Are you tired of being swayed by those tempting Instagram ads? It took me nearly a year of seeing the ads for Vivaia before I finally decided to take the plunge and make a purchase. Instead of rushing into it, I spent considerable time reading reviews from other customers who seemed generally pleased with both the quality and style of the shoes. I was specifically searching for a comfortable work shoe that could endure long hours of wear—8 to 10 hours to be exact. To my delight, I found several options! Although I’m only showcasing three pairs in this post, I now own a total of SIX pairs, each serving a different purpose in my wardrobe!
Founded in 2020, Vivaia emerged as a popular choice during the pandemic and is believed to be based in the UK, although the shoes are manufactured and shipped from China. There is some ambiguity regarding the exact location of their headquarters, but what is clear is that the manufacturing takes place in China. One of the standout features of these shoes is their eco-friendly composition, made from recycled plastic bottles. Additionally, the innovative knit technology allows for machine-washing, which is a significant advantage for busy professionals. As someone with wide feet, I was particularly intrigued by how the knit material adapts and stretches, providing a more comfortable fit for various foot shapes.
The very first pair I selected were the Aria 5° Pointed Toe Ballet Flats in Nude, in a size 36.5. While they looked fantastic on my feet, I unfortunately discovered they lacked enough room for my toes, causing my pinky toe to feel cramped. Nevertheless, they are remarkably comfortable thanks to the Artemesia insole, which provides excellent support for my high arches. Additionally, they are incredibly lightweight, allowing for effortless movement throughout the day.
Aria 5° Pointed Toe Ballet Flats in Dark Leopard
Next, I decided to purchase the dark leopard print version of the Arias in size 37. This time, the fit was much more accommodating for my pinky toe, although I did notice a noticeable gap on the sides of my feet (as seen in the first photo). Regardless, I still find myself gravitating towards the size 37 for daily wear, especially since I tend to be on my feet for long periods at work, and my feet often swell up by about half a European size throughout the day.
Melody Square Toe Chunky Heel in Black
This time, I wanted to experiment with a heel, so I chose the Melody model, which features a square toe design that I found appealing. I decided to stick with my regular size of 36.5, fearing that a size 37 might be too large, and fortunately, my instincts were correct! The Melody shoes have a comfortable amount of padding on the inside, making them incredibly lightweight for walking or running errands. However, I did notice that they required a bit of breaking in, particularly at the toe box, as the finished edge initially dug into the top of my foot after a few hours. Despite this minor inconvenience, I would definitely consider purchasing another pair in a neutral color. Just a heads up: these heels are not machine washable due to the block heel.
Aria 5° Pointed Toe Ballet Flats in Black (Water Repellant)
Being a fan of the Aria style, I knew I had to get these ballet flats in black, especially since I wear black shoes frequently at work. Given the rainy climate in Vancouver, I opted for the waterproof version, and I can confidently say it has been a game-changer. I’ve stepped into puddles and been caught in the rain without a single drop of water seeping into my tights! They easily provide comfort for 8 hours, and on busy days, I often wear them for nearly 11 hours while walking on pavement, so they have certainly withstood the test of time!
Regarding shipping to Canada, I have ordered three times, and each time, it took approximately two weeks for my order to arrive. Once in Vancouver, a local courier service (I believe it was UniUni) provided me with regular text updates on my package’s journey, including notifications when it was out for delivery. I wish I’d remembered to photograph the packaging, but all the shoeboxes were made of cardboard and completely recyclable, which I appreciated.
After wearing my first set of Vivaias for a year without any issues, I anticipate that the Artemesia insert may eventually need replacing, but that’s typical wear and tear for any shoe. I tend to wear my work clothes until they’re well-loved, especially since I work in a multi-storey jewelry shop where I prefer to take the stairs. My aim is to reach 10,000 steps a day! I will definitely continue purchasing more pairs, especially the Arias, and I’m interested in exploring their boots and kitten heels. I recommend waiting for a promotion before buying, as they usually retail around $134 per pair. However, Vivaia frequently offers multi-shoe promotions, which is when I tend to make my purchases, as I always have my eye on multiple colors!
You can find Vivaia shoes at www.vivaia.com
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