I just got the same pair as you. I have the same exact color combo in the heel version and love them so much that I wanted it in the flat version to wear more often. I also got my usual size and it fits the same way as yours
So what do you think?
@BigAkoya should I stick to my usual size or exchange?
Hi! I am definitely not a shoe expert, but I am happy to share my experiences (and I have made some bad sizing decisions that I have learned from).
I have the heeled slingbacks too, and I love them. I wear a size 38 in both the Chanel ballets and the slingbacks.
Flat slingbacks are a bit different because the reality is, they are like a slipper, so one walks differently in a flat slipper that has no back vs. a heeled slingback. With a heeled slingback, the toe is compressed and the foot is pushing into the shoe due to gravity because of the heel.
With the flat slingback, you are literally wearing a slipper with a tiny strap in the back. This means the toes spread out more when walking, and the toe does not "push" into the front as much given there is no gravity to push it in. Hence, there is more room in the shoe toe when walking.
Because of the above, it also means that if a flat "slipper" slingback is too small, the foot heel can hang off over the shoe which is a bad look to me. I am sure you have seen people who wear flat slippers where their foot heel is hanging over the shoe as they walk... not a classy look.
For open-back shoes, a focal point is the heel, so when buying an open-back shoe, one needs to really look at the heels of the feet to ensure they fit properly and is not hanging off.
The strap should not be so tight that it is doing any work "pushing" the shoe in. That will just make the shoe uncomfortable and cause blisters if you wear it and walk alot. The strap is there to avoid the shoe from falling off given the slipper style.
All that said, when you trid them on, if you feel you had to push your toes up into the shoe so the heel doesn't hang, I think that's not a natural position, and the shoe is too small. Try the shoe again, walk around, to get your foot in a natural position in the shoe. You will notice you are walking with your toes more spread out, therefore, pushing the flats more out.
Then, look in the mirror, flatten your feet, and see if you heel is hanging over. You can also march in place (I have done that). If yes, it's too small. If it looks good, the shoe is a keeper!
To me, there is nothing worse than an open back shoe with one's heel hanging over. It completely takes all elegance away. That's just my opinion, and I am sure some people don't care which is ok. Shoe sizing and look is all preference.
For me, for piece of mind, I would order both sizes, try them on at home to compare. You should also try them on when your feet are tired and swollen. I do that a lot, especially with shoes that fit a bit odd such as the fuschia loafers I purchased earlier. It worked out great, and now, I know my exact size in that loafer style, so for the next pair I purchased in the same style, I just ordered my size.
By the way, for what it's worth, I have three heeled slingbacks. My most comfy is the classic beige/black toe. It's due to the soft leather. The other two slingbacks I have are calfskin, so it's a bit stiffer. I still wear the same size though.
I hope this was helpful. Good luck to you!
