'Bella' Flat (Women)

More than I expected! I have a wider foot although not wide enough to buy W width shoes. And ballet flats in general do not look good on me, nor can I wear the pointy look. So my never-ending search for this silhouette is just that - never ending. This shoe was totally comfortable from the minute I put it on. The leather is very soft (it is leather lined as well) and it has arch support! I usually wear an arch insert. The slightly squared toe and the raised vamp gives it an updated look compared to the rounded or bump toe of the usual ballet flat silhouette. I think that this is one of the reasons it looks so good and fits me so well. Do order 1/2 size up as all recommend. I am usually an 8 or 8.5. I ordered an 8 and it is perfect. I like the rubber sole, it is not clunky as many these days are but gives the shoe more body and some traction. I will see how the leather wears, whether or not the shoe stretches out too much and becomes misshapen and then I will order another pair. It is a little pricey but you get what you pay for.

I was excited to purchase this shoe, based on previous reviews. I have never work ara shoes before, and will probably not give them another chance. I received the shoe rather quickly after ordering them online. Unfortunately, they look a little chintzy (I got the black suede with patent toe), which I could accept had they been comfortable. Sadly, they weren't. I ordered my usual size (42 M, a true American 11 M), and although my foot fit into the shoe, the width seemed a bit narrow, and the toe box literally felt boxy and strange. I can't figure out what type of foot this shoe was made for. I have "normal"/average medium-width size 11 feet. Too bad these didn't work. Still hunting for a good work shoe.

I was searching for my 3rd pair of Ara Bella flats a couple weeks ago and tried a store where I had bought my last pair. Sadly they do not carry them any more. I called Nordstoms Mayfair store to inquire if they carried them. The associate in the shoe department said they do not carry them in the store but said she would be happy to look online for me which she did. She found them at Nordstoms online and told me that I could order them which I did. I so wish I had asked her name to let you know what a wonderful job she did finding my favorite shoes for me! I bought my first pair of Ara Bella flats in San Francisco about 6 years ago then an identical second pair 3 years ago and now my 3rd pair has arrived from Nordstoms...and I will order my 4th and many pairs to come in the years ahead from Nordstroms!