Found: Silky, Comfortable Ballet Shoes That I Didn't Need to Break in

I've officially given in to the resurgence of the ballerina flats fad. It was just a matter of time until I went shopping for a pair after seeing them on chic celebrities like Hailey Bieber and Meghan Markle and seeing them on runways last spring. There's never too many alternatives for comfortable work shoes, and I personally like flats over heels. Since my first pair of ballet flats were round-toed and embellished with a bow years ago, I decided to try a different silhouette this time. I decided to give Madewell's Greta Ballet Flats ($98) a try because I've been eyeing these and I love how they include the Mary Jane strap, which is another shoe style comeback.

What I Love About Madewell's Greta Ballet Flats

I'd be remiss if I didn't immediately dive into the buttery-soft feel of this shoe. The leather is so unbelievably supple that I actually couldn't stop stroking the display shoe as I waited for the sales associate to find my size. I've tried on many iterations of this style of ballet flat from a variety of brands and immediately noticed how the elastic straps would cut into the tops of my feet, or the way the back of the shoes would dig into my heels. With this shoe, they immediately felt comfortable and I didn't have to suffer through a breaking-in period.

Aside from their blister-free fit, there are other small details in the shoe's design that I really appreciate. The shoe features a squared toe with slightly rounded edges, so they simultaneously manage to feel fresh yet timeless. The toe is also elongated beyond where my toe naturally ends (very ballerina-like!), which keeps my feet from looking short and stubby. I can see the smallest bit of toe cleavage peeking out, which also tricks the eye, making my feet appear longer and somehow slimmer. These seemingly small features are what help set this style apart from other similar pairs I've tried and ultimately didn't take home.

What's Worth Noting About Madewell's Greta Ballet Flats

The Greta Ballet Flats come in 15 different styles, ranging from open-weave leather to brightly-colored suede, so the flexibility and feel of the shoe varies depending on the material you choose. I went with the bestselling leather version of the flats, so I can't speak to the comfort level of the other styles. Madewell also recommends ordering a half size smaller than your normal size to allow for the natural stretch that happens with genuine leather. I ended up going with my usual size because they felt most comfortable and I was too worried about blisters to risk it. I've worn them a handful of times and so far so good.

Madewell also gives customers a heads up that "wrinkling and buckling may occur due to the unlined construction." I actually don't mind this - I think that the natural patina that develops in genuine leather is part of its charm, but if the thought of that scares you, you might want to go for a fully lined option. If you bought the first iteration of these flats and were unimpressed, Madewell published a note that "an early version of this shoe had a faulty lining that has been fixed for all new shipments."

Who Are Madewell's Greta Ballet Flats Best For?

These flats are great for anyone who appreciates staying on top of trends but tends to hold onto classic silhouettes that never really go out of style. If you're looking for a comfortable pair of soft leather flats you can style with everything from skirts to barrel jeans, give these a try.

Additional Details About Madewell's Greta Ballet Flats

• Materials: leather upper and leather lining.
• Leather is "sourced from a tannery that was certified by the Leather Working Group (LWG), an organization that works to promote sustainable environmental practices in the leather industry," according to the brand.
• Available in 15 styles.