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This article is going to give you the best, most-thorough Chanel ballet flats review. Are they worth the splurge?
For those who don’t know, the Chanel Ballet Flats are a classic, timeless, luxury item. Further, ballet flats are always a great staple in any fashionista’s wardrobe. Needless to say, I knew I needed these shoes when I laid eyes on them.
However, at a cost of about $900, one is smart to take a moment to think about this purchase. This article will help you decide if the investment is worth it.
The History of the Legendary Two Tone Shoe
It may seem very easy to find the black toe-capped shoe on the internet, but did you know the designer Gabrielle Chanel, otherwise known as Coco Chanel, invented the iconic style in 1957?
Even before their official launch, they were already seen on Chanel’s feet herself in the 1930’s.
They are carefully designed in beige to elongate their shape, and black to shorten the foot and protect the toe from long-term wear.
These shoes were initially made in sling back heels, which are still sold to this day.
Interestingly, when Karl Lagerfeld became head of the fashion house in 1986, the shoe was reinvented into the classic ballerinas we have today, as well as sandals, boots, espadrilles, and more.
Details About the Ballet Flats
The ballet flats are made of luxury materials including lambskin. The shoe’s heel height is 0.4 inches and they are made in Italy.
The toe shape is a rounded, almond shape which is more traditional and classic than some trendy toe shapes such as pointed or square.
Since the shoe is so classic and timeless, it is not likely to go out of style. You are paying a lot of money, but in theory it should stay relevant for years.
There is a little bow detail on the toe. Of note, this tiny boy does not untie and it is sewn in place. Additionally, the Chanel logo is subtly embroidered in the toe cap.
Are the Chanel Ballet Flats Comfortable?
Yes, these shoes are extremely comfortable. The extreme comfort is attributed to the fact that the luxurious lamb skin leather is delicate and soft, easily forming to one’s feet. The soft material helps prevent any blisters from all-day wear.
The shoes are nice and wide for a ballet flat, so they are bunion friendly.
The leather shoes form very well to the feet. However, I have seen similar versions in patent leather and tweed. These materials may not be as comfortable as the leather option.
You May Also Like: 9 Comfortable Women’s Shoes For When You Are On Your Feet All Day
How Much do the Chanel Ballet Flats Cost?
I bought these in May 2023 from Neiman Marcus for $925. Keep in mind, Chanel increases prices year after year.
Are the Chanel Ballet Flats Worth the Cost?
In my opinion, the shoes are worth the cost.
This pair of Chanel Ballet Flats was my first ever luxury product purchase.
Depending on what you value, it can be difficult to determine if the shoe is worth the cost for you, but to me, they are worth it.
The lambskin leather is high quality, and every pair of shoes is handmade with high end materials. Therefore, down the road you can take these shoes to a cobbler for repairs and prolong their life.
These shoes are timeless, and they aren’t likely to go out of style. The classic two tone shoes have been in style since the 50’s. Needless to say, they will probably stay in style for at least another 60-70 years, if not longer!
These timeless shoes are going to be worn again and again, leading to a low cost-per-wear out of them.
Further, I love these shoes because they are easily dressed up with slacks and worn to the office, or you dressed down with a pair of jeans.
The Downsides to the Chanel Ballet Flats
Since lambskin can show wear and tear because it is very delicate. Therefore, I don’t recommend wearing these shoes in the rain.
However, with good care and perhaps a visit to the cobbler, these shoes can be refreshed and look very good again. You can watch some interesting cobbler videos working on these shoes on Youtube.
Chanel Ballet Flats Sizing
The shoe runs in EU sizes. I am typically a women’s size 8 in US sizes.
Many people agree that this shoe runs true to size or slightly smaller.
My pair is a size 38 in EU sizing.
One thing to keep in mind is that the shoes are made of lambskin leather, which will stretch over time.
Of note, I have seen similar shoes in calfskin and tweed options, which are not so prone to stretching over time.
I recommend trying these shoes on in store before purchasing.
How to Care for Chanel Ballet Flats
The Chanel Ballet Flats can probably last a lifetime with proper care.
As we all know, leather is a skin. Skin can be both tough and delicate. Unlike the skin on our bodies which maintains moisture, leather will lose moisture over time and begin to crack unless we use products to rehydrate it.
