What Makes A Great Foldable Shoe?

When it comes to footwear, style and function are key. I recently wrote a blog post about how women's footwear has evolved over the past twenty or so years and it's evident that, coupled with a fresh take on style, there has been a continual rising trend for practicality and functionality.

In fact, in the mid noughties, I took this one step further and invented the foldable shoe with travel purse. I realised that many women, like myself, were looking for comfort, style and function and we needed footwear that was considerately designed for our modern, 21st century lifestyles. And so the foldable shoe was born.

Stylish, versatile, comfortable and practical, these innovative ballet flats were designed to be fully foldable and easily portable, making them the ideal shoe for commuting, travelling or simply having as a chic yet practical backup shoe in your handbag or luggage, for when the heels started to hurt. For many women who didn’t want to wear heels all day, these foldable shoes were an absolute game-changer.

At Cocorose London, we care passionately about empowering women to wear purposeful footwear that makes them feel they’re on cloud nine – in terms of comfort and style.

For seventeen years, this has been our mission and labour of love. We’ve passionately championed foot comfort and smashed stereotypes of what is acceptable footwear for women to wear, for work and leisure. We’ve perfected the art of the foldable shoe, ensuring that our customers get the best in both function and fashion. But what exactly makes for a great foldable shoe? Let’s dive in.

Superior Comfort & Support

One of the most important factors when choosing any shoe, foldable or not, is comfort. A great foldable shoe should feel just as comfortable as a regular ballet flat, despite its ability to fold (and in fact, more often than not, our foldable leather ballet flats far exceed expectations and the comfort of a non-foldable pair of ballet flats!).

Key Features for Comfort

Cushioned Insoles: A well-designed foldable shoe should have deeply padded insoles to provide support for your feet throughout the day.

Padded Achilles’ Heels: Too often, the backs of shoes pinch and nip at Achilles’ heels, causing painful blisters. Make sure the Achilles’ heels are comfortably pillowed and padded.

Soft, Flexible Materials: Stiff materials can cause blisters and irritation. The best foldable shoes use soft leathers, vegan materials, or breathable fabrics that gently hug your feet.

Durable Soles: There’s nothing worse than walking on paper-thin soles and feeling every pebble underfoot. Ensure the soles are robust and that there’s a small heel for extra comfort.

At Cocorose London, our foldable flats are designed with indulgent, double-cushioned insoles to ensure all-day comfort. The soles are made using a durable rubber, with a non-slip disc and 8mm heel for extra support and comfort. The ballet flats have a gentle, elasticated topline finished with a pillowed Achilles’ heel to avoid any nasty nips and pinching. All of our foldable ballet flats are crafted using our innovative, deconstructed method, ensuring that our shoes are soft and flexible in their make-up. We use the softest leathers for a supple finish and quality fit and feel. 

Foldability Without Compromise

The defining feature of a foldable shoe is, of course, its ability to fold. But not all foldable shoes are created equal. The best ones fold easily without damaging the shoe’s structure or sacrificing comfort.

Key Features for Foldability

Flexible Sole: The sole should be designed to bend without breaking or cracking. Look for shoes made with soft rubber materials – and ideally, with non-slip features and a heel.

Elastic Topline: An elastic trim will help the foldable shoes regain their shape after being folded. It also ensures they stay snug on your feet. But here’s a word of caution: ensure the elastic isn’t too tight and look for the pillowed Achilles’ heels to avoid those nasty nips.

Durability: A shoe that folds often must be built to withstand frequent bending. Quality craftsmanship ensures your shoes won’t fall apart after just a few wears.

Our Cocorose London foldable shoes are carefully hand-crafted using durable yet flexible materials such as soft leathers and robust rubber, allowing them to be folded
neatly into the small pouch whilst bouncing back to their original shape when worn. You
won’t even know they’re foldable once you’ve unfurled them and popped them onto your feet!

