I’ve told y’all for awhile now that this post was something I’d be working on and I’m excited to finally have it all together to share! One night last month, I was cleaning my room, which easily becomes a war zone almost daily, and realized I have a ridiculous number of neutral colored shoes. Now, I know this is quite the first world problem to have but, the great thing about it, in my opinion, was that they were all, for the most part, shoes that I actually wear quite often. I thought it might be helpful to have a little guide for them, all in one place, for y’all to reference when you might need a new pair for a particular occasion in the next couple of months!
SWEET SUGGESTION >> Bookmark this post or pin one of the images to a Pinterest board for easy reference back to this page when needed!
I reviewed each pair of shoes based on a few criteria I think we all consider when buying a new pair or are debating about whether or not to keep a pair we may have already bought. These would be FIT, COMFORT, QUALITY, STYLE, and PRICE POINT. [If you have any other things that I should consider including in a future post like this, please be sure to let me know in a comment! I’m always open to hearing how I can be a better resource for you all!] After going through each of those, I have given you all my overall rating and recommendation for each pair.
Rating is based on a number scale 1 – 5
1 = Do NOT buy
2 = Not impressed, but wear when I’m desperate
3 = Impressed at first, but not sure I would purchase now
4. Recommend, despite a couple negatives
5. Highly recommend. Your feet and closet will thank you. xo.
I hope you all like the shoes that are included! For any shoe that is a little pricey, I’ve done my best to include similar shoes that achieve the look but aren’t so hard on your bank account. Without further adieu …. let’s start with:
JEFFREY CAMPBELL Payola Platform Sandal
Color Options: Black, Beige
Price: $159.95 | Similar options: here, here, here
FIT: True to size. I ordered my normal size and they fit great.
COMFORT: Let me tell you … I bought my first pair of Jeffrey Campbell shoes last year, which I’ll be reviewing later on in this post, and what I’ve learned since buying my second J.C. pair is that Mr. Campbell knows how to make a comfortable shoe! I respect that in a shoe designer. It’s super easy to make a beautiful shoe, in my opinion … the tricky part is how to make them beautiful and wearable! So, definitely know that about this shoe! You can wear it for quite some time!
{I realize everyone’s feet are different so this is just my personal opinion and based on my experience.}
QUALITY: Great. I’ve worn these a few times and haven’t noticed any extensive wear in the material at all. The material does not stretch over time, either. Just a head’s up!
STYLE: The 60’s are influencing so many garments out there right now and I love it. We’re seeing bell sleeves and floral prints as well as thick platform shoes! Honestly, it was the thick, chunky heel that drew me in to these shoes and I am so glad I bought them because, with the right outfit, they are not only cute but super comfortable to wear for long hours, as well.
PRICE POINT: In my humble opinion, I think the price of these is pretty fair and, I haven’t worn them an EXTENSIVE amount but can tell they will hold up for quite awhile.
OVERALL RATING AND RECOMMENDATION: I highly recommend these shoes. They’re a little different, pretty sassy, a gorgeous beige color, and super comfortable! I give them a 5!
Style Inspiration: here and here
VALENTINO Embellished Woven Leather Sandal
Color Options: Natural, Black
Price: $1295 | Similar options: here, here
FIT: I bought a half size up, as was recommended on the website, and the shoes are a great fit.
COMFORT: Very, very comfortable!
QUALITY: Impeccable.
STYLE: There are a couple minor changes to the overall style and aesthetic of this shoe but nothing that it really worth mentioning or that takes away from how well the shoe wears. One thing that IS worth mentioning about the style is that, with this shoe, you’re foot is NOT locked in completely with just that ankle strap. When your foot is relaxed, like when you’re sitting and you have your legs crossed … your foot can slide out of the shoe if it’s too big on you, so make sure you get your right size based on the FIT recommendation above! Let me know if you want me to do a Snapchat showing you what I mean! I’d be happy to!
PRICE POINT: So, I realize the price is a little startling for most. It was for me, as well. But, there were a few factors that influenced this purchase. When I see these shoes, I literally froze. I’m such a sucker for a great pair of shoes, and am as equally as big of a sucker for these two colors together. Turquoise has always been one of my favorite colors to add to my Spring and Summer outfits, so I knew I would have them forever and get a lot of good use out of them over the years.
