let me preface this review by saying that i have not stepped foot in a Steve Madden store since middle school. also, the fact that SM doesn't always have the most stellar reputation for making comfy shoes of quality materials meant that i was both very intrigued yet dubious about how the SM version of the Marant sneaker wedges would turn out.
man, i was impressed.
this is definitely a case of the product looking way better in person than online. in some online photos it totally comes across like a cheap knockoff, but in person it looks and feels like a nice, solid shoe. in fact, exactly how you'd expect a well made pair of sneakers to be. the uppers are all suede with a little bit of polyurethane trim (the tongue and that little detail on the vamp). i had to fiddle with the velcro straps a little but once on, they are really really comfortable.
you get the height and leg-lengthening benefits of heels, but with the comfort of sneakers. double win!
you get the height and leg-lengthening benefits of heels, but with the comfort of sneakers. double win!
H&M tank, oaknyc cardigan, uniqlo jeans, steve madden sneakers
i'm planning on wearing them with skinny jeans and leggings, all my favorite jackets, or a chunky knit. contrary to their somewhat 'statement-y' appearance, i don't think you need to do go out of your way, so to speak, to style them into your existing wardrobe. my advice for styling them is similar to how you'd style your favorite ankle boots – pair with a tucked-in/slimmer jean or legging. you can just wear a minimalist tee + jacket or play with more volume/layers on top, depending on how much accent you want to place on the shoes.
sizing runs a bit large and these don't come in half sizes, so size down if you're in between. i'm usually 6.5, sometimes a 7, and the 6 is perfect for me with room for socks.
hope this is helpful for those of you who love the look of the Marants, but for rational reasons don't want to shell out $650+ for tricked out sneakers.
what do you think? would you get a pair? let me know if you do! :)
AWESOMENESS, EMBODIED.
ReplyDeleteI was skeptical, and they're still not my cup of tea, but you really do pull them off! Can't wait to see them make an appearance in outfit photos to come! And grr, cardigan jealousy ;)
ReplyDeletei really hated this kind of shoes before but after seeing on you, well, they look quite nice!!you really do pull them off, as Maja before me said!
ReplyDeletei just want to add that i really love your style and your blog!!!
thanks! :) i think these are actually quite versatile and much more wearable than they appear!
DeleteI'm sorry, perhaps it's because of my age, but these look clumpy and unflattering to me.
ReplyDeleteLove the rest of your outfit though.The cardigan is killer!!Who makes it?
Love them! I picked up the all black pair today and will be wearing them tomorrow! Thanks for the review and I love your outfit.
ReplyDeletethanks Robin! aren't they SOOO comfy?
DeleteI would rock a pair of these! I'm all about great quality for a low price.
ReplyDeletehttp://www.boroughvintage.com/
You look good in them. If I saw you in the street, I would notice and think that it was a good look. Helps you have good body proportions to carry off the outfit. I like the Bobby/Betty type ones - slightly more discreet wedge which is probably more becoming someone my age ... but never say never.
ReplyDeletethanks Sue! i agree - never say never! sometimes something that seems like it's 'so not you' could end up benig a really fun addition to your wardrobe :)
Deleteyou do rock them quite deftly!
ReplyDeletei think they look very cool! i have a shoe buying phobia because few things are comfortable for me, so it's always good to have a post that emphasizes comfort and style together. speaking of comfort, i just bought a pair of white's boots yesterday, do you know about them? they seem amazing (and they're made in washington state, which is great), but i won't know for sure for another 6--10 weeks because the boots are custom, so i'm now waiting for them to be made.
ReplyDeletenever heard of White's, but ooh custom boots sound so luxe! you should definitely do a post when they get in :)
DeleteThe sweater is AWESOME.
ReplyDeleteRe: the shoes, I find them very trendy, so it's better that you didn't shell out for the IM version. But one person's trendy is another person's classic so to each her own ;P On a side note, now that I think about it they look very Marty McFly.
oh my god, you are totally right! HAHAHA. and yes, i'm fine with channeling some Marty McFly in 2012.
Deleteyah Marty McFly aka "Calvin Klein" ;) was pretty awesome!
DeleteSO glad you tried them! I love these. They're so comfortable and cute.
ReplyDeletethanks Inny! your post was definitely inspiring!
DeleteI'm loving my Ash wedge sneakers! I'm totally into this look. Yours are great.
ReplyDeletethanks Wendy!
DeleteYou've style this outfit really well! The shoes look fantastic on you!
ReplyDeleteSmart move getting the SM's. I think buying the more expensive IM ones would be regrettable since they are SO TRENDY right now and won't have much staying power. (Also from those I know that own the IM ones, they are surprisingly uncomfortable!)
ReplyDeletethough given that i wear mostly skinny jeans and these do serve the function of cushiony sneakers, i'll wear them a ton regardless of the trend factor. these might just become the new classics in my closet!
DeleteYou look awesome! Those sneakers reek of fierceness! They just add the cool urban touch to any casual outfit.
ReplyDeleteHi, so to answer your question from the last post: yep, the GG Francy definitely have a small wedge hidden in them, maybe an inch or so. Also, judging from the view out your window in the above pic, do you live in stuy town??
ReplyDeleteI have to admit, I didn't like the Marants when I first saw them, and the price tag didn't help! Other than a pair of running shoes, I don't really own sneakers, but this style's grown on me. They look great on you and they look super comfy, too!
ReplyDeleteI always find it intriguing how a high-end fashion can upgrade a style that has been around for decades in the Hip-hop world to the level of an it-item among fashionistas...
ReplyDeleteI hated the Willows when they came out because of the subculture they reminded me of, but I have seen them so often that I am starting to "like" them! However, being in a quest of minimalism, I am forcing myself not to buy a similar pair...
Even though you are pulling off the style perfectly, I personally prefer the design of the wedged Ash sneakers that have been around for a while before Marant's Willows. Their design is more refined and they have more potential to become "classics".