Vivaia review: These comfy flats and sandals live up to hype, but there's one style we think you should avoid

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Vivaia is a sustainable footwear brand that entered the scene in 2020 with a lot to prove. At that point, most people were already aware of their options for the best flats from brands like Rothy's, Everlane, and Allbirds.

Nevertheless, Vivaia (pronounced "v/i/-VAY-yah") carved out their own corner in the sustainable shoe market with colorful, comfortable heels and ballet flats.  Their success proves that regardless of how "green" a brand is, people (including celebrities like Aubrey Plaza and Selena Gomez) will wear stylish shoes that are painless to stand in all day.

In our Vivaia review, we give our honest impressions on every style we've tried. We found out that Vivaia tends to run a bit large, but were thoroughly impressed by the waterproof finish on their boots.

Its heels are easy to walk in, but one tester discovered that its high heels aren't made for hard wear (jump to our review of the Alexandra boots to see what we mean). All in all, they're still extremely comfortable shoes — plus, they usually cost less than Rothy's. 

Our top 3 favorite Vivaia shoes:

Sizing and fit

My issue with Vivaia's sizing is that it widely varies depending on style. In my experience, most tend to run large. The inconsistency is made more confusing by the fact that when you select your size on their website, you have the option of choosing from UK, US, or European sizes, but they're inscribed with the European size on the sole. 

On the bright side, Vivaia has some of the best flats for wide feet. They have roomy toe boxes and offer generous stretch, meaning they're also great if you plan to style them with thick socks. But if your feet are on the narrower side like mine, you'll want to size down — or else you may want to consider Rothy's instead. Below are more detailed tips on sizing for each pair of Vivaia shoes we've tried.

Kara AdaptAll Sport Sandals

"I own a pair of boots by Vivaia and they're easily one of the comfiest pairs I've ever slipped on my feet — so, needless to say, I had high expectations for these sandals. Fortunately, they didn't disappoint.

My first few steps in the Vivaia Sport Sandals felt like walking on a cloud. That's likely due to the cushioned insole, and dual arch support.

I feel secure wearing these. Thanks to the durable, anti-slip outsole, these sandals feel ultra-stable on my feet regardless of what kind of ground I'm walking in.

They're super adjustable. What I really appreciate about these sandals most is that the criss-cross straps across the foot are extra stretchy. That means whether you have narrow or wide feet, these will git like a glove. Not only that, but the ankle strap has an adjustable buckle.

Plus, the style I have — the Kara — comes in 10 different colors, from classic neutrals like grey and black to fun, playful hues like salmon pink and lime green." — Rebecca Strong, freelance style & beauty reporter

Stacey Pro Wedge Sandal

These are some of my most worn sandals. I choose these over my flat slides every time because they have more support beneath the ball of my foot. Even when walking across miles of hot concrete, the ventilated cushions are so plush that it keeps my metatarsal pain at bay. I also wore them around the pool, and the padding dries quickly after you slide into them with wet feet.

Plus, their non-slip soles make it safer to step through puddles. The stretchy knit strap caused some friction around my pinky toes when I was first breaking these in, but it subsided more and more with each wear. And while the toe area is flexible and soft, the rear is rigid for better stability.

I have narrow feet and wear a size US 8, and these fit me without sliding off. They have wide, stretchy straps to fit comfortably around feet of different widths and arches. If you feel your toe shape fits better in a square-toed sandal, Vivaia makes a similar wedge called the Laura.

Juliet Pro Block Heel Sandals

These lightweight, square-toe slides have Vivaia's signature plush footbeds. After testing six pairs of Vivaia shoes, the footbeds are their most redeeming quality. They have subtle arch support, and most importantly for me, are highly cushioned under the forefoot.

I also like that the mesh strap is very stretchy and breathable, so there's no digging sensation around the top of my foot, and the 2-inch heel is very walkable. I do wish, however, that the heels had less of a flat, blocky shape and more of a flared base. Their flatness deadens the silhouette, and when I walk they make a noise that makes them sound heavier than they feel. I easily prefer the Stacey Pro wedges to these. I wear a size 8 and they fit me true to size.

Margot Square-Toe Mary Jane

When putting on my Vivaia Mary Janes, I directly compared them to the Mary Janes I tested for our Rothy's review. Both are machine washable and breathable, but I immediately preferred the look of Vivaia's more — the adjustable buckle on the strap shows more of an intention with the design than the straps on Rothy's, which don't have buckles and are more like strips of fabric. 

