Product Review: Lux Shimmerveil Ballet Flats

Lux Shimmerveil Ballet Flats
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item 24404
Regular: $285.00
Now: $189.99

J.Crew describes these over-the-top glam ballet flats as the following:

Flat out fabulous, in gorgeous Italian leather imbued with a hint of shimmer. Designed with couture-inspired details, including a luxurious glove construction with a soft, breathable leather insole, and an interior wedge (bascially, it's the footwear version of shock absorbers—trust us, your feet will thank you). Leather upper, lining and sole. Part of the J.Crew Collection. Made in Italy.

I already own a ridiculous number of J.Crew ballet flats, so I did not think I needed to add another {expensive) pair to the bunch. But I had to give these flats a second look, thanks to the great posts (links at the bottom of post) from Dina and Kathy. Ultimately, I ended up getting them in Metallic Gold, along with the Piera Ballet Flats (Item 26323; $185.00, now $109.99) in Black.

Overall, the Lux Shimmerveil Ballet Flats really are lovely shoes. The Italian leather with shimmer is absolutely gorgeous. The shimmer is just the right amount too— where it gives off a splash of sparkle without going overboard.

When it comes to fit, it is true-to-size. I am normally a size 9 in ballet flats from J.Crew, and the size 9 in these flats worked out great. I have a narrow foot (which is one of the reasons I am drawn to J.Crew's ballet flats in the first place) and found these to be snug on me. So I suspect if you have a wider foot, these flats may feel a bit uncomfortable for you at first. However, the material lends itself well to flexibility. So you should not have any real issues with fit.

The main reason I bought these was for the interior wedge. I love wearing flats but find that some of my jeans are an inch too long for them. (I can't wear heels, because my feet hurt after taking two steps. I swear, tweens can walk in heels better than I can!) These flats have the perfect amount of heel height and without looking like wedges. It really is hidden well.

But as far as comfort goes, let's not kid ourselves J.Crew! These shoes are not any more comfortable than their existing flats. (I was hoping they were too! But not so.) I wore them to a cocktail party and had to stand for a few hours. My feet hurt just the same as if I were wearing any other J.Crew ballet flat. There really is not enough padding to make my feet say "thank you" like J.Crew suggests in their product description.

Overall, I do like the shoes and would recommend them... on sale! ;) Definitely are not worth the full price tag.

For great reviews and real life images of these shoes, check out:

• "Casual Sequins Times Two!!!" post
  over at My Superfluities...
• "Some Shoe Reviews" post
  over at Two Hands Full of Daisies
  
• "Mistakes I've Made, Part Four..." post
  over at DaniBP Mop Philosopher
  

What are your thoughts on the Lux Shimmerveil Ballet Flats? Have you seen or own these ballet shoes? If so, what is your review of the fit & style? Would you recommend it to another fellow JCA?