I don’t know if I can blame how casual style has gotten or if it’s me getting older, but I only have eyes for flats lately. I forced myself to buy a wedge the other day because I’ve got some maxi dresses and need some height that a flat can’t give. The ONLY shoes I’ve purchased lately have been flats and sneakers and I’m 100% okay with this. Comfort is key with me these days and each of these are perfect for all day wear. I break down each pair below!
Madewell Adelle Ballet Flats
So typically a mule slide like this isn’t very comfortable. I find myself swimming around in the shoe as I walk, struggling to keep it on. But I love this look of shoe so I keep coming back to it, hoping to find a good one. Well, my friends, this is a good one. The Madewell Adelle Ballet Flat is a wonderful little flat that is comfortable and stays on. It’s nice for spring, as it’s still closed toe but open in the back so it feels ready for spring weather. I love the muted tan color too, a bit of a departure from the rich cognac from past seasons. The leather is soft, but not so soft that it scratches with immediate wear. The inside and upper sole is lined with leather as well. They fit true to size, no need to size up or down. My only complaint, as with all mules, there’s a little bit of a flip-flop sound when you walk. This one isn’t aggressive, but it is loud enough to remind you and everyone else that you are in fact here and wearing shoes.
(This week it looks like Madewell is up to 30% off with code HOWFUN!)
Madewell Jeanne Slingback Flats
This pair is exactly what I was looking for this spring. I have a love / hate relationship with black shoes in the spring because at once I need them but they can also really drag down a bright, spring outfit. Black shoes can start to look heavy with lighter spring styles, but these are the right amount of shoe for spring. I love the Mary Jane look that’s coming back (very 90s) but this is a really nice and subtle take on it. The squared off toe isn’t too harsh and the straps hit below my ankle so it doesn’t cut me off weirdly. Also — they are comfortable! Same soft leather we’ve come to know and love from Madewell. I would say true to size, as well!
(This week it looks like Madewell is up to 30% off with code HOWFUN!)
Kahmune Kennedy Leather Flats
This pair of flats is one that I bought in February for that winter/ spring transition. I love the almost chocolate brown hue of this pair of flats, it feels unique and different than any other flat I’ve owned. I didn’t realize when I bought these from Shopbop that this brand is a Black-owned / women-owned company whose mission is to bring skin tone specific nude shoes to the industry. I loved the shoe so much I started to research the brand and was blown away by their selection. On their site they have one of the widest range of neutral tones and leather finishes in classic shoes from heels to flats that I’ve ever seen. You can check their website out here!
This pair in particular fit PERFECTLY true to size. They are extremely well made — think Stuart Wietizman quality for a fraction of the price. This is a wonderfully made pair of shoes, if you want a classic for your wardrobe that will last for years.
Golden Goose Low-Top Sneakers
I’ve been wearing these on the low-low if you haven’t noticed. I mean, let’s be real — you HAVE. Look. I didn’t want to love these trendy, probably overpriced sneakers. But the heart wants what the heart wants. I got these sneakers for my birthday last year from B (he’s a good listener 😉 ) And I have been surprised by how much I’ve reached for them. I constantly want to wear them and they go with almost everything. Do they live up to the hype? Yes. Are they worth the price? Hard to say. I don’t shy away from designer items but I do try to be intentional with what I buy. Like my designer bags, I buy them FOR LIFE. In other words, I am now married to these shoes.
For the real review: they fit quite snug. I am in the size 10 which is my normal size but I would say I fill up 99% of the shoe. I didn’t want to take them off long enough to return them so I stuck with this size but I would say if you are in between sizes go up a half size. I don’t think I would want a whole other size up because then the heel would be too loose.
PS: here are some alternatives to this sneaker!
Veja Rio Branco Sneakers
So these I picked up in January and I’m so glad I snagged them! They are going to be such a great spring shoe. They work with denim (here) or dresses (here) and are a nice lightweight sneaker. Like really lightweight, it feels like you’re wearing nothing. This color way is selling out so if you see it in your size, try to grab it!
They fit true to size — I wear my typical size 10. Comfortable, lightweight and great for all day wear if you like a chunkier sneaker but don’t want the weight.
