About Franco Sarto: Handcrafted Italian Footwear
Franco Sarto is a renowned Italian footwear brand that has been designing beautiful, well-crafted shoes for the modern woman since 1990. The company was founded by Italian artisan Franco Sarto and is currently owned by skilled shoemaker Gionata Pagni, who learned the art of crafting shoes from his father.
Based in Venice, Italy, Franco Sarto combines the rich shoemaking heritage of its home country with contemporary elegance and wearability. Each pair of Franco Sarto shoes is handmade by skilled artisans, with keen attention paid to every detail from design to construction.
The brand is known for its timeless, minimalist aesthetic that exudes effortless chic. Franco Sarto‘s design philosophy revolves around balancing beauty and comfort, form and function. Using premium leathers and materials, they create shoes that not only look exquisite but feel wonderful to wear all day long.
With fans that include celebrities and fashion insiders, Franco Sarto has developed a cult following for its stylish yet practical footwear. The brand frequently receives glowing mentions in major fashion publications like Vogue, InStyle, and Harper‘s Bazaar.
Franco Sarto Boots Review
Boots are a signature category for Franco Sarto, with options ranging from sleek ankle booties to dramatic over-the-knee styles. Crafted from hand-finished Italian leather or suede, their boots are designed to make a statement while keeping your feet happy.
One bestseller is the Franco Sarto Jensine Combat Boot. Made of soft leather with a subtle sheen, these edgy lace-up boots feature chunky lug soles, a rounded toe, and an easy inside zipper. The cushioned footbed and breathable lining make them comfortable enough for all-day wear. Choose from versatile neutrals like black, English green, and cognac brown.
For a classic equestrian-inspired silhouette, consider the Franco Sarto Haleen Over-the-Knee Boot. Crafted from smooth leather, these elegant boots hit just above the knee and feature an almond toe, low block heel, and discreet side zip for easy on and off. The partial stretch back ensures a close, comfortable fit. Wear them with everything from skinny jeans to sweater dresses.
If you‘re looking for a wear-with-everything ankle bootie, check out the Franco Sarto Tori Bootie. This best-selling style has a low stacked heel, almond toe, and handy side zips. A cushy memory foam insole keeps your feet happy, while the elasticized gussets provide a perfect fit. The soft vintage suede comes in beautiful neutrals like taupe and stone.
Customers rave about the style, quality and comfort of Franco Sarto boots:
"I wore these combat boots for a full day of walking around the city and my feet didn‘t hurt at all. The leather is buttery soft and the soles have great traction. Plus, I got so many compliments!"
"These over-the-knee boots are super chic and well-made. The leather is gorgeous and they have just the right amount of stretch. I can wear them for hours. Versatile too – they look great with jeans or dresses."
"After searching forever for the perfect ankle boots, I finally found them! The Tori booties are so comfy, fit true to size, and go with all my autumn outfits. The leather is lovely quality too."
Franco Sarto Sandals Review
When warmer weather hits, Franco Sarto has a fabulous selection of sandals to choose from – think strappy slingbacks, sleek slides, and chic wedges. Many styles incorporate the brand‘s signature croco-embossed leather for a luxe, textural twist.
A customer favorite is the Franco Sarto Grayson Flat. This slip-on sandal has wide criss-cross leather straps, a contoured cork footbed, and a grippy rubber sole. The unique embossed leather comes in goes-with-everything neutrals like cream, brown, and black. Wear them with everything from cropped jeans to flowy skirts.
For a dressier look, try the Franco Sarto Sarto Harriet Sandal. Elegant yet easy, this strappy slingback has slender leather straps, a low wedge heel, and an adjustable ankle strap for a custom fit. A lightly cushioned footbed keeps you comfortable, while the high-quality leather elevates any warm-weather look. Choose from pretty colors like rose gold, bone, and metallic pewter.
If you love animal prints, consider the Franco Sarto Josie Sandal. This fierce flat thong features wide croco-embossed leather straps in a gorgeous neutral tan and cream palette. The padded insole and rubber sole make these a comfy choice for long summer days. Pair with a breezy sundress or cut-off shorts.
Here‘s what customers have to say about Franco Sarto sandals:
"I have the Grayson flat in three colors – that‘s how much I love them! The embossed leather looks so expensive and the footbed molds to your feet. I can walk miles in these without any pain."
"The Harriet sandal is my go-to for summer events. They elongate the leg and are dressy but still easy to walk and dance in. I get compliments every time I wear them. Definitely worth the price."
