VIVAIA Shoes Review: 5 Cosmo Editors Put the Bella Hadid- and Selena Gomez-Loved Shoes to the Test
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VIVAIA first came on my radar a couple of years ago, right as ballet sneakers were starting to pop off in the fashion world. At the time, they were one of the few brands really embracing the trend. But the more I looked into the brand, the more I realized they were about so much more than the dance-inspired shoes. Their lineup spans everything from loafers to sneakers to boots, with comfort being the most important quality in their styles. Cute shoes that are actually meant to feel good? That'll always have my attention!
Now, I can't stop hearing people rave about their favorite VIVAIA shoes. Then I noticed Bella Hadid wearing them on repeat, along with other major celebrities like Selena Gomez and Lola Tung. At that point, I knew they were worth trying for myself. So, I recruited my fellow Cosmopolitan editors and contributors to put some of VIVAIA's most popular styles to the test. We wore them, walked in them, and evaluated everything from sizing and fit to comfort, style, and overall value. Take this as your official VIVAIA shopping guide—we gotchu!
What is VIVAIA?
Founded in 2020, direct-to-consumer footwear brand VIVAIA is all about eco-friendly comfort and style. Its shoes are made using knit fabric from recycled plastic bottles, so they're super stretchy (and some styles are even machine-washable or water-repellent!) and comfortably mold to your feet. VIVAIA's sustainability efforts go beyond its recycled and nature-derived materials; the company also uses a low-waste production process while designing its footwear to reduce waste and minimize its environmental footprint—all while making very chic shoes that have attracted celeb fans like Lindsay Lohan, Katie Holmes, Emma Roberts, Alexa Chung, and Jenna Ortega, among many others.
Now keep scrolling to see which of VIVAIA's bestselling flats, loafers, boots, heels, and sneakers earned our seal of approval.
Vivaia · Square-Toe Lace-Up Satin Sneakerina (Cristina)
Vivaia · Square-Toe Lace-Up Satin Sneakerina (Cristina)
Pros
- The square-toe makes them feel roomier
- Comfortable for flat feet
Cons
- Some people say it's not an ideal travel shoe for long days of walking
Dare I say these stunners are the shoes that put VIVAIA on the map. Seriously, if you're only buying one pair from the brand, make it the Cristina. These lace-up sneakerinas have become one of VIVAIA's signature styles—and for good reason. They're incredibly lightweight and designed to mold to your feet thanks to their soft, cloud-like insoles. It’s basically a sneaker disguised in a stylish ballet flat silhouette. If you want to elevate your everyday outfits without committing to heels, these are worth the investment.
| Sizes: | 5-11 |
| Heel: | 0:3" |
| Colors: | 7 |
| Mashine washable? | Yes |
| Fit notes: | Runs true to size |
Editor Review
“I didn't expect to love the Vivaia Cristina ballet sneakers this much. The satin interior is so cushiony that I'm excited to put them on for the feeling alone—and the triple-layer sole means they stay comfortable all day. They're also easier to style than I thought: the square toe keeps them looking dainty and cool, so they work with trousers and dresses alike, and each pair comes with two sets of laces if you want to switch up the look. Bonus: they fold flat, so they're an easy toss-in for a travel bag or commute.” —Kim Duong, deputy shopping director
VIVAIA Almond-Toe Stress
VIVAIA Almond-Toe Stress
Pros
- Padded back heel helps prevent ankle chafing
- Provide a lil height without putting strain on your feet
Cons
- Run a bit small, so you may want to size up
- Can take a few wears to break them in
Everyone from Jenna Ortega to Selena Gomez has been spotted wearing VIVAIA's "running heels," as they've been dubbed, so you know they gotta be good. I <3 the cute toe-cap detail (it's giving Chanel, no?) and that mid-heel height, which can easily take you from the office to happy hour. Plus, the shock-absorbing heel rebound and pressure-relieving insole will keep your feet feeling happy all day.
