Spring Shoe Review


valentino, valentino rockstud sandals

Calling all my shoe-loving ladies out there! It’s that time of year again!

For the past two years, I’ve enjoyed putting together a roundup of my favorite shoes available for us to choose from for the Spring and Summer season. The way it goes is … I purchase the ones that have caught my eye, try ’em out and share my honest review with y’all so you can decide which ones you want to try for yourself!

I’ll tell you some thoughts about each one and then I’ll give it a rating between 1-5.

1 = do not buy! warning, warning!

5 = obsessed! you need them in your closet!

I’m so excited about this year’s roundup so I hope you find a pair that fit your fancy!

Here we go!

Tory Burch ‘Logan’ Embellished Slides

These slides are included in a huge sale!

I was attracted to these slides because I felt like they have an elevated elegance about them, making them appropriate to wear to nice events without wearing heels. This is especially important for me after my knee surgery. I have a few events coming up where I thought, depending on my recovery, I might need something flat that is also appropriate for a ‘nice’ event. However, I was a little intimidated by these because I have narrow feet so I thought they would surely overwhelm them and look kind of silly but, honestly, I’m pretty taken with them. They aren’t as intense as I thought they might be and are really secure on my feet. I haven’t worn them too much yet only because the bottoms are very smooth and need some scuffing to add traction. With my knee being a little unstable, they’re not the best for me to wear right now but, I will be packing them for Italy to give y’all some good outfit inspiration! These run true to size.

SALE ALERT | These are currently on sale with code EVENT18!

Rating: 5/5
Find them here

Birkenstock ‘Arizona’ Soft Footbed Sandals

If you follow me on Instagram Stories, you might remember that, while shopping online, I asked if I should give Birkenstocks a try! They haven’t ever appealed to me, per se, but there are so many styles out there right now that it’s hard to ignore the fact that Birk’s are BACK! I received so many positive messages about this shoe and it, honestly, got me really excited to give them a try!

So … did I like them?

Yes! They’re like a bear hug for your feet. They’re so comfortably snug when they’re on despite appearing a bit wide. Once you adjust the straps, these shoes are an easy throw on for your Spring and Summer errands or pool / beach days! They’re also not as stiff as I thought they would be and I’m obsessed with the rose gold color that I got! Overall, I really, really like them!

Typically, I wear a 36.5 / 6.5 and went with a 37 with these and they fit perfectly. So, go one half size up from your normal!

Rating: 5/5
Find them here

Tory Burch Minnie Flats

tory burch, tory burch minnie flats, spring shoe review
Some colors of the Minnie are currently on sale!

If I could choose a ride-or-die pair of shoes, these would with-a-doubt be in my top three. Not only do these shoes come in any and every color you can think of, but they are seriously the most comfortable pair of flats that are PERFECT for travel. I have them in the BlackFrench Grey, and Retro Pink colors and recently replaced my Light Oak pair with their newest beige shade, Goan Sand. Personally, the Goan Sand is a much prettier and neutral shade than the Light Oak so I’m really, really excited about these newbies.

You can see some of the ways I’ve styled them below. The first photo is from 2015 and the next is from last year in Venice.

And these are some never before shared photos from my time in Paris with Victoria last October. The morning light was so dreamy on our walk back to our AirBNB, we could help but snap some photos. I had brought my French Gray Minnie’s with me and, while they don’t go perfectly with this outfit, I proves that they are my go to when I just want to pop a pair of shoes on that are super comfortable.

They’re super pliable and easy to fold up and throw in your bag if you have to wear heels for awhile to an event.

All in all, I love these shoes. They do stretch a little bit over time, but I always purchase my normal size.

SALE ALERT | These styles of the Minnie are currently on sale with code EVENT18!

