Senior fashion writer Eve Rowlands shared the shoes that changed her mind on the revived ballet pump trend
As a fashion writer, I’m not afraid to admit that I’m a total sucker for a trend. Barrel jeans? Got five pairs. Slinky neck scarves paired with a matching cami or slip dress? Love it, have them both. Fisherman sandals (2025 trend, I know, but still)? Snagged a pair of Dr Martens Wrenlies on Vinted last year, adore them. Bandanas? Chef’s kiss.
But one trend I had been struggling to get on board with – maybe due to them being so popular when I was growing up, giving me a jump-scare flashback similar to low-rise jeans and tinted skinny sunglasses (a la Anastacia) – was the humble ballet pump. They previously struck me as flimsy, unsupportive and remind me of my school days, not in a good way. However, my mind has well and truly been changed by a pair of shoes from the brand Linzi that were so comfortable from first wear and go with basically everything.
Chic, delicate and easy to slip on, this style of shoe has had quite the renaissance the past few summers, with fashion fans wearing them with everything from jeans, Capri pants (formerly known as pedal pushers) and shorts, to dresses, sportswear and more. And going anywhere from the office to the bar, out with friends, even for walks in them (adidas and Puma have jumped on the trend – although I’m still not entirely convinced by Sneakerinas, sorry).
While I’ve tried a few pairs for their aesthetic, they left my feet sore and, quite frankly, were much more difficult to walk in than I remembered. But Linzi’s Clara Ivory Mesh Mary Jane Pumps have made me eat my words, and I’m planning on wearing them all summer long.
Not only are they lightweight and breathable – thanks to their mesh design that allows air to pass through the material easily – but they have a padded insock that truly does deliver all-day comfort.
Shop the Clara Ivory Mesh Mary Jane Pumps
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The Clara Ivory Mesh Mary Jane Pumps from Linzi come in both black and ivory.
My favourite thing, though – as someone in their early thirties who has discovered a newfound respect for practical shoes – is that they have a dainty buckle on the front that can be loosened or tightened for the perfect fit. Most importantly, this buckle keeps the shoe in place on my foot. No slipping and sliding around, as I’ve often experienced.
What I also love about them is that they’re summery enough to go with shorts and dresses but cover up the heel and toes when your feet aren’t particularly looking their best – although a good pedicure can be spotted through its mesh design, especially if a bright colour. They’re also a fab, budget-friendly alternative to the Alaïa Leather-trimmed fishnet ballet flats, which cost an eyewatering £690 on MyTheresa.
My only drawback is that due to their ivory colourway, they will get dirty so easily, so I need to be extra careful where I tread. That said, they do come in black too, so that may be better suited to those who fall into the more clumsy category.
Alternatively, Next has a pair that are similar in style but have a brown weave finish that looks to be easy to clean and sturdy. The Friends Like These Brown Faux Leather Weave Mary Jane Casual Flat Ballerina Shoes cost £26 and come in tan brown and chocolate brown hues.
Another thing to note is that they don’t have a wide selection of sizes – they range from three to 8, which suits my relatively standard 5.5s. Although these Linzi shoes are super versatile and can be easily dressed up or down and make any outfit somehow look put together.
I’m not the only one who thinks so. While the shoes are relatively new, they have already received two glowing five star reviews – not to mention I’ve been seeing them all over my social media feed.
One of its glowing reviews read: “These ballet flats are lovely. They look more expensive than they are and true to size. They’re comfortable too.” Someone else added: “These shoes are surprisingly comfortable! They look great with denim and skirts. I’m really happy with them. A great way to add a seasonal update.”
