Callie ballet flatsClick here for product page
Item 94406
Regular: $165.00; Now: $99.99
I love J.Crew flats! Not because they are comfortable (because they really are not!) but because of the styles offered. The latest flats to make it to my closet are the Callie ballet flats. I have been lusting after these flats for some time now, but was unable to find them available in my size for the longest time. When they finally appeared in the sale section, I immediately purchased them.
I have to say as far as J.Crew flats goes, these are no different. There is a little bit of padding in the soles, but not enough to warrant them walkable for a day-trip to the city. (These are pretty office shoes, where you walk a bit but sit down for most of the day.) ;) There is also no grip on the soles of the shoes (making them very slippery unless you add a sole-grip).
What I love about the shoes is the casual chic style itself: the silver tumbled leather toe and black suede meeting together with the small buckle detail. I always liked silver shoes (like the silver Liv metallic ballet flats), but felt the color did not work with my skin tone. These shoes provide just enough silver that I get the effect I am looking for. I also adore the black suede. I have other flats from J.Crew that are all suede, but the suede on the Callie is particularly lovely in its softness. I would definitely recommend these if you are currently considering them. :)
What are your thoughts on the Callie Ballet Flats? Do you like them or would you leave them? If you already own these flats, please let us know what you think. Also, what do you think of J.Crew's flats in general- do you like or loathe them?
I love J Crew flats in general, and have the barcelona and city but I think I'll pass on these. I don't much like having my toes peek out, and I'm afraid these will.
ReplyDeleteI don't have problem walking all day on the J Crew flats either. Maybe I have a higher tolerance for pain. ;) But I did find that shoes with higher arch support actually is more uncomfortable for me, so these non-pad, no arch ones works.
They are slippery on marble floors!
I have two of the marsala flats, the ones with the elastic back. They hurt the backs of my heels but make my feet look tiny! My feet are on the wide side so most of J Crew's flats do not fit me. Also, I don't like excessive 'toe cleavage'. These are cute flats. They remind me of 'spectator' loafers.
ReplyDeleteI think J. Crew's flats are beautiful, and I really wish I could wear them, but every time I do I end up losing skin somewhere on my foot. Any suggestions? I'm sick of being relegated to flip flops or sneakers any time I have to walk anywhere. :(
ReplyDeleteCUTE SHOES! Congratulations Alexis! :) I personally only own 3 pair of J.Crew Capri Sandals, but don't own any J.Crew *shoes*...I love the look of them, but the reviews they get for not being comfortable always make me hesitate. For the pricepoint I really need comfort as well as the WOW factor. :)
ReplyDeleteAnonymous at 12:14AM: I own a few Barcelona and City flats myself! ;) Also, I am impressed that you can walk in J.Crew flats all day too! :)
ReplyDeleteAnonymous at 12:42 AM: I know what you mean about the Marsala flats and the elastic backing. I was very tempted to purchase the marsala in the green a year or two ago, but when I tried them on in the store, I found them difficult to wear because of the elastic back (because it would push my feet forward). Did you have to size up the shoe?
Anonymous at 5:52 AM: I know what you mean about the skin issue! ;) I find I have to wear either stockings or apply Dr. Scholl's For Her Rub Relief Strips or Dr. Scholl's For Her Miracle Shield
FFM: Thanks so much! I also agree with you for the regular price of J.Crew's flats, they should be both stylish and comfortable. :) Since I mainly buy J.Crew flats on sale, I can overlook the comfort a bit. ;)
Alexis: no, I didn't size up in the Marsala because they were final sale. I wish I had though. I don't wear them for long walks, mostly just quick trips.
ReplyDeleteAnonymous at 7:48PM: Thanks for letting me know! :) I was wondering if I just had ordered a half a size up, the Marsala flats would be more comfortable. But they are very pretty!!! :)
ReplyDeleteCongrats Alexis--- they are so adorable! I agree, comfortable they are not-- but they do look quite fabulous on the foot!