Rating: 5/5
Find them here

Vans Classic Suede Slip On

I purchased these slides back in January. I wanted a classic style slip on that would be an easy throw on and go with almost every outfit. I wanted a light gray color and these were what I ended up finding. These have become a favorite pair of shoes of mine. I kind of felt like they aren’t really ‘cute’ but, when you put them on, I reconsider. I think they’re super cute on and they kind of give you a fun little sporty look … and, for me, I’m cool with that because I’m not really all that sporty so I’ll let my shoes make people think I am 😉 The only critique I have is that they are a tiny bit hard to get into because the material of the shoe is a little stiff. Thankfully, they don’t rub against the back of my heel or top of my foot so I’m going to take a little bit off the rating but not much! These run true to size.

These are sold out in a few sizes at this link, but can also be found here and here.

Rating: 4/5

Tory Burch ‘Max’ Slip-On Sneakers

Okay, guys. THESE. ARE. AMAZING. They feel like pillows on your feet! I cannot wait to bring these on my trip because I know they’re going to be a new favorite travel companion. They’re made of soft leather and have solid rubber soles, making them great for fighting off water. I love, love, love these!

They run true to size!

Rating: 5/5
Find them here!

Chloe Suede ‘D’Orsay’ Espadrille Wedges

I purchased these wedges in cognac and blue last year. Remember this post? I am utterly obsessed with the aesthetic of them. I love the double wrap ankle strap and scallop detail. I love that they’re suede. The wedge might be a little too high. Honestly, I do trip in them a bit so I have to knock off a little bit of the rating but, otherwise, I love them. Quality-wise, you’re paying for a very well-made shoe and this color is super neutral so they’ll go with a lot! I went a half size up from my normal size because they run a bit small.

Rating: 4/5
Find them here and here

Tory Burch ‘Miller’ Flip Flops

tory burch miller sandal

These are another staple shoe in my collection. They are a little expensive for what you see but I believe the price you pay is worth it in the long run because of how much wear you will get out of them and how well they’re made. I have them in two colors, the Sand Patent and Makeup, and wear them quite a bit in living in Florida. These run true to size and do take a little breaking in just because the logo on the top of your foot needs to assimilate a little. Thankfully, it doesn’t take but a week or so.

Rating: 5/5
Find them here

Valentino ‘Rockstud’ T-Strap Sandals

Okay, so these are a splurge. I’ll go ahead and call that out first thing. So, I’ll take a bit off the rating for that because, even though I do splurge from time to time, no one likes spending a TON on a pair of shoes. However, I will say the Valentino sandals I have splurged on not only hold up after a lot of wear but they are really, really comfortable! These are no exception. I love the lavender gray color of these and am looking forward to styling these at some fun events I have coming up! Hopefully my knee will be feeling better by then! 🙂

Go a half size up from your normal size because they run a tiny bit small!

Rating: 4/5
Find them here

Ted Baker ‘Vylett’ Bow Heels

At first glance, I thought these looked really, really cute for a special occasion or event. And, while I do still think they’re cute, I don’t think they’re a pair I’ll keep. Personally, I wish the heel was a little bit higher. In the photos, you’ll see that they’re a bit big on me. I purchased the wrong size. I wear a 6.5 and I purchased a 7. The product page says they run small so go one half size down from your normal. Due to the sizing issue, I didn’t get a chance to wear these around to give you an idea of comfort but, if this heel size works for you and your height, I think they’re great! I just don’t know how often I’d wear them. They just personally didn’t work for me!

Rating: 3/5
Find them here

Leith ‘Stunner’ Pearl Slide Sandals

I wish I had gotten these shoes out to you sooner! They are so stinkin cute, so easy to throw on and add a fun pop to any outfit! Unfortunately, they’re sold out in pink but they do have a black pair with pearls that are really chic! They run true to size.

Rating: 5/5
Find them here

Jeffrey Campbell ‘Selena’ Braided Sandals

I. am. obsessed. with. these!

I randomly found these while perusing Free People’s website and they were exactly what I was looking for but didn’t realize I wanted for my upcoming trip. It’s going to be HOT where I’m going and I wanted something really simple and easy to pair with my lightweight dresses. These are so cute and flattering on my foot and I just think they’re a great, more dressed up option to grab when you’re not feeling flip flops! These come in a couple of colors and I am wearing my normal size.

