I've been in denial for months, but it's time to replace my beloved leopard French Sole Sloops.
I have blogged about them a million times, but I'll say it again: these shoes are so ridiculously soft and comfortable, it's like wearing slippers. Unfortunately they are also over $100 and I don't know if I can swing that right now (but you can bet I'm watching eBay like a hawk). And so, join me on my quest for inexpensive, but still comfortable, leopard flats.
I know a few people that love these Yosi Samra flats:
But I don't know. They only come in whole sizes, which bugs me, and honestly there isn't much to them for $70.
I have never tried a pair of Toms on in my life, but I will admit that the ballet flat version is pretty cute. Do y'all know if they are comfortable? This site has them on sale for $60:
These actually look a lot like the French Sole Sloops, and they are only $45. Not available in my size, though. Sigh.
I'm actually most tempted by the Lucky Brand "Emmie" flat, which is on sale right now for $41:
My only concern is that the fabric upper won't hold up well.
What do you guys think? Should I just hold out for another pair of FS/NY Sloops, since I know I love them? Have y'all seen any of these in person? Help a lady out.
Out of curiosity, what size are your leopard Sloops? And how long did they take to wear out?
ReplyDeleteI also am a lifelong Toms hater, but the ballet flats are the only style I've come close to liking. Never tried any on thoug. I'm interested in reviews.
Mine are 7.5s. I think I might get them in a 7 if I replace them, they stretch a lot and flop around on my feet now. I have had them for three years, I think? And worn them a LOT. It may be two years, but I can't remember. I definitely feel like I got my monies worth, but I also got them for half off at Dillards.
DeleteI have had the Lucky's for two years and they are still holding up great! I wear them 3-4 times a week, and save a gigantic spot of errant hair dye, look better with age. (And also! The pattern hides any dirt! Or hair dye!)
ReplyDeleteOh, that is very good to know! I am most tempted by them for sure.
DeletePut the Sloops in your Amazon wish list and check the price periodically. I've seen them drop as low as $50 or so, but you might have to watch and wait for quite awhile.
ReplyDeleteI would hold out for the sloops.
ReplyDeleteI wear out Sloops too quickly to justify the expense.
ReplyDeleteDid you try JCrew Outlet? Just a thought.
I have been pleasantly surprised by my Banana Republic Ashley bow flats in leopard. Though they are calf hair (blergh), they have a memory foam insole which has been a godsend. I highly recommend them! Of course you know that you can likely get a sizable discount with a promotional code.
ReplyDeleteMemory foam sounds dreamy, but I don't love the calf hair. I will still check those out, though. Thanks!
DeleteIf you decide you want the Sloops and want to keep an eye out for a deal on Amazon you could set up a price watch on camelcamelcamel.com. It will alert you to price drops via email and twitter. :)
ReplyDeleteI have some sloops and they haven't stretched out yet so I hate wearing them.
ReplyDeleteToms have that gross logo on the back heel, ugh. The Lucky shoes look adorable!
I have the Lucky ones in a solid color leather. I don't wear them much, but they're reasonably comfortable and seem sturdy enough.
ReplyDeleteI'm in love with Toms in general, but don't have the ballet flats. They are the most comfortable shoes I own (and I own a lot!), for someone who's on her feet all day (teaching) that it important.
I own Toms ballet flats (not in a print but in a solid grey canvas). I usually don't like Toms but I thought this style was super cute and nice looking on my big feet (size 10). However, they aren't the most comfortable. They are a tricky fit unless they have tweaked them since I bought mine over a year ago. I'm not a fan of the label on the backside but I don't see it when I have them on. I actually thought about taking off the label. Not sure how that would look. Overall, I'm still happy I have them even though they're not 100% right.
ReplyDeleteI would pony up for the ones that you like, the Sloops, if you wear them constantly. A beloved pair of shoes is worth far more, to me, than a fancy pair of shoes I wear once a year.
ReplyDeleteI also don't think it's worth paying even $10 for a pair of shoes that surely won't be as good.
I would definitely not recommend the Toms ballet flats. They do no hold up at all - within a couple wears mine already had frayed fabric and I am not super tough on shoes. I love my Sloops though and second (or third?) what someone else said about being able to find them on Amazon for a good sale price (if you are flexible on the color).
ReplyDeleteI'm not a fan of my Tom's ballet flats either. Weird sizing and they slip off easily.
ReplyDeleteIf you want to go cheap, cheap until you can afford the Sloops, there is always Targethttp://www.target.com/p/women-s-mossimo-ona-ballet-flat-assorted-colors/-/A-13854173#?lnk=sc_qi_detaillink
They look similar to the sloops but they show more toe cleavage and to be honest they are not very comfortable! Especially if you're used to sloops, since sloops are ridiculously soft! :D But definitely try them out if you're looking for a (significantly) cheaper option.
DeleteI would hold out. You know you like the others and that you'll wear them. That's totally worth a few extra $. I've learned the hard way that cheap shoes aren't a bargain if they aren't wearable.
ReplyDeleteI would hold out too, but that's mostly because I'm so picky about flats and so excited I finally (finally!) found a style I like, even if the sloops are very expensive.
DeleteHey there Marianne, I saw this shoe on Gilt and thought of you and this post...
ReplyDeletehttp://www.gilt.com/sale/women/elorie-9636/product/162258926-elorie-bella-ballet-flat
Maybe this one would work?
That's so cute! I think I've pretty much convinced myself to get another pair of Sloops, though.
ReplyDelete