Hi there, I am so happy that you found this website and this fit guide! I am the owner of BunBunBags, and I have sold hundreds of pairs of Chanel ballet flats over the years. I have received so many questions about how Chanel shoes fit, and decided to do a blog explaining the sizing of Chanel shoes. 

First of all, it is quite true that Chanel shoes run small. All because they actually use French sizings, and many customers are from the U.S. So yes, typically, Chanel ballet flats run HALF size small. 

However, I also had seasoned Chanel customers who are open to other sizes than their regular sizes - people find ways to wear the shoes they love. What we have all found is that: 

- If your ballet flats are running too big, you can easily purchase heel pads or front shoe inserts, to make the shoes fit you perfectly. In fact, even you find the right size, you might still need heel pads to make them fit your feet perfectly. I found that the heel areas of Chanel ballet flats often feel too flat, and I personally always use heel pads to make them fit me exactly and comfortably. I use the heel pads made in silicone and have the many little grips, and many of them also comes in different thicknesses. Do not use the ones that has flat and slippery surfaces. 

- If your ballet flats are running too small, you can buy a pair of 3-D shoe stretcher. I have seen Chanel ballet flat owners having their shoes stretched up to ONE full size larger! 

Second, different ballet flats might have slightly different sizings. Lambskin flats run most true to Chanel sizing, which is half size smaller than U.S. sizing. Cushioned calfskin leather can run slightly smaller and tighter than lambskin shoes - but they stretch out more easily too. Patent leather ballet flats are hard to stretch out - almost impossible - so do make sure to buy the right size shoes in the beginning! 

And as a side note, compared to ballet flats, classic lambkin slingbacks do run true to U.S. sizing. Vintage Chanel shoes are also true to size - and I found their material and fitting much better!