Rating: 5/5
Find them here!

Soludos ‘Ciao Bella’ Smoking Slippers

These shoes are currently on sale here!

I recently picked these up and they came in during my recovery. I tried them on over the weekend and wore them to the grocery store. They run true to size and are, obviously, adorable but, one of them rubbed on the back of my heel and caused a tiny blister. I’m going to shave that part of the shoe down to see if that helps and also use a hair dryer to stretch it out. So, I haven’t given up on them yet but just know … if you love these, you may have to wear them in for awhile before they’re comfortable!

SALE ALERT | These shoes are currently on sale with code EVENT18!

Rating: 3/5
Find them here

Jeffrey Campbell ‘Besante’ Wedges

SALE ALERT! Enjoy 20% off these with code EVENT18!

So, I’ve been a fan of Jeffrey Campbell wedges for a few years now. If you’ve followed me for awhile, you know I’ve styled the similar Jeffrey Campbell style, the Rodillo-Hi Wedges, countless times. Remember this post from 2o15? They didn’t bring that style back this year and introduced this new Besante pair instead. I love the refreshed style. It’s very clean and ladylike. I think it fits true to size and are very easy and comfortable to walk in. However, I will say that the zipper on the back of them are hard to unzip. It takes me sitting down and getting it situated just right. So, that’s a bit annoying but, otherwise, I love them!

Rating: 4/5
Find them here

Kristin Cavallari ‘Leeds’ Peep-Toe Booties

 I’m always a little on the fence about peep-toe styles. I always think they look so cute and then second guess myself after I get them in the mail. These, however, are a different story. I think they are so beautiful! I love the ice blue suede I think they’re so flattering on. I like the look of a knot vs a bow for these around the ankle. I don’t think the material is long enough to give you a ‘cute bow’. The heel on these are chunky so they give you a little more stability and are much more comfortable than your typical heel. Overall, I love these and would recommend them if you think you’d wear them enough. They run true to size.

Rating: 4/5
Find them here!

Steve Madden ‘Polite’ Embellished Pearl Slides

These slide sandals are all the rage right now and it’s taken me a little bit to find some that I personally think are cute without overwhelming my foot. I think they look really wide so I’m always a little skeptical when I purchase shoes like these. These are really, really comfortable, though, and they don’t make me feel like they’re super wide because they fit so perfectly on my foot. I also really like the silver and pearl adornments and the fact that the beige color is almost a little pink. Y’all know I wear a lot of pink so I know I’ll get a lot of use out of these! Also, because I felt like these looked like they were going to be big on my foot, I opted to go a half size down from my normal. They only come in whole sizes. So, I went with a 6 even though the product page recommended going up. I still feel like they fit fine and am almost positive they would’ve been too loose on my foot had I followed the product page recommendation. Keep in mind I have a narrow foot. If you have a regular or wide foot, you might want to heed their advice.
Rating: 5/5
You can find them here!

Jeffrey Campbell ‘Despoina’ Sandals

I got these heels for an upcoming conference that I’m going to. I love that they’re both sleek and girly. I’m also a sucker for beige with a pink undertone so these would have been hard to pass up. They fit true to size and I can see myself wearing them quite a bit for church on Sundays and catch up dinners with my girlfriends.
Rating: 5/5

Ancient Greek Sandals ‘Taygete’ Velvet Bow Slides

Are these not the cutest little slides? They’re also a pair I’ve really taken to and find myself wearing more than I thought I would. They run true to size. Be sure to scuff up the bottoms of them before going up and down stairs. They’re pretty slick and I almost had a wipe out on my stairs before my surgery. It scared me half to death! I’m not going to hold it against them though … this time! 😉
Rating: 4/5
These are literally the most comfortable wedges I have ever owned. It literally feels like you’re wearing flats. I can’t recommend them enough and they come in four different color options, so you’re bound to find one that suits your style! I love the price of these, as well. Highly recommend!
Rating: 5/5

BP. Ace Slide Sandal

How cute are these little slides? They kind of remind me of the bow slides that I bought and reviewed last year! These are just an easy throw on for less than $30! I think they’d be great for pool days. The material seems to be water resistant. The product page recommends you go up to the next whole size if you wear a half size, which I normally do, but I went down because I feel like these kind of slides have a way of overwhelming my narrow foot. They might be a little small – as you can kind of see from my toes in the photos – but I’m not really wearing these to impress so  it doesn’t really bother me. It’s only slight.