| Sizes: | 5-11 |
| Heel: | 1.77" |
| Colors: | 11 options |
| Machine washable? | No |
| Fit notes: | Runs true to size. |
Editor Review
"The small heel is really manageable and easy to walk in! Oh, and the sole is sooooooooooo nice. It’s quilted and cushioned with a rebound heel and arch support, which feels incredible on the feet. They’re a great office shoe and look veryyyy polished with a pair of black pants!" —Hannah Oh
Pros
- Won't squish your toes, despite the pointed toe design
- Impressive arch support for a flat shoe
Cons
- May not be the best fit for wider feet
- Some noticed gaping on the sides while wearing these
I'll be honest: As chic as they look, pointed-toe shoes are kind of my nightmare. I like a toe box with ample room—but my curiosity got the better of me when I saw these flexible lil flats. Spoiler alert: They are just as comfy as all those reviews claim. I love the cushiony, diamond-patterned insoles and the stretchy knit uppers, which allow for swelling throughout the day (and the fact that they're machine washable is def a big plus).
| Sizes: | 5-11 |
| Heel: | 0.59" |
| Colors: | 23 options |
| Machine washable? | Yes |
| Fit notes: | Runs true to size |
Editor Review
“I always feel so sophisticated when I wear my Aria Walker flats to work (and they still look good as new, even though I chose the Almond color). I usually wear them with no-show socks, but they're just as comfy without—and yes, I can confirm they're true to size!” —Corinne Sullivan, senior news editor
VIVAIA Audrey
VIVAIA Audrey
Pros
- Structured but still so lightweight
- Many found them comfy from the very first wear
Cons
- Don't have the best arch support, per testers
Loafers that feel like slippers? You have my attention!! Featuring a wide toe box, a padded heel patch to prevent uncomfy rubbing, and tons of different embroidery patterns, these slip-ons are ideal for anyone who hates the feel of a heavy, clunky loafer—and yep, like most VIVAIA shoes, they have stretchy knit uppers made from recycled plastic bottles and are totally machine-washable.
| Sizes: | 5-11 |
| Heel: | 0.34" |
| Colors: | 21 options |
| Machine washable? | Yes |
| Fit notes: | Runs true to size |
Editor Review
"Obviously, leopard is so in right now, and I loveee how subtle these shoes are so I can participate in the trend without looking like I'm cosplaying a Cheetah Girl. My fave part about the shoes is that they're super lightweight, and it takes literally zero minutes to break them in, unlike some of my other flats. Overall a great shoe to wear around the office and commuting, but I could see myself needing more to add an insert in the long run." —Chaise Saunders
VIVAIA Leah Pro
VIVAIA Leah Pro
Pros
- Mesh knit fabric keeps feet cool and ventilated
- Adjustable back strap allows you to get a secure fit
Cons
- Pointed toe can feel a tad stiff initially
- Some noted that these run a slightly large
Slingbacks are ev-ery-where rn, and these cuties are a great way to hop on the trend. The unique droplet-shaped heel offers tons of support while still looking ~dainty~, and the ventilated uppers will keep your feet from overheating throughout the day. Plus, those thick, adjustable back straps will make these bbs don't slip off your feet with every step (no twisted ankles here!).
| Sizes: | 5-11 |
| Heel: | 2" |
| Colors: | 7 options |
| Machine washable? | No |
| Fit notes: | Runs true to size |
Editor Review
"These days, I have switched out my super high heels for shorter styles in the name of comfort. These slingbacks are ventilated so my feet don't get sweaty, and the teardrop shape of the heel is super unique and super sturdy for walking. But my favorite part is the adjustable heel straps. I often have trouble keeping a slingback on without constantly having to readjust, but with these, I never run into that problem." —Siena Gagliano
VIVAIA Margot Mary-Jane
VIVAIA Margot Mary-Jane
Pros
- Adjustable strap helps you get a comfy fit
- Slight heel offers *just* enough support
Cons
- Only a few color options available for extended sizes
- Some found they needed a few wears to break these in
The trick to finding comfortable Mary Jane shoes: getting a pair with 1) enough arch support and 2) an adjustable instep strap. Luckily, these bbs check both boxes, all while looking very, very cute. I'm obsessed with the square toe and subtle ribbed design—and if you're someone with wider feet, you'll appreciate that the Margot is available in extended sizes as well.
