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I get that what I’m about to suggest might not fit everyone’s idea of a bargain, but when it comes to shoes, I prefer not to waste money on super cheap ones that fall apart quickly. I’ve tried some ballet pumps at rock-bottom prices, and they were really disappointing. On the other hand, I’ve also bought some pretty pricey ones that didn’t hold up very well either. Ballet pumps need to fit just right—too tight, and they pinch your heels; too loose, and they slip off.
The ballet pumps I wear the most, and find truly comfortable, strike a nice balance in terms of price without skimping on quality. I’ve been wearing Cecilia pumps from Office since they first came out, and I’ve owned three pairs so far. I’m just about to order a fourth pair in a natural color with a black toe. I really like the Cecilia pumps because they have a classic shape that avoids showing any “toe cleavage,” which I find oddly unsettling. The leather is good quality, the toe cap is solid and sturdy, and even though the inner sole sometimes needs a little glue to stay in place, the overall construction is impressive for just over fifty pounds. If you have an NHS NUS card, you can snag them for under fifty pounds. That might not be completely “student budget-friendly,” but they are durable enough to last a whole term!
As for my favorite color, I’d pick the black leather with a black toe cap. I’ve been wearing my pair for three years now, and you really can’t go wrong with chic black ballet pumps.