Rating: 4/5

Tory Burch Colorblock Espadrillesrome, italy, what to wear in rome, trastevere

As you can see, I have a history with these shoes. They were one of my favorite pairs to wear during my travels last year. They go with almost any outfit! The downside to these is that they take a little bit of time to break in. The material that your foot sits on is hard at first until it assimilates to your foot. Once it does, they are super comfortable! Highly recommend these! They run true to size.
Rating: 4/5
And that’s it for this years’ Spring Roundup! Should I do one of these for Fall shoes? I think I should start that this year! 🙂 Let me know in the comments below! xo.

Also, the Shopbop sale is underway and they’re finally sharing it publicly … yesterday it was an early access sale day so they kept it hush hush! So, get started on your shopping if you haven’t already because today, things will start selling out! xo.

SHOP MY SPRING SHOE PICKS

Editor's Notes

thoughts?

47 Comments

  1. Alice Rivera wrote:

    Love!!!

    Published 4.11.18 · Reply
  2. La Bijoux Bella | by mia wrote:

    All the seas of shoes! Very lovely! ????

    ??LA BIJOUX BELLA ??| By Mia | A Creative Lifestyle Blog

    Published 4.11.18 · Reply
  3. Haley H. wrote:

    Love all of these. The Tory Burch Logan sandals are surprisingly adorable – probably wouldn’t have picked them out for myself, but after seeing them on and styled, I’m obsessed.

    Published 4.11.18 · Reply
  4. Ashleigh V wrote:

    I was anxiously awaiting this post! This is great, thank you for sharing! Hope recovery is going well for you!

    Published 4.11.18 · Reply
  5. Michael @ Mile in My Glasses wrote:

    I love your Spring shoe picks Alyson! I desperately need to pick up some comfy sandals!

    I hope you’re having a lovely Wednesday!
    Michael
    https://www.mileinmyglasses.com

    Published 4.11.18 · Reply
  6. Allie wrote:

    Gorgeous picks! I love sandals, thank you for such a comprehensive review of your favorites! Some of these just might break me out of my Jacks! xAllie http://www.theallthatglittersblog.com

    Published 4.11.18 · Reply
  7. Natali wrote:

    All are so cute and perfect for Spring but I think that the shoes I stick to the most during Spring are espadrilles and a pair of stylish ballerinas. 🙂

    https://lartoffashion.com/3-ways-to-instantly-feel-better/

    Published 4.11.18 · Reply
  8. Courtney wrote:

    I love this post! Is there anywhere else to get the JC Selena braided sandal? The link is not working on the Free People site.

    Thank you!

    Published 4.11.18 · Reply
    • AlysonHaley wrote:

      Hi Courtney! I changed the link out. See if that one works better! 🙂 xo.

      Published 4.11.18 ·
  9. Michelle wrote:

    All so pretty! I love the Jeffrey Campbell “Selena” braided sandals! The link you provided doesn’t work though. I went to the site and I don’t see them on there either.

    Published 4.11.18 · Reply
    • AlysonHaley wrote:

      I changed it out! Sorry, I was accidentally on the UK site when I pulled it so that could have been why. My computer sometimes defaults to the UK sometimes because, I guess, it got used to me being over there for so long. IDK. It’s weird haha! So try it out!

      Published 4.11.18 ·
  10. Jackie wrote:

    These shoes look amazing and all so cute. Kind of sad those bow heels don’t work for you but I think I would love them and they match my style so well.

