Women Travelers - Foldable Ballet Flats - Sidekicks Footzyrolls etc.

Does anyone travel with "Sidekicks" or "Footzyrolls" - they're ballet flats in a little bag for when your shoes are uncomfortable. I bought some at the airport yesterday (impulse shopping) but was thinking, what do you do with the shoes you take off? :)

Does anyone travel with "Sidekicks" or "Footzyrolls" - they're ballet flats in a little bag for when your shoes are uncomfortable. I bought some at the airport yesterday (impulse shopping) but was thinking, what do you do with the shoes you take off? :)

I have two pairs of the Footzyrolls. I use them, although to be honest, I'm not sure I would buy them again. It was an experiment, and I've found after wearing them through two airports, I'm kind of "meh" about them. With the shoes I've taken off (IE business pumps, kitten heels, etc..) I've just placed those in my work business laptop bag or my rollerboard carryon. The footzyrolls are pretty flimsy and are certainly not meant for long wear.. But, they do serve a purpose for when you need them.

I bought one pair of Sidekicks when I was traveling and my feet swelled up. For $10 they served the purpose. I bought M size and they were much too big, but still saved me a lot of misery.

It sure was better than wearing flip/flops to a meeting which many women did so. Must have been really salty food.

always costs me money, as there is always something new to buy :)

They are always good ideas though! Looking for my new fold-up ballets...

Another good option are some Crocs flats....very light and they give a bit more support. I like these:

http://www.crocs.com/on/demandware.store/Sites-crocs_us-Site/default/Search-Show?q=malindi

Gap had some great fold-up ballet flats last season which fit into a little bag. They don't offer much support if doing any major walking, but they do fold up nicely.

Try Dr. Scholl For Her's Fast Flats. They may look flimsy (because they need to be light and foldable) but they serve the purpose. I change into them before I go through security at airports and keep them on till arrival at my destination.

I just ordered the Fit in Clouds (http://www.fitinclouds.com/products.php) fold up flats. I'll post back once they arrive and let you all know what I think.

I got two pairs of the Fit In Clouds after seeing them in a magazine.

Not a huge fan of the black satin ones. They want to fold up even when my foot is in them so my toes feel cramped and I have to keep readjusting the shoes.

I like the black sequin ones much more, I guess because the sequins reinforce the material, making them more comfortable. The elastic doesn't pull as much on the sequined material so it doesn't tighten around my toes as much. You can't always get away with wearing sequined shoes everywhere, though. It's just funny how much more comfortable the sequined ones are than the satin ones.

They are cute enough and its nice they're small enough to carry along wherever. Make good slippers in the hotel room, too, if you don't want to walk around on the floor barefoot. I'm pleased with the purchase.

Try Dr. Scholl For Her's Fast Flats. They may look flimsy (because they need to be light and foldable) but they serve the purpose. I change into them before I go through security at airports and keep them on till arrival at my destination.
You haven't ever been asked to remove them at TSA checkpoints? Might be worth picking up a pair if that's the case!

If I'm in heels, I usually carry a pair of flats in my carryon. I have a few pairs that squash down nicely enough, and when switching out, the shoe bag they are stored in is usually large enough to accommodate the heels. There are some styles from Bloch that roll up for travel, so if anyone's tried them, I'd love to hear your opinions.

I haven't been stopped yet by TSA while wearing Fast Flats. 8 flights already. Twice, I had to show them the soles. I guess it's the simplicity, just like a pair of socks.

I've been wondering about these after having seen a couple ads for them - I'm glad someone posted asking about them! I was thinking of them as a back-up for when a pair of heels is unexpectedly uncomfortable, or at the end of a very long travel day (also wearing heels). With their compact size I was thinking they would fit nicely into a purse or briefcase.

I've been wondering about these after having seen a couple ads for them - I'm glad someone posted asking about them! I was thinking of them as a back-up for when a pair of heels is unexpectedly uncomfortable, or at the end of a very long travel day (also wearing heels). With their compact size I was thinking they would fit nicely into a purse or briefcase.

