About this time last year, persuaded by the sweet writings of Hannah-Rose, I pulled the trigger on a pair of Porselli ballet flats in a classic black leather. 12 months on, and surprisingly they’re still going strong, if not a little beaten and battered, proof that they really are as good as I’d been told.
Unlike my previous pair, which seemed immune to every minor knock or scrape, I found that the Porselli’s endured most scrapes – bar a couple minor nicks at the toe – in addition to surviving a bout of Sydney’s torrential rain. The heels have suffered the most damage, worn down just a touch, although after a year of almost constant wear, I wouldn’t expect any less.
The leather might have seemed a little stiff when I first slipped the ballet flats on my feet, but I quickly found that no breaking in was required. No blisters, no sore feet after a full day of walking, and no carrying a back up pair of shoes in your handbag. And my pair(s) have only softened with time (and wear!), making them the obvious choice when I’m dashing down to the local cafe to pick up a loaf of bread, or walking on my way to work.
For those wondering, I took mine to the cobbler after a few wears, as the TOPY soles hugely extend the life of my shoes, and I’d recommend doing the same if you’re thinking of buying a pair. Pierotucci and My Chameleon both have a pretty good selection of colours including an assortment of soft neutrals if like me, you want to play it safe.
I’d liken Porselli’s to a worn in pair of jeans – the more you wear them, the better they get; and who wouldn’t want that in a pair of shoes?
Oh that’s good to hear – that they’ve gone the distance because they do infact look a very delicate shoe don’t they? And like you, if I was investing in them (one day, one day), I would add an extra sole to prolong their lifespan.
I like how they look so soft and loved.
Author
Totally agreed – although I found that when they arrived, they were sturdier than I expected; the leather is a little lacquered (I think you’d describe). Definitely worth the investment!
Good to know all of this. I’ve looked at them a few times and seen them posted a few places, though no one ever really details how they wear over time.
Author
Glad that I could help – I’ve been loving mine. The black pair (I have them in dove too) definitely look a little worn these days, but they still have a bit of life left in them 🙂
These sound awesome, I need to get my hands on a pair!
Maria xxx
Nice review! I like hearing the honest practical details like this.
I bought myself a pair of Repetto ballet flats last year & oh boy do I love them. After a lifetime of Country Road ballet flats through my student yeas (they’re good, I won’t lie), I’m enjoying the opportunity to try out what are, I suppose, luxury ballet flats. Gosh, that sounds quite wanky. You know what I mean though. Anyway what I’m getting at is that Repetto & Porselli are kind of the most iconic ballet flat brands and I’d be keen to get a pair of each as an exercise in compare & contrast. Have you tried both?
Steph xx
Author
I totally do. I’ve never really forked out a lot for ballet flats – and truth be told, I found the CR ones while utterly comfortable, not exactly practical. They got damaged and wore down so easily whereas I’ve found the Porselli’s are very hard wearing, especially with the TOPY sole.
I haven’t tried Repetto – I went and tried on the low heels versions and declared them very very not for me. I’m getting a new pair of the Porselli’s though once I need to replace my current pair (which might be soon… the nail on one of the heels is coming through a little and I’m too lazy to get it fixed!)
How would you describe Porselli’s sizing? I’m in between their sizes, leaning toward the smaller size, but don’t want to bet on the leather stretching out as much as people say. Would you consider them normal width, or narrow? When you first got them, of course. Lovely photo, by the way!
Author
I have quite wide feet and I found that they did mould to the shape of my foot over time. I found them to the true to size. I’m always an EU40 and got these in the EU40 so I hope that helps! x