The ballerina flats trend is making a comeback and I have officially surrendered to its charm. After spotting them on stylish celebrities like Hailey Bieber and Meghan Markle, and seeing them on runways last spring, it was only a matter of time before I shopped for a pair. In my opinion, you can never have too many comfortable work shoe options, and I personally prefer flats over heels. With the first ballet flats I bought years ago having a bow-adorned, round toe, this time I wanted to try a different take on the classic silhouette. That’s when I came across Madewell’s Greta Ballet Flats ($98) and I was immediately drawn to how they incorporated the Mary Jane strap – another shoe trend revival! I just had to give them a try.
One of the first things that caught my attention was the buttery-soft feel of the shoe. The leather is incredibly supple and I couldn’t resist running my hand over the display shoe as I waited for the sales associate to find my size. I have tried on many variations of this style from different brands, and have often had issues with elastic straps cutting into the tops of my feet or the back of the shoe digging into my heels. However, with these flats, I was pleasantly surprised by how comfortable and blister-free they felt right away. There was no need for a breaking-in period, which is a major plus in my book.
Apart from the comfortable fit, there are other small details in the design of these flats that I truly appreciate. The shoes feature a squared toe with slightly rounded edges, giving it a fresh yet timeless look. The elongated toe, often seen on ballerina shoes, also helps to make my feet appear longer and slimmer. And the slight peek of toe cleavage adds a touch of elegance to the overall look. These little details make all the difference in setting this style apart from other similar pairs I have tried in the past.
It’s worth noting that Madewell offers these flats in 15 different styles, each with its own unique look and feel. The flexibility and comfort may vary depending on the material you choose. I went with the bestselling leather version and I cannot speak for the other styles. Madewell recommends ordering a half size smaller than your usual size to allow for the natural stretch of genuine leather. However, I opted for my usual size as it felt the most comfortable and I didn’t want to risk any blisters. So far, I have worn them a handful of times and have had no issues.
Madewell also mentions that “wrinkling and buckling may occur due to the unlined construction” of these flats. Personally, I don’t mind this at all as the natural patina that develops in genuine leather is part of its charm. However, if this is something that bothers you, you may want to opt for a fully lined option. It’s also worth mentioning that if you have purchased an earlier version of these flats and were unimpressed, Madewell has fixed a faulty lining in all new shipments.
In my opinion, these flats are perfect for anyone who likes to keep up with trends but also appreciates classic silhouettes that never go out of style. They are versatile and can be styled with everything from skirts to barrel jeans. If you’re looking for a comfortable pair of soft leather flats that will elevate your outfit, give these a try.
Here are some additional details about Madewell’s Greta Ballet Flats: they are made of leather, both for the upper and lining. The brand sources their leather from a tannery that is certified by the Leather Working Group (LWG), an organization that promotes sustainable environmental practices in the leather industry. As mentioned before, they come in 15 different styles, so you can choose the one that best fits your personal style.
If you’re interested in purchasing Madewell’s Greta Ballet Flats, you can find them at Nordstrom and Madewell stores.
In conclusion, I highly recommend Madewell’s Greta Ballet Flats to anyone looking for a stylish and comfortable shoe option. With its buttery-soft leather, elegant design, and comfortable fit, these flats are a must-have for any fashion lover. Whether you’re running errands or heading to the office, these flats will keep you looking and feeling great. Trust me, your feet will thank you.
