At this point, my love of ballet flats spans decades. So to find that a style I deem to be a “classic” wardrobe staple is trending feels like a boon when shopping. Look at all the choices, price points, colours! Up for discussion today, as a follow on from this post last week, is a review of the Margaux Demi Flats. Hopefully, if you’re thinking of buying a pair, you’ll find this helpful.
I have wider feet, and a bunion on my left foot so comfort is a pretty high priority when I’m buying new shoes. Gone are the days of my twenties where I’d happily squeeze my feet into an uncomfortable pair of heels in the name of “fashion”.
So when the team at Margaux reached out and asked if I’d like to try a pair of their shoes, it was an easy yes. By sheer coincidence I’d had one of their tabs open on my browser on the Demi Flats. And after you read my thoughts below, it’ll be easy to see why I’m currently considering buying the Demi in another colour.
Margaux Demi Flats Review
Price: $380 AUD
Available in 10 colours
A classic ballet flat shape, with a vamp that is cut neither too high nor too low. Plush foam padding that’s 5mm thick (which makes a world of difference – believe me). Soft Italian Nappa leather which relaxes even more with age. Delicate and dainty, yet despite my clumsiness, are yet to show any signs of wear. Well, aside from some minor creasing near the toe, that is. I think we might be onto a real winner here.
To compare the Margaux Demi Flats with a handful of other brands I’ve tried… a pair I bought from Country Road years ago scuffed on its first outing (leather was too soft). My beloved Porselli (which are brilliant, FYI) offer zero support, the leather feeling stiffer – yet flexible – and more hardy but not the best for your arches when walking long distances. Everlane, I love, but again no support in the sole and while the high vamp feels modern, it lacks the same femininity as a classic ballerina. Pointed toe styles give you that length through the leg, but tend to pinch the toes if you have wide feet like me.
What’s really set these apart for me? The Margaux Demi Flats come in three width options. Narrow, Medium, and Wide. Especially with DTC brands, I’ve started to notice a level of customisation not offered by general department store or boutique brands. Which if you have specialised foot concerns, means that you can address this issues while still buying cute shoes.
I don’t think I realised that the cord bow could adjust the fit, but it’s nice now knowing that this is an option. Perhaps one I’d end up needing later down the track, when the leather has completely lost structural integrity.
While the Scarlet Nappa hue isn’t a colour I reach for daily, I love the burst of vibrancy they add to a neutral outfit. Much more easy to style than you’d think!
Wearing Depound shirt (10% off with MADEMOISELLE10), Everlane shorts, Margaux Demi Flats in Scarlett Nappa, Rue D’Euguenie bag (10% off with MADEMOISELLE10), Andersons belt
Other details of note?
The sole is leather, which means that it’s recommended to get them TOPY-soled. Leather soles have a tendency to slip on smooth surfaces. So this allows you to extend the life of your shoes, while also adding some grip.
There’s a classic grosgrain ribbon trim, with a high shine patent strip at the heel (lovely bit of shine!). The interior is lined in a cotton canvas. A low stacked heel gives you a little bit of lift.
But can we just go back to that 5mm cushion insole for a moment? This felt so foreign to me. I’ve not tried a pair of ballet flats – in this sort of classic style – that had any support. Coincidentally, it’s the main point of contention that I hear about ballet flats – chic, but not for everyone because of this. These feel bouncy to wear, and not like my feet are basically separated from the pavement by a thin piece of leather. While it never bothered me much before as I don’t need the support, I now notice it when I’m wearing my other (unsupportive) ballet flats.
Sizing
I went with my usual size EU40, in the wide width, and they’re the perfect fit. Actually, I thought on first impressions when pulling them out of the box that they might be too big.
My instincts were wrong, as my feet haven’t slipped out once while wearing, and they’re proving to be one of the more comfortable pairs of shoes I own.
For reference, I’m typically an EU40 in designer shoes, and wear an AU9 or UK7 in other brands. I find that the Margaux Demi Flats fit true to size, based on this.
If you have any other questions, please feel free to drop them in the comments section below, and thank you to Margaux for providing these shoes for trial and review.
These are classic and cute. As a fellow wide-footed person, I’m always glad to hear of a brand going out of their way to make shoes in different widths.