That's the reason I finally got them! They are absolutely like slippers, and with bunions ironically ballet style shoes can be the worst because of where the shoe cuts across. Because these are elasticized all the way around they are SO comfortable! The sole isn't very thick though. If I could find the same upper with a more durable sole, I'm not sure I'd wear anything else!

Gap had some great fold-up ballet flats last season which fit into a little bag. They don't offer much support if doing any major walking, but they do fold up nicely.

I second these! I found some in stores this fall, and they are great for airport and light use. I have relatively flat feet, and these didn't hurt much at all.

Today I was helping a friend research some info for her upcoming wedding and came across the Brokea$$ Bride website.

They have a Social Buy on the "Fit in the Clouds" fold up ballet shoes. It's $14 for a pair includes shipping. The regular price is $20. I think there is only one day plus some hours left on the deal.

http://www.socialbuy.com/broke-...-bride/deals/fit-in-clouds

Just in case you're thinking of trying them out.

TF:cool:

I second these! I found some in stores this fall, and they are great for airport and light use. I have relatively flat feet, and these didn't hurt much at all.

Thirded. I went today with the 40% off secret email sale at GAP. Had to go up a half size and they're really serving the same purpose as the other packable flats... Not a "city flat" as the name would suggest but seem good for light use. Insole is padded.

tlvancouver- the sole is over half a cm thick on these. You might want to take a look.

Someone else pointed out hotel shower caps make good shoe covers :) Could be handy if you carry a large enough tote purse but don't have spare bags for your nice shoes.

So I have about size 9.5 feet. I bought the sidekicks in XL and they're super comfy but don't feel very durable.

I went to gap and found the city flats (leather) in size 10. They really don't fit as well for me. The sides are very low, the size is too small (10 is the largest they carry in Canada) and they're not very flattering. I might like them in 11, but not sure. I also found out the gap website in Canada doesn't sell shoes :( so I can't even order the size larger.

The gap flats are certainly "real" shoes compared to the Sidekicks though, and as of yesterday were on sale for 29.99 in Kelowna.

I have Damn Heels which I love! It also comes with a really cute bag for your shoes. I got them as a wedding favour and use them all the time for travel. Here's the link: www.damnheels.com

$20 - not bad!

I have lousy ankles (several sprains, turns, rolls, etc.) so I'm concerned that these would antagonize my ankles. Any experience with these with bad ankles?

Try Dr. Scholl For Her's Fast Flats. They may look flimsy (because they need to be light and foldable) but they serve the purpose. I change into them before I go through security at airports and keep them on till arrival at my destination.I have several pair. I like them best because they come sized and actually stay put around the ankle without cutting.

I have lousy ankles (several sprains, turns, rolls, etc.) so I'm concerned that these would antagonize my ankles. Any experience with these with bad ankles?Not sure what you mean by 'antagonize'. These have absolutely no support. More like a lack of antagonizing qualities.

I have several pair. I like them best because they come sized and actually stay put around the ankle without cutting.

Not sure what you mean by 'antagonize'. These have absolutely no support. More like a lack of antagonizing qualities.

The no support concept makes me concerned that I'd be more likely to roll my ankle while wearing them.

I have several pair. I like them best because they come sized and actually stay put around the ankle without cutting.

Not sure what you mean by 'antagonize'. These have absolutely no support. More like a lack of antagonizing qualities.

I bought a pair of the Dr Scholl's ones, they are by far the best! I also have 'Sidekicks' which are good, a notch below the Dr Scholl's, and 'Soles on the Go' which are far more inferior IMO.

They are almost like walking bare foot, nothing to roll your ankle etc, if you don't have issues barefoot, I don't think you would have them in these.

Has anyone tried the Dessy bridesmaid Ballet Flats? The ad keeps popping up on my flyertalk and they look really pretty for $28 - as long as they are comfy!

