Vivaia entered the scene in 2020 with an aim to deliver affordable women's dress shoes that blend polish with comfort. In a short span of six years, it's done just that. The brand's heels, ballet flats, and sandals have all won praise from our team of style editors, and I've seen its viral sneakerinas from my commute to street style photos of Charli XCX.
Vivaia shoes are painless to break in, but it can still be a real pain when you have to return shoes that don't fit. Here's what we learned about Vivaia's sizing, plus which pairs are best equipped for long walks versus special occasions. For more of our rigorously tested footwear coverage, see our guides on the best flats, most comfortable heels, and best loafers for women. Learn how the Reviews team tests shoes at BI.
Sizing and fit
My issue with Vivaia's sizing is that it widely varies depending on tthe style. In my experience, most tend to run a tad large. The inconsistency is further confusing because when you select your size on their website, you can choose UK, US, or European sizes, but the sizes are inscribed on the sole as European sizes.
On the bright side, Vivaia has some of the best flats for wide feet. They have roomy toe boxes and offer generous stretch, meaning they're also great if you plan to style them with thick socks. But if your feet are on the narrower side like mine, you'll want to size down — or else you may want to consider Rothy's instead. Below are more detailed tips on sizing for each pair of Vivaia shoes we've tried.
The top 5 Vivaia shoes we tested:
This version of the brand's signature stretchy flats come with soft, cushioned insoles and a padded heel collar that takes zero break-in time.
After testing tons of different styles, I've concluded that these sandals have it all. They're both comfy and cute (an impressive feat) — but they're also lightweight, breathable, and can accommodate all kinds of foot shapes.
I wore Vivaia’s lightweight wedge sandals to walk across miles of hot concrete, and the ventilated cushions were so plush that I forgot about the metatarsal pain I usually get from wearing heels.
Vivaia has been featured in many of our guides on the most comfortable footwear, and these slingbacks are a favorite. They feature an adjustable backstrap, a super comfy knit upper, and a padded footbed.
You can walk for miles in these stretchy loafers and they'll afford the same comfort as sneakers. Complete with anti-blister padding and a water-repellent finish.
Margot 3.0 Square-Toe Ballet Flat
I tested the Margot 3.0 flats against the older Margot Mary Janes, and the redesign has a few new features that are made to help these soft-sided shoes last longer. First, the activated carbon means the quilted footbeds are better at repelling odor — which tends to linger in knit flats like these.
Secondly, the redesigned outsole is made of less rubber and more lightweight EVA foam, meaning they have better shock absorption throughout long walks on concrete. The fit has stayed the same, with a very roomy square toe box and a stretchy collar that can accommodate wide and high volume feet. If you feel like most ballet flats are too constricting for your foot shape, the Margots will let them breathe.
Inside, they almost feel like slippers. The foam footbed is a bit firmer under the arches, yet the quilted forefoot is soft and plush against your skin. I wear this pair whenever I get blisters from breaking in leather flats, because the heel cushion is gentle and non-abrasive.
Margot Square-Toe Mary Jane
When putting on my Vivaia Mary Janes, I directly compared them to the Mary Janes I tested for our Rothy's review. Both are machine washable and breathable, but I immediately preferred the look of Vivaia's more — the adjustable buckle on the strap shows more of an intention with the design than the straps on Rothy's, which don't have buckles and are more like strips of fabric.
Not only are Vivaia's Mary Janes less expensive than Rothy's, but they also beat them in terms of comfort. The insoles are padded around the heel and forefoot with a yoga-mat-like material, while Rothy's are flat on the inside. The arch support and slightly more structured heel feel notably different when walking on pavement. The square toe box is roomier than Rothy's Square Mary Janes ($159), so they're better suited for people with wide feet in this aspect, too.
I'll give Rothy's points for better color variety and a sleeker silhouette, but Vivaia's Mary Janes are still easier to walk in (and less expensive).
Kiara AdaptAll Sport Sandals
I own a pair of boots by Vivaia and they're easily one of the comfiest pairs I've ever slipped on my feet — so, needless to say, I had high expectations for these sandals. Fortunately, they didn't disappoint.
My first few steps in the Vivaia Sport Sandals felt like walking on a cloud. That's likely due to the cushioned insole and dual arch support.
I feel secure wearing these. Thanks to the durable, anti-slip outsole, these sandals feel ultra-stable on my feet, regardless of the ground I'm walking on.
