Hey there, shoe lover! If you‘re looking for high-quality leather shoes with a unique, artisanal vibe, you need to check out Pikolinos. This Spanish brand has been one of my go-tos for years. Their distinctive designs and incredible craftsmanship set them apart from other footwear brands.
I‘ve owned at least a dozen pairs of Pikolinos over the years, and I‘m always impressed by how well they hold up. The leather is thick and supple, molding to my feet like a custom fit. And don‘t even get me started on how amazing they look! I get compliments every time I wear my Pikolinos.
But hey, don‘t just take my word for it. In this in-depth Pikolinos review, I‘ll give you the full scoop on the brand‘s history, bestselling styles for men and women, customer reviews, and tips for scoring the best deal. Trust me, by the end, you‘ll be itching to add a pair (or three) to your shoe collection. Let‘s dive in!
What is Pikolinos? An Overview of the Brand
Pikolinos is a Spanish shoe company that was founded way back in 1984. The name "Pikolinos" comes from the Spanish word "pico," which means "beak," and "linos," meaning "flax." This represents the brand‘s focus on natural materials and fine craftsmanship.
From the very beginning, Pikolinos has been all about preserving the art of traditional shoemaking. The founder, Juan Perán, came from a long line of artisan cobblers in Elche, Spain. He started the company as a small workshop, employing skilled craftsmen to create shoes by hand using time-honored techniques.
Fast forward almost 40 years, and Pikolinos has grown into a global brand sold in over 60 countries. In 2021 alone, they sold over 1.8 million pairs of shoes, generating €128 million in revenue. That‘s a lot of happy feet!
Despite the growth, Pikolinos remains committed to their artisanal roots. Many of their shoes are still handcrafted in Spain using premium locally-sourced leather. The brand is also dedicated to ethical and sustainable business practices. They partner with NGOs to promote social welfare projects and use eco-friendly materials and production methods.
The Pikolinos Difference: It‘s All in the Details
What I love most about Pikolinos is the incredible attention to detail in every shoe they make. You can instantly tell that these are lovingly crafted by hand, not spit out by some machine.
It all starts with the leather. Pikolinos sources the finest hides from Europe, which are vegetable-tanned using natural materials like tree bark and olive leaves. This old-world process can take weeks, but the result is a leather that‘s supple, lustrous, and ages beautifully.
The uppers are then cut by hand and individually stitched and shaped by skilled artisans. Some styles feature intricate woven or embroidered patterns that can take hours to complete. Others showcase hand-painted finishes or laser-cut details.
But Pikolinos aren‘t just pretty – they‘re practical too. The brand puts a huge emphasis on comfort, integrating cushioned insoles, arch support, and flexible outsoles into every pair. The leather lining wicks away moisture to keep feet cool and prevent blisters. It‘s the kind of all-day comfort you have to feel to believe.
I also love that Pikolinos offers a wide range of sizes and widths. I have slightly narrow feet, and I appreciate that I can find styles that fit me perfectly. They offer sizes from 5-12 for women and 7-15 for men, with slim, regular, and wide widths.
Bestselling Pikolinos Styles for Women
Pikolinos truly has a shoe for every occasion. Whether you‘re strolling city streets, exploring the countryside, or dressing up for a night out, there‘s a pair that will fit your needs. Here are a few of their most popular women‘s styles:
Alcudia Sneaker
One of my personal faves, the Alcudia is like if a huarache sandal and a sneaker had a baby. The woven leather upper is surprisingly soft and flexible, molding to your foot like a glove. The perforations keep my feet cool even on hot summer days. I love the way the natural leather weathers and patinas over time – it just gets better with age!
Puerto Vallarta Sandal
If you‘re looking for a statement sandal, the Puerto Vallarta is it. The intricate hand-woven leather straps and whipstitch detailing are absolutely stunning. I have these in both black and metallic gold, and they never fail to rack up compliments. Bonus: the anatomical footbed and grippy rubber sole make them deceptively comfy for such a fashion-forward sandal.
Rotterdam Ankle Boot
Confession: I own these boots in three colors. They‘re just that good! The sleek Chelsea silhouette looks amazing with skinny jeans or bare legs. The leather is buttery soft from day one – no break-in period required. I have the hardest time choosing between the classic black, rich cognac, and olive green. Better to just get them all, right?