I've got the Rollesole's that come with the black bag to keep them in. The bag is big enough to carry another smallish pair of shoes also
They fold up quite tight and are made quite well, but serve the purpose if my feet get sore! Come in 6 colours from memory

I have a shoe I use a lot when I want to switch from heels or boots to something more comfortable. It is not a fold up shoe or as tiny as the other shoes mentioned in the thread but they are very lightweight and slimline. They lay completely flat. I have 4 pairs of Soludos, if I want a different pair of shoes for later in the day I slide a pair of these --> www.soludos.com in my purse. Soludos is a flat traditional espadrilles with a jute sole and a cotton upper. They have a fair amount of comfort when walking around. I wouldn't spend all day walking around London but they are certainly comfortable enough for light walking. They are probably considered a beach shoe but I wear them at the beach, shopping and around town. On the Soludos website they are $28 plus shipping in a variety of colors and patterns. On ShopBop website they are $28 with free shipping with a limited amount of colors and patterns. They come with a jute carrying bag but I don't usually use the bag in my purse as it added to the space they take up.

There is a groupon active for cityslips (http://www.cityslips.com/index.php). $17 including shipping.

I just ordered them so I can't say how they are but the tote bag looks cute.

http://www.groupon.com/deals/cityslips-chicago?c=dnb&p=4

I've tried quite a few of these and my favourite so far is Dr Scholl's (Europe & Asia not the N American one). The rubber sole is a bit more substantial and there are more styles (loafer-slip-on, front tie sip-on etc).

I found that the better ones are offered in regular shoe sizes (36, 37, 38 etc) rather than jump sized S (5-6) M (7-8) L etc. I order one size up and then add orthotics which helps with the cushioning.

I have the City flats but have kept them in my office drawer for office use and used the tote that came with it with my Dr. Scholl's instead when I am on the road.

I have just purchased a pair of tieks but not worn them yet -- they are expensive. Wanted to know if anyone else had tried them.

They are leather inside and out with a decent sole. I have a wide foot so I need to try these for a while in the house to ensure the elastic will not dig after time but it didn't on the first tryon.

They are expensive but if they are comfortable I think they will hold up for a long time. Comes in many colors.

I have just purchased a pair of tieks but not worn them yet -- they are expensive. Wanted to know if anyone else had tried them.

They are leather inside and out with a decent sole. I have a wide foot so I need to try these for a while in the house to ensure the elastic will not dig after time but it didn't on the first tryon.

They are expensive but if they are comfortable I think they will hold up for a long time. Comes in many colors.

Holy cow those are lovely and spendy. I hope they work out.

I purchased a pair of Solettos through one of the groupon-type sites. Wore them for the first time on Saturday and hated them! The lack of any sort of cushioning was painful, and the lack of any sort of support caused my ankles to be miserable by the time I could switch to other shoes. Apparently, they aren't for me.

I second these! I found some in stores this fall, and they are great for airport and light use. I have relatively flat feet, and these didn't hurt much at all.

Wow you have encouraged me to purchase a pair. My travel will be picking up and I have been wondering if they were as comfy for the airport. I have flat feet (and narrow) so if you love them, I'm definitely grabbing a pair.

Has anyone tried adding good insoles to these?

I don't want to carry a small pair of flats to dinner in my bag (wearing my usual trainers until the last moment), but they really are like walking barefoot. I wouldn't want to do more than stroll a block or two in them.

Has anyone tried swapping out the insoles for something like Superfeet? If so, did it help?

Has anyone tried adding good insoles to these?

I don't want to carry a small pair of flats to dinner in my bag (wearing my usual trainers until the last moment), but they really are like walking barefoot. I wouldn't want to do more than stroll a block or two in them.

Has anyone tried swapping out the insoles for something like Superfeet? If so, did it help?

I've not, although considering my issues with them, that might help a bit.

I like them and I am a hard fit. They are expensive and they are leather with a pretty good rubber sole. Have worn them a few times for several hours each and no problems -- never thought that would be possible! Shoes are one of the most difficult things for me to purchase.

If you do decide to try them I believe they have a liberal return policy and the cost includes shipping both ways. I got the pewter/silver color as i figured it would go with just about everything.

Debating trying these for an upcoming trip. Anyone used Cinderollies?