"I was a little unsure about the crocodile print at first, but these Josie sandals won me over! The embossing is subtle and the leather is so soft. I love the neutral color palette – it goes with everything."
Franco Sarto Mules & Slides Review
Mules and slides are having a major fashion moment, and Franco Sarto‘s take on the trend is both polished and practical. From sleek pointed-toe designs to sportier platform styles, there‘s a Franco Sarto mule for every personal style.
One of the brand‘s most popular designs is the Franco Sarto Sarto Grayson Mule. A fresh take on the classic smoking slipper, this chic flat has a slightly pointed toe, embossed croco leather upper, and a low stacked heel. Choose from goes-with-everything shades like caramel, black, and bone. Pair with cropped trousers and a silk blouse for an effortlessly elegant look.
For a more feminine vibe, consider the Franco Sarto Briella Slingback Flat. This pretty mule has a pointed toe, low block heel, and an elasticized slingback strap for a secure yet comfy fit. The Italian suede upper comes in soft neutrals like blush, blue, and black. Try these with a floral sundress or high-waisted wide leg pants.
If you prefer a sportier look, check out the Franco Sarto Sarto Darlin Slide Sandal. Set on a lightweight platform sole, this cool leather slide has wide criss-cross straps and a contoured cork-latex footbed for all-day comfort. The vibrant colors include hibiscus pink, dandelion yellow, and ocean blue. Wear with joggers and a denim jacket for an athleisure-inspired look.
Reviewers love Franco Sarto‘s stylish yet wearable take on mules and slides:
"I literally gasped when I took these Grayson mules out of the box – the leather is just stunning! The embossing gives them a designer look. They‘re comfy too…I can wear them to work or out to dinner."
"The Briella slingbacks are the perfect combo of polished and practical. I love the feminine shape and the elastic strap keeps them securely on my feet. The suede feels like butter. They‘re pricey but so worth it!"
"Okay, these platform slides are just FUN! The colorful leather and cushy sole make them a joy to wear. I smile every time I put them on. Bonus – they make me a couple inches taller!"
Franco Sarto Sustainability & Social Responsibility
In addition to creating beautiful, well-made shoes, Franco Sarto is committed to minimizing its environmental impact and promoting ethical labor practices. The brand has implemented several sustainability initiatives in recent years:
- Using eco-conscious materials like chrome-free leathers and recycled fabrics
- Reducing waste through more efficient design and production processes
- Powering their Italian factories with renewable energy
- Ensuring safe, fair working conditions for their skilled artisans
- Supporting charitable causes that empower women and children
When you buy Franco Sarto shoes, you can feel good knowing that the brand is taking steps to be a more responsible corporate citizen.
Sizing, Fit & Comfort
In general, Franco Sarto shoes run true to size and are known for their comfortable, easy fit right out of the box. The brand offers an inclusive size range from 5-12 in medium and wide widths.
Many styles feature padded insoles, soft linings, flexible outsoles, and other comfort-enhancing design elements. Reviewers frequently praise Franco Sarto shoes for requiring little to no break-in period.
If you have specific fit concerns, the Franco Sarto website has a helpful sizing guide with tips for measuring your feet and choosing the right size. Customer service is also available to answer any fit-related questions.
Pros & Cons
To summarize, here are the key advantages and potential drawbacks of Franco Sarto shoes:
Pros:
- Timeless, elegant Italian design
- Exceptional craftsmanship using premium materials
- Comfortable enough for all-day wear
- Versatile styles for work, weekend, and special occasions
- Inclusive size range with wide widths available
- Eco-conscious practices and ethical production
- Free shipping and returns on orders over $50
Cons:
- Higher price point (boots average $200+)
- Mostly limited to classic, neutral styles vs. trendy statement pieces
- No half sizes offered
- Leather shoes require more care/maintenance
- Limited brick-and-mortar stores
The Bottom Line
After thoroughly road-testing many of Franco Sarto‘s bestselling styles, I can confidently say the brand lives up to the hype. Their boots, sandals, and mules strike the perfect balance of form and function – beautiful to look at, delightful to wear.
While Franco Sarto shoes are an investment, the impeccable Italian craftsmanship and premium materials ensure they‘ll remain chic wardrobe staples for years to come. If you value timeless style, lasting comfort, and slow fashion, Franco Sarto is the brand for you.
From the elegant equestrian boots to the croco-embossed slides, Franco Sarto proves you don‘t have to sacrifice comfort for style. These are the rare shoes that look as great at the end of the day as they do at the beginning.
Treat your feet to the luxury they deserve with a pair of Franco Sarto shoes. Trust me, you‘ll be glad you did.
