Tory Burch Reva Travel Ballet Flats Review: The Icon, Reimagined for the Jet-Setter

Rating: 4.2/5 stars (Ideal for Style, Portability, and Brand Prestige) Category: Women’s Designer Flats / Travel Footwear Best For: Office wear, city commuting, travel packing, and elevating casual outfits.

In the mid-2000s, one shoe dominated the sidewalks of New York City and the pages of fashion magazines alike: the Tory Burch Reva Ballet Flat. Named after the designer’s mother, the Reva wasn’t just a shoe; it was a cultural phenomenon. It defined the “uptown chic” aesthetic with its signature gold double-T medallion and elasticized heel.

Fast forward to today, and Tory Burch has updated this classic for the modern, mobile woman. Enter the Tory Burch Women’s Reva Travel Ballet Flats.

The question is: Can you really improve on an icon? Is this new iteration just a nostalgia play, or does it offer genuine functionality for the woman on the go? In this detailed review, we explore the design updates, comfort level, sizing nuances, and whether these travel-ready flats justify the designer price tag.

The Evolution: What Makes the “Travel” Reva Different?

If you owned the original Revas, you might remember a few things: they were undeniably stylish, instantly recognizable, and famously… tricky on the heel. The elastic back on the originals was known to dig in until broken in.

The Reva Travel Ballet aims to solve the comfort equation while maintaining the signature look. The “Travel” designation isn’t just marketing fluff; it indicates a specific construction designed for flexibility and portability.

1. The Foldable Factor

The standout feature of this new model is flexibility. Unlike the stiff structure of the original, the Travel Reva is designed with a softer, more pliable sole. This allows the shoe to bend and move with your foot naturally. More importantly for travelers, it means these shoes pack down incredibly small. They can be tucked into a tote bag, a carry-on, or even a large clutch, making them the perfect “rescue shoe” for when your heels become unbearable at a wedding or during a long commute.

2. The Updated Leather

Tory Burch has utilized a softer leather for the upper in this iteration. High-quality, supple leather is essential for a travel flat because it needs to accommodate the swelling that naturally happens to feet during flights or long days of walking. The leather on the Reva Travel feels luxurious to the touch and requires significantly less break-in time than its predecessor.

3. The Medallion

You cannot discuss the Reva without discussing the hardware. The prominent Double-T logo medallion is the centerpiece of the design. On the Travel version, the hardware remains a focal point—a gleaming statement of luxury that instantly dresses up a pair of jeans or a simple shift dress. It’s the detail that transforms a simple flat into “jewelry for your feet.”

Comfort and Fit: The “Ouch” Factor Test

Comfort is subjective, but with flats, it usually comes down to two areas: the heel and the sole.

The Elastic Heel: The Reva is famous for its elasticized back, designed to keep the shoe securely on your foot so it doesn’t flop around like a sandal. In the Travel version, the tension of this elastic seems to be recalibrated. It is snug enough to provide security but softer than the original, reducing the risk of blistering. However, for those with very sensitive heels, using a friction stick or band-aid for the first few wears is still a smart precaution.

The Insole: The footbed features light padding. It is an improvement over the board-flat feel of many designer shoes, but it is not an orthotic sneaker. You get a sense of the ground beneath you. If you need significant arch support, you may find these lacking for an 8-mile hike, but for office environments, dinners, and airport navigation, the comfort level is perfectly adequate and superior to many stiff dress flats.

Sizing Advice: Tory Burch shoes often run slightly small or narrow, and the elastic back of the Reva reinforces this.

• Standard Advice: Many users find going up half a size is the sweet spot. This relieves pressure from the elastic back and gives your toes enough room to wiggle, especially if you plan on wearing them for extended periods where feet might swell.

• Width: These are best suited for narrow to medium-width feet. If you have wide feet, the medallion can sometimes press down on the top of the foot (the vamp), so sizing up is crucial.

Styling: The Ultimate Chameleon

The strongest selling point of the Tory Burch Reva Travel Ballet Flat is its versatility. There are very few shoes that can legitimately transition from a boardroom to a boardwalk, but the Reva does it.

• The Office Power Move: Pair them with tailored ankle trousers and a silk blouse. The gold hardware adds a touch of authority and polish that canvas shoes or loafers can’t match. They say “professional” without forcing you to wear a 3-inch heel.

• The Weekend Brunch: Wear them with straight-leg denim and a white tee. The flats elevate the basic outfit, making it look curated and expensive.

• The Travel Uniform: This is where they shine. Wear them through TSA (easy on, easy off), and then on the plane. They look chic with travel leggings and an oversized cashmere sweater. You arrive at your destination looking put-together, not disheveled.

Durability and Value

At a designer price point, you want to know if the shoe will last.

The leather quality suggests good longevity if cared for properly. Because the leather is soft, it can be prone to scuffing if you are dragging your feet, so mindful walking is advised. The outsole is rubber, which provides better traction than leather soles and holds up better against wet sidewalks.

Is it worth the investment? If you are looking for a trend item, maybe not. But the Reva is an investment staple. It has survived fashion cycles for nearly two decades. Buying a pair now means you will still be able to wear them three years from now without them looking dated. The “Travel” functionality adds a layer of practicality that justifies the price for women who value convenience and style equally.

Pros and Cons Overview

Pros:

• Iconic Status: Instantly recognizable design that signals luxury and taste.

• Portability: Flexible construction makes them easy to pack; perfect for travel.

• Versatility: looks as good with a cocktail dress as it does with jeans.

• Soft Leather: Reduced break-in time compared to the original Reva.

• Polished Look: The hardware acts as an accessory, elevating simple outfits.

Cons:

• Sizing is Tricky: Usually requires sizing up; can be tight on wide feet.

• Minimal Arch Support: Not designed for long-distance athletic walking.

• Price: A premium price tag for a flat shoe (though high resale value helps).

• Elastic Heel: While improved, some users still find elastic backs irritating.

Final Verdict

The Tory Burch Women’s Reva Travel Ballet Flats are a successful update to a legendary shoe. By softening the leather and increasing flexibility, Tory Burch has acknowledged that the modern woman needs more than just a pretty shoe—she needs a shoe that can keep up with her dynamic life.

They are the ultimate “problem solver” in a wardrobe. When you don’t know what shoes to wear, the Revas are almost always the correct answer. They are sophisticated enough for a meeting, comfortable enough for a commute, and compact enough to stash in your purse just in case.

If you are looking to build a capsule wardrobe or need that one reliable flat for your next European vacation or business trip, the Reva Travel Ballet is a purchase you are unlikely to regret.

Click here to buy the Tory Burch Reva Travel Ballet Flats on Amazon.