El Naturalista sustainable ballet flat ARENISCA BLACK – a Mary Jane, but the Natur-el way
A black ballet flat, boring? Well, not this one. The El Naturalista ARENISCA BLACK N5873 has a sturdy, almost graphic silhouette with a T-strap, playful cut-outs, and a beautiful gold-colored buckle. A touch of retro, a bit sassy, and wonderfully easy to combine.
I can already picture them worn with a dress and a nice pair of wool tights. Or perhaps with a pair of rolled-up jeans and some brightly colored wool socks from HIRSCH NATUR. The color of your socks will peek through the cut-outs in the leather. Different socks every day, effectively a different shoe every day. Now that’s something we love.
Why this black ballet flat will make you happy
- Model ARENISCA N5873 by El Naturalista
- Black leather Mary Jane ballet flat with T-strap
- Soft calfskin nappa leather
- Leather lining
- Playful cut-outs on the top and sides
- Adjustable strap with a gold-colored buckle
- Comfort+ last with an anatomically shaped fit
- Removable microfiber insole
- 100% rubber outsole
- Low, flat heel of approximately 1.5 cm
Not a frilly ballet flat
The ARENISCA sits somewhere between a ballet flat and a Mary Jane. It has the femininity of an open-strap shoe, but the sturdy sole and wide shape give it a tough, edgy look. The toe is closed and nicely rounded, while the cut-outs make the shoe feel airier and more playful.
The black nappa leather is supple with a calm appearance. Not a shiny, formal pump, but a shoe you wear on an ordinary Wednesday and just as easily take with you to a dinner party. The round, gold-colored buckle provides just enough contrast without making the shoe feel overly chic.
Comfort+ and an anatomical shape
Comfort and an anatomical fit are two key principles of El Naturalista. The Comfort+ last follows the natural shape of the foot and offers more room than a narrow, classic ballet flat. Your toes won’t have to squeeze together in an apartment that’s far too small.
You can adjust the strap to your foot with the buckle. This isn't just aesthetic, but it also prevents your heel from slipping out of the shoe with every step—a well-known ballet flat phenomenon that absolutely no one wants to deal with.
The microfiber insole is removable. This is useful if you need more room or want to try your own orthotic insoles. Not every orthotic will automatically fit into this relatively low-profile model, so do bring your insoles along when you come to try them on in our store.
A sturdy sole without a high heel
The ARENISCA features a full rubber outsole with a low heel of about 1.5 cm. The sole is sturdier and more robust than that of a traditional thin ballet flat. As a result, the shoe feels more like a substantial daily shoe rather than a slipper that lets you feel every pebble on the street.
Please note that this is not a barefoot or minimalist shoe. While the ARENISCA has a comfortable, anatomical shape, the sole is clearly thicker and firmer than that of true barefoot footwear.
How to wear the ARENISCA BLACK?
Worn with a dress or skirt, they are feminine without becoming sweet. In autumn, combine them with wool tights in black, burgundy, petrol, or ochre yellow. Prefer something a bit more eye-catching? Choose tights with a pattern—black can handle that perfectly.
With jeans, the shoe takes on a completely different look. Roll up the cuffs and wear them with colored wool socks. Because of the cut-outs, a bit of the sock will be visible. Red one day, green or bright blue the next. Sad beige? Not today.
This model also works incredibly well with wide-leg trousers, linen pants, or corduroy. It is exactly the kind of shoe that makes an outfit more interesting without needing a degree in styling in the morning.
What makes this shoe a more sustainable choice?
Since 1998, El Naturalista has been working on shoes that combine comfort, natural inspiration, and conscious material choices. This ARENISCA is made of calfskin leather, has a leather lining, a replaceable insole, and a wear-resistant rubber outsole.
The upper and the sole are attached using a cemented construction, meaning they are glued rather than stitched. Proper care remains important, especially around the edge of the sole.
This shoe naturally has an environmental impact and is not vegan due to the use of leather. For us, the more sustainable choice lies primarily in a well-made, timeless shoe that you can wear often and keep looking good with the right maintenance. A shoe that pairs with five pairs of pants, three dresses, and all your colorful socks will simply get more wear than a pair that sits in the closet waiting for special occasions.
Maintaining the nappa leather
Remove dust and surface dirt with a soft cloth. Regularly treat the black nappa leather with a suitable natural leather cream so that it remains supple and does not dry out. Always test any care product on an inconspicuous spot first.
When polishing, be careful not to get product on the gold-colored buckle. Have the shoes gotten wet? Let them dry at room temperature and never place them against a heater. You can stuff them with paper to absorb moisture and maintain their shape.
Frequently asked questions about the El Naturalista ARENISCA BLACK
Is this a ballet flat or a Mary Jane?
Actually, a combination of both. It is a low-cut ballet flat with a T-strap and an adjustable buckle, giving it the recognizable look of a Mary Jane.
Is the shoe completely open?
No. The toe, heel, and sides are largely closed. The openings around the instep and the smaller cut-outs provide the playful appearance.
Can I wear socks with them?
Yes, absolutely—we encourage it! With solid-colored socks, the look stays calm, but with colored wool socks, the cut-outs become part of your outfit. Do keep in mind that a thick sock will take up a bit more space inside the shoe.
Is the insole removable?
Yes, the microfiber insole is removable. If you wish to use your own orthotic insoles, we recommend trying the combination on in our store.
Is the ARENISCA a barefoot shoe?
No. The shoe features an anatomical Comfort+ last, but it does not have the thin, zero-drop sole of a true barefoot shoe.
Is this ballet flat suitable for wide feet?
The Comfort+ last provides more room than a narrow, classic ballet flat. However, every foot is different. Do you have a wide forefoot, high instep, or do you use orthotic insoles? Feel free to contact us for personalized size advice.
Come try them on at Natur-el in Rotterdam
Do you want to feel how supple the leather is or discover which colorful socks look best with them? Come visit Natur-el at Zwaanshals 376 in Rotterdam. Our store is open Tuesday through Saturday from 10:00 AM to 5:30 PM.
You can also call us during opening hours at 010-7954177 or email klantenservice@natur-el.nl. We are happy to help you with size, fit, and the very important decision of which socks should be allowed to peek through.