Victoria Loafer
Every gal needs a model-off-duty loafer, and the Victoria is perfection. The rich hand-burnished leather and equestrian-inspired hardware feel so luxe. I slip these on with jeans and a slouchy sweater for a cool borrowed-from-the-boys vibe. Hot tip: size up if you plan to wear them with socks.
Pikolinos Men‘s Shoes: Laid-Back Luxury
Guys, Pikolinos hasn‘t forgotten about you. Their men‘s collection has something for every style, from rugged boots to refined oxfords. Here are some of their bestsellers:
San Telmo Oxford
Need a razor-sharp oxford for the office or a wedding? The San Telmo has you covered. This cap-toe stunner is crafted from polished calfskin that only gets richer with time. The leather lining and gel-foam insole keep you comfortable through long days on your feet.
Berna Driving Loafer
Nothing beats a driving moc for casual summer style. Pikolinos‘ Berna loafer is crafted from durable yet flexible nubuck in the coolest washed hues. I love the contrasting whipstitch details and 360° lacing. The rubber-nubbed sole provides stellar traction behind the wheel or on foot.
Tudela Chelsea Boot
If you‘re looking for an everyday boot that can hang with your toughest denim, check out the Tudela. The oiled leather can stand up to some serious wear and tear, developing a rugged patina. Yet the clean lines and slim profile still look polished with trousers and a sport coat.
Jerez Perforated Sneaker
Whoever said comfy shoes can‘t be cool hasn‘t seen the Jerez. These laid-back kicks give classic skate shoes a grown-up twist with perforated leather and a slight wedge sole. I dig the neutral color options like sand, grey, and navy – they go with everything from shorts to chinos.
What Are Customers Saying About Pikolinos?
You know I‘m a fan, but what do other Pikolinos customers have to say? I scoured the web for reviews to get the full picture. The verdict: people are seriously passionate about their Pikolinos!
On Amazon, Pikolinos shoes have an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from over 2,500 reviews. Zappos shoppers give the brand 4.5 stars overall. And on Pikolinos‘ own site, most styles have dozens of glowing 5-star reviews.
Here are a few common themes I noticed:
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Supreme comfort: So many reviewers rave about how comfortable Pikolinos are right out of the box. Even people with foot issues like plantar fasciitis or bunions say they can wear them all day pain-free. The cushioned insoles and flexible leather get tons of praise.
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Impressive quality: Customers are consistently wowed by the craftsmanship and materials. Many say their Pikolinos last for years and still look great. The leather and stitching hold up beautifully with proper care.
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Compliment magnets: Pikolinos seem to turn a lot of heads! Reviewers frequently mention getting stopped on the street by admirers. The unique designs definitely stand out from cookie-cutter department store shoes.
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Worth the price: While some shoppers initially balk at the cost, most say Pikolinos are worth every penny. The quality, comfort, and style are unmatched for the price point. Many customers become loyal repeat buyers.
Of course, no brand is perfect. A handful of negative reviews mention issues with fit or construction. However, Pikolinos‘ stellar customer service is quick to resolve problems. They offer free shipping and returns, so it‘s easy to find your perfect pair risk-free.
How Do Pikolinos Compare to Other Popular Brands?
If you‘re considering Pikolinos, you probably want to know how they stack up to other well-known footwear brands. Here‘s my take:
Clarks: Clarks and Pikolinos are similar in terms of comfort and quality. However, Clarks lean more traditional, while Pikolinos offer more unique, artsy designs. Pikolinos are also a bit pricier on average.
Born: Born is another brand that emphasizes handcrafted details and cushioned comfort. I‘d say they‘re the closest to Pikolinos in terms of style and price point. However, Born uses more synthetic materials, while Pikolinos focus on premium leather.
Mephisto: French comfort brand Mephisto is known for their incredibly soft footbeds and sturdy construction. Like Pikolinos, they‘re an investment, but worth it for the quality. Mephisto shoes can veer a bit orthopedic-looking, while Pikolinos are more fashion-forward.
Ecco: Danish brand Ecco is a go-to for sleek, modern comfort shoes. They use innovative cushioning and support technologies. While Ecco is more minimalist and sporty, Pikolinos is more rustic and bohemian. Both are great for all-day wear.
Frye: Heritage brand Frye is a favorite for rugged leather boots. Similarly, Pikolinos offers a range of combat and Chelsea boots. Frye boots tend to be stiffer and require more break-in time, while Pikolinos are soft and flexible from the get-go.
Ultimately, Pikolinos stand out for their distinctive artisanal style, premium materials, and blend of comfort and fashion. In my opinion, they‘re worth the extra investment for a special, high-quality pair of shoes.
Tips for Scoring a Deal on Pikolinos
I get it: Pikolinos aren‘t cheap. Most styles fall in the $150-$250 range. But trust me, these shoes are a worthwhile splurge that will pay for themselves in cost-per-wear. That said, who doesn‘t love a bargain? Here are my insider tips for getting the best price on Pikolinos:
- Sign up for Pikolinos‘ email list for a 10% off coupon and notifications about sales. I always scope out their Black Friday and end-of-season events.
- Shop department store sales. Nordstrom, Bloomingdale‘s, and Zappos often include Pikolinos in their big annual sales.
- Check Amazon and Zappos for deals on older styles. You can sometimes snag a pair for up to 50% off retail.
- Google for Pikolinos promo codes before checking out online. RetailMeNot and Rakuten often have discount codes that stack with sale prices.
- Buy offseason for the best selection. I always cruise the Pikolinos sale section in late summer for boots and late winter for sandals.
- Consider buying secondhand. Sites like eBay and Poshmark sometimes have gently used Pikolinos for a fraction of retail. Just check the seller‘s feedback and photos closely.
Frequently Asked Questions About Pikolinos
Still have burning questions about Pikolinos? I‘ve got you. Here are answers to some of the most common queries:
How do Pikolinos shoes fit? Generally, Pikolinos run true to size. If you‘re between sizes, I recommend sizing up, as the leather will mold to your feet over time. They offer half sizes and wide widths for a perfect fit.
Are Pikolinos good for walking? Absolutely! The cushioned insoles, arch support, and flexible leather make Pikolinos insanely comfortable for walking and standing. Reviewers say they can log miles of sightseeing without feeling fatigued.
How long do Pikolinos last? With proper care, Pikolinos can last for years and years. Seriously, I have pairs that are going strong after 5+ years of heavy rotation. Just be sure to condition the leather periodically and resole as needed.
Can I wear orthotics with Pikolinos? Some Pikolinos styles, like the Rotterdam boot, have removable insoles to accommodate orthotics. Just check the product description or contact customer service to confirm.
Do Pikolinos have arch support? Yes, most Pikolinos shoes have a generous built-in arch support. The anatomical footbeds are contoured to cradle your feet in all the right places. Even my high-arched feet feel supported all day.
How do I clean Pikolinos? For routine cleaning, just wipe the leather with a soft dry cloth. For scuffs and stains, use a leather cleaner and conditioner. Pikolinos sells a leather care kit with everything you need on their website. Avoid using water, as it can damage the leather.
The Final Word on Pikolinos
By now, it should be clear that I‘m a huge Pikolinos fangirl. But honestly, what‘s not to love? The brand‘s unwavering commitment to quality, craftsmanship, and slow fashion is so refreshing in a world of mass-produced, disposable footwear.
Yes, Pikolinos are a bit of a splurge. But I firmly believe that investing in a few pairs of well-made, comfortable shoes is smarter than cycling through endless cheap pairs. Pikolinos are the kind of forever shoes you‘ll reach for season after season, year after year.
But beyond the quality, there‘s just something special about Pikolinos. Call it the X-factor. Every pair I own sparks joy when I put them on. I feel stylish yet effortless, put-together yet laid-back. They add an artsy, bohemian flair to any outfit, from jeans and a tee to a sundress.
If you‘re on the fence, I highly encourage you to give Pikolinos a try. With their stellar return policy, you have nothing to lose and everything to gain. Your feet will thank you! And who knows – you might just become a devotee like me.
To all my fellow shoe lovers, I hope this Pikolinos review has been helpful and inspiring. Now if you‘ll excuse me, I have some online shopping to do…