OVERALL RATING & RECOMMENDATION: Despite the hefty price tag, I am impressed with the shoes overall. If they are within your budget [Remember what I talked about about budgets in this post, ladies? Let’s be respectful of each other!], I rate them at a 4 and would definitely recommend them if you’ve been considering making the investment!
Style Inspiration: here
TORY BURCH Reva Flats
Color Options: Black, Natural, Cognac
Price: $225 | Similar options: here, here but, honestly, not many there with cognac & gold
FIT: I bought a half size SMALLER because the old Reva version ran big, BUT … the ones that are linked are to the new, updated Reva flat that supposedly has a more generous fit and reviews are really, really mixed so be sure to read those and know these may be better to try on in the store.
COMFORT: Not comfortable. The rub the back of my heel and I can honestly say I haven’t worn these in months.
QUALITY: Great! Leather does not stretch and is really beautiful.
STYLE: Classic style. These go with SO many outfits. If only they were comfortable.
PRICE POINT: I understand that the quality of this product is great but I also think you’re paying for the brand [same is true for the Valentino’s I reviewed above]. I think they are actually probably more reasonable at $150 but, because it’s Tory Burch, you’re paying for that, as well.
OVERALL RATING & RECOMMENDATION: I think these are sleek, beautiful pair of shoes but the comfort level is just not there, and that’s so important to me, so I give them a 2. I’ll wear them if I desperately need it to go with what I’m wearing but, otherwise, they stay in my shoe drawer.
Style Inspiration: here
STUART WEITZMAN Elixir Sandals
Color Options: White, Dove, Natural
Price: $455 | Similar options: here, here, here, here (all under $150)
FIT: True to size and, due to the woven nature of the straps, easily adjustable to your ankle size.
COMFORT: Extremely comfortable! They’re super easy to walk in!
QUALITY: Impeccable.
STYLE: I am obsessed with this style of wedge. The criss-cross in the front of the foot is sexy and cute at the same time! The neutral color makes these an easy go-to for so many outfits.
PRICE POINT: Price is a little hefty but, based on my experience, very much worth the investment.
OVERALL RATING & RECOMMENDATION: I absolutely love these shoes! They are well-made, beautifully constructed and, although they aren’t cheap, are one of my favorite pairs of shoes I own right now due to style and practicality. I give them a 5! Highly, highly recommend.
Style Inspiration: here and here
STEVE MADDEN Slithur Sandal* currently 15% off!
Color Options: Black, Beige, Light Blue, Purple, Gold, Silver, White
Price: $89.90 | Similar options: here, here
FIT: True to size.
COMFORT: These are very comfortable, although I personally prefer a chunkier heel. These happen to be more appropriate for dressier summer occasions, though, so they’re good to have on hand!
QUALITY: Steve Madden is an amazing shoe brand but, the quality of this shoe is not so good but will last a couple seasons, at most, depending on how much wear they get.
STYLE: I love the caged style of these sandals. They’re dressy with a slight edge, which I personally like.
PRICE POINT: These are currently just under $90, which is perfect for what you’re getting.
OVERALL RATING & RECOMMENDATION: Despite the fact that they’re not the most well-made shoe, I’d still recommend these shoes. They’re comfortable and cute! I give them a 4!
Style Inspiration: here and here | Pink Purse: kate spade
TORY BURCH Minnie Travel Flats
Color Options: Green, Blue, Black, Gunmetal, Beige, Silver
Price: $225 | Similar options: here, here
FIT: True to size. I have a really narrow foot and noticed that these are a bit wide of my foot but not to the point that they fall off.
COMFORT: These are extremely comfortable. They have an elastic back, which can sometimes be uncomfortable but these aren’t in the slightest! I love them and wear them a lot when I travel!
QUALITY: Great quality. The upper is made of leather and the sole is made of rubber.