ReplyDeleteNicole R.: Thanks! :) My husband never understands why I buy shoes that look good but are not that comfortable. It's hard for him to understand that I am willing to sacrifice comfort for style almost all the time. ;)
ReplyDeleteAlthough I wear J Crew's Capri Sandals all Summer (also in the warmer parts of Spring and Fall) I cannot bring myself to buy a pair of their ballet flats. I think this hesitation comes from reading in some fashion magazine that women over 40 should not be seen in ballet flats, double breasted jackets, capris, etc. Also, due to my shorter stature (5'4") I prefer a slight heel to enlongate my legs...which is a real bummer because I am so loving the Becca flats in the Ink color. :(
ReplyDeletejcrewjunkie: What was the magazine's logic behind women over 40 not being able to wear those clothes? I'm just curious!
ReplyDeleteAlso, I like flats a lot but it seems like most of the new ones at J.Crew do have toe cleavage, which I do not like a lot. :)
I can't stand it when some magazine decides to arbitrate what a woman of any age should or should not wear. Boo to that. Jcrewjunkie, I hope you'll try ballet flats - I think they look great on any woman, any age. Check out some pictures of Ms. Carla
ReplyDeleteBruni, aka Mrs. Nicholas Sarkozy - especially of her recent visit to London. She wore flats and looked fantastic. And she's 41.
I don't wear J.Crew shoes because they're among the single most uncomfortable shoes I've ever tucked my little foot into. I think some of them look very chic, but I'm appalled at the lack of padding. I'd rather put my money into a pair of cole haan's or borns :-)
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ReplyDeleteI love J. Crew ballet flats in general. I have 2 pairs of the city printed ballet flats, and 3 pairs of the suede. I agree, they are not the best walking shoes & would not wear them if I was walking outside all day long - but in the office or going to dinner they are great (I am tall, and would perfer flats over heels.) I have found that the HUE brand of little footies/liners works nicely (they have many styles of footies, but there is one style that is more low-cut then the others.) They keep me from getting blisters, and also help keep your shoes smelling better :)
ReplyDeleteI own these---I even paid full price for them (though I did use a coupon that was available at the time). I wear them all the time. I put some foot petals heavenly heels in the back so my feet don't slip out of them when I walk, which lets me feel much more stable. I guess I could have waited for them to go on sale but theywere so cute I could not resist.
ReplyDeleteI love the look of J.Crew flats but the one pair I own are so uncomfortable that I don't think I would buy another pair. Especially when I can find flats at other store for much less that are much much more comfortable.
ReplyDeleteI just bought a PERFECT pair from Kater--with a perfect transaction I should add! They were the leopard print calf hair (tan/blk spots) with azalea trim leather and tassels. Fit perfect and totally comfy! These rock and I got a great price from her:) I have only tried them around the house and they are brand new but older style from 2005 (so maybe made better??) I am thrilled!
ReplyDeleteNot really into this style with the silver though-sorry:(
I need to size up 1/2 size for the flats with the elastic backs that they had several seasons ago (cutout patent ones). I hardly wear them because the elastics digs into my heel no matter what.
ReplyDeleteI don't agree that you can't wear flats if you are over 40, or is petite. I am both. I think it depends on what you wear. I pair a white fiona canvas on top, with a yellow kimono dot cafe capri that I cropped to 24", and then with a pair of the yellow & white city flats.
I don't like the flats with full length pants, however. It looks rather frumpy on me then.
Everyone: Thanks for sharing! It's too bad J.Crew flats (which I adore) aren't more comfortable. A little more padding would go along way. ;)
ReplyDeleteJacquelyn: Congrats on owning these flats too!!! :) I also really love heavenly heels- great product. :)
I like these. They remind me very much of tuxedo shoes.
ReplyDeleteMy problem is that I can't find a pair of ballet flats anywhere that feel good for long periods of time. I just got a pair of Banana Republic ballet flats (LOVE! So many compliments!) and by the end of my teaching day, my dogs were barking! Holy crow, the balls of my feet ached and the backs were digging into my ankles. I couldn't wait to get the darn things off--I considered walking barefoot to the parking lot. Same thing happened with Nine Wests. J.Crew, I just have to try them on and know they'll hurt. Can anyone recommend a foot-friendly brand that I can run around in all day? Thanks!