They're super adjustable. What I really appreciate about these sandals most is that the criss-cross straps across the foot are extra stretchy. That means whether you have narrow or wide feet, these will git like a glove. Not only that, but the ankle strap has an adjustable buckle.
Plus, the style I have — the Kiara — comes in 10 different colors, from classic neutrals like gray and black to fun, playful hues like salmon pink and lime green. — Rebecca Strong, style contributor, Business Insider Reviews
Cristina Square-Toe Lace-Up Satin Sneakerina
"I wore the Cristinas while walking around on a particularly sunny day in Brooklyn and received no fewer than three compliments from complete strangers.
You can choose from a variety of lace colors and styles, so I paired mine with a pink ribbon. The combo of blush-colored satin and a silky ribbon made these the girliest sneakers I could imagine, which is perfect for me. But typically, trendy footwear is made to be fun and fashionable, not necessarily comfortable.
These, however, happen to be both. I made the risky decision of wearing these for the first time without socks, but my feet felt fine even after walking two miles in them. They're pretty flat and are made to have a 'barefoot feel,' so people who crave lots of arch support might not find these comfortable. But I loved the feeling of walking around in these free-feeling flats.
And in case you need some extra convincing that these are really the shoe of the moment, trend-making celebrities like Bella Hadid and Charli XCX have been seen in the Vivaia Sneakerina, along with a number of other big fashion names who have rep'd the comfort-first brand." — Samantha Crozier, style editor, Insider Reviews
Freelance style contributor Rebecca Strong tested the mesh Cristinas in our guide to the best bridal shoes as a second-look shoe you can comfortably dance in. "The square toe box is plenty roomy, the elastic back wards off blisters, and the suede-like integrated insole feels like a dream underneath my feet," she writes. "I can — and have — worn these all day into the night with no issues whatsoever."
Alina Square-Toe Mid Heel Strappy Sandals
These strappy Alina slip-on sandals are comfortable, stylish, and deceivingly secure.
When I first saw these online, I thought that the straps were made of the same elasticated material as the rest of Vivaia's shoes. This made me dubious about how secure they would be, since the elastic tends to excel at comfort but falls short in support. But when I received them, I was pleasantly surprised to discover that the straps aren't stretchy at all — they're secure and strong. Plus, there's an additional strap that crosses the bridge of the foot, which does a fantastic job of holding you in place.
The footbed is also, in true Vivaia fashion, extremely padded. The shoes have comfortable foot contours, extra padding on the heels, and even air holes to keep your feet from getting too sweaty. Since the secure straps kind of push your foot down, this adding is incredibly important and well executed.
And of course, they're simply cute. I like that these look more delicate than many of Vivaia's styles, and I love pairing them with dresses in the summer. — Samantha Crozier, style editor, Business Insider Reviews
Stacey Pro Wedge Sandal
The Stacey Pros are some of my most-worn sandals. I choose these over my flat slides every time because they have more support beneath the ball of my foot. Even when walking across miles of hot concrete, the ventilated cushions are so plush that it keeps my metatarsal pain at bay. I also wore them around the pool, and the padding dries quickly after you slide into them with wet feet.
Plus, their non-slip soles make it safer to step through puddles. The stretchy knit strap caused some friction around my pinky toes when I was first breaking these in, but it gradually subsided with each wear. And while the toe area is flexible and soft, the rear is rigid for better stability.
I have narrow feet and wear a size US 8, and these fit me without sliding off. They have wide, stretchy straps to fit comfortably around feet of different widths and arches.
Samantha Walker Loafer
Comfortable walking shoes don't always take the form of a sneaker, as I've learned with the new-and-improved Samantha collection. A common pain point with new loafers are the subsequent heel blisters, but these have soft padding that prevent any friction but still fit narrow heels. They also have more squishy cushioning for light arch support and a slightly thicker padded heel so you can walk on concrete for miles (as I did) without getting tired feet.
They're nice and stretchy, super lightweight, and even water repellent. I also like that they slip on very easily, so I recommend them to people with mobility issues, too. Size down if you're between sizes, since the toe box is generously wide.
Addison Pointed-Toe Slingback
Vivaia's high heels were a problem for one tester, but these slingbacks are undeniably comfy to walk in. If you reserve them for special occasions, they may still be worth a try. But if you're searching for a pair you can wear on daily long walks, we suggest splurging on a more durable pair from our guide to the most comfortable heels.
"Vivaia remains a consistent favorite for the most comfortable footwear because of the stretchy elastic material that the brand uses. The knit upper, made from recycled plastic bottles, is much more pliable than other textiles like leather or canvas. So rather than suffering it out to break in a pair of leather slingbacks, you can slide into these immediately like a good pair of leggings.