Arcopedicos are the most comfortable shoes I've ever found for travel, bar none. I don't think they make them anymore, but the woven (actually knitted) style laced bootee upper with supportive arch sole (meaning they collapse completely flat but still have great support) have taken me, oh, ten years and 500K miles? No worries about swollen feet, etc though they wouldn't provide support for weak ankles. Also not great protection in rain. But how I love them still.

I just checked out Zappos collection of Arcopeds and some of them do look sort of dowdy. But these http://www.zappos.com/arcopedico-vitoria-black-red#productReviews are cute and have gotten rave reviews.

Some popup directed me to ShoeBuys.com where there is a $15 off offer on these, in case you're tempted. I must confess to buying another model which are very similar to my "old faithfuls", but in my favorite color, which is red. http://www.zappos.com/arcopedico-ls-red

I haven't tried any of drugstore brands, but really like my Born Stowaways (http://www.zappos.com/born-stowaway-nero-veg). They sound more like the gap ones-- actually a proper shoe with a tiny bit of support. But they also roll up and come with their own travel bag, which is a nice bonus.

I just ordered the Fit in Clouds (http://www.fitinclouds.com/products.php) fold up flats. I'll post back once they arrive and let you all know what I think.

I have these, they are just okay.

I have just purchased a pair of tieks but not worn them yet -- they are expensive. Wanted to know if anyone else had tried them.

They are leather inside and out with a decent sole. I have a wide foot so I need to try these for a while in the house to ensure the elastic will not dig after time but it didn't on the first tryon.

They are expensive but if they are comfortable I think they will hold up for a long time. Comes in many colors.So? What was your opinion of these... they're really cute, and look pretty comfy. I have a wide forefoot and a narrow heel, so finding ballet flats that fit right is virtually impossible.

I'd love to hear how it went for you before I drop a couple hundred bucks for what's basically a closed-toe alternative to a flip-flop!;)

~mrs

So? What was your opinion of these... they're really cute, and look pretty comfy. I have a wide forefoot and a narrow heel, so finding ballet flats that fit right is virtually impossible.

I'd love to hear how it went for you before I drop a couple hundred bucks for what's basically a closed-toe alternative to a flip-flop!;)

~mrs

I have 2 pairs! I bought the Matte Black (because it goes w everything) in November, and I loved them so much that last month I got the Ballerina Pink for summer. I practically live in them. The rubber soles are incredibly durable because I've been walking around san fran for months and they haven't worn down a bit. They're the comfiest shoes I own hands down and they're sooo cute too. I love looking down at my feet in them :D They're def pricy, but IMO sooo worth it. I always see promos going on on their fb page too (i participated in one and got i think 20% off).

So? What was your opinion of these... they're really cute, and look pretty comfy. I have a wide forefoot and a narrow heel, so finding ballet flats that fit right is virtually impossible.

I'd love to hear how it went for you before I drop a couple hundred bucks for what's basically a closed-toe alternative to a flip-flop!;)

~mrs

Also - I have a wide foot too, and a bunion on each one. My Tieks were a little tight the first day, but they told me to wear them around the house in socks to speed up the stretching process....and it worked really well. They now mold to my feet perfectly.

Damn... forgot all about these, and now I'm leaving the country for a couple of months... won't have time to get them before I go... hate to pay int'l shipping.
:(

Oh well. Thanks for the feedback... I'll have to try them when I get back I guess.

~mrs

I have 2 pairs of Corso Como flats which come in a little pouch. To be honest I'm not a huge fan because the leather has been flaking off on one of mine, but I still wear it regularly because I like the inner sock.

I'm not familiar with these brands, but I've owned the Bloch version before. They were nice, and looked beautiful, but I bought a small size so they pinched my toes. I've also bought the Saks 5th Ave store brand & Lanvin versions. I can't recommend them. They look nice & work for doing a lot of sitting, but the elastic is too tight & they rubbed the top layer of skin off so I had disgusting scabby feet for weeks. I think it's just easier to wear regular flat shoes and pack a pair of heels in your carry on.