Chanel Ballet Flats: A Guide to Finding the Right Fit

If the shoe fits, you’ll never want to take it off.

From materials and design details to styles that bend and curve, there’s a lot to consider when finding the perfect fit in Chanel ballet flats. Sit back, relax, and take off your shoes as we walk you through everything you need to know to be on pointe.

Start with Sizing

Chanel uses French sizing, which typically runs smaller than U.S. sizes. For Chanel ballet flats (sometimes called Chanel ballerina flats), you’ll need to go up half a size to a full size from your normal U.S. size. 

Haute Tip: Always try on or check measurements when buying vintage or pre-owned pairs. 

Measure Your Feet First

Begin by determining your shoe size. Place a piece of paper on the floor and stand barefoot on it. Mark where your heel ends and where your longest toe ends. Measure the distance between these two marks to get your foot length. 

Use Chanel’s Size Chart

Take your foot measurement and compare it to Chanel’s official size chart to find your French size. Always reference their sizing charts for the most accurate fit.

Consider Width

Chanel ballet flats are available in regular width (marked with just the size number, like 38) and medium width (marked with “C” and the size number, like 38C). The width marking appears on the sole or the box, so check carefully when shopping, as it’s not always apparent on the shoe itself. 

If the regular width feels too snug, the C width gives you extra room without sizing up. Even if the length feels right, a narrow width can cause pinching. Keep in mind that the material of your Chanel ballet flats will also impact how they fit and feel.

Haute Tip: Learn more about designer shoe sizes here.

Materials Matter

The material of your Chanel ballet flats affects how they fit, stretch, and feel. Softer materials like lambskin will feel roomier than structured materials like patent leather. Here’s what to expect from each option.

Lambskin

Lambskin is soft, buttery leather that molds to your feet over time. It can stretch up to a half size with wear, making it one of the most forgiving materials if you’re between sizes. However, if you buy them too big initially, they can become loose over time.

Calfskin

Calfskin is smooth and structured. It offers a stable fit that stays consistent with wear.

Aged Calfskin

Aged calfskin has a vintage, distressed finish that gives it a lived-in look. It feels softer than standard calfskin and molds to your foot more quickly.

Laminated Calfskin

Laminated calfskin has a shiny, coated surface that makes it look more polished. It feels firm and holds its shape, with minimal stretch.

Goatskin

Goatskin has a natural texture and feels durable. It molds gradually to your foot and provides a secure fit.

Caviar Leather

Caviar leather is pebbled and scratch-resistant. It feels firm and holds its shape, so the fit stays consistent.

Patent Leather

Patent leather is shiny and rigid, holding its shape and staying snug right out of the box. It doesn’t stretch much, so what you buy is generally what you get. Patent styles can pinch at the big toe and may cause heel slipping, depending on your foot shape. The stiffness doesn’t break in well, so getting the correct size from the start is crucial.

Exotics

Exotic leathers, like alligator or python, are firm and structured. They don’t stretch and maintain their shape over time.

Suede

Suede is soft and molds to the foot over time. It stretches gently and feels forgiving but requires care.

Tweed

Tweed is a textured, classic Chanel material that blends wool and cotton. It feels structured and slightly firm at first but softens with wear.

Canvas

Canvas is a great everyday option. This durable, woven cotton fabric is casual and breathable. It can feel stiff initially but breaks in nicely over time.

Velvet

Velvet is plush and soft to the touch. Though comfortable to wear, it requires more care and won’t loosen up with use.

Raffia

Raffia is a lightweight, summery material. It can feel rigid when new but relaxes with wear.

Denim

Denim is casual and flexible. It stretches over time for a broken-in feel.

Lace

Lace is a delicate material that can be used for the entire upper half of a Chanel ballerina flat. It offers a lightweight, breathable fit but doesn’t stretch or mold to your foot.

Satin

Chanel ballet flats are sometimes crafted from satin and often feature decorative elements, such as crystals or sequins. Satin feels smooth and structured, but doesn’t mold to your foot, so the fit remains consistent over time.

Crochet

Crochet is a type of woven, textured fabric that can be used to create the entire shoe. It’s lightweight and soft but doesn’t stretch much.

Grosgrain

Grosgrain is sometimes used as the upper or the cap-toe of Chanel ballet flats. It’s sturdy with little to no stretch, which can make the fit feel firm across the foot.

Mesh

Mesh is lightweight and breathable with good airflow. It maintains its structure and doesn’t bend like some other soft constructions.

PVC

PVC is a clear or colored plastic that Chanel sometimes uses for the upper of ballet flats. It holds its shape, feels structured, and does not stretch or mold to your foot.

Embroidered Fabric

Embroidered fabric usually has a cotton or canvas base with decorative stitching. It looks unique and doesn’t significantly alter the fit.

Mixed Materials

When different materials are combined, such as the iconic beige lambskin with the black patent cap-toe, the main material determines the overall fit. Trim at the toe adds structure that can feel stiffer at the front.

Design Details

Specific design features on Chanel ballet flats can also impact fit and comfort. From cap-toes to straps, here’s how each detail affects your experience: 

Cap-Toe

The cap-toe is often made of patent leather or grosgrain. It adds structure to the front of the shoe and can make the toe area feel snug.

Quilting

Some Chanel ballet flats feature the house’s signature quilted leather detailing. Quilting adds padded structure that makes the shoe feel firmer and hold its shape longer, but it does not affect the size.

Mary Jane Strap

Some styles have a strap across the middle or closer to the toe. The strap helps keep the shoe secure and adds a playful detail.

Elastic CC Band

Some Chanel ballet flats feature a thin elastic strap (often branded with the CC logo) across the top for a snug, secure fit. It affects fit by keeping the flat securely in place, but it doesn’t alter the shoe size.

Flexible Styles

Some Chanel ballet flats use ultra-soft construction that makes them appear bent or collapsed when not worn. This includes certain elastic styles and soft leather constructions where a bendable appearance is typical for these designs.

Ankle Straps

Some Chanel ballet flats feature an ankle strap that is both decorative and functional. The strap helps keep the shoe in place, but it can add a snugger feel around the ankle. 

Leg Warmers

Leg warmers are seasonal accessories that are sold separately or included with certain Chanel ballet flat styles. They are removable and provide coverage, but they do not affect the shoe’s fit itself.

Pointed Toe

Some Chanel ballet flats feature a pointed toe. Though more modern, these styles can feel tighter at the front compared to the round-toe versions.

Heel Height

Most Chanel ballet flats have a small, block-like heel, usually around 0.6 to 1 cm. This gives a subtle lift without affecting the overall fit.

Take Center Stage as a Chanel Ballerina

Still need help finding the pair for you? Visit a FASHIONPHILE location near you for a personalized experience where our team helps you try on different styles and sizes. Or, if you’re shopping for pre-owned Chanel ballet flats online, reach out to a Personal Shopper for guidance on styles and sizing. You can find all of these Chanel ballet flat styles and more at FASHIONPHILE.

On your toes for more? Discover our Chanel Slingback fit guide.