I love how stretchy yet secure these feel. The back strap is adjustable, which is a fantastic feature to have in slingbacks. And because I could tighten it, I didn't have any issues with accidentally stepping out of the shoe or any discomfort caused by my foot moving around in the toe box. Slingbacks, more than any other shoe, are prone to these snafus — but not the Addison Slingback Sandals." — Samantha Crozier, style editor, Business Insider Reviews
Regina Pro Boot
Vivaia's water-repellent boot collection also includes the Regina Pros, which first caught our eye for their luxury brand look. They come in six colorways, including two wool versions, and their heels are just over 2 inches high. Reviews style editor Samantha Crozier listed this pair as her top pick for wide feet in our guide to the best ankle boots, thanks to their flexible material.
"What sets the Vivaia Regina Pro apart is not just the anti-slip outsole and pressure-relief herbal insole, but also the water-repellant upper that stretches to accommodate even the widest feet.
These boots are incredibly comfortable. The cloth material makes them super easy to slip on in the morning — plus, they're kind of reminiscent of Balenciaga's famous sock boots. But unlike Balenciaga boots, these are incredibly practical and sold at a great price point." — Samantha Crozier, style editor, Business Insider Reviews
Tyler Waterproof PufferTherm Warm Boots
As a native upstate New Yorker, I'm pretty well-versed in the art of bundling up. Still, the one thing I've never quite figured out is how to keep my feet from freezing. In Vivaia's Tyler Boots, I may have finally found my solution. The brand's advertised "PufferTherm" technology truly delivers on its promises. I put these boots to the test when my friend visited me, and we walked over 25,000 steps around New York City in frigid temps. I was amazed by how well they kept me warm, no thick socks required. I've since trudged through snow, slush, and puddles and have been equally impressed by their waterproofing.
I'm a size 5, and my feet run narrow, and these boots fit well from the start, although the lug sole did require some break-in time. Wearing thicker socks with them felt a bit claustrophobic, but I don't think they're necessary, since the boots are already so warm on their own.
The paired Puff Leg Warmers also provided impressive insulation, but if anything, I was too toasty while wearing them. I'd only recommend them for when you're spending the entire day outside in the cold, so there's a lower risk of overheating. — Jenn Gonick, former deals fellow, Business Insider Reviews
Filipa Round-Toe Stretchy Wool Knee-High Boots
These stretchy knee-high Filipa boots are warm and perhaps the most comfortable boots I've tried. The stretchy pull-on sock style is accommodating for calves of various sizes and hugs your leg, preventing it from sliding down. I consider myself to have thicker calves, and I could fit my entire arm down the shaft, too, with room to spare. I chose a flat style, which I think is great for everyday, but it's also available with a 2.64-inch wedge or block heel. I haven't quite figured out how to wear these with pants or leggings tucked in, so I'll stick to wearing it with skirts and dresses. Maybe I'll add tights, but if it's over 50 degrees outside, I think I'll find myself too warm, as the shoe's advertised Heat-Retaining Tech truly does lock in warmth. The boots are lined with fleece and features a middle layer, called aerogel, between the outer wool and fleece, which is designed to trap heat.
They're water-resistant too — water beads and then pools off — so I'm not concerned about ruining the fabric on a rainy day, a departure from what I'd worry about with fabric-style shoes. My only true caveat with these boots is that they seem to be a lint collector, and the black shows everything. — Jaclyn Turner, senior home editor, Business Insider Reviews
Francesca Round-Toe Platform Chunky Heel Loafers
For the season, I've swapped my favorite Vionic Uptown Loafers, our best loafer for walking — my pair has a more summery white rubber sole — for the rich chunky lug sole design of the Francesca. I'm in absolute love with these wool loafers. The caramel with chocolate accents is a perfect transition to fall and winter, and they were comfortable from the first step and great for all-day wear. From a design standpoint, I like the subtle hexagon-shaped logo adorning the loafer strap, while the duo-tone browns feel trend-forward,
I typically wear a size 9 medium width. In the Francesca loafers, my foot felt nicely hugged across the top, but also loose enough that I could feel my heel slipping out if I wanted to step out of the shoe. I adjusted my gait to prevent that from happening, but I'm curious if sizing down a half-size would resolve the issue. Despite this, these have become my go-to shoes this season.
