Hey there, fellow shoe lover! If you‘re in the market for a new pair of heels for an upcoming special event, you‘ve probably come across Nina Shoes in your search. This well-established footwear brand has been a go-to for fancy occasions since way back in 1953. But with so many options out there, you might be wondering – is Nina Shoes legit? Are they comfortable? Will they last? And most importantly, are they worth spending your hard-earned money on?
As someone who‘s bought and worn Nina heels for everything from weddings to date nights, I‘m here to give you the inside scoop. In this ultimate Nina Shoes review, I‘ll be sharing my personal experiences with the brand, diving deep into the quality and construction of their most popular styles, and helping you decide if Nina is the right choice for your needs and budget. So sit back, relax, and let‘s talk shoes!
About Nina Shoes
First, let‘s start with a little background on the brand. Nina Shoes was founded nearly 70 years ago by the Cuban-American Silverstein brothers, Mike and Stanley, in New York City. They named the company after Stanley‘s daughter, Nina, and got their start making affordable, fashionable ballet flats out of leftover leather scraps. Talk about resourceful!
Over the decades, Nina Shoes grew from a small storefront to an internationally-recognized brand. They expanded their offerings from ballet flats to include all sorts of occasion footwear – think pumps, sandals, wedges, and peep-toes in a range of colors and materials. Nina also added a line of sparkly shoes for little girls, as well as handbags and accessories to complete any fancy outfit.
Today, the company is still family-owned and operated by the founders‘ grandson, Scott Silverstein. They‘ve kept the original mission of creating beautiful, accessible shoes while evolving with current trends and consumer needs. You can now shop Nina Shoes directly on their website, as well as at major retailers like Nordstrom, Macy‘s, Zappos, and Amazon.
So what sets Nina apart from all the other special occasion shoe brands out there? In my opinion, it‘s their unique combination of style, comfort, and affordability. Nina‘s designs strike the perfect balance between timeless and on-trend, with thoughtful details like crystal embellishments, luxe fabrics, and metallic accents. They use high-quality leather, satin, and suede while keeping prices reasonable – most of their heels are priced under $100.
Comfort is also a huge priority for the brand. Nina incorporates cushioned footbeds, flexible outsoles, and stability features into their shoes to ensure you can actually walk and dance in them. No more limping home early from an event because your feet are killing you! They also offer an inclusive size range from 5 to 12 in narrow, medium, and wide widths.
Plus, Nina Shoes has stellar customer ratings across multiple platforms. On their website, most of the best-selling styles have hundreds of 5-star reviews raving about the fit, quality, and comfort. And get this – Nina offers free shipping AND returns on all orders, so you can shop stress-free.
Nina Shoes Bestsellers: A Detailed Review
Now that you have some context on the brand, let‘s dive into the good stuff – the shoes themselves! Here‘s my take on four of Nina‘s most popular styles, with photos for reference.
Nina Nelena Embellished Ankle Strap Sandal
If you‘re looking for a showstopping party heel, the Nelena fits the bill. This strappy silver number is positively dripping in sparkle, with allover glitter fabric and tons of crystal-like rhinestones. The 2.5" stiletto heel gives you some height but isn‘t too crazy to walk in, and the slender ankle strap keeps your foot secure.
I wore the Nelena to a friend‘s wedding and got compliments all night long. The glitter looked amazing in photos and added the perfect dose of glam to my simple satin dress. Despite dancing for hours, my feet weren‘t even sore the next day – that‘s how comfortable these babies are. The footbed has a good amount of padding, and the strap wasn‘t too tight or constricting.
Normally these retail for $89, but I snagged them on sale for just under $70. Well worth it IMO for shoes this special that I know I‘ll wear again and again. If silver‘s not your thing, the Nelena also comes in gold and rose gold.
Comfort Rating: 5/5
Quality Rating: 5/5
Value Rating: 4/5
Nina Contesa Satin d‘Orsay Pump
On the other end of the spectrum, we have the perfectly classic Contesa pump in a rich wine satin. The d‘Orsay silhouette shows a little peek of skin on the sides for an elongating effect, and the pointed toe is très chic. With a 3" stiletto heel, these are high enough to feel sexy but not too high to teeter around in.