Not only are Vivaia's Mary Janes less expensive than Rothy's, but they also beat them in terms of comfort. The insoles are padded around the heel and forefoot with a yoga-mat like material, while Rothy's are flat on the inside. The arch support and slightly more structured heel feel notably different when walking on pavement. The square toe box is roomier than Rothy's Square Mary Janes ($159), so they're better suited for people with wide feet in this aspect, too.

I also recently tested out Rothy's new The Point II Mary Janes ($165), and while they've vastly improved thanks to their "In Love Insole," they're still more narrow in the toe box. I'll give Rothy's points for better color variety and a sleeker silhouette, but Vivaia's Mary Janes are still easier to walk in (and less expensive).

Samantha Walker Loafer

Comfortable walking shoes don't always take the form of a sneaker, as I've learned with the new-and-improved Samantha collection. A common pain point with new loafers are the subsequent heel blisters, but these have soft padding that prevent any friction but still fit narrow heels. They also have more squishy cushioning for light arch support and a slightly thicker padded heel so you can walk on concrete for miles (as I did) without getting tired feet.

They're nice and stretchy, super lightweight, and even water repellent. I also like that they slip on very easily, so I recommend them to people with mobility issues, too. Size down if you're between sizes, since the toe box is generously wide.

Melia Pointed-Toe Flat

I was drawn to the d'Orsay on the Melia Pointed-Toe flat, and chose the Nutmeg colorway because it pairs easily with practically everything I wear. However, I was disappointed to find the sizing was way off. They were entirely too big to wear, and fit more like a size 9 than an 8. They do have heel cushions meant to prevent blisters, but otherwise the footbed lacks extra padding, like the kind I came to love from Rothy's signature In Love Insole.

Addison Pointed-Toe Slingback

Vivaia's high heels were a problem for one tester, but these slingbacks are undeniably comfy to walk in. If you reserve them for special occasions, they may still be worth the try. But if you're searching for a pair you can wear on daily long walks, we suggest splurging on a more durable pair from our guide to the most comfortable heels.

"Vivaia remains a consistent favorite for the most comfortable footwear because of the stretchy elastic material that the brand uses. The knit upper, made from recycled plastic bottles, is much more pliable than other textiles like leather or canvas. So rather than suffering it out to break in a pair of leather slingbacks, you can slide into these immediately like a good pair of leggings.

I love how stretchy yet secure these feel. The back strap is adjustable, which is a fantastic feature to have in slingbacks. And because I could tighten it, I didn't have any issues with accidentally stepping out of the shoe or any discomfort caused by my foot moving around in the toe box. Slingbacks, more than any other shoe, are prone to these snafus — but not the Addison Slingback Sandals." — Samantha Crozier, style & beauty editor

Melody Pro Pump

The Melody Pro Square-Toe Chunky Heels are pumps you can wear without the aches and pains usually associated with the style. Reviews editor Samantha Crozier took walks in her neighborhood wearing different heels, and consequently named the Melody Pros the best cloth pumps in our guide to the most comfortable heels. She advises that the Pros are worth the extra $20 because they come with more padding than the basic version.

"Vivaia's pressure relief insoles have padding exactly where you want it. Incredibly, there's extra cushioning on the area between your heel and ankle where blisters usually appear so there's no uncomfortable rubbing. The sole also has arch support, padding under the balls of your feet, and a shock-absorbent heel rebound.

All of these bells and whistles combine to create a pump that you'll want to wear all day. In fact, these actually feel like wearing sneakers! I'm never afraid of wearing these out of the house, no matter how far I'm going to be walking." —Samantha Crozier, style & beauty editor

Alexandra Ankle Boot

An ankle bootie like the Alexandra has the perfect heel for people who hate wearing heels. The heel looks like it'd be precarious to walk in, but I promise it's not. It curves around the heel cups to support your ankles, and has a flared base that steadies you across whatever surface you're stepping on. Inside are densely padded footbeds that feel like a soft quilt. The stretchy shaft also negates any friction around the skin, so they're easy to break in. 

