Alex Marie Flats

Finding the perfect pair of flats can be a challenge. You want something stylish and on-trend, yet comfortable enough for all-day wear. This is where Alex Marie flats really shine. Alex Marie specializes in chic, well-made ballet flats that don’t sacrifice comfort.

I’ve been a huge fan of Alex Marie flats for years now. Their shoes have become my go-to for both dressing up and casual days. In this buying guide, I’ll cover everything you need to know about Alex Marie flats – from sizing and styles to care tips. After reading, you’ll be ready to find your perfect pair!

An Overview of Alex Marie Flat Styles

One of the best things about Alex Marie is the variety of flats they offer. There are many different toe shapes, decorations, colors, and materials to suit any style or occasion. Here’s a quick rundown of the most popular Alex Marie styles:

• The Classic Ballet Flat – This rounded toe flat comes in leather or suede. It’s versatile and suits both casual and dressy looks. The classic ballet flat is Alex Marie’s signature style.
• The Pointed Toe Flat – For a slightly dressier and more polished vibe, go for the pointed toe Alex Marie flat. Like the ballet flat, it comes in many colors and either leather or suede.
• Cap Toe Flats – The menswear-inspired cap toe flat adds a pop of color and interest to your step. I love pairing these fun flats with dresses or trousers.
• Slip-on Loafers – Alex Marie also offers classic penny loafers and other slip-on suede loafers. These are perfect for wearing with jeans or adding preppy style to a look.
• Smoking Flats – Another stylish slip-on loafer style is the smoking flat. These embellished velvet flats add instant Gatsby-esque glamour to any outfit.
• Espadrilles – For warm weather and casual days, Alex Marie has several espadrille options made of canvas or leather with the signature braided espadrille sole.
• Metallic Leather – Adding metallic leather flats instantly dresses up any outfit. Alex Marie makes silver, gold, rose gold, and other shimmery flats that add glam and sparkle.
• Printed Flats – From florals to animal prints, Alex Marie offers flats in a wide array of trendy prints and patterns each season.
• Embellished Flats – Some Alex Marie flats feature delicate embellishments like crystals, studs, or bows. These special touches dress up the flats and make them perfect for date nights.

Shopping for Alex Marie Flats Online

Thanks to the internet, finding and buying Alex Marie flats is easier than ever. Here are some of the best online retailers to shop the brand:

• Zappos – Zappos carries a huge selection of Alex Marie styles and colors. They also offer free shipping and returns, making shopping worry-free.
• Nordstrom – Nordstrom is another department store that stocks many options from Alex Marie. Use their site to find flats and read reviews.
• Dillard’s – Dillard’s frequently runs promotions on Alex Marie flats that you can take advantage of online. They have an impressive selection too.
• Amazon – While the color and size selection is more limited, Amazon does sell certain styles of Alex Marie flats. And their prices and shipping speed can’t be beat.
• 6pm – 6pm offers past season Alex Marie styles at discounted prices. Definitely check here for potential deals.
• Alex Marie Website – You can shop directly from AlexMarie.com too. They announce new arrivals and frequently have promotions on the site.

No matter which retailer you use, always double check Alex Marie’s size chart. Sizing can vary between materials and styles. Order a few sizes at once if you’re unsure of fit. Most stores offer free returns to make shopping hassle-free.

How Alex Marie Flats Fit and Feel

Here’s the big question – how do Alex Marie flats actually fit? In my experience, they fit true to size. I wear my normal size in all Alex Marie styles. Some things to keep in mind about sizing and fit:

• Order Your Regular Size – Unlike some ballet flats, Alex Marie styles fit me perfectly in my normal shoe size. I don’t need to size up or down.
• They Run Narrow – I do have slightly wide feet. Alex Marie flats feel narrow through the toe box to me, especially their leather flats. For wide feet, sizing up a half or full size may help.
• The Leather Stretches – If you try on a pair of leather Alex Marie flats and they feel snug at first, don’t worry. The leather does stretch and conform to your feet over time.
• Suede Runs Large – I’ve found the suede Alex Marie flats run a half size larger than the leather ones. Keep that in mind when purchasing.
• Loafers Run True – The slip-on loafer styles seem to be more forgiving and run true to normal shoe sizing.
• Try Before You Buy – If possible, try flats on in store to ensure the best fit. Or order a few sizes online with easy returns. The fit may vary between Alex Marie styles.

The All-Day Comfort Factor

Along with stylish looks, Alex Marie flats also deliver on comfort. Their flats may take one or two wears to fully break-in, but after that they are some of the most comfortable flats I own. Here are some comfort features to note:

• Padded Footbed – All Alex Marie flats have lightly padded insoles for arch support and shock absorption. This prevents foot fatigue.
• Flexible Soles – The rubber soles allow the flats to flex with every step for natural foot movement. There’s no uncomfortable rigidity.
• Lined Interiors – The leather and suede styles have smooth fabric linings to prevent rubbing and blisters.
• Cushioned Heel – The small heel section is padded for comfort and to lock the foot in place.
• No Slipping – The classic ballet flats have elastic straps to hug the foot securely and prevent slippage while walking.
• Lightweight Feel – Alex Marie flats are all made of soft, pliable materials that mold to your feet. There’s no heavy, clunky feel.

As long as you get the right size, Alex Marie flats offer reliable comfort for long days on your feet. They require almost no break-in and the materials soften and stretch over time. You’ll forget you’re even wearing flats!

Alex Marie Materials and Construction

When it comes to ballet flats, the materials really impact the look, feel, and durability. Alex Marie uses high-quality leathers and suedes from reputable tanneries. Here’s an overview:

Leathers

• Matte Leather – Most Alex Marie leather flats have a lightly textured matte finish. It’s soft and conforms to feet with wear.
• Patent Leather – For a glossy look, some styles come in patent leather. This adds polish while still being flexible.
• Metallic Leather – Metallic leather flats have a shimmery finish. It elevates any outfit while the leather softens over time.

Suedes

• Basic Suede – From neutrals to brights, the basic suede flats have a velvety nap and become softer with wear.
• Glitter Suede – For sparkle, glitter suedes add sheen. They pair perfectly with dresses for evenings out.

Soles

• Rubber Soles – The flats all have flexible yet durable rubber soles in coordinating colors.
• Tread Details – Some soles have added texturing or patterns for improved traction.

Alex Marie constructs all shoes with care in its factories. The flats feature neat stitching, quality materials, and thoughtful details like padding. With proper care, most pairs will last for multiple seasons of wear.

Caring for Alex Marie Flats

Like all shoes, some basic care will keep Alex Marie flats looking their best. Here are my top tips:

• Use Leather Conditioner – For leather flats, apply leather conditioner every few months to nourish the leather and prevent cracking.
• Weatherproof Suede – Buy a suede protector spray to apply to suede flats before wearing. Reapply as needed to repel water.
• Use Shoe Trees – Placing absorbent shoe trees inside flats when not worn will draw out moisture and maintain their shape.
• Get Protected Soles – Adding rubber sole guards can prevent excess sole wear. Have these applied at a cobbler.
• Wipe Clean – For both leather and suede flats, gently wipe with a damp cloth to remove dirt and stains. Let air dry away from direct heat.
• Use Proper Storage – Keep flats in their box or on a shoe rack when not worn. Storing improperly can damage flats over time.
• Inspect for Wear – Check the soles and insides periodically for any excessive wear. Catching issues early allows for repair.

With the right care, an everyday pair of Alex Marie flats should last for multiple seasons before needing to be replaced. Proper cleaning and storage goes a long way.

Styling Alex Marie Flats

The versatility of Alex Marie flats makes them easy to dress up or down. Here are some of my favorite ways to style them:

For Work

• Pair pointed toe leather flats with cigarette pants, a blouse, and blazer for polished office style.
• Leather loafers complement a shift dress or trousers for a professional look.
• Metallic smoking flats add subtle sparkle and interest to a work outfit.

Casual Days

• Ballet flats look perfectly preppy with jeans, a sweater, and trench coat.
• Slip on espadrilles with a breezy midi dress for effortless weekend style.
• Cap toe flats add a pop of color to leggings and a t-shirt.

Date Nights

• Elevate a little black dress with glittery smoking flats or metallic leather flats.
• Patent leather ballet flats complement an A-line skirt and silky cami for cocktail attire.
• Pointed toe suede flats look chic with skinny jeans, heels, and a moto jacket.

Running Errands

• Loafers with track pants or joggers keep errands comfy and stylish.
• Ballet flats paired with leggings and an oversized sweater for casual comfort.
• Espadrilles with denim shorts and a tank for warm weather weekends.

Alex Marie really does make the perfect flat for any occasion, whether it’s work, weekends, or nights out. Try different silhouettes and prints to refresh your style.

