True to size. I bought the
Vaneli Serene to compare with the
French Sole Passport (which runs at about double the price). Overall, I felt that the Serene won in the looks department (surprising!) whereas the Passport was more comfortable. Unlike other quilted patent-toe
ballet flats out there, the Serene has a nice almond toe, which helps keep this shoe classic. The sides of the flat are just about average for a ballet flat -- neither too high (making your foot look long) nor too low (causing the shoe to gap as you walk). The leather and quilting itself seemed to be of good quality. In the comfort department, the Serene lost out to the Passport. The lining is synthetic, which causes my foot to sweat and get uncomfortable. Also, the little "heel" at the back is made of a hard plastic, not rubber, which means it slips on tile and wood floors. You won't take a fall because the rest of the outsole is rubber (so the ball of your foot stays planted), but having your heel slip around is certainly disconcerting! The Serene has no
arch support (typical for
ballet flats), but it's cushy enough to walk on. As with all
ballet flats, I would probably add an
insole for comfort.