to use a gentle brush to eliminate some visible signs of dirt and then use a steak towel to clean the shoes thoroughly based on the sort of material that makes the shoes.
If your ballet shoes are made out of suede, please stop putting water on them at all. The only way to restore them to their fullest is to use only a fluffy brush. The usage of safe sprays while washed often eliminates the need for regular brushing.
You might even use a special shoe polish to cover your shoes if you have patent or leather ballet flats, do not neglect to guarantee that your flats have the correct color.
Final thoughts
In many wardrobes, ballet flats have become an essential element and it is unlikely they will disappear any time soon. If you are unsure about how to match them with your clothes or how to keep them looking good, you can certainly take advantage of this guide. Feel free to ask any questions about leather ballet flats in the comments.
My youngest daughter is really into ballet so I buy her the required clothes and gear from time to time. Ballet flats are her favorite footwear these days and not just for practice. Thanks to my wife, I found out that ballet flats are quite popular among women of all ages for everyday wear, in spring and summer. Also, now I know that some craftsmen who work with leather make ballet flats of natural and synthetic cowhide skin.
Women’s ballet shoes are versatile. Externally, these are closed soft shoes on a flat sole or small heel, designed for everyday use.
There are different types of ballets flats:
- Classic flats are laconic models with minimal decor or its complete absence in black and white or pastel colors. Classical ballet flats are comfortable, made from soft materials. They present a neutral style;
- Premium ballet shoes are generously decorated with rhinestones, beads, sequins, the most extravagant models have cat or mouse ears. You can wear them with dresses, gowns, trouser suits, skirts, and sundresses;
- You can go anywhere in sports ballet flats, they have a well-bending sole and soft upperparts. They keep feet from sweating or getting cold;
How to choose ballet flats made of genuine leather?
When choosing ballet flats, first of all, look at the material of the top and the sole’s flexibility. Most often, such shoes are made of soft leather, sometimes craftsmen choose suede or synthetic leather. The best option is to buy ballet flats made of leather. This material has excellent wear resistance and durability properties.
Look for leather ballet flats that do not soar in hot weather (especially the models with perforated inserts) and, at the same time, they can warm your feet in cold evenings. In addition, they tend to fit the legs, exactly repeating the shape of the feet.
The only drawback of genuine leather ballet flats is their price. However, you can ask a craftsman to make such flats or try making them on your own.
The sole structure is important. The main requirement for the sole is flexibility and durability. Most often, it is made of polyurethane – elastic, durable material with good shock-absorbing properties. Do not choose ballet flats with too flat soles – otherwise, you will feel all pebbles on the road.
The size matters. It is important to choose the right size for ballet flats: a leather pair should fully fit the feet (the leather can stretch). In such a way, you can avoid the risk of ballet flats flying off your feet. When choosing the ballet shoes in an online store, measure the insole length of the most comfortable shoes that you wear, and buy the pair with an identical insole length.
Leather-Toolkits.Com chose the top 5 best leather ballet flats:
- Lucky Brand shoes have flexible TPR outsoles made of synthetic material. The upper part is made of leather;
- Xielong flats are made of leather, with rubber soles and breathable arches;
- Nine West manufactures awesome 100% leather shoes along with cow fur and synthetic soles;
- Eldof flats have a heel height of 1 cm, with rubber soles;
- Lucky Brand manufactures leather flats with rubber soles and soft leather insoles;
Interesting Video: Chanel black ballet flats
Do you like ballet flats that I chose? When do you wear them? Please share your experience with me. Also, you may subscribe to the website.
Well done Steve for such a nice leather ballet flat review! I like black as well as brown as these have always been my favorites naturally.
Hello, Alvina! Thanks for your comment.
I found Lucky Brand ballet flats to feel cheap. They were comfortable but didn’t last long at all. Xielong lasts a long time, as does Nine West. Have never purchased Eldof before so I can’t speak to that one.