I have slightly high arches and have complained about foot fatigue in the past, but I did not experience it after long periods of walking or standing, thanks to the shoe's cushioned, slightly contoured insole. The roomy, rounded toe ensures my foot doesn't feel pinched, while the cushioned heel patch keeps my foot relatively secure, and I never worry about blisters — something I'm nervous about and pay attention to anytime I wear shoes for the first time. The wool innersoles kept my feet warm and toasty, but I wouldn't likely reach for these during warmer weather.
My last note: compared to other shoes I own, they're on the heavier side. This didn't affect my decision to wear them, but when I went to pack them for a trip, I realized they were a bit too heavy for packing in my carry-on, and I didn't want to lug them around. — Jaclyn Turner, senior home editor, Business Insider Reviews
Melinda T-Bar Ballet Flats
My Rothy's flats have become staples in my everyday rotation, so I was curious to see how Vivaia's stack up, and I was easily won over by how cute and festive the Melinda Flats are. My past issues with flats from other brands have been that they're either far too roomy for my size 5, narrow feet, or that I've gotten blisters on my heels if I've tried to walk too much in them.
In terms of fit, Rothy's is still on top for me. Its shoes truly mold to my narrow feet like a glove. But Vivaia wasn't far behind. These flats are definitely roomier, but not so much so that they felt too loose or like I was slipping out of them. I don't think I'd want to wear them for long barefoot, but pairing them with thin socks or liners was just enough to make them comfortably snug, which works just fine since they're more of a fall/winter style.
Where Vivaia definitely wins is the cushioning. These flats have the most comfortable support of any I've tried. The heel patch is a particularly nice touch, since that's where I tend to get blisters. If I'm just out to dinner or sitting in the office, either brand is a great choice. But if I'm walking or standing all day, I'll be reaching for Vivaia flats. — Jenn Gonick, former deals fellow, Business Insider Reviews.
Materials and sustainability
The principle material Vivaia uses to create their shoes is recycled PTA, or "polyethylene terephthalate," sourced from water bottles that have been diverted from landfills. Each pair of flats takes six bottles to make. Similar to Birkenstocks, their soles are made with renewable EVA, or "ethylene vinyl acetate," which is a lightweight, waterproof, and flexible material similar to foam and rubber. They also use recyclable thermoplastics to construct their heels, because it can be made from non-toxic plastic and takes less energy to manufacture.
The rubber used on the outsoles is a blend of synthetic rubber from Vietnam and biodegradable natural rubber, so there's a slight compromise on how purely renewable each pair actually is. The insoles also consist of polyurethane foam, and PU production is a notoriously polluting process. Additionally, the insoles consist of an herbal blend of natural Artemisia Argy, which helps control odor and humidity in order to help your feet stay dry and fresh.
Shipping and returns
Vivaia ships internationally from their warehouses in the UK, US, Germany, and China, and and you can see their list of included countries here. They offer free standard shipping on any order over $99, which typically ships within one to two days, and your shoes should arrive between seven and twelve days. You can add shipping insurance for an extra two dollars. Express shipping costs an extra $25.99, with an expected delivery of three to five days.
If you're unsatisfied with your order, Vivaia accepts free returns of shoes in perfect unworn condition, with a 100% money back guarantee when you send them back within 30 days — though during the holiday season, this has been extended to 45 days. Refunds take up to three days to be processed.
Cons to consider
Evidently, Vivaia's sizing system is not true-to-size in every style, and in one case ran much larger than what we expected.
It's also worth noting that Vivaia shoes with high heels are made with cheap heel caps that are liable to break off. If you plan to wear them often, they're not worth the money.
The bottom line
Despite Vivaia's original claim to fame being flats, they've really hit their stride with their waterproof boots and comfortable pumps. The mesh material is resilient, they're comfortable to walk in, and the silhouettes are easy to style so you're likely to get a lot of use out of them. We don't love all the color patterns, but the neutral shades are decent.
Its sizing system still needs some perfecting, and in one case the high heels proved too cheaply made to last through a winter of hard wear. That said, Vivaia's flats, sandals, pumps, and boots are worth trying if you want supportive shoes with a modern, feminine flair.
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Disclosure: Written and researched by the Insider Reviews team. We highlight products and services you might find interesting. If you buy them, we may get a small share of the revenue from the sale from our partners. We may receive products free of charge from manufacturers to test. This does not drive our decision as to whether or not a product is featured or recommended. We operate independently from our advertising team. We welcome your feedback. Email us at reviews@jkmperu.com.
