The Designer Shoes That Made Us Like Ballet Flats Again
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Photo by Zayira Ray
Ballet flats are back in style thanks to fashion’s current obsession with the ‘90s, but they had never been on our radar until we came across the Jimmy Choo Tilda Flats. Prior to their resurgence, the last time we had given ballet flats any thought was in 2011 when we wore our first pairs, and all we remember is the blisters they left us with. Since then, we had come to associate these shoes with mild pain, the kind that is bearable to an extent but definitely uncomfortable. So when brands like Miu Miu, Alaïa and Mansur Gavriel started to market their versions as this season’s must-haves, we had no intention of giving into the trend but we still took a look. These new iterations featured details that spoke to our design sensibility; they weren’t the plain round-toe styles that we feel indifferent to, but some came embellished with hardware while others were fashioned out of cool materials like mesh. When we laid eyes on the Jimmy Choo Tilda Flats, our interest was piqued.
Still, an item’s trendiness isn’t enough for us to swipe the credit card—especially if it costs $795. At this price, it can’t simply be a want; it also has to fulfill a closet need. It just so happened that we were in the market for fashionable everyday shoes when we stumbled upon the Jimmy Choo Tilda Flats. We instantly loved the unconventional approach to ballet flats, the modern square toe and the rebellious edge of the chain strap. We told ourselves that if we were ever going to buy into the ballet flats trend, these would be the styles we’d go for. It took a few weeks, a visit to Bergdorfs and some more contemplation to finally order them.
Now that we caved, was it all worth it? Read our review ahead.
How We Discovered the Jimmy Choo Tilda Diamond Flats
It all started with a visit to the Bergdorf Goodman website. A quick glance led to instant infatuation, a feeling that took us by surprise given our previous stance on ballet flats. For people who used to find them rather bland, this was exactly the pair that would change our mind. The Tilda Flats exude a certain elegance that is understated yet alluring. The complexity of the strap didn’t take away from the practicality of the shoe, which is what ultimately sold us on it. But remembering the blisters from a decade earlier, we were still skeptical. A few weeks later, while helping a friend shop for wedding dresses at Saks, Chris sees the white versions on display. She takes it as a sign so she tries on the only size available, 6.5. While the smaller size felt constrictive, she enjoyed the experience of walking in them. Shortly after, the Tilda Flats joined our fall lineup of kitten heels and boots.
First Impression
As much as we love the gold chain strap of the Tilda Flats, it’s what makes them tricky to put on. It feels delicate so you have to carefully slide it to avoid the chain coming off on either side. Although the strap is fairly secured on the leather, putting the shoes on isn’t as seamless as the typical slip-on silhouette. At first touch, the metal feels cold on the skin but it’s a sensation we eventually got used to. The shoes also come in red and white, but we recommend the black color for a true sense of timelessness.
Jimmy Choo Diamond Tilda Flat
$795
Jimmy Choo Diamond Tilda Flat
$795
Photo by Zayira Ray
The Comfort Level
There’s nothing like a day of meetings in the city to test how comfortable the flats really are. The shoes feature thin soles, but not so thin that you feel like you’re walking barefoot. The leather initially felt stiff, but it was only a matter of breaking them in. After a few wears, it became more flexible. The chain tends to sink into your skin over time, causing some friction but it’s not a painful sensation. That said, running in these shoes is probably not the best idea (the strap is too fragile), but you can get by wearing them for several hours. Now for the elephant in the room: do these shoes cause blisters? While the answer is no, the ballet flats would be a lot better if they offered some arch support and more cushion for the bottom of the foot. Are they wearable? Yes, but you will feel some light pressure in the back of your foot which I’ve found to be true of any ballet flat.
How to Style the Tilda Flats
The minimalist design of these shoes allows for endless styling possibilities; even if you’re not a fan of the ornament, you’ll find that this pair is extremely versatile. We’ve gone the edgy route with leather pants and a structured leather jacket for a day-to-night ensemble, but we’ve also paired it with mini skirts and sweaters for a bigger shoe moment. Whether you go with a midi slip skirt and oversize blazer or jeans and a trench coat, the Tilda Flats can elevate an otherwise simple look to chic status. We’d just avoid wearing them with long hemlines so as to allow them to shine.
Photo by Zayira Ray
Are the Jimmy Choo Tilda Flats Worth It?
All things considered, we would recommend the Tilda Flats. Are they worth breaking the bank for? No, but if you’re able to pull the proverbial trigger, then you will find in them a pair of elevated shoes that deliver both practicality and style. At $795, they’re not exactly affordable, but not cost-prohibitive either. But once you accept that the price of designer goods is almost always inflated, then you start to focus on the value of your investment—and this one will pay off. The shoes are wearable, versatile, and if taken care of, they will last for years. While the price point is high, it’s lower than that of the most popular designer ballet flats which look a lot less cool. It’s also the perfect day-to-night shoe, which will prove helpful for all the holiday parties you might already have on your calendar.
Photo by Zayira Ray