MB: So they are definitely a bit snug and … yeah, the sole is surprisingly thin, which sounds bad, but it’s not. Much like you, I just didn’t expect to feel so grounded—as in literally connected to the ground. Plus, the leather hugging the foot… I was very aware of my foot in there. So it felt almost … like my foot was quite exposed. I am just used to something slightly thicker. It took me a minute to adjust to that.
CA: I got the black pair, which are very much easy to wear—they go with everything. I tried them with my usual assortment of baggy jeans, and I liked the refinement the dance shoes added to the look. They made every outfit feel, like, a little French—a little chic. Just today I wore them with a wide-leg pair of black pleated trousers, and that felt very snazzy.
MB: As someone who sits literally next to you, I agree. I looked cool, debonair, Fred Astaire but a little punk. I did the opposite and bought white. I will say that it made me feel like my feet were tiny, dainty, which I didn’t love. And it made me have to really think about which pants it would look good with. But I have to stay, a few people around the office stopped to compliment me … so … I definitely warmed up to them!
CA: How did they compare to, say, a sneaker or loafer? I will say, I always struggle with sneakers because they make any outfit feel-dressed down—these little ballet flats had the opposite effect, and made everything feel elevated. They’re similar to a loafer in that way. Only, a loafer reads more traditionally masculine, and the ballet flats have a bit more intrigue and sophistication to them.
MB: I love that, I hadn’t thought about it like that. As I said, the dainty look sort of threw me. I am used to a slightly different profile, so these felt like a very different proportion to work with. But, I love what you’re saying about intrigue and sophistication—and something different than a loafer, which seems to be what every guy wears right now!
CA: What shocked or surprised you about wearing these? For me, it was how discrete they are! I think a lot of men see ballet flats as daunting or as some big fashion risk, but I can confidently say not one person even noticed or side-eyed them.
MB: I think they are an unexpected choice. Much to your point, most guys are in a sneaker or a loafer, so this is, like, a secret third thing.
CA: Do you think you will be incorporating them into your summer wardrobe?
MB: I would have said no if it weren’t for the compliments I received—nothing like external validation to make you throw all your doubts aside! The key for me was I found a pair of pants—a straight-fit pair of drapey cotton cargos—that I think look good with. So that was a big unlock for me.
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