| Sizes: | 5-11, Standard or Wide |
| Heel: | 0.34" |
| Colors: | 20 options (*available in 4 colors for wide sizes) |
| Machine washable? | Yes |
| Fit notes: | Runs true to size |
Editor Review
"Red was THE hottest color last fall and winter, so I had to invest in a pair of bright red flats (and they turned out to be the most worn 'neutral' shoe I owned because they went with literally Every. Single. Outfit.). The tiny, tiny heel helped with shock absorption (no heel pain!), the square toe felt nice and roomy, and there’s a little padding on the back to prevent blisters. Can’t emphasize enough how breathable, soft, and comfortable these flats are!!" —HO
Pros and cons of VIVAIA:
Pros
- Quality and affordability: Though VIVAIA shoes are not cheap by any means, the prices are pretty reasonable considering the quality. For instance, Rothy's Max Square Mary Janes (which are also made from recycled materials) are very similar to VIVAIA's Margot Mary-Jane, but they're priced at $159, while the Margot is priced at $97.
- Return policy: Finding the perfect fit with shoes is tough, especially when you're shopping online. That's why I love VIVAIA's 30-day returns and exchange policy, which gives you a month to swap out your shoes if they just aren't working for you.
- Customer reviews: One of the best things about the VIVAIA site is the thousands of real-life customer reviews it has accumulated. Tons of testers share photos and honest reviews to help you make your selection (and with many styles also available on Nordstrom and Amazon, you can get access to even more reviews!).
Cons
- Limited wide-foot styles: While VIVAIA has many styles that it considers "wide-feet friendly," there are currently only a few products that are actually made to accommodate sizes D-EE, and even those tend to be pretty limited with the colors that are available. (The Margot 2.0, for example, comes in nearly 50 color options, but you can currently only get 11 of those colors in size A-EE.)
- Sizing inconsistencies: My biggest gripe with VIVAIA is that the sizing can vary widely depending on the style. In my own experience, I've found that flats tend to run true to size while heels run a bit small—but that isn't the case for everyone, so make sure you read those reviews and take advantage of the return policy if need be!
Why trust 'Cosmo'?
Cosmo's team of digital fashion and lifestyle experts have decades of combined experience in the industry. They spot relevant trends on the runway before they even hit your TikTok FYP or Insta Explore Page and conduct research across retailers of all kinds—testing many brands IRL—to bring you the best clothing, accessory, home goods, and gadget picks for every season. Basically, we’ve curated the internet to bring you the chicest options like it’s our job (because it is, heh).
For this specific story, Cosmo editors wear-tested and tried some of the best-selling VIVAIA pieces and products over a period of time, judging the fit, performance, comfort, and durability.
Corinne Sullivan is the Senior News Editor at Cosmopolitan, where she covers all things celebrity and reality TV. She can tell you everything you need to know about the love lives of A-listers, the latest Bravo drama, and where to shop like the stars. She is also the author of two novels: Yours Always and Indecent.
Megan Uy is an associate shopping editor at Cosmopolitan, where she searches for the best products in all things fashion, home, beauty, sex, gifts, and more, so you don’t have to. When she’s not writing for the site, she’s whipping up some cool and trendy content for the fashion section of the print magazine. She’s been with the brand since 2019 (when she was an itty-bitty editorial fellow), and she's also written for Delish, House Beautiful, and People. Follow her on Instagram to get some BTS of the editor life and chaotic NYC content. Also, feel free to hit her up if you ever wanna discuss the madness that is TikTok.
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