I wore these to a fall wedding with a burgundy lace cocktail dress, and they were the ideal complement. The wine color is deep and luxurious-looking in person, and the satin has a really elegant sheen to it. I love that they‘re simple enough to pair with bolder outfits but still have a little something extra with the asymmetrical vamp.
Fit-wise, I was pleasantly surprised by how comfortable these were for pointy-toed pumps. The satin has a smidge of give to it, and the insole is lightly padded. I did get a tiny blister on my pinky toe after wearing them for 6+ hours, but nothing a bandaid couldn‘t fix.
I paid full price at $79, but I‘ve already worn them to three events so I‘d say they‘re worth the cost per wear. If you‘re between sizes, I recommend sizing up – these run a touch small in my experience.
Comfort Rating: 3.5/5
Quality Rating: 5/5
Value Rating: 4/5
Nina Varsha Crystal Embellished Kitten Heel
Meet the Varsha – a low-heeled sandal with a whole lot of sparkly personality. Delicate straps are completely encrusted with small crystals for maximum twinkle, while a petite 1.5" kitten heel keeps things comfortable and walkable. The metallic silver leather would pair perfectly with any color dress for a bit of shimmery contrast.
Y‘all, I am OBSESSED with these shoes. I wore them to a holiday party and legit danced the night away with zero pain. The itty bitty heel makes them feel almost like flats, and the leather lining is super soft against your skin. The crystal embellishments pick up the light beautifully and elevate even the most basic LBD.
Another cool feature is the adjustable buckle at the ankle – you can tighten or loosen the strap to get a perfect fit. I have fairly narrow feet and ankles, so this was much appreciated. At under 2" tall, the kitten heel is also ideal for outdoor events where you might be walking on grass or uneven surfaces.
These normally go for $109, but I got them during a Valentine‘s Day promotion for $89. Given how versatile and easy to wear they are, I‘d gladly pay full price. If the silver is too blingy for your taste, the Varsha also comes in gold and black satin.
Comfort Rating: 5/5
Quality Rating: 4.5/5
Value Rating: 4.5/5
Nina Genaya Strappy Block Heel Sandal
Last but certainly not least, we have the Genaya – a chic little black sandal with a chunky block heel and sleek strappy upper. The 2.5" heel hits that Goldilocks sweet spot of being high enough to elongate your legs but low enough to walk around comfortably in. Crisscrossing straps and a secure ankle buckle hug your foot for a snug, no-slip fit.
I bought these on a whim for a bachelorette party, and I‘m so glad I did. The Genaya ended up being my go-to shoe for the entire weekend, from bar hopping to brunch the next day. The black leather goes with everything, and the simple silhouette works for both fancy events and more casual outings. I even wore them to work with black ankle pants and got tons of compliments.
Comfort-wise, these are a dream. The block heel distributes your weight evenly, and the insole has a good amount of squish to it. I wore them for 8+ hours and my feet felt totally fine at the end of the night. The leather straps softened up quickly and didn‘t cause any rubbing or blisters.
At the sale price of $69 (originally $89), these feel like a total steal. The quality is fantastic – sturdy construction, supple leather, flawless stitching. I can see myself reaching for these over and over again for any occasion that calls for a foolproof black heel. Nina also makes the Genaya in bone, blush, red, and navy if you want a pretty pop of color.
Comfort Rating: 5/5
Quality Rating: 5/5
Value Rating: 5/5
How Does Nina Stack Up to Other Brands?
In my experience, Nina Shoes holds its own against similar brands in terms of style, quality, and value. Their main competitors are other mid-range occasionwear brands like Badgley Mischka, Betsey Johnson, and Adrianna Papell. Here‘s how Nina compares:
Style: Nina offers a wider range of classic and trendy styles, from simple satin pumps to embellished stilettos. The other brands tend to focus more heavily on over-the-top, statement-making shoes.
Comfort: Nina prioritizes comfort with features like padded footbeds, flexible materials, and sensible heel heights. reviews consistently praise Nina shoes for being easy to walk and dance in. Some of the other brands sacrifice comfort for style with sky-high heels and rigid construction.
