Review: John Fluevog Shoes

I admit it, I am a shoe addict. Not quite as bad as Carrie from "Sex in the City," but I do love my shoes. When a friend of mine turned me on to shoe designer John Fluevog, I was shocked that I had never heard of him before. His shoes are designed around classic retro styles from the 1940's - 60's, but with modern twists. A little on the pricey side, but I finally purchased my first pair of John Fluevog shoes when a pair I had been eying went on sale and I no longer had an excuse.

Design

Of course, I love the overall look of the shoes. My favorite part is the funky heel shape, it adds a bit of interest to an otherwise basic shoe. They look great casual and semi-dressy, which is fantastic because I really don't want to take them off. Of course, with trend setters like the Black Eyed Peas frequently wearing John Fluevog shoes, you know the designs are going to be good.

Quality

I purchased a pair of the Joanna open toe sandals in cappuccino and pink leathers. I was immediately amazed at the quality of the leather, soft to touch yet holds its shape well. The stitching is secure, as are the heels and hardware. I was also pleased to find that should anything happen to the rubber heel lift, I could purchase another for $4, extending the life of my shoes. Considering I've worn them every day since I got them, that's a big plus.

Comfort

I was a little nervous at first buying open toe sandals. With the shape of my feet, every time I wear open toes it's only a short time until the shoes are cutting in and I'm in pain. Sometimes I opt for fashion over comfort, but I always come home kicking myself when I do. I have not had a single problem with my John Fluevogs even after wearing them for hours. I do quite a bit of walking during my day, too, and the soles are so comfortable, much better cushioning than I usually find in sandals.

Where to buy

If you're not lucky enough to live in a city with a John Fluevog store, that is, New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, Seattle, Boston or San Francisco, you can order shoes, replacement parts and accessories on line. The website is definitely worth browsing around, not only will you find both his men's and women's lines, you can also poke around the "Flueseum" and see designs from the past and read the company information and FAQ's, both extremely entertaining.

My overall impression

I am thrilled with these shoes. I've received many compliments on them, and that always feels good, especially when you're wearing something so unique. But most of all, I am thrilled that, for as much as I paid for them, I can wear them for hours in comfort and that they will hold up for a long time. I feel like I'm getting every penny's worth out of the shoes, and for me that's the best part. John Fluevogs really are the ultimate in cool shoes.