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.

Although I haven’t yet thrown these shoes in the washing machine, that’s primarily because they haven’t gotten dirty enough to warrant it. I’ve seen photos of other customers’ Vivaias looking fantastic post-wash, but I prefer to wait until I truly need to clean them. When the time comes, I plan to place them in their own wash bag and allow them to air dry, as recommended by Vivaia.

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.

Final verdict: Having accumulated SIX pairs of Vivaias, it’s clear that I absolutely love these shoes! I put the black Arias through rigorous testing during my trip to Paris, where they served as my “comfortable dress shoes” that were still suitable for work. I managed to walk an astounding 30,000 steps around the city, even in the rain, and my feet remained perfectly dry. They packed beautifully in my suitcase due to their flat design, and I didn’t have to worry about them getting damaged since the knit material is incredibly flexible. While my black Jimmy Choos might have looked more elegant with my cocktail dress, comfort was my priority after a long day of walking, and the Vivaias still maintained a professional look. If you’re in search of a business-appropriate shoe, I highly recommend opting for black Vivaias!

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!