Ballerina shoes are not just for Ballerinas!

I am a ballerina shoe fan through and through and have never quite experienced the same thrill since trying on my first pair of satin point shoes. So I hate to see a sloppy ballerina shoe on the foot, and there are quite a few out there.  All traditional brands of dance ballet shoes offer width options so my high arches and need for a wide fit did not exclude me from trying to emulate a dying swan.

It was whilst pondering upon why I see so many poorly fitted specimens of the high street’s version of this dance shoe that I realised there really is no need and, almost without exception, there is a ballerina pump for every foot type. 

I personally think a pair of ballet pumps are a wardrobe essential and there are literally thousands to choose from but you do get what you pay for, it's worth investing a little more to get something that doesn't harm your feet.  We all know how excruciating a high-heeled shoe can be at the end of a party, a quality pair of ballerina pumps are a great rescue remedy and easy to slip in a handbag.  Particularly, if like me, your preferred bag is akin to a small suitcase.

If you too have a wide foot, look out for a style that wraps the foot quite high at the sides.  This gives the illusion of a more slender foot and helps to avoid gaping at the sides of the shoe as you walk.  I discovered the Kennel and Schmenger pumps are great for this. I chose the brown/black code 82 style and have had lots of positive comments about them. They are also incredibly comfortable. 

Look out for those styles made from supple leather or soft suede and even those with a little bit of elastic around the rim to achieve a glove like fit.

For everyday wear, and I do mean everyday, I wear Sabrinas pumps. They are a great price so I can afford to invest in more than one pretty colour and the sole is super soft and flexible. 

I've found generous medium width fitting options from Arche, the Laius and the Ninolo ballerinas come in colourful nubucks, with real rubber sole units (very springy under foot) and, if you want something for a more formal occasion, Hogl has a more refined and structured shoe.

For a more narrow width fitting the traditional ballerina styling from Paoliballerina and Riva are perfect.

If you generally find a flat ballerina uncomfortable, choose a style with a substantial sole unit and arch support.  If you need to insert your own orthotics, there are styles with a removable footbed, perfect for this.   Wolky have produced a ballerina pump that is uber comfortable and supports the foot really well. Great for people needing to walk a great deal or stand for long hours and it has a removable footbed.  This particular style comes up high on the sides of the feet so it hugs the foot beautifully.

And guess what?  As the summer heats up, there’s even a ventilated option!

If you haven’t worn a well fitted ballerina pump, you’re definitely missing out on a style essential – they are ageless, timeless and elegant.  Audrey Hepburn, the most stylish woman of her time, certainly thought so!

To see a full selection of all ballerinas on the Macsamillion website - click here!

Next week I shall be blogging about another wardrobe essential and style classic - The Loafer 

(and I don't mean the one that puts his feet up in front of the telly every evening).

Danielle