Look for Less: LOFT Shoe Reviews

Tuesday, May 01, 2012

I was eyeing two pairs of sandals during Shopbop's 20% off Friends & Family sale last week. I took too long hemming and hawing, so by the time I was ready to buy, my sizes were sold out. Luckily LOFT's 40% off Friends & Family sale occurred a day later because I found dupes for both pairs. Thank you, shoe Gods!

Sam Edelman Gigi sandals [left] vs. LOFT Vaughn sandals in white snakeskin print, size 6 [right]:

I like how the Gigis have the signature (I think?) Sam Edelman cushioned padding. They certainly helped with comfort in my one prior experience with the brand. The LOFT pair doesn't have the same padding, but otherwise looks the same as the Gigis.

I found these sandals to run true to size. The footbed isn't the most comfortable, but that's to be expected without padding. I would compare the the type of material used (thickness, flexibility, etc) and level of comfort similar to J.Crew capri sandals (which I used to own) and Old Navy Faux-Leather Capri sandals (currently own).

The buckle closure was my biggest issue with these sandals. There's an elastic portion right next to the buckle, so every time I pulled, trying to undo the closure, the elastic part stretched but the buckle wouldn't budge. Am I just a n00b with chubby fingers? I can already see myself struggling with the closure every morning, so sadly, this pair will be going back to LOFT.

Sam Edelman Sophie sandals [left] vs. LOFT Frances color pop wedges in safari tan, size 6 [right]:

I wanted a pair of sandals with two thicker straps across the front and a thick/wide wooden heel. Though neither fit the heel requirement, I felt the lower heel (~2") was a good compromise and didn't look too clunky. I also liked the nude color of the top strap -- doesn't cut off your legs. I can see these wedges being dressed up with skirts and worn casually with jeans.

I took my usual size 6 in these wedges and felt they run a bit long in length and on the narrow side in width. My foot wasn't hanging off the side edges, but my toes do look a bit squished (pic below). The roominess in front didn't feel as significant as it looks in photos -- though I do wonder if the extra space will bother me over time. Sizing down probably wouldn't work because of the narrow width. The ankle strap could be slightly more snug (top strap isn't adjustable), but so far, no almost-twisting-the-ankles while briskly walking around at home.

The best feature is the back zipper. I struggled with the buckle closure of the Vaughn sandals, so it was a relief that I didn't have to fiddle with the strap on this pair. If I had to nitpick, the zipper doesn't glide as smoothly as I'd like, but using one hand to pull the material taut before unzipping helped.

I wore the wedges around the house and barely noticed I had shoes on. They're comfortable and it helped that the material is lightweight. I can possibly see a need to break in the ankle straps as they might cause blisters. But for now, I'm leaning towards keeping this pair because I love the colors and style. Please help me decide -- should I keep or return these wedges?

22 comments

CherMay 1, 2012 at 6:51 PM
When it comes to the Shopbop code, my motto is: buy now, think later. LOL. I've missed out on too many things I wanted to try just by mulling it over and taking to long to do so.

As for the shoes, you're right, they do look too long and too narrow. If the length doesn't bother you, then keep them, but they would certainly bother me. Plus, even though they feel comfortable around the house, the too tight straps around the toes might pose to be a problem out in the "real world". They might jab into the side of your foot? Just something to think about.
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kimmieMay 1, 2012 at 6:57 PM
Seriously, Cee. I'm disappointed in you. WHY DID YOU NOT SHARE THE WEDGES WITH ME WHEN THE 40% OFF PROMOTION WAS STILL GOING ON? I thought you were a friend!!!! Now they're back to reg price and I'm dying to have them and it's all your fault. haha, j/k. but a super cute shoe + low heel + fun color + comfortable is always good in my book. Except when it's not on sale :( I'll definitely be stalking Loft for the next sale.
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melovebutterfliesMay 1, 2012 at 6:58 PM
Keep em! :)
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kimmieMay 1, 2012 at 6:58 PM
Oh, and I heard rubbing wax on the zipper will help it glide smoother? Maybe you can try that...
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AnonymousMay 1, 2012 at 7:20 PM
Keep them, great price and they look so good. The color is perfect for the spring pop of color trend but its not vibrant enough to be out of style next year. I hit up the Loft FF sale in-store and didn't see the wedge so it slipped by me :(
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Lilly StyleMay 1, 2012 at 8:08 PM
Cee,...I love those Sam Edelman sandals but didn't want to spend $100+ on them. Loft ones are amazing dupes. Definitely keep them. Can't believe I missed out on the 40% off.
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julesMay 1, 2012 at 8:23 PM
I really like the wedges, I think you should keep them!

xo julesinflats.blogspot.com
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Amber @ EasyPetiteLooks.comMay 1, 2012 at 8:40 PM
i missed out on the shopbop code, too. i wanted so many things, but just never pulled the trigger. they do look like the fit is a little off and like it would do some serious rubbing after a while
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mimiMay 1, 2012 at 10:00 PM
Keep! So cute, I almost bought it but got busy and forgot to check out online :(
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JeanMay 1, 2012 at 10:30 PM
Thanks for this review, Cee! LOFT shoes have never been on my radar, but I really love how those colorful wedges look on your feet - esp the wide ankle strap. Running narrow is a plus...gonna go see if they still have my size left : )
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TamMay 1, 2012 at 11:34 PM
Those wedges are so cute! They are absolutely fabulous on you. Definitely keep.

I was so annoyed that I missed a cute pair of summer sandals on Shopbop--clearly I should have been looking at LOFT for a good dupe =).
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SSMay 2, 2012 at 9:45 PM
It seems you are much more patient than I am... when I had the pair like first one, I never tried to unbotton, I simply streched elastic band and put my feet in a shoe. OK, eventually elastic band was totally broken after 1 yr... (and I loved those shoes)

wedges look a bit big on you. Do you try smaller size? Love that color but I would be afraid of those zippers...
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With Each Passing DayMay 3, 2012 at 6:20 PM
Oh why oh why did I not see this shoes during the 40 % sale. I have a pair of wedge from loft and they do also are long and narrow. The wedge has been my favorite shoes for summer. They're really comfortable. If you love them keep them.
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