Below, you will find tips on how to care for Chanel Ballet Flats.
Before Wearing
Leather Sole Care
The leather sole can be especially delicate without proper care. Before stepping outside in the new Chanel ballet flats, I recommend treating the bottoms with the Leather Sole Guard from Saphir.
The sole guard conditions leather soles, such as the ones on the Chanel Ballet Flats, to protect it from water and salts.
Should You Take Your Chanel Shoes to the Cobbler?
You may choose to take your shoes to a cobbler before wearing them. Cobblers can reinforce with the soles with rubber ones. For me, however, this was not the best option. There even seems to be some debate about taking brand new shows to the cobbler before wearing.
You can get the benefit of a more durable sole and even better grip than leather soles if you add rubber to your shoes.
For me, though, I just couldn’t see why I would do this on brand new shoes. If they weren’t meant to be worn out of the box, why did the Chanel fashion house make these shoes?
As an alternative, I have decided to do whatever I can do prolong the life of these shoes before I take them a cobbler later down the line.
Rehydrate the Leather As Needed
Every few months, you should condition the leather. I recommend investing in the Saphir Delicate leather balm as well as the Saphir Polishing cloth.
How to Condition Your Shoes
- Clean
Before you begin, you will want to as much dirt and grime off of your shoes as possible. You can use a simple hand towel or even a horse hair brush.
- Condition
Tab your polishing cloth into the leather balm. Gently massage the balm onto your leather shoes.
You can find more information on caring for your shoes here.
Daily Care
Wear Ballet Flat Socks
I recommend wearing socks with your Chanel ballet flats. I find this prevents the soles of the shoes from turning black, which can be unsightly.
Not to mention, this prevents excess moisture building up in your shoe which can lead the leather to prematurely wear down. It also helps with foul odor control.
Given that these shoes may be one of the most expensive pairs of shoes in your closet, be sure to wear socks with them.
Use Shoe Trees
Shoe trees maintain the shape of shoes. Quality shoes trees made of cedar wood help your shoes by absorbing moisture, preventing lining rot, freshening the interior, and preventing creases and cracks more effectively.
Using a good shoe tree drastically extends the life of your shoe, which is especially important on a splurge such as Chanel!
Where to Buy Chanel Ballet Flats
Finding the Chanel Ballet Flats can be difficult.
The following stores may be the best places to look:
- Nordstrom
- Neiman Marcus
- Saks Fifth Avenue
- Poshmark (Second Hand Website)
- Chanel Boutique
Not all Chanel Boutiques sell shoes. Call ahead before making a trip to your local Chanel Store to make sure!
Further, I have seen them at Neiman Marcus and Nordstrom. If you happen to stumble across these shoes while shopping, I recommend buying them because they sell out fast.
I went to five different stores to on my hunt for these shoes. Eventually, I ordered them at my local Neiman Marcus where an employee informed me there were only two pairs left in the company-wide database.
Of note, a Neiman Marcus employee told me that this particular style of shoe is a “revolving style,” meaning that Chanel makes this style a couple of times per year. We don’t know, however, when they will do it. So best to keep your eyes peeled!
Chanel Ballet Flats Dupes
At the $900 price point, these flats are not cheap to say the least. Luckily for all the fashion lovers in the world, there are plenty of other shoes with a similar look that don’t break the bank!
Linked below are a few of the best dupes for the Chanel flats. The following options are at different prices and stores.
Steve Madden Belinda Tan Leather
SHODENSE Women Cap Toe Bow Flats Two Tone
Tory Burch Cap-Toe Ballet Flats
Steve Madden Ellison Flats
How to Style Ballet Flats
The legendary, two-toned, Chanel shoes are easily dressed up or down for many occasions and settings.
Below you’ll find six ways to style your ballet flats.
1. Chic Office Look
2. Wide Leg Trousers and a Cute Top
3. Fall Weather Ready
4. Little Black Dress
5. LBD with a Linen Blazer
6. Casual Outfit for Warm Weather
The Bottom Line
I hope you enjoyed this Chanel ballet flats review!
In conclusion, in my opinion, these shoes are worth the investment as long as you plan to wear them for years to come. With proper care, you will look fashionable and stylish in these shoes for decades. Happy stylin, fashionista!
