Dear Belle,
I share your disgust for women who walk home from the bar barefoot. Just the thought of it gives me chills. I purchased a pair of Footzyrolls on your suggestion. They work fine, when I want to ditch my heels, but I go through a pair every few months because they’re so cheaply made. Do you know of any flats that can fit in a clutch, but aren’t flimsy?
Love the blog! Cait
I stopped counting the number of barefoot women walking down the street in front of my apartment when I needed my toes to keep counting. It’s so gross. I’ve seen the things that happen on that sidewalk. So I appreciate when women take precautions for the inevitable post-nightclub foot pain.
Yosi Samra Studded Snake-Effect Flat ($44)
For a thin, foldable flat, I like the Yosi Samra slip-ons. I can’t wear them all the time because the elastic is hard on my feet, BUT they can be worn as a casual flat (I hear they’re great for traveling).
The Outnet has a large selection at just over-half their usual price. I like this gold flat and this croc-effect flat in all black. If you don’t mind paying full-price ($84), Shopbop has even more colors and sizes.
I’ve also worn the AE flats (https://www.ae.com/web/browse/product.jsp?productId=0419_2860_130&catId=cat380151) they come in a few colors, and have held up. AE also has 50% off sales which makes these already cheap shoes perfect.
Hi, if you are ready to make an investment, Tieks are another option. But again, they are an investment.
I was coming here to inquire about Tieks! Anyone own them? Worth it? I want a pair however I’ve heard a few conflicting reviews.
I ordered a pair and returned them. I didn’t like the visible teal-ish sole. I also don’t like elasticated flats, and these were no different for me.
Love Tieks. I don’t find the teal distracting – you don’t see it when you’re standing or otherwise have your feet on the ground, and they’re casual so even when you do see it, it isn’t awful. I think the elasticized part is a personal preference; I don’t mind it. I find them very comfortable, and always travel with a pair, especially good for rushing through airports and walking distances in places where floors have no padding, like congressional office buildings. Also, they don’t stretch too much so your size is your size. I can only speak for the leather ones, haven’t tried the patent leather or vegan ones. Black, navy, pale pink, and have my eyes on the charcoal grey – good staples that work with lots of clothing. I’ve given a pair as a gift as part of a bridal shower gift for post-wedding-shoe relief shoes, and I’ve given a gift card as a thanks for people who work for me for great work on big projects. Hope this helps!
What about real ballet slippers for $15? I have a pair of black so danca full sole leather that I use for that purpose. My street shoe size is 8-8.5 and I bought size 7.
I have those exact shoes pictured – perfect for travel. Love them!
And that many people are walking barefoot? Gross!
I know. I get the shakes just thinking about it.
I actually have always just gone with Dr. Scholl’s Fast Flats. They fit in all my purses–even the small ones, and are substantial enough to protect my feet on the walk home.
My favorites are the dexflex comfort flats from Payless. They come in 3 solid colors and 3 patterns and are currently on sale. Payless still accepts the 20% off coupon even though they are on sale, so they end up about $20. I wear mine on the weekends and often to work too. I go up 1/2 a size to make them extra comfy! https://www.payless.com/womens-caroline-string-tie-flat/75144.html?dwvar_75144_color=black#start=12v Enjoy!