Rated 4 out of 5
Luxurious outer features, no cushioning
I had been wishing for a pair of leopard print ballet flats for a good two years now. The idea is to use them as an accent piece for visual interest with items of clothing in solid colors long forgotten in my closet because they are too "meh'' on their own. I wanted to make sure the shoes were natural calfskin and not dyed synthetic fabric with no texture. I hesitated because these tend to run well over $100, especially in the fall when they are in season. I tried a pair of Tory Burch ballets at Nordstrom Rack and decided against them because the calfskin had very little lining or structure, and the sides gapped noticeably. These do not have the same problem. After much browsing and research, I finally bought this pair online. The outer elements feel very luxurious. I like the modern feel of the squared toe box, the large MK logo accent in gold, and the natural calfskin texture. The camel shade is very saturated and contrasts beautifully with the black spots. I've worn them twice and have gotten compliments. That being said, I didn't give the shoes a five-star review because they have absolutely no arch support or cushioning. In that sense, the inside of the shoe is no different than some $20 pairs I own. I didn't expect that from a Michael Kors pair. I own a pair of driver loafers from MK, also from DSW; the cushioning is not too thick but comfortable enough and very pillowy. It also has a tad of arch support, so I expected that kind of lining from this pair. Because the squared toe box is large, they run a bit big. I added a pair of insoles for some comfort. The insoles I had at home are thick, and now the shoes feel a bit too tight. I'm hoping the insoles eventually mold to my feet with some breaking-in so the shoes feel more comfortable. All in all, if you are looking for a high-end-looking pair of shoes that makes a fashion statement and do not plan to walk or be on your feet for long periods, I recommend this pair. However, if you have feet or back issues and need comfort shoes, this may not be the pair for you.
By Latina Shoe Lover