runaround shoes

Mephisto Elettra 2A review of Mephisto Elettra flats.

I’ve been a fan of Mephisto shoes for some time. Earlier this year when we were in Bordeaux and I needed a good pair of walking sandals, I headed straight to the Mephisto store and found a pair that made my feet very happy for the rest of the trip. And I received many compliments, including from a pair of women in Paris who followed me into a shop to ask who made them.

When Mephisto contacted me a few weeks ago and asked if I would like to review a pair of the “Elettra” flats, I was game. There’s room in every wardrobe for a pair of comfortable-yet-polished slip-on shoes, non?

These were VERY comfortable right out of the box. (I usually take a size 37.5 in most European shoes, but a 37 in Mephistos is a perfect fit.) The first thing I noticed was the very substantial support and cushioning. The elastic around the top edge keeps the shoes on firmly. The insole has perforations that provide ventilation; I wore them running around doing errands for several hours on a warmish day without hosiery, and without developing any blisters or discomfort. My feet didn’t overheat either.

ballet flats

Most ballet flats tend to make me feel as though I’m walking like a duck. These do not, probably thanks to the slight wedge heel. My stride feels very natural in these. There’s no heel slippage and the toe box is roomy. If you’d want to wear with socks, you might want to size up.

The only downside is that they are not as graceful looking as more traditional ballet styles, but again, they also have much more support and cushioning than any ballet flat I’ve tried on. I’ve styled here very casually with chinos, but for those whose style embraces ballet flats, these would also work with jeans or skirts, and are dressy looking enough to go from desk to dinner.

casual look with ballet flats
Casual outfit for weekend errand running. Also, this is what happens when I listen to Caroline de Maigret and let my hair air-dry. 😉

Mephisto provided these “Elettra” flats for review. All opinions are my own.

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46 Comments

  1. I live in ballet flats for a number of reasons. I have them in all shades & patterns & colour combinations including sheer fabric & glitter styles! I wear them for ‘dressed up’, casual & social ocassions. I even have a super casual pair for keeping in my purse/handbag for changing into when my feet are worn-out from wearing heels.

  2. How I wish I could wear ballet flats! I wear an 11 (USA size) narrow and I have yet to find a ballet flat to fit properly. They either slide off my heels, blister my heels, and going down a half size doesn’t work! I haven’t tried the Mephisto brand, so thanks for your review and post. I’m going to locate them and give it a go!

  3. Mephistos are great! I have Mephisto fisherman sandals which are the best warm season travel shoes I have ever known. I was even able to send them back to Mephisto (after 10 years) for resoling!. They are truly lifetime shoes. But, for flats, I have discovered a show brand I really love. It’s Gabor (purchased in the same shop that sells Mephisto). I now have three pairs of Gabor flats and will be haunting shops and websites that sell them for more. Here’s the Gabor ballet flat I am wearing today: http://www.zappos.com/gabor-gabor-34-160-black-nubuk-lavato

    1. I bought a pair of Gabor flats this summer while in San Francisco. You’re right – they’re cute, supportive, and extremely comfortable. And quite a bit less expensive than Mephisto.

    2. I’m a huge fan of Gabor – almost all my shoes are from them. I find them a bit more “trendy” than Mephisto while still being very comfortable. They share a shop with Mephisto in Paris but I often buy them when I’m in Germany. They’re a German brand and a bit cheaper there than in France – still very affordable though.

      1. After reading Susan’s post very early this morning, I started searching for more Gabor ballerina flats and found several on Zappo.com. I ordered another pair. That is how much I love them. They are almost perfect for me! I usually wear size 9.5, but buy size 9 from Gabor. They are heavenly.

  4. This is a wonderful, super-comfortable brand, and I love these little flats. I have to see if they have a shop in Lower Manhattan (leaving tomorrow!)

  5. I love that style – very much something I’d wear! The Mephisto options I’ve tried in the past haven’t fit my foot well, but I’m always willing to try again, especially as you note they are roomy in the toe box….

