The Foundation Flat - White
An elegant, architectural ballet flat that feels as good as it looks. Designed for everyday wear, these slip-on shoes are cut, sewn and crafted by hand from supple LWG-certified leather and their shape is defined by the natural curve of the foot. The directional squared toe and flattering vamp give the humble ballet flat a simple yet modern update.
Wearing white doesn’t have to be scary. By learning how to care for your white flats with our care guide, you can wear this stunning minimalist colour with confidence.
MATERIALS & FIT
- If you're in between sizes, please size up
- Have a high instep, or need a wider fit? Contact us for a bespoke pair
- Unsure about fit? Please contact us here for size advice
- 100% Leather upper, lining and insole from LWG-certified partner
- Memory foam padding for extra comfort
- Heel height measures 5mm or 0.2 inches
- Visit our Care Guide for detailed instructions
SHIPPING & RETURNS
ESSEN offers complementary worldwide shipping on all orders over €300.
We’re an Australian brand, but most of our shoes are shipped from Europe. Our warehousing and distribution are deliberately located close to our factories so we can produce only what we need and minimise the total distance your shoes have to travel.
Europe
Standard delivery: 2-4 business days
World
Standard delivery 4-10 business days
Express delivery 3-5 business days
Purchased items can be returned within 14 days of the delivery date.
Please note that import duties and taxes may apply to international orders and are the responsibility of the customer. You can find the full details on our Shipping & Handling page.
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The making of the foundation flat
MADE IN ITALY
Finest Handmade
- SWStella W.Verified BuyerReviewingThe Foundation Flat - BlackI recommend this productAge Range 65+Usual Size EUR 38 - AUS/US 7.5 - UK5Size Purchased 38Rated 5 out of 5 stars16 minutes agoA simple delight
After finding myself caring for my silver flats, I realised that they were my favourite shoes ever;
light, beautifully made and utterly comfortable
- and that I had to invest in a simple black pair.
They are a delight too. I can’t wait to wear them
out once Spring arrives. Thank you!
- RDRowena D.Verified BuyerReviewingThe Foundation Flat - Black PatentI recommend this productAge Range 65+Usual Size EUR 37 - AUS/US 6.5 - UK4Size Purchased 37Rated 5 out of 5 stars4 days agoThe perfect flat
Perfect foot glove, so soft and comfortable to add to my other 3 pairs
- BKBhav K.Verified BuyerReviewingThe Foundation Flat - SilverI recommend this productAge Range 35 - 44Usual Size EUR 38 - AUS/US 7.5 - UK5Size Purchased 39Rated 5 out of 5 stars1 week agoFun and elegant
Beautifully crafted! These fun, comfortable flats are practical with a little fun!
- JWJenny W.Verified BuyerReviewingThe Foundation Flat - IvoryI recommend this productAge Range 45 - 54Usual Size EUR 39 - AUS/US 8 - UK5.5Size Purchased 39Rated 5 out of 5 stars1 week agoReview
My fave shoes
If I received discount codes I would buy twice a year for different colours
- AAngelaVerified BuyerReviewingThe Foundation Flat - SilverI recommend this productUsual Size EUR 40 - AUS/US 9 - UK6.5Size Purchased 39Rated 5 out of 5 stars1 week agoFlawless Foundation Flat and excellent customer service
Wonderful shoes. I’m about a UK 6.5 and initially ordered the 40, which were too big. Size 39 fits perfectly. My advice would be to read and use the very helpful size and measuring guide (which I didn’t do carefully enough). The return and exchange process worked ok, though took a while in the run up to Christmas (I’m in the UK), but unfortunately my replacements had been boxed incorrectly and were the wrong size. Charlotte at Essen was incredibly helpful and shipped the correct pair very quickly. I’m so glad I persevered as the shoes are beautiful and fit like a glove. Other colours are already on my wish list.