    Published 4.11.18 · Reply
    • AlysonHaley wrote:

      Yeah, girl! Get them! Everyone is different. What doesn’t work for me doesn’t mean you shouldn’t try them! I really do think they’re adorable! I just didn’t think they’re were fully ‘me’, so to speak.

      Published 4.11.18 ·
  11. Kim wrote:

    LOVE and appreciate the in depth reviews. I’m loving those slip on sneakers! And I wish I had this many options for shoes!

    Kim

    http://trendkeeper.me .. spring midi dress!

    Published 4.11.18 · Reply
    • AlysonHaley wrote:

      Glad you enjoyed the post, Kim! 🙂 xo.

      Published 4.11.18 ·
  12. Holli wrote:

    Drooling over all these beauties! Thanks so much for taking the time to review them all in one place, so helpful! Also, I’m so thankful I happened to watch your IG story bright and early yesterday morning. I was able to grab a pair of Millers first thing and they’re out for delivery now! I’d been holding onto some bday money waiting for a discount on them, and there’s seriously no way I would’ve gotten to them in time otherwise! There was one left in stock when I ordered!

    Published 4.11.18 · Reply
    • AlysonHaley wrote:

      You are SO welcome!!! Happy you were able to snag a pair! 🙂 xo.

      Published 4.11.18 ·
  13. rebecca wrote:

    LOVED this review! PLEASE do a fall round up as well 🙂

    Published 4.11.18 · Reply
  14. Susan wrote:

    You have outdone yourself!! So many cute options, but those Valentino’s are AMAZING! Thanks for all your hard work- I wouldn’t have given most of those a second look if I just saw them at the store or online :-).

    Published 4.11.18 · Reply
  15. Ashley Baca wrote:

    Yes Do one for fall shoes! And maybe handbags at all different price points!

    Published 4.11.18 · Reply
  16. Christine wrote:

    I love this post! Definitely been wanting to invest in a pair of Tory Burch shoes so this post was super helpful! Thank you ? Quick question.. have you ever had/tried on a pair of M. Gemi shoes? I hear they are super comfortable but would love your opinion as I trust your opinion and love your style!

    Published 4.11.18 · Reply
    • AlysonHaley wrote:

      I have heard of them but haven’t ever tried them!! They definitely have some cute styles! xo.

      Published 4.12.18 ·
  17. Rosi wrote:

    This was excellent! Thank you! Got my eye on a few! Thank your for featuring flats, wedges and heels! Not just super pointy stilletos lol! Hope you do thismfor fall! I may finally get a pair of Birks too!

    Published 4.12.18 · Reply
  18. Loving all of them!
    xx
    Mademoiselle Coconath
    http://mllecoconath.com

    Published 4.12.18 · Reply
  19. Kelly Smith wrote:

    These posts are always so dangerous because i finish them and go purchase at least 3 new pairs of shoes! except this year i’m looking at like 6! I would liveeeee for a fall shoe round up! Since that is my favorite fashion season! A girl can never have too many booties! <3

    Published 4.12.18 · Reply
    • AlysonHaley wrote:

      Great! I definitely think I will this year for you guys! xo.

      Published 4.12.18 ·
  20. Jennifer wrote:

    I bought those Jeffery Campbell wedges but they hurt my feet! I had to return them!! I want those Tory Burch ballet flats though!

    Jennifer
    Effortlessly Sophisticated

    Published 4.12.18 · Reply
  21. Mary Farrar wrote:

    I love all of them… sigh. How to decide what to get?

    Published 4.12.18 · Reply
  22. Suzanne wrote:

    Awesome review. However your link to the jefferey campbell wedges comes up as the Ciao Bella shoes.

    Published 4.12.18 · Reply
    • AlysonHaley wrote:

      Thanks for letting me know. Hopefully you saw that they were linked in four other places within that particular shoes’ section. xo!

      Published 4.12.18 ·
  23. Meg wrote:

    Oh my gosh I loved this post!! I’m such a sucker for shoes and I appreciate your honesty with everything because I’m always so apprehensive before buying. Plus we’re the same size so that makes me feel even better!