  6. I went right to the sight to see if they were available, and unfortunately there are no 7.5 or 8’s available. Too bad they did not offer to have you try them earlier when they had the stock!

  7. Hi I love this look! Is the blue sweater an EF? Also love the pants….can you share the brand? 🙂 I am going to look into these shoes!

  8. Thank you for the review. I love to know how shoes really feel on the foot. As my feet get touchier and touchier, I feel Mephistos are in my future. My mom is preparing to go on a cruise, I had my younger sister take her shopping for several pairs of Mephisto sandals, so Mom could do her inimitable dressy/casual in comfort and style.

  9. I do like these and love the outfit. Not a big fan of black shoes. Seems they add weight to an outfit, a heaviness and darkness. Am I the only one that feels this way? I stick with nudes or colors. Is that a fashion hang up of mine? Open to change, 🙂

  10. With your sportswear, I actually think these look better than thin ballerinas. I can’t wear those archless, thin shoes and agree, women walk like ducks in them. The slight wedge is much more comfortable and in fact more visually flattering if one does not have especially shapely ankles. All in all, I’d say Mephisto have nailed it.

  11. While the shoes aren’t quite as elegant as I would like, I have never found a pair of ballet flats with enough support for travel walking. Perhaps these are the shoes that will do that. But more importantly, if that’s your hair without a blow dry, I suggest you toss your blow dryer out! Your hair looks great!

  12. I love these shoes! I don’t have a pair but if I were looking for new flats, they would definitely be on my consideration list. The shine adds, well, shine. Ha. And great win-win sponsor cooperation here.

  13. I just ordered these shoes and hope they work. I think my feet will appreciate them 😉
    Off topic: could I get opinions about make up and travel? I usually use moisturizer, tinted sunscreen, mascara, cream blush and eyeliner. Does anyone also pack a small eyeshadow and brow pencil/powder/pen?

    1. I substitute brow pencil in for your eyeliner, and add a tinted lipbalm. No eyeshadow – but I don’t wear any ever any more.

      At 59, I find the brow pencil to be now as important as tinted sunscreen and lip balm in making me more visible. Especially because that’s what shows over my reading glasses. Seriously;).

      1. Good advice!! I think Bobbi Brown says the same about brows being very important–I wear glasses also and think that my eyeshadow and eyeliner are lost as a result. I forgot that I do take lip balm also although it’s usually a tinted lip balm like Clinique’s Chubby Stick. Thanks very much for for help!!

        1. Several women I know have their eyebrows dyed, especially before a trip. No need for pencil and if doing anything active, stays put. Seems to last about a month or so; the key is not to go too dark. I have not tried it yet but will.

          1. That’s a great idea too! I actually do get my eyebrows dyed when they are waxed. They last maybe 3 weeks (if I’m lucky). I have silver hair and my brows are disappearing……;-)

        2. Yes, I use a tinted lip balm too, something super cheap like Burt’s Bees:). Hadn’t ever heard about the dying of the eyebrows. Might think about that if the graying proceeds apace.

          1. I’ve tried dyeing, but usually results are too dark for me. (Plus, I have so few hairs on the “wings,” my brows end up looking very uneven.) I’ve been using one of these two products that are sort of like mascara for brows. Cover greys brilliantly and keeps brows nicely shaped. Bobbi Brown: http://bit.ly/1OzDXv2 or Benefit: http://bit.ly/1Lf9izn

          2. I like eyebrow pens: Anastasia makes one and so does stila. I’ve been using a brand that might be Korean. Very fine brush for delicate application

  14. I like your shoes and recently found that Munro makes a similar-looking shoe for my long and super narrow foot. Have been wanting a ballet flat and wondering about the comfort of the band around the opening. Think I will go ahead and order some.

