I started shopping at Everlane about a year ago. In my quest to buy fewer objects, but objects of better quality that lasted longer, the Everlane ethos fit well with me. They work with a handful of factories, which are ethical, and show you the cost of each step of the process, from materials to shipping. The idea is that they produce high quality items for less-than-usual retail because they don’t have a large marketing mark-up.
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I was drawn to the look of their Street Shoe. With its slightly pointed toe, it’s like a chic and sophisticated Vans. I love the ease of Vans slip-ons, but they last me only about a year before they start to fall apart. Vans are made with man-made faux leather. The Nubuck Street Shoe from Everlane is made of soft nubuck leather with a leather lining. (UPDATE: as of fall 2017, the nubuck version doesn’t appear to be sold anymore, but there is a leather version). Apologies, I’ve lost the photos I took, so these photos from their website will have to do.
Nubuck Street Shoe, $95 to $135
The description says they run narrow, so I ordered a half size up, and also a full size up. I was excited when the package arrived. Alas, neither size fit. They were both too narrow. My feet are considered on the wide side here in America and though I can fit into regular medium widths, they tend to be from brands that run a bit wide. (Though in Asia they seem to be normal sized and I have no problems finding shoes there.) Selfishly, I wish they made this shoe wider, or at least offered the option of different widths.
As to quality, the shoe appears well made. (They’re produced in an Italian factory.) The footbed is plush and seems like it would be comfortable. If you have narrow feet, I say go for it. The Street Shoe is priced at $135, which I think is very reasonable for a leather shoe.
Everlane also runs “Choose What You Pay” discounts from time to time when they overproduce an item. Right now there’s a discount for Nubuck Street Shoes in several colors, including the slate gray that’s pictured in this post. If you do end up buying these, I recommend getting a suede/nubuck protector like this and applying it before you wear them out. I do this with all my suede shoes to keep them from getting too dirty.
Fellow owners of wide feet, don’t bother.
If you find my reviews helpful, please use my referral link to Everlane to make your first purchase. (Create your account first before browsing.) Thank you! You can see my other Everlane reviews here.
I purchased these in black leather after attending a try-on event at Clift hotel a few years back. I think my mistake was the shoes at the event were already broken in. I should have gone up a whole size because these made my feet cry for about a year. I’ve finally broken them in but always insert a shoe tree after wearing them.
Glad they finally broke in for you!