    Published 4.12.18 · Reply
  24. ivana split wrote:

    great shoe review posts! You have such an amazing sense of style. All of these shoes look beautiful on you.

    Published 4.12.18 · Reply
  25. morgan wrote:

    Your photos are always beautiful but take forever to load or don’t ever load. Wonder if they are really large or my computer needs an upgrade?! 🙂

    Published 4.12.18 · Reply
    • AlysonHaley wrote:

      Thanks for this feedback. It’s really helpful. The photos have been resized to improve load time. But, we will look into it.

      For reference, is this on mobile? What kind of phone do you have? If it’s on desktop, what browser do you use?

      Published 4.13.18 ·
  26. Heather wrote:

    Question: I saw you mention that the Vans Classic slip-ons don’t hurt your heel. I’ve recently bought a couple shoes similar to these and they are so comfortable, except the heel! Do you have any advice for those shoes that do hurt the heel? I’ve tried Band-Aids, they roll up, or come off. Even tried the Band-Aid blister Band-Aids for heels. Seems they just rub right thru. Footies don’t stay on my feet. I’m not sure what else to try. Anything you can suggest? Thank you!!!

    Published 4.14.18 · Reply
    • AlysonHaley wrote:

      Hi Heather! Yes, I recommend Compeed Blister Cushions. They work the best out of everything that I’ve tried! They’re so comfortable. They do eventually peel back but it takes awhile! I could go a whole day walking around a big city without having to change them until the next day. Here’s a link: http://bit.ly/2H3BKHI – They’re a little pricey but worth it!

      Published 4.15.18 ·
  27. Heather Henry wrote:

    I wanted to thank you so much for this post. I recently had ankle surgery, (with 8 pins and a plate) after slipping on the stairs in February. I just got the green light to start physical therapy, and weight bearing. I won’t lie, my high heel high wedge shoe wearing days are over. ( I am 44 so I can deal, I had my glory days!) Your post helped me so much! The slides and the birkenstocks were right up my alley and they looked pretty, not unfeminine. Thank you so much and I wish you good luck on your knee surgery! One day at a time girl!Good Luck!

    Published 4.14.18 · Reply
    • AlysonHaley wrote:

      Oh, Heather! I know that’s probably been so challenging but this is the perfect time of year to be weight-bearing again with cute new sandals! I’m so happy to hear you’re doing better and that this post was helpful for you! 🙂 Thanks for your well wishes on my surgery! I definitely need some strength training after I finish physical therapy this week but, as you said, one day at a time! xo.

      Published 4.15.18 ·
  28. Kira wrote:

    Loved this post! And the photos look perfect… I love the aesthetic of your photos! Please do one of these posts for fall/winter!

    Published 4.14.18 · Reply
  29. Kari wrote:

    Little skeptical about the ratings – none were below a 3? Did you purchase these or receive as promos?

    Published 4.25.18 · Reply
    • AlysonHaley wrote:

      No, I purchased them all myself. You’re welcome to be skeptical if you want but I rated them honestly.

      Published 4.25.18 ·
  30. Christa wrote:

    I know your post was about the shoes (so many great options!) but can you also give a link to the cute Tory Burch pink purse in the pic with the Vans? I think I found it at Nordstrom, but the pink looks so much lighter than what you posted. Thanks for your help! 🙂

    Published 4.30.18 · Reply
  31. felicia tanaka wrote:

    Hi alyson! I was wondering if the tory burch minnie flats you’re holding on the pics are french gray? Or is it another colour?

    Great shoe picks btw!
    ?

    Published 7.19.18 · Reply
    • AlysonHaley wrote:

      Yes, it’s the French Grey.

      Published 7.19.18 ·
  32. tammy wrote:

    Are the Tory Burch miller sandals in the photo, Patent Sand or Make-up?

    Thanks!

    Published 4.28.19 · Reply
  33. Margaret Buchholz wrote:

    Are the color of your Valentino rockstud sandals “poudre”?

    Published 8.1.21 · Reply