As someone who values style and comfort in equal measure, I’m always searching for footwear that’s versatile enough for travel, city walks, workdays, and everything in between. VIVAIA is a brand that kept popping up on my radar—marketed as sustainable, elegant, and genuinely walkable. When I had the chance to try out five of their pairs, I was curious: would they live up to the hype?
I tested them over a few weeks, rotating through different styles, weather, and occasions. Here’s my honest take on each pair.
1. Izabel Round-Toe Water-Repellent Sneaker Flats
🟤 Best for: Travel days, light rain, and casual errands
If I had to crown a go-to everyday shoe, the Izabel would be in the running. It combines the easy slip-on feel of a ballet flat with the support and sole grip of a sneaker. I took these out on a drizzly morning—my feet stayed dry, and I didn’t slip once. They’re breathable, cushioned, and machine washable, which makes them a dream for travel.
Fit: True to size
Comfort: 9/10
Worth noting: Great for airports or days when weather is iffy
Style tip: Works best with joggers, jeans, or anything casual-sporty
2. Jillian Square-Toe Block Heels
🖤 Best for: Work-to-evening transitions and dressy casual outfits
I’ll admit I was skeptical about comfort when I unboxed the Jillian heels—they look elegant, with their square toe and knit finish, but heels are heels, right? Turns out, these are different. The knit upper hugs your foot without pressure, and the block heel offers stability all day long. I wore them to a long brunch-turned-gallery-day and didn’t feel the need to swap shoes once.
Fit: True to size
Comfort: 8.5/10
Style tip: Try them with wide-leg trousers or midi skirts for an elevated everyday look
3. Cristina Lace-Up Derby Flats
🪶 Best for: Smart casual days and minimalist style
The Cristina lace-ups have a cool, Oxford-meets-sneaker vibe that’s ideal for adding polish without feeling overdressed. They’re lightweight, flexible, and sharp enough to dress up a simple outfit. However, fair warning: I got them in a lighter shade and they attracted dirt faster than I expected. They’re washable, yes—but if you’re not up for that maintenance, go darker. These are the only ones of the bunch I wouldn’t buy again.
Fit: True to size
Comfort: 8/10
Worth noting: Stylish but not made for messy terrain
Style tip: Pair with tailored pants or monochrome outfits for a clean, modern aesthetic
4. Nelly Mary Jane AdaptAll Flats
🎀 Best for: Everyday wear and all-day comfort
These are a standout. The Nelly Mary Janes are made with Vivaia’s AdaptAll technology, which basically means they stretch and adapt to different foot shapes—ideal if you have bunions, wide feet, or just prefer a forgiving fit. The strap gives a cute, vintage feel, but the shoe itself is ultra-modern in comfort. I wore these for a full walking day with no socks, no blisters.
Fit: Extremely forgiving, true to size
Comfort: 9.5/10
Style tip: Looks great with socks and a flowy dress, or cropped denim for a casual French-girl vibe
5. Maville Pointed-Toe Slingbacks
✨ Best for: Dressing up without the pain
The Maville slingbacks are the most “fashion” of the bunch, but still surprisingly wearable. I was expecting them to be stiff or too narrow, but the knit upper stretches just enough, and the slingback actually stays put. I wore them out to dinner and walked a few city blocks comfortably—which I can’t say for most pointed shoes. They’re an easy way to elevate a basic outfit.
Fit: True to size
Comfort: 8.5/10
Style tip: Pair with straight-leg jeans or a midi skirt for an effortless dressy look
Final Thoughts
VIVAIA really delivered on comfort, especially for a brand that leads with sustainability and style. All five pairs felt thoughtfully designed—nothing pinched or needed breaking in, which is rare. I especially loved how lightweight and breathable they were, making them great for warmer months and travel.
If you’re looking to invest in versatile shoes that blend fashion and function (without sacrificing your feet), these are genuinely worth a try.
