I know some of you have been waiting for our Butterfly Twists foldable ballet flats review and giveaway for a while, but good things come to those who wait, right? So, here it is…
Life before discovering Butterfly Twists foldable ballet flats
I’ve never been a slave to fashion. I only discovered knee high boots a couple of years ago, and my pyjamas have penguins on them. Hubbie is nodding resignedly. You’re more likely to find photos of wellies and waterproofs on our Instagram than heels and lippy. It isn’t because I have an aversion to looking good. I just value comfort over style when I’m travelling, and frankly lugging around multiple pairs of shoes and bags of make up just doesn’t seem worth the effort.
Comfort always wins over fashion – even if I do look like a goon! On tour in Venice.
Yet there comes a point in a travelling girl’s life when she enjoys dining in posh restaurants just as much as she likes scratting around in jungles.
Since our travelling lives have become increasingly focused on luxury adventures, this year I decided it was time to crawl out of my cave and try a little style. Yet I was determined not to compromise on packing space. No matter how much I love afternoon tea, I refuse to pack a pair of heels just for a couple of hours.
So what’s the solution?
It’s pretty simple really, they’re called foldable ballet flats! These amazing pumps bend neatly in half so they can be carried around in your handbag, or even your pocket! Perfect for travelling, as well as tired dancing feet at weddings and parties. Most foldable ballet flats come with a small bag for your heels, which is kinda handy. When you’re wearing the shoes, they don’t feel any different to a normal ballet flat, and there are several companies out there with a range of prices and styles to choose from.
Which foldable ballet flats to choose?
The first foldable ballet flats I came across were Tieks by Gavrieli. The shoes come in all sorts of sexy shades and have an unusually decent sole for a pump. Some travel bloggers swear by them yet the hefty price tag put me off. You know, the sort of money that could easily buy you a flight (or three). Tieks start at around $195 (ouch!), and as they ship from the US I couldn’t bring myself to part with so much money for something I couldn’t even try on first.
Source: Tieks by Gavrieli
Next I discovered Tipsy Feet, a British company with considerably lower prices. Starting at £25 these foldable ballet flats were rather more appealing, so I gave them a test run touring around Mauritius, walking the pavements of London and at a few summer weddings.
Of course, you do get what you pay for. Although they were fine for slipping on after a party in the evenings, the soles were too thin to comfortably walk any distance in them. Or to walk on hard surfaces like pavements. The elasticated material also dug into my ankle and left very deep pressure dents. Not the look I was going for and a bit painful.
Just chilling with my Tipsy Feet in Mauritius
So the search continued, and just as I was convincing myself that a life in trainers really wasn’t the end of the world, I discovered Butterfly Twists foldable ballet flats.
Butterfly Twists foldable ballet flats.
Hands down the best accessory I’ve purchased this year. Butterfly Twists are comfortable, classy and starting at £30 they’re not expensive. What more could a girl wish for?
I love the unlikely story behind Butterfly Twists.
It began with a bunch of blokes and a bet. The looser had to wear a pair of 6 inch stilettos to a party, and as a result came to realise just how painful an evening tottering around in heels really is. The group decided there was a gap in the market for shoes that were both glamorous and comfortable, and launched a new brand of foldable ballet flats that…
…combined a little fabulousness with a freedom of movement and consideration for comfort.
The first indication of this fabulousness is the cute little box they arrive in. But the question is, do the goods live up to the packaging?
Putting Butterfly Twists to the test
I tried out my first pair at Royal Ascot races earlier this year, knowing that I wouldn’t be able to last 8 hours in heels. In the event I only lasted 2 (heels and grass lawns don’t really mix!) and was so thankful I had my pair of Butterfly Twists foldable ballet flats in my handbag.
Heels and grass lawns aren’t a match made in heaven
These are the Olivia pumps, perfect for a stylish occasion, and hanging out with the big wigs! They were comfy too, which meant I could get down to the business of gambling and drinking without worrying about blisters or twisted ankles. Result!
Trying out the Olivia Butterfly Twists at Royal Ascot
I love how neatly the shoes fold up. They take up very little room and so are great for taking on your travels.
The Butterfly Twists ballerinas fold up neatly – here they are in the Cotswolds!
BUY the OLIVIA foldable ballet flats here
I also took some to Morocco last month and tried them out in the palaces, the restaurants and the luxury hotels. They took me around the streets of Casablanca and were perfect to slip on whilst spending evenings in our riads.