  15. I love the Mephisto sandals but haven’t tried the flats…these look so comfortable! Then I went to look at the Gabor that everyone mentioned, above. Question for anyone: do either of these brands have removable inserts? I am having a terrible, terrible problem trying to find flats that will either have room for my (thin) orthotics, or where I can replace inserts with my orthotics. My feet, or heel, keeps coming out of the shoe with my orthotics. I ordered several pairs of Vionic flats and one just might be working…am wearing around the house a lot right now. But I would love to know if anyone else has this problem!!! Boots don’t cause any problem at all, just flats! thanks everyone!

    1. Here’s a thought….I use Superfeet orthotics. Although not custom they seem to give me sufficient arch support. Superfeet does make inserts for flats and pumps. I haven’t tried the smaller ones for pumps/heels but use them in my sneakers, some of my flats and my running shoes.

    2. An Eye For Detail, I believe the insoles are removable for orthotics, but will research and see what I can find out.

  16. I am 60n (yes!) and need “comfortable” shoes but think most comfort shoes are awful. I am shopping for a pair of fashionable booties that are comfortable. Any chance you will be doing a post on them?

    1. Hi cindy, once the weather cools down again I will be including some ankle boots in my outfit posts. In the meantime, have you looked at Munro? They offer a wide range of widths and sizes and get high marks for comfort.

      Here are a few ankle boot styles: http://bit.ly/1Mx9WGn

  17. Those ballet flats are both good-looking and a lot more practical than most of them. I just bought a pair of ballet flats and they are so thin-soled I know they won’t last 2 blocks in NYC sidewalks and will probably irritate my heels as well. I will think of Mephisto when I am in the market for a pair I can actually walk outside in! Also, this is belated, but thank you so much for linking to Adrienne and me for “How I Wear My: Poncho or Wrap.” I loved that Eileen Fisher poncho you wore, that is such a great transition look for fall. xx

  18. I just went to my closet and checked—and the interiors of Gabor flats are not removable. The shoes do have good support and rubber soles and I think have an every so slight wedge. I do think they are more supportive and walkable than any other flats I have had.

    About dying eyebrows. I do have mine dyed sometimes and really enjoy them dyed. My eyebrows are somewhat spare and very light in color. I just take care to ask for brows that are not dark at all—and it works for me.

    1. Hi Susan: some of the Gabors do have removable insoles – I think they’re from the Comfort range that are slightly wider. I have several pairs and they’re really comfortable. I don’t need special insoles but the extra insole they come with cushions the foot. My only gripe with Gabor is that their website doesn’t show the whole range, only a selection, so you need to visit several other stockists’ sites to see everything. As a marketing pro I find that a bit counterproductive. Still love the shoes though!

  19. OMG, so much great information not only in the post but also in the comments. Love your beach styled hair. Very cool looking. I’m going to check out the Mephisto and the Gabor.

  20. The Mephistos look great but the size 9B were too large for me. I sometimes take a 9.5B but these were just a little too long and a little too wide. I’m hoping the 8.5B will work….

  21. I have found that many ballet flats leave my damaged ankles and shins feeling awfully achy at the end of a day. Although I have found that Bloch flats are reasonably forgiving, there isn’t enough arch support for me anymore, (…sigh…) and they are too flat. I too find myself walking more duck-like rather than lady-like! I recommended these shoes to my mom for her Italian adventure and she loved them. Now, I will try them as well.
    And….didn’t I just find a leopard print scarf while overseas which has found a place in my heart….me, who said “no” to leopard print – until I saw here!

  22. Cute ballet flat with support and criss cross Velcro strap? Dansko’s Hazel! I work in a hospital and log many a mile on those hard floors. Love ballet flats but there is no way with my archless feet…Dansko clogs have been a chef’s staple for years. These little flats are not ‘cloggy’ but have inherited that Dansko support ( with removable insoles). I adore mine and they do look cute with skirts or pants ( regular or cropped)

  23. Thank you for reviewing. I’ve been looking for supportive ballet flats that look stylish and will do no harm as I commute to work or soon to travel to Europe. These are an investment and I will try.