Updated: Chanel Flats Sizing & Buying Guide

pictured above: grey patent leather and the classic black quilted.

I wrote a post similar to this one several years ago, but consider this an updated version. That post also covered the sizing of both Manolo & Chanel shoes, but this one will be strictly Chanel flats.

Updated: Chanel Flats Sizing & Buying Guide

Over the years, my Chanel flats collection has grown to five pairs: quilted leather, patent leather, regular leather and the slingback style. Out of those five pairs, I’ve purchased four of them from the RealReal for 30-50% off of the retail price. When I’m browsing on second-hand sites, knowing my size in advance helps me narrow down my search. Most of the shoes I’ve purchased have been new or lightly worn and in great condition.

I rotate them all, depending on the season and what I’m wearing, but if I had to pick a favorite, it would the classic quilted for several reasons. For one, the quilted style is the most classically Chanel. They’re also a bit more durable than let’s say, regular lambkin leather. The quilted detail also gives them an added protection and helps them maintain their overall shape slightly better. I’m extremely hard on my shoes and living in NYC, where I walk a lot and on concrete sidewalks, so it’s something I’ve noticed. These (the quilted style) has proven to be quite durable, particularly after getting the bottom soles protected at a shoe repair place.

By the way: If buying second-hand is not for you and you prefer new and that fresh-out-the-box experience (which I totally get), I’d reach out to one of the incredible personal shoppers out there. Two favorites include Inna (@innayourshoes) from Bergdorfs or Christina (@christinamademedoit) from Neimans. They’re a tremendous help and you obviously get that personal shopping experience. For the record, they don’t charge any fees, they just get a small commission of the sale.

Comfort:

With that said, I will say that the lambskin leather (pictured below) is the most comfortable for me. They’re a bit softer, the leather is a bit more supple and “buttery” on the foot. I’d give them a 9/10 in terms of comfort.

If I was going for comfort alone, I’d pick the lambskin. If I was going for looks alone, I’d pick the quilted. It’s not to say the quilted are uncomfortable, they’re just less comfortable.

Most recently, I scored the grey patent leather from The RealReal and I am in love with the color and their look. I’d put them on the same comfort scale as the quilted, maybe a 7.5/10.

For the record, I have a very high foot arch if that means anything to you.

Sizing:

Of course, if you’re able to try on your style of choice in a store, I highly recommend it. I realize that not everyone has access to boutiques or department stores, but if you do or are traveling to a bigger city, make a fun little afternoon out of it. This way you have knowledge of what size you wear without running into the risk of the shoe not fitting. This also gives you the ability to find incredible deals online, especially if you’re not able to return. I’ve purchased several shoes for 30-50% off of retail because I was familiar with my size.

Okay, now on to sizing. I typically wear a US 8.5 which in my experience, translates to a European 39. I’ve never been a size 38.5 in any brand, so personally speaking, 8.5 has always translated to a 39 for me.

In Chanel flats, I’ve found that I am always between a 39.5 and a 40, depending on the style. This means that for me, Chanel flats run 1/2 size to a full size small.

In the above lambskin leather style, I wear a size 39.5. I size up 1/2 a size in my typical European size.

In the above quilted flats, I wear a size 40. I size up 1 full size from my typical European size.

In the above patent flats, I wear a size 39.5. I size up 1/2 a size from my typical European size.

A few other notes:

Personally, I don’t wear these with socks or peds, but you certainly can. Just a personal preference.

I also always get the soles protected on any of my investment shoes, but particularly my flats. If not, the concrete streets here will eat my shoes alive and they wont stand a chance. I don’t always do this right away, but eventually. This will preserve them for years and years as well as add a nice layer of comfort. It really makes a tremendous difference and is worth the added cost.

For styling them, I prefer to pair these with an outfit that has some edgier elements – distressed denim, leather, a looser fit, etc. On their own, they read a bit too feminine and ballerina-like for my personal style, but when mixed with other pieces, I love how they look.

I hope you’ve found this post helpful! Happy shopping!