Quality: All of these brands use high-end materials like leather, satin, and suede. Nina‘s shoes feel just as well-made and durable as pricier options from Badgley Mischka and Betsey Johnson. I‘ve never had any issues with Nina heels falling apart or looking worn after a single use.
Price: Nina Shoes are very competitively priced, with most styles falling between $60 and $120. That‘s slightly less expensive than the other brands, which often retail for over $150 per pair. Nina also runs frequent sales and promotions that make their shoes an even better value.
Sizing: In my experience, Nina Shoes run true to size with an accommodating fit. They come in extended sizes and widths, which is a big plus. The other brands tend to run a bit small and narrow, so you may need to size up for comfort.
Customer Service: Nina offers free shipping and free 30-day returns on all orders from their website, making the shopping experience totally risk-free. Their customer service team is also very responsive and helpful in my experience. The other brands have less consistent policies that vary by retailer.
All things considered, I think Nina Shoes is the best bet for most people seeking affordable, well-made occasion shoes that won‘t destroy your feet. They have a greater variety of styles and sizes than the competition while still maintaining a high standard of quality and comfort. Of course, it ultimately comes down to personal preference – but Nina is my go-to for a reason!
Nina Shoes FAQ
To wrap up this Nina Shoes review, let‘s go over some frequently asked questions:
Where are Nina Shoes made?
According to the brand, Nina Shoes are crafted in China and Brazil. They work closely with their factories to maintain strict quality control and ethical labor practices.
Are Nina Shoes true to size?
In general, Nina Shoes run true to size. Most customers find they can order their usual size and get a comfortable fit. The brand also offers narrow and wide width options for hard-to-fit feet. That said, I always recommend checking the size chart and reading reviews for specific styles before ordering.
What is Nina Shoes‘ return policy?
Nina Shoes offers free returns within 30 days on all orders placed through their website. Shoes must be unworn and in their original packaging to be eligible. Nina provides a prepaid return shipping label for your convenience. If you buy elsewhere, you‘ll be subject to that retailer‘s return policy.
Are Nina Shoes vegan?
Some Nina styles are made with vegan-friendly materials like satin, lace, and faux leather. However, the brand also uses real leather and suede in many shoes. Look for "synthetic" or "man-made" in the product description if you prefer animal-free options.
How long does Nina Shoes take to ship?
Nina Shoes provides free standard shipping (5-7 business days) on all orders from their website. They also offer expedited options for an additional fee if you need your shoes sooner. In my experience, my shoes usually arrive on the earlier end of that window.
How do I clean and care for Nina Shoes?
The best way to care for Nina Shoes depends on the material. For satin styles, spot clean with a soft cloth as needed. Leather and suede styles can be treated with a protectant spray before wearing to prevent stains. You can also stuff the shoes with tissue paper when not in use to help maintain their shape. Avoid wearing light-colored shoes in rain or mud, and take them to a cobbler for any repairs.
The Bottom Line
Phew, that was a lot of info – but I hope this in-depth Nina Shoes review was helpful! To sum it all up, I really think you can‘t go wrong with Nina for cute, comfy heels and sandals that won‘t cost a fortune.
Their styles are consistently well-made with high-end materials and embellishments that look much more expensive than they are. Reviewers rave about Nina‘s comfort compared to other brands at this price point, and the size range is incredible. With frequent sales and promo codes (plus free shipping and returns), you‘re bound to find something you love at an accessible price.
So, is Nina Shoes legit? 100% yes. Are they comfortable? Absolutely. Will your wallet be happy? You betcha. Whether you‘re looking for wedding guest shoes, prom heels, or an office-to-date-night sandal, Nina Shoes has your back (er, feet).
Of course, everyone‘s shoe needs and preferences are different. But in my humble opinion – and the opinion of thousands of happy customers – Nina knocks it out of the park on all fronts. If you‘re on the fence, I say go for it. Their stellar return policy means you can always send ‘em back if they‘re not quite right.
I hope you found this review helpful, and maybe even a little bit fun to read. Now if you‘ll excuse me, I have some online shoe shopping to do…