Finding Sales on Alex Marie Flats

Alex Marie flats range in price from about $100-$150 at regular retail value. While on the pricier side, the quality and comfort make them worth the investment in my opinion. However, you can often find Alex Marie styles on sale if you know where to look:

• Department Stores – Check department stores like Nordstrom, Dillard’s, and Bloomingdale’s regularly for discounted Alex Marie flats. There are often extra percent-off sales too!
• Amazon – Amazon will occasionally mark down prices on select styles and colors. Their sale prices fluctuate often.
• 6pm – This discount shoe retailer stocks past season Alex Marie flats at up to 60% off or more. Check back frequently for newly added sale items.
• Zulily – The online retailer Zulily will feature Alex Marie flats for a short time at special low pricing during their sales. These sell out extremely quickly though!
• Rue La La – Rue La La functions like a flash sale site with designer items for limited times. Sign up and wait for Alex Marie flats to be featured.
• Alex Marie Website – Even the brand’s own website will run promotions on flats from time to time. Sign up for emails to get sale notifications.

Check all of these websites often around major holidays for chances to snag Alex Marie flats on sale. With strategic sale shopping, you can stock up without overspending!

How Alex Marie Flats Compare to Other Brands

If you love Alex Marie flats, some similar shoe brands you may want to look at include:

• Tory Burch – Also known for ballet flats, Tory Burch’s styles are comparable to Alex Marie. They come in signature patterns, prints, and logo designs. The sizing and quality is very similar.
• Cole Haan – For leather oxfords and loafers, Cole Haan offers comparable slip-on styles to Alex Marie. They focus on comfort and classic silhouettes.
• Sam Edelman – Sam Edelman flats have a similar feel and construction as Alex Marie. They offer many leather finishes, textures, and embellishments.
• Louise et Cie – For a wide range of ballet flats and loafers, Louise et Cie is an excellent brand to consider alongside Alex Marie when shopping.
• Anne Klein – For affordable leather flats in both classic and trend-forward designs, Anne Klein is worth a look. Their quality rivals more expensive brands.

While I still think Alex Marie excels when it comes to fit, comfort, and styles, any of these brands make fabulous alternatives. Browse through them when shopping to compare pricing and options.

Alex Marie Flats Fit and Sizing Q&A

If you are newly looking into buying Alex Marie flats, you probably still have plenty of sizing and fit questions. Here I’ll answer some of the most common queries about their shoes:

Are there wide width options?

Unfortunately Alex Marie flats only come in standard medium widths. Their shoes do tend to run narrow, especially in leather materials. Trying sizing up or looking into brands like Sam Edelman may be better for wide feet.

What size should I order if I’m between sizes?

I recommend sizing up to the larger size in Alex Marie shoes if you fall between sizes. As the materials break-in and stretch, you’ll be happier having that extra room. The pointed toe styles in particular are cut narrow. Sizing up ensures the best fit.

Do they offer half sizes?

Yes, Alex Marie flats come in both whole and half sizes. Always be sure to order your true size rather than rounding up or down. The correct size is important for both ideal comfort and keeping the flats securely on your feet.

How do the loafers fit?

In my experience, the slip-on loafers from Alex Marie offer a bit more wiggle room than the classic ballet flats. They seem to be cut with a more generous fit through the toe box. Stick with your normal size for the best fit.

Are they true to size?

Overall yes, Alex Marie flats tend to run true to size once broken-in if you order your normal size. There are exceptions though – the suede flats often run large while the patent leather styles come small. Be sure to read reviews of specific styles to check sizing quirks.

Should I order a size up or down?

Unless reviews advise otherwise, I recommend ordering your usual size in Alex Marie flats. Give them 2-3 wears to fully stretch and conform to your feet. You shouldn’t need to size up or down from your normal size in most cases.

Even More Alex Marie Buying Tips

To wrap up this extensive buying guide, here are a few more helpful tips for purchasing your first or next pair of Alex Marie flats:

• Take note of the return policy – some retailers allow returns only within a short window. Order soon to allow time for exchanging sizes if needed.
• Sign up for email lists to get notifications about upcoming sales and new arrivals.
• Feel the materials and construction in person when possible to determine quality and fit.
• Talk to customer service reps from stores that carry Alex Marie flats for fit advice.
• Check consumer reviews on multiple websites to learn about sizing, comfort, and more.
• Avoid the PVC and manmade plastic Alex Marie flats – leather and suede are best for fit.
• Give new leather flats 2-3 full days of wear for the best break-in.
• Always order flats in your normal size first before deciding to size up or down.

With so many gorgeous flat options, you’re sure to find your perfect pair of Alex Marie flats. Use this guide to shop smarter, ensure the ideal fit, and get the most wear from your new shoes! Let me know if you have any other questions.