Update after six months:

I was walking everywhere in these, on hard cement and through wintry slush puddles. It was a winter of hard wear. The heel cap broke suddenly broke off as I was mid-step, so I requested a replacement heel cap in order to repair them. Instead, the brand sent a whole new pair of boots. It's a wasteful practice for a brand that emphasizes using eco-friendly materials. Even though I still like Vivaia's flats, I don't suggest its high heels if you plan to wear them often. The pair I tested came with heel caps made of cheap plastic that weren't properly glued on, rendering the boots unwearable.

Tara Pro Boot

Vivaia's Tara Pros have been my go-to rain boots this past winter. I've worn these knee-high boots throughout the especially rainy stretch of weekends we've had in New York City, and falling raindrops would bead on the uppers and brush off with a simple swipe. I also tested them by pouring water over them before putting them on, and the knit fabric wicks moisture so effectively that I was honestly impressed. You couldn't wear these as waders, but they're a more stylish alternative to rubber rain boots.

I'm five-foot-nine and the stretchy shaft of the boot reaches just below my knee when pulled all the way up, but you can also fold them over or scrunch them around the ankle a bit. Inside, they're lined with a terry knit that keeps my feet warm, and the diamond-quilted foot bed is layered with arch support and shock absorption around the heel and midsole. The block heels are just over an inch high and click with each step. Whenever I receive compliments on them, I'm excited to share that they're waterproof, too.

Regina Pro Boot

Vivaia's water-repellent boot collection also includes the Regina Pros, which first caught our eye for their luxury brand look. They come in six colorways, including two wool versions, and their heels are just over 2 inches high. Reviews style editor Samantha Crozier listed this pair as her top pick for wide feet in our guide to the best ankle boots, thanks to their flexible material. 

 "What sets the Vivaia Regina Pro apart is not just the anti-slip outsole and pressure-relief herbal insole, but also the water-repellant upper that stretches to accommodate even the widest feet.

These boots are incredibly comfortable. The cloth material makes them super easy to slip on in the morning — plus, they're kind of reminiscent of Balenciaga's famous sock boots. But unlike Balenciaga boots, these are incredibly practical and sold at a great price point." —Samantha Crozier, style & beauty editor

Materials and sustainability

The principle material Vivaia uses to create their shoes is recycled PTA, or "polyethylene terephthalate," sourced from water bottles that have been diverted from landfills. Each pair of flats takes six bottles to make. Similar to Birkenstocks, their soles are made with renewable EVA, or "ethylene vinyl acetate," which is a lightweight, waterproof, and flexible material similar to foam and rubber. They also use recyclable thermoplastics to construct their heels, because it can be made from non-toxic plastic and takes less energy to manufacture. 

The rubber used on the outsoles is a blend of synthetic rubber from Vietnam and biodegradable natural rubber, so there's a slight compromise on how purely renewable each pair actually is. The insoles also consist of polyurethane foam, and PU production is a notoriously polluting process. Additionally, the insoles consist of an herbal blend of natural Artemisia Argy, which helps control odor and humidity in order to help your feet stay dry and fresh.

Shipping and returns

Vivaia ships internationally from their warehouses in the UK, US, Germany, and China, and and you can see their list of included countries here. They offer free standard shipping on any order over $99, which typically ships within one to two days, and your shoes should arrive between seven and twelve days. You can add shipping insurance for an extra two dollars. Express shipping costs an extra $25.99, with an expected delivery of three to five days. 

If you're unsatisfied with your order, Vivaia accepts free returns of shoes in perfect unworn condition, with a 100% money back guarantee when you send them back within 30 days — though during the holiday season, this has been extended to 45 days. Refunds take up to three days to be processed. 

Cons to consider

Evidently, Vivaia's sizing system is not true-to-size in every style, and in one case ran much larger than what we expected. If you're especially interested in the Melia Pointed Toe Flats or you have narrow feet, I recommend sizing down by half a size.

It's also worth noting that Vivaia shoes with high heels are made with cheap heel caps that are liable to break off. If you plan to wear them often, they're not worth the money.

The bottom line

Despite Vivaia's original claim to fame being flats, they've really hit their stride with their waterproof boots and comfortable pumps. The mesh material is resilient, they're comfortable to walk in, and the silhouettes are easy to style so you're likely to get a lot of use out of them. We don't love all the color patterns, but the neutral shades are decent.

Its sizing system still needs some perfecting, and in one case the high heels proved too cheaply made to last through a winter of hard wear. That said, Vivaia's flats, sandals, pumps, and boots are worth trying if you want supportive shoes with a modern, feminine flair.