STYLE: These are a classic style flat with a bit of an upgrade, being that you can compact them and throw them in your bag if needed. For example, if you prefer to walk to work but have to wear heels at the office … you could wear these flats on your commute then switch into heels before you walk in, fold these flats together [see photo’s above] and throw them in your bag. They don’t take up a lot of space at all! They have a classic Tory Burch logo on the top, as well. They’re simple and practical. I like that.
PRICE POINT: Because of their simplicity, I think they’re a bit overpriced but, again, it’s Tory Burch so the increase in price wasn’t a surprise but I certainly thought they’d be a bit cheaper than their Reva Flat.
OVERALL RATING & RECOMMENDATION: I can’t say enough good things about these flats. They’re easy to wear and stow, go with everything and don’t take up a lot of room in your bag when you’re not wearing them but will need them later. I give them a 5! Your shoe closet needs these!
Style Inspiration: here and here
Outfits details for this outfit can be found here:
TORY BURCH Patos Gladiator Sandals [also here and here]
Color Options: Natural, Black
Price: $225 | Similar options: here
FIT: True to size.
COMFORT: Extremely comfortable. I could wear and walk around in them for hours, and not want to take them off.
QUALITY: Amazing.
STYLE: Perfect for your casual Spring and Summer looks! We all need a sandal like this to grab on the go this time of year!
PRICE POINT: Again, you’re partially paying for the brand but I’m very impressed with this shoe that I see the influx as worth it. Just think of how often you’ll wear them! You’ll get your money’s worth and your feet will still love you!
OVERALL RATING & RECOMMENDATION:I love, love, love these sandals! They’re so well-made, a beautiful color and super comfortable. The overall style is what sold me on them initially but, their level of comfort and practicality wins me over so, I give them a 5! You need them!
Style Inspiration: here and here
K. JACQUES Epicure Sandals
Color Options: Natural, Gold, Black
Price: $280 | Similar options: here
FIT: These come in whole sizes. Size down if you’re like me and are a half size!
COMFORT: These are made of calfskin leather, which is nice but, because of that, they’re a little stuff. Also, the adjustable ankle strap rubs right up against my ankle bone and can be really uncomfortable, if I’m honest.
QUALITY: Great quality! Like I said, they’re made of calfskin leather.
STYLE: Cute, and perfect for every day wear this time of year!
PRICE POINT: The quality of these shoes are great, due to the material they’re made of, but I really did want to kick myself for spending this much money on a pair of strappy, casual sandals. Yes, I’ll wear them a lot but, when looking at some of the other flat sandals I’ve bought for similar prices, I think those are way more worth it than these were.
OVERALL RATING & RECOMMENDATION: These are super cute but I bought these WAY too impulsively. I should have waited because a couple weeks after I bought these and had been wearing them, I realized that there were so many similar ones out there for like, a fourth of the price! Definitely think you need this STYLE in your closet but not necessarily THIS pair. So, with that said, I’m giving them a 3.
Style Inspiration: here
JEFFREY CAMPBELL Rodillo-Hi Wedges
Color Options: Beige
Price: $144.95 | Similar options: here, here
FIT: These run true to size!
COMFORT: Wedges are always my personal favorite heel in terms of comfort, and these are no exception. In fact, they are probably the most comfortable of ALL the wedges I own and wear regularly. They’re SUPER easy to walk in and I think that is what makes them stand out a little more.
QUALITY: Great quality. I’ve worn these SO much and they’re definitely worn but they aren’t falling apart by any means at this point, and I bought them a year ago.
STYLE: I’m not sure a wedge could get any more adorable than these! Obsessed with the style!
PRICE POINT: Reasonable.
OVERALL RATING & RECOMMENDATION: I absolutely love these wedges and was SO excited that they were available again this year. Most of the time, the shoes I feature on the blog sell out that season and they aren’t brought back, so this was a very pleasant surprise! I am giving them a 5. You MUST have these in your shoe closet!
Style Inspiration: here (includes outfit details from above photo’s)
And there it is! I hope it was helpful! If you’re looking for some other neutral shoe options, I have scooped up a couple new pairs and have seen a few online that would be great to consider. I’ll link them below for you!
Otherwise, thank you so much for stopping by today! Be sure to stop by tomorrow for a new Friday Five! It’s been too long since my last one! 🙂 Bye, y’all! xo.
