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Review: Everlane Italian Slingback Sandal

[ Everlane Italian Slingback Sandal, (available in limited sizes) / Similar, Italian Ankle Wrap Sandals (on sale) / New: the Slide Sandal ]

When these bad boys came in the mail at the end of spring, I eagerly opened the box and was greeted by the unmistakable smell of leather. Nice leather. (My bedroom even smelled like it for a few days.) I pulled the shoes out and couldn’t help but think – with their gorgeously tanned leather tops, smooth leather bottoms, cut and trimmed to perfection – they looked like a piece of art. So beautiful that I didn’t even want to wear them at first. But then I did. again. and again. and again. and again.

WHAT I LIKE
The design is impeccable and a show stopper (I get lots of compliments on them) yet still understated. Every time I put them on, I feel like, “hey, I look good.” They are slightly dressy but still easy to wear. They are impossibly well made — the snap is tough, the leather is perfectly carved. The color is perfect. The sandals remind me of “old world” shoes. The soles are completely leather, and thick enough that I imagine they will form to my foot a bit over time. The heels are sturdy and made in a way that they can be repaired down the road if need be (a big selling point for me).

WHAT I DON’T LIKE
They rub on my little toes if I wear them for too long, or walk too far in them. For now, I am attributing that to the break-in period. The leather is very stiff, but I expect to wear these for several years and I hope they just get more beautiful (and comfortable) with time.
These sandals are two tone – which I do like – but the lighter strap near my ankle on one of my shoes shows some splash markings on the leather. I am not sure what I spilled on there, but thankfully it’s super light and pretty hard to notice.

ABOUT THE COMPANY
Everlane stole my apparel-loving heart last summer when I first got acquainted with their radical-transparency business model. But honestly, that’s not what hooked me, it was their simple, yet chic offerings, and the fact that they did not have a sea of endless products. I loved how they offered a few really good things. It made their items feel special. Their offerings have expanded quite a bit in the last year, and while variety is nice, I hope they don’t get too carried away. I realize at the end of the day business means selling more and making more, but I hope those goals don’t overshadow the original principals of the business.

THE BOTTOM LINE
These shoes are as sleek and chic as they come. They are beautiful and timeless, and I look forward to wearing them for many summers more. The high-quality craftsmanship leaves me very satisfied, and I rarely find myself eyeing other flat sandals to add to my closet (unless they are Birkenstocks!).

 

6 thoughts on “Review: Everlane Italian Slingback Sandal

  1. I have several things on my “wish list” for future capsules that are from Everlane. I love how their style is just super simple and stripped down. These sandals are gorgeous!

  2. First, the Everlane aesthetic is gorgeous. And I agree wholeheartedly, Andrea, I love that (so far at least) they’re still at “less” rather than “more.”

    Second, the tank and ripped jeans outfit with the sandals is absolute perfection.

    Third is two part, really. Mini review of the tees/tanks, please? Quality and sizing? I’m so frustrated with tees that are holey by season’s end – those annoying little front-and-center holes. (Seriously – are they from half-tucking? Belt buckles? I don’t dry anything. What? Why!?!?!) And give us your referral link! Thanks. :)

    1. Maggie, you are the sweetest! Okay, I will try to plan a full review of my everlane tanks and tees for next week. So far I have three t’s that I’ve been wearing for a year, and this summer I added two tanks. More to come for sure! And my referral link, thanks a million!!! :)

  3. They sound like great sandals! Shame Everlane isn’t in Europe either – I’ve heard really great things about their loafers and I love their new sleek backpack (though these are definitely out of my price range)
    I think I love the black dress denim vest outfit with them the most!
    xo Kat

  4. Hi I know it’s still winter but I’m thinking of getting these Everlane sandals in black. Have them stretched out to a comfortable point since your review? Thanks!

    1. Hi Elaine!

      Yes, but just a tad, the leather is very thick. They are quite comfortable to wear, I just wouldn’t walk for miles in them. Also, I have slightly wider than average feet, and everlane seems to craft narrow shoes. :) But I love them tons and look forward to wearing them this summer.

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