ReplyDeleteMary, i would love to know a brand, too. In general, i haven't found ballet shoes to be comfortable because they are too flat to provide me adequate support. On top of that, i hunt out shoes with rubber soles, which are hard to come by.
ReplyDeleteCleo26
ReplyDeleteI wish I could tell you more...I only know that the ballet flats I've tried, no matter the price point, don't have the appropriate arch support, front cushioning, or comfy back to make them actually feel as comfortable as they look. It's sad, because, as a teacher who is on her feet all day (although I'm over 40...I have no idea where that prohibition on ballet flats came from--it's not like a micro-mini and a plunging neckline, for heaven's sake) I am always on the hunt for a fashionable, comfortable flat. If I see something, I'll certainly let you in on the secret, because it's like finding the Holy Grail! If anyone else knows, feel free to weigh in!
Jeff T: Now that you mention it, they are like tuxedo shoes (and I like them even more now because of that)! ;)
ReplyDeleteMary & Cleo26: I (and many others on this blog) have mentioned this before, but the Cole Haan with Nike Air technology shoes are f-a-b-u-l-o-u-s! (Both in terms of style and comfort- and I do mean they are comfortable!) :) They are on the pricey side, but well worth it. You can also sometimes find them on sale for $100 at Nordstrom. :)
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ReplyDeleteI think I read that "prohibition" in this month's Oprah . . . it also said not to wear brights with black as the contrast is too harsh for an aging complexion. Puh-lease.
ReplyDeleteJ.Crew's ballet flats vary for me--I found the silk Lucia to be comfortable because it has some structure but the Clea is so flimsy! I picked up a pair of black ballet slippers with patent cap toes, just Enzo, not a fancy brand, about ten years ago and i still wear them. I love that Chanel-style toe.
Mary and Cleo, not to sound like an old lady convention, but I went to a podiatrist for some orthotics and it helped my feet a lot. I have a custom pair that fits in athletic shoes and chunkier casual shoes, and a thinner off-the-rack pair that fits in most of my ballet slippers. Evidently as we get older we lose collagen not only in the face but in the feet and this causes some of the discomfort with flat shoes! Gah!
I haven't tried the Cole-Haan's (my local Nordstrom isn't upscale enough) but I'd like to.
mary and cleo26: I am a teacher and prefer flats as well. I have several pair of Liz Claiborne shoes and I always find them comfy. I also have a couple of pair of ballet flats by White Mountain. I was surprised at the amount of support - I can wear them all day, standing, and not have any trouble. I bought mine through QVC, but I've seen them in department stores as well. I haven't tried Cole Haan, but I'd love too. Unfortunately, none of the stores in my area sell them, so I can't try them on before hand. Since I have a wide foot, being able to try on is important. I do have one pair of JC flats - last year's pink and green paisley (can't remember the name) and while the support isn't good, I don't have problems wearing them too school - it's like wearing slippers. I bought the Marsala last year on FS, and they went to the consignment shop. I couldn't stretch them out and couldn't bear to wear them - pain from the elastic!
ReplyDeleteAlexis, Hexicon, Math Teacher: Thanks for the information. I know Cole Haans -- comfortable, if a bit too narrow in the shoe box for me. I'll have to (re)try the brands you mentioned though. I had not considered orthoses, but will search.
ReplyDeleteI am all about comfort, nothing old lady in that to me.:) In fact, i trek to work in bowling sneakers and change into low heels at work.
Mary: I know you are looking for comfortable flats, but i just remembered that kitten heels (like 1.5 inches or less) fit the bill for me in comfort, fashion, and long wear as opposed to flats with no heel.
ReplyDeleteHi all
ReplyDeleteThanks for all the information! I remember now reading about the Cole Haan with Nike technology and hearing Oprah and Stacy London raving about them at various times. I have a Cole Haan outlet nearby, so I guess I'll go.
Cleo26--you know, the only shoe I wore this week to school that was remotely comfortable were my kitten heel thongs. It's odd because they look so uncomfortable, but aren't.
Hexicon, it's not an old lady party...I'm fairly certain the balls of my feet ain't as supple as they used to be! And your writing is fabulous...loved your review of the opera gloves/tribute to your friend.
Thanks!