My Butterfly Twists worked hard walking around Casablanca
Butterfly Twists invisible socks
Butterfly Twists also sell ‘invisible’ socks to wear inside the pumps. They come in beige or black. I’ve tried a pair and to be honest haven’t quite made up my mind whether they’re a good idea or not. The lining does come up a bit further than the rim of the shoe, so they’re only ‘invisible’ at a distance. They also have extra padding sewed in to cushion your toes, but as this falls between the ball of your foot and your toes it doesn’t feel like it’s quite in the right place. Or that it’s doing much cushioning. Having said that, the socks aren’t uncomfortable, and do help stop your ballet flats getting all sweaty.
I tend to wear them only if I have my flats on all day. They’re not expensive so are worth trying if you want to make up your own mind.
What I loved
The comfort
I’ll admit to being surprised at just how comfy the Butterfly Twists ballet flats are. I expected them to be okay for short periods of time, but actually the soles are thick enough to be comfortable for longer periods. I sometimes wear them all day like a standard shoe! At Royal Ascot they were fine both on the grass enclosures and on the harder surfaces of the grandstand, and I didn’t feel unfashionable, even in the presence of Royalty. Well I am a princess after all.
The style
As well as being comfy, there are dozens of different styles of Butterfly Twists to choose from. There are options for every day use, as well as special occasions, and enough colours to find something to match most outfits.
If you’re feeling daring, they even have ballet flats that will make you stand out from the crowd. I couldn’t resist getting a pair of these Union Jack Jacqui pumps, which I love wearing with jeans for a casual day look. I even wear them to work in my more flamboyant moments!
My quirky Union Jack ballet flats
What wasn’t so great
The Sizing
I found the sizing to be a bit off. I’m a regular UK size 5, yet found that the UK size 6 fit much better (although even in those there was very little wiggle room). I even have one pair that is a size 7. Bonkers!
I’d definitely suggest opting for a size up from what you usually wear. Maybe even two if you’re a half size.
The tightness
I did find the Butterfly Twists foldable ballet flats were a little tight on the back of the ankle. After a couple of hours I’d end up with small indentations which were a bit uncomfortable. I think it’s the same with most shoes like this, which need to have a certain elasticity to prevent them slipping off your heel. I solved that problem by using Compeed, which is skin colour and makes all the difference. You can buy Compeed here.
The carry bag
Butterfly Twists foldable ballet flats come with a cute little black pouch to keep them clean in your handbag, but not a bag big enough to hold your discarded heels. Several other foldable shoe brands do provide such a bag, so I think this is something Butterfly Twists could look at in the future. Having said that, it would need to be carried so perhaps it’s better to take your own packable bag to make sure it matches your outfit!
The shoes come in a cute little black pouch for keeping them clean in your handbag
The Verdict
I’m not a fashion blogger (Hubbie is sniggering at the thought). Comfort is generally more important to me than design, especially when I’m travelling a lot. So when I find something that combines both, I’m like a kid in a sweet shop. I love my Butterfly Twists ballet flats so much that I now have 4 pairs, including the plain black Sophia pump which goes with pretty much anything I’m wearing. I think the price is spot on too, and definitely recommend them to all travelling princesses.
Tips
- Get a size up from your normal shoe size. The fit is on the snug side.
- Buy some compeed to protect your ankles.
Found this post useful? Why not pin it for later…
The Giveaway
Now it’s your chance to try out some Butterfly Twists foldable ballet flats. We’re giving away one pair of either Olivia or Sophia pumps (value £30) to one lucky entrant.
This giveaway is open to entrants worldwide.
The giveaway closes at midnight on Monday 9th January 2017.
To Enter
It couldn’t be simpler. Just use the Rafflecopter widget below to enter, doing as many of the options as you like. If you have previously completed any of the actions (for example if you already follow us on Facebook, Twitter etc) then feel free to have an entry for them!
Make sure you select your entries on the Rafflecopter widget to validate your entry!
Terms and conditions
No purchase is necessary to enter or win. A purchase will not increase your chances of winning. The prize is a pair of either Olivia or Sophia ballet pumps from Butterfly Twists up to the value of £30, subject to availability. Postage is included. No returns. The prize is not refundable or exchangeable for cash. This competition is open to a worldwide audience. The giveaway will run for 4 weeks and end at midnight on Monday 9th January 2017. The winner will be determined on or around the 10th January 2017 by a random drawing of eligible entries received. Your chances of winning are determined by the number of eligible entries. Winners must respond within a week of receiving the notification email, otherwise another winner will be chosen.
I am absolutely loving my sparkly black Butterfly Twists. Perfect for having in my travel bag. Thank you so much. It was really exciting to win this prize 🙂
Glad you like them Amanda, and congratulations again! Thanks for stopping by 🙂
I’d love to wear these at the races when my heels get too much for me!
on brighton beach 🙂
I love to wear heels but not for very long so these would be great as they would slot in my handbag
I would wesr them to parties when my feet get tired
I would wear these on a night out either at the end of a night out on the tiles or all night at a party they are fab!
I promise to wear my ballet flats everywhere!!! They look so comfortable.
These look super cute, hopefully they won’t hurt my little bunion
Everywhere! To the park with my kids, shopping and work x
These would be perfect for me to wear around the office at work! 🙂
I manage big events and over several days.
Sometimes my feet hurt so much, Butterfly Twist flats would provide great relief
All over north wales
These would be perfect for packing when travelling lightweight but flat and flexible – would wear them anywhere
definitely when I go out shopping. My feet always kill me afterwards.
Keep them handy after a long night of heels!
I would wear them on nights out, shopping trips – in fact I would wear them everywhere because they look so gorgeous xxx
I would wear them after the races on the loooong walk back!!
Many a night out, I’ve prayed for these!
Would keep in my handbag for all those times when my feet have had enough
Oh, I really like the look of these as I only wear comfy shoes – everywhere.
These would be perfect for traveling to shows and events on the train with my family.
I would gift them to my 4 year old niece who goes to ballet on Fridays.
I would wear my ballet shoes on my around the world trip which I am taking with my husband for our thirty fifth wedding anniversary.
What a brilliant way to celebrate!
I’d waer them for the evening part of my nephews wedding – to relieve the waering of heels earlier!
Out walking when the sun comes out
Definitely on a night out when my feet are killing me after a few hours
I would wear them at home at out at the weekends
Lovely prize thank you
Anywhere where a bit of walking is involved
I would wear these with jeans to go out or if I go out and have to park and walk quite a way to the restaurant then I would wear these and then change back into heels when I get there
I would wear them when i go out
I have arthritis in my toes and can’t wear heels for any length of time so these would be ideal all the time for me.
Cool (carry anywhere) footwear.
I’d wear them when out shopping and day out.
I would wear them whilst walking in the park
Pottering around at home or on a flight
We also love to travel and this year have 2 trips booked already to the USA one to Kansas City, St Louis, Memphis and Nashville in April the other to Seattle and Portland to see the total Eclipse in August. These would be perfect for these long haul flights as i can slip them on and off going through customs if necessary and also during the flight
Wow, that sounds like a fantastic year of travel you have planned, hope you have fun! And yes, they’re great for flights too.
Iwould definately wear these on the way home from a night out!
I would wear them on the next flight I take.
I flew to Las Vegas last year and my shoes were killing me by the time I landed
I would wear them on the way home after a night out
I’m off to Hong Kong so would wear them whilst sightseeing
on holiday
I have a wedding to go to in a few months. I would wear these when I can no longer bare my heels!
i’m off to Greece in May..these would be ideal!
I would wear them on an upcoming trip to Cardiff
Around the house as slippers – they look so comfy!
I would wear them round the house and when I go shopping 🙂 They look so comfortable!
I would wear them in the office at work.
I would were them at work, they look so comfortable
Walking home from a night out
These are great to pack away when going travelling as they don’t take up much room
I would wear them all over as I only wear comfortable, I don’t wear heels just slipper like shoes.
everywhere! i love a ballet pump! boyfriend says im obsessed – they are just so comfy!
I would take them to wear on my holidays
I would wear them anywhere, especially on shopping sprees I go on with my sister.
Like that they will fold up and fit in my bag
When driving
These would be fab for nights out at my caravan
I would take them with me when I go up in to London and change in to them when my feet have had enough!
driving lol i cant drive in anything but my slippers, these would be ideal x
I’ve got problem feet which give me back ache if I wear heels too long so these would be perfect for an evening out – or to take with me when I’ve had enough of the heels!
Happy New Year!
Suzy
I would wear them going to work
Any event where I think I can wear heels! I love the idea but end up in agony before the night is finished. They do look comfortable.
I would wear them to Colorado on our trip (and everywhere else!)
Happy New Year!
I’d take them with me on nights out when my heels get too painful!
I would wear ballet flats for walking.
I would wear these just about anywhere! I can’t wear heels at all anymore, not even low ones, and it’s hard to find comfortable shoes that are also stylish.
I’d probably end up wearing these all the time! Super cute!
travelling to and from work, easier getting up and down tube escalators without heals
I would take these in my bag with me on a night out when my feet have had enough of heels! Thanks for another great article!
i too go for comfort so would love these for the school run rather than being limited to trainers as i currently am for comfort
These shoes are fabulous! I can never find a comfortable (affordable) ballet flat. Would love to win!
Definitely one of those things I wish I’d discovered sooner, there are so many uncomfy shoes out there!
I’d wear them everywhere. Thanks for the giveaway!
I would LOVE a pair of these! Strangely enough, when I came back from my 3 month Euro trip last year I found all of my shoes too small. Not sure if I simply walked so much that my feet flattened out or what, but I’m on the hunt for a pair of comfortable yet cute flats. I love the Union Jack pair especially but would love any pair!
Ha ha, never heard of feet flattening out, but I guess all that walking could have a lot to answer for 🙂
I like to wear ballet flats so would wear them all the time!
I’d wear them for a day of running errands
I would wear these while out shopping!
After a night out to get me home!
I’d wear them when shopping all the sales :-))
I would wear my ballet flats at work when my feet get tired.
at work under my desk.
Definitely comfort over looks every time is my style! I live in trainers given the choice but there are definitely occasions when smarter shoes are necessary. These look great! I’d love a pair!
Simcha
i would wait till it has warmed up a bit and wear them everywhere!
To work, at home, to the shops….they look super-comfy!
I think these would be great for a day out at the zoo in the summer!
I’d take them to weddings
I often wear my boots all winter and I could keep these flats in my bag and change to them when I get to work.
I’d wear them all over as they look so cosy and pretty!
trips back and forwards to the school and when we go out on trips with my kids x
Everywhere they are fabulous and look so comfy
I would wear them when I’m shopping and my boots start to hurt me
I would keep them in my handbag in case I got fed up of my heels on a night out
when I go away on my holidays
I would wear them to leisurely Saturday lunches out
These would be great on my shopping days out with my daughter
I think I would have them with me in my bag all the time and wear them when I got to work, long distance travelling as I always get blisters from many of my shoes. These look v comfy
How have I not heard of these before?! They are such a cool idea. I need a pair for all those nights away on business when I just want to kick off my work shoes for something comfy but still look cool!
They’re brilliant aren’t they, just the thing for business trips too!
A wedding party in an event hall perhaps? I don’t think they will wear well on rough roads which are quite the norm in my country
Don’t think they’re designed for wearing on rough roads!
I have been looking for a dress up shoe for travel. Thanks for breaking it down! Love how cute they are
everywhere they look so comfy
Id wear them on next trip to Belize and South Africa–foldable ballet flats are perfect for long plane rides and blitz siteseeing during long layovers!
What a way to show your loyalty to the UK too! I love the look of these pumps and love ballerina pumps. Great shoes.
I would keep them in my bag for when I could not wear heels anymore.
They look comfortable. Hope to win.
I would wear them around the house
I found a pair at an airport shop by chance and it saved my feet on so many occasions.Sad that it has outlived its live. Would love to win a pair as they are impossible to find in South Africa.
on my holidays
Ooooh! This is intriguing. I also would really love to try Tieks, but for that price, the shoes had better feel like clouds and last forever…which I doubt! I’ll have to give this brand a try. The packaging is lovely and I love the variety of design. I’m much more willing to try these out at a relatively low financial risk. Thanks for the review and giveaway!
wifey could have done with these on our last cruise!
Hopefully, I wouldn’t wear the ballet flats. I’d put them in my suitcase every time I travelled – to be worn only if my regular footwear falls apart.
I would were them everywhere, but probably most likely out for a day of sightseeing 🙂
this would be for one of my nieces.
These sound amazing! I’ve heard of tieks before too but they’re soooo expensive. These sound like the perfect alternative, I’ll have to give them a try. Oh and I’d wear mine on my trip to Florence in the new year, would be perfect.
Would love to win this prize for charity, to go to Romania.
I love these, they looks so comfy.
these would be perfect for my wife ,I,m certain she would wear them most places