Lightweight & Portable

One of the biggest advantages of foldable shoes is their portability. Whether you’re carrying them in your handbag, gym bag or suitcase, a great pair of foldable shoes should be lightweight and easy to transport.

Key Features for Portability

Compact Design: The shoe should fold into a small enough size to fit into a handbag or pocket.

Included Carry Pouch: Our foldable shoes come with a chic travel case, to keep them protected and contained whilst on-the-go.

Lightweight Materials: Be careful if the shoes are so lightweight, as that means there won’t be much support to them. Look for lightweight but with substance, as the shoes will need a certain amount of cushioning and material to make them comfortable. Our compact, travel-friendly shoes fit seamlessly into your lifestyle.

Every pair of our foldable shoes comes with a compact travel purse, for easy portability. Throw it into your handbag, travel luggage or your backpack if you’re cycling or on your motorbike. I remember years ago speaking to a customer and she mentioned that she was an avid biker, and she would always pop a pair of her Cocorose foldable shoes into her backpack, so she could change out of her biker boots into her pretty ballet flats and pair them with her LBD for a trip to the pub.

Versatile Style for Every Occasion

A great foldable shoe should be more than just practical—it should be stylish and ready to complement a variety of outfits. Whether you're heading to the office, attending an event or exploring a new city, your foldable shoes should look chic, smart and, most importantly, make you feel amazing.

Key Features for Style

Beautiful Designs: From pretty ballerinas to classic two-tone ballet flats and woven leather loafers, a versatile foldable shoe should be available in different designs to suit various occasions.

Neutral & Statement Colours: A great foldable shoe collection includes both timeless neutrals (like black, nude, and navy) and bold, eye-catching colours or patterns.

Quality Materials: Premium leathers and soft suedes exude sophistication and add to the overall aesthetic.

Cocorose London offers a wide variety of stylish foldable shoes, from sleek leather
loafers to embellished ballet flats. Whether you prefer minimalist elegance or bold fashion statements, there’s a design for everyone.

Durability & Longevity in Foldable Shoes

A common concern with foldable shoes is whether they can last as long as traditional footwear. The best foldable shoes are designed to be worn repeatedly without losing their shape or comfort.

Key Features for Durability

High-Quality Stitching: Well-made foldable shoes should have reinforced stitching to prevent wear and tear.

Strong Yet Flexible Sole: The sole should be thick enough to provide support and withstand daily wear, but flexible enough to fold effortlessly.

Premium Materials: Cheap materials lead to quick deterioration. Leather ensures longevity.

At Cocorose London, we craft our foldable shoes with premium materials and meticulous craftsmanship, ensuring they stand the test of time. Perfect for commuters who need reliable footwear.

Breathability & All-Day Wearability

A good foldable shoe should be designed for all-day wear, meaning breathability is essential. Shoes that trap heat and moisture can quickly become uncomfortable, leading to sweaty feet and unpleasant odours.

Key Features for Breathability

Soft, Natural Materials: Leather and other breathable fabrics help regulate temperature and prevent overheating. These allow for better airflow, keeping feet cool and fresh. Cocorose London shoes are crafted with soft leather linings and breathable materials, ensuring you stay comfortable all day.

Conclusion: Why Invest in a Great Foldable Shoe?

A great foldable shoe offers the perfect combination of comfort, convenience, durability and style. Whether you're looking for a comfortable commuter shoe, a stylish travel essential, or a chic backup for nights out, investing in a high-quality pair of foldable shoes is a smart and stylish decision.

At Cocorose London, we’ve perfected the art of foldable shoes, offering a wide range of luxurious, comfortable, and fashion-forward designs. Each pair is crafted with premium materials, double-cushioned insoles and a flexible yet durable sole, ensuring they look and feel amazing—no matter where life takes you.

If you’re ready to experience the ultimate blend of practicality and elegance, explore our latest collection of foldable flats at Cocorose London today.