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| Corso Como Ballet Flats Share Many Qualities of the Vintage Papps |
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| Vintage Papps |
During the 1960s and the early 1970s, Pappagallo brand shoes, especially loafers and ballet flats, surged in popularity. Throughout American high schools, colleges and universities, and workplaces, girls and women enjoyed the classic look and comfort of these Italian shoes.
Today, finding vintage Papps is a challenge. The lightweight leather loafers and ballet flats are most rare, probably due to the constant wear on the soft leather uppers, the supple sole, and the little heel.
Though many ballet flats are available today, finding the fit and comfort of a Pappagallo shoe remains elusive. Here are the qualities of the vintage Papps, along with an informal look at current ballet flats.
Qualities of Vintage Pappagallos
The vintage Papps were, most importantly, comfortable. They slipped easily on and off, yet didn't fall off when walking.
The vintage Papps were, very importantly, attractive to one's foot. It seemed everyone looked good in Papps. The clear, bright primary or pastel colors were designed to match the fashionable colors of the 60s and 70s.
The Papps were cut in a pretty streamline. The rounded toe sections were designed for just a slight toe cleavage. The soles were flat, except for the slight incline to the little heel. The heel section was as low as possible without the shoe falling off. And the heel casing was soft. A unique feature of the back of the shoe involved a strip of narrow leather from the top to bottom of the heel section. The leather would "give" just a bit near the heel,
In some way, the Pappagallo shoes were as soft as bedrooms slippers, but the sleek design left no doubt that a girl or woman who was wearing Papps was nicely dressed.
So, in this reviewer's mind, why do so many contemporary ballet flats fall short of the high Papp mark?
Some Problems with Un-Pappagallo Styled Ballet Flats
First, many ballet flats are cut too high in the toe area. Instead of the demure toe cleavage, many modern ballet flats are cut high on the foot. This gives a "Minnie Mouse" look to the shoe, the foot, and the wearer.
Second, many ballet flats have a curved, rather than streamlined look. The modern flats often have toes curved up, as if wearing a court jester shoe. The modern soles are also curved into an unflattering line, and very often the shoe is perched on top of a thick plastic sole that Frankenstein would have been proud to wear.
The modern cut often includes a heel casing that sits up too high on the back of the wearer's heel, again, providing yet another unnecessary curve that often results in discomfort, especially if the heel is following an unfortunate trend of being topped with elastic.
I'd been searching for a Papp-inspired ballet flat, and saw my neice wearing some attractive, almost-like-Papps shoes. I complimented her on the shoes and started to ask where she purchased them. Before I could, she explained that the elastic dug in and hurt the tops of her heels. So, that brand was crossed off my list.
Corso Como are Close to Pappagallo Qualities
There is a brand that is very close to Papps, even with a similar cotton lining. Corso Como ballet flats come in a variety of pretty colors, such as the burgandy/purple, along with pastels.
http://www.6pm.com/corso-como-famenka-nude-paris?si2684601=&channel=70&mr:referralID=fd56773e-91e0-11e4-8d82-001b2166becc
Corso Como reflects the modern efforts for environmental packaging and fair working conditions. Along with a reasonable price, these ballet flats have a similar cut and look to the popular Papps.
As for fit, many customers express satisfaction with the Corso Como. I gave a pair to my daughter, who has worn them and said they are very comfy. Alas, a small group of us can't find the best size, with the shoes either being just a little too small, or just a little too big.
If you are searching for a Papp-type shoe, then the Corso Como is the closest I've found to date. It's easy to order online, or check for local stores. Corso Como's return policy, or via Nordstrom, seems fair and as easy as possible, for exchanges or refunds.
Here's a link to our first article on Pappagallos. This is our most popular article.
http://themerryrosegeneralstore.blogspot.com/2013/01/pappagallo-shoes-comfortable-and-cute.html
Here's another Papps article on The Merry Rose
Read more about Pappagallo Shoes at the Merry Rose:
and "Almost Like Papps"
"Almost Like Papps"
Disclaimer: The information is an editorial of this reviewer's opinion.
UPDATE: Running about $100, these leather ballet flats seem to provide comfort and style.
The ballet flat from Frye is getting some nice reviews:
http://www.zappos.com/frye-carson-ballet-smoke-leather
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