About Steve Madden: The Man and the Brand
Steve Madden is more than just a shoe company – it‘s a fashion powerhouse that has been shaping and defining trends for over three decades. Founded in 1990 by Steve Madden himself with just $1,100, the brand has grown into a global footwear and accessories empire known for its daring, cutting-edge designs.
A native New Yorker, Steve Madden drew inspiration from his hometown‘s vibrant culture and music scene to create shoes and bags that make a bold statement. What started as a one-man operation selling shoes out of the trunk of his car has exploded into an international brand with a presence in over 80 countries. Steve Madden‘s guiding vision was to empower people to express their individuality through fashion. Today, his company continues to pursue that mission by pushing boundaries and delivering on-trend, high-quality products at accessible prices.
While Steve Madden has not been without controversy over the years, there‘s no denying the tremendous influence both the man and the brand have had on the fashion industry and pop culture at large. Celebrities, trendsetters, and fashion devotees around the world collect and covet Steve Madden‘s iconic designs. With a social media following of over 2.7 million on Instagram alone, it‘s clear the brand has a massive fan base.
So what makes Steve Madden stand out in a competitive and crowded market? How has a brand that started so small achieved such staying power? I took a deep dive into all things Steve Madden to find out. Keep reading for my honest, unfiltered take on one of America‘s most famous footwear companies.
Steve Madden Shoe Review: Putting Their Best Sellers to the Test
Steve Madden is best known for its trendy and statement-making shoes. Offering everything from towering stilettos to chunky combat boots and sporty sneakers, they aim to have something for every style and occasion. I wanted to see for myself whether their top-sellers live up to the hype, so I picked out some of their most popular designs to review:
Steve Madden Sandals Review
Skyler Tan Studded Sandal: At first glance, the edgy rhinestone embellishments on these slip-on sandals make a fierce impression. I love the juxtaposition of the casual, laidback silhouette with the glamorous, eye-catching sparkle. The vegan leather looks and feels high quality – no ‘plastic-y‘ feel here! They definitely jazzed up a basic jeans and tee outfit for me.
However, after a few hours of wear, I did start to experience some rubbing on my feet from the straps. There‘s not much give or stretch to the material. Cushioning on the footbed is also minimal. Overall, I‘d recommend these more as a fashion sandal than an all-day walking shoe. Probably best for those with narrow feet as well. 4/5 stars
Kimmie Cork Flatform Sandal: Flatforms are having a major moment right now, and Steve Madden is all over the trend with these retro-inspired Kimmie sandals. The 90s are back in a big way! I adore the earthy, natural vibes of the cork sole and the chic minimalism of the black straps. These sandals added the perfect cool-girl edge to a floral sundress for me.
The elastic straps and padded insole make them very comfortable for long periods of time too. No breaking-in period needed! The platform gives you a nice boost of height without the discomfort of a heel. My only callout is that they run a bit narrow, so size up if you‘re between sizes. 5/5 stars
Steve Madden Boots Review
Cypress Black Over-the-Knee Boot: Hold onto your hats, because these boots are a STATEMENT. The dramatic over-the-knee silhouette, complete with a chunky platform and 5-inch block heel, is giving me all the 70s disco diva fantasies. I felt ready to hit the dance floor! Surprisingly, they weren‘t as hard to walk in as I anticipated. The stretchy vegan leather molds comfortably to your legs.
The quality is impressive too – no loose threads, even stitching, and a sturdy feel. They do take some shimmying to pull on, but the slim fit keeps them from slouching down. I‘d definitely size up though, as they are very fitted through the calf and thigh. While obviously not an everyday boot, they are an incredibly fun statement piece to have in your closet. "These boots are made for strutting" indeed! 4.5/5 stars
Vava Black Paris Thigh-High Boot: Thigh-high boots are inherently sexy and attention-grabbing, but this sleek, form-fitting pair from Steve Madden takes sultry sophistication to new heights. The second-skin fit, subtle point toe, and sky-high stiletto give the legs-for-days illusion. Wearing them, I felt unstoppable – like my inner Kardashian was unleashed!
The vegan leather has a buttery-soft feel and just enough stretch to hug your curves. A silicone band at the top opening keeps these thigh-highs from slipping down too, which is a big plus. I will say the thin heel and taller shaft makes walking a bit precarious – definitely more of a special occasion boot than a daily driver. But for date night, girls‘ night out or anytime you want to make a head-turning entrance, these are IT. 4/5 stars
Steve Madden Sneakers Review
Maxima-R Crystal Embellished Sneaker: I‘m a sucker for anything that combines comfort with a touch of glam, and these bedazzled beauties fit the bill! The knit upper has a sock-like stretch and breathability, while the rhinestone adornments add megawatt sparkle. It‘s like wearing chic foot jewelry! The contrasting sole gives a cool, sporty edge.
In terms of fit, they do run a bit snug, so consider going up half a size, especially if you plan to wear them with socks. The insole is lightly padded, but I would have liked a bit more arch support for all-day wear. That said, you‘ll definitely be putting your best foot forward in these eye-catching kicks. Dress them down with joggers or up with a flirty dress – the versatility is fabulous. 4/5 stars
Steve Madden Heels Review
Kenley Crystal Ankle-Strap Sandal: Wow wow wow. I challenge you to find a more stunningly embellished, red carpet-ready heel. The Kenley sandal is dripping in dazzling crystals, transforming a classic ankle-strap silhouette into a show-stopping statement maker. The open toe and delicate ankle strap create an elongating effect on the legs too.
Looks aside, I was impressed by how solidly constructed and walkable these heels are. The 4.5-inch stiletto is balanced out by a 1-inch platform, making them more stable than most heels this high. The ankle and toe straps kept my foot securely in place – no awkward sliding or wobbling. While undoubtedly a ‘sitting shoe‘ more than a dancing shoe, I was able to last longer in these than other special occasion heels I‘ve tried. Expect tons of compliments with these on your feet! 4.5/5 stars
Steve Madden Bags Review: Spotlight on the Bvital
Steve Madden has translated their trendsetting touch to handbags and accessories. From studded crossbodies to sleek totes and belt bags, their designs fuse fashion and function. I zeroed in on one of their fan-favorite bags, the Bvital Rhinestone Baguette Bag, to see how it stacks up.
This bag is a whole MOOD. The glitzy rhinestone fringe and gleaming curb chain strap scream ‘look at me‘ in the best way. I felt like a total rock star wearing this! It has the perfect dose of 90s-era nostalgia with modern edge. The detachable coin purse is a cute added bonus too.
Size-wise, the Bvital is what I‘d call a ‘going out‘ bag. It fits your phone, cash/cards, lip gloss and keys, but not much else. I was able to use the coin purse as a mini wallet to help streamline. The chain strap can be worn short and handheld for more dressed-up events or long and crossbody for hands-free convenience. It‘s definitely more decorative than heavy-duty, but that‘s kind of the point with a bag this extra. For a night out when you want to make a big fashion impact with minimal effort, this is your girl. 4.5/5 stars
Who is Steve Madden For?
After thoroughly testing some of Steve Madden‘s flagship products, I have a good sense of who will get the most mileage out of this brand. If you gravitate towards timeless basics or understated minimalism, this may not be your cup of tea. Steve Madden is for the fashion risk-takers and statement makers. Their shoes and accessories pack a big stylistic punch.
I‘d say Steve Madden caters primarily to younger millennial and Gen Z shoppers who closely follow (and want to wear) the latest trends. Both their men‘s and women‘s lines are heavy on bold, eye-catching designs with an edgy, urban sensibility. However, they do have a broad enough selection to offer some more pared-back, versatile options too.
Customers who appreciate on-trend style at a contemporary price point (think $50-$250 range) will find Steve Madden a great value for the fashionable flair. It‘s not cheap fast-fashion, but it‘s not designer-level expensive either. For the quality and style you get, I think their pricing is quite fair.
Another big draw is Steve Madden‘s expanding range of vegan and sustainable options for the eco-conscious consumer. From vegan leather alternatives to recycled and biodegradable materials, they are making an effort to be greener.
Steve Madden Customer Reviews: The Good, The Bad & The Ugly
Of course, you can‘t paint a full picture of a brand without considering feedback from other customers. I scoured Steve Madden‘s own site and other review hubs like Sitejabber and Influenster to get a broader perspective. The results? Pretty mixed, to be honest!
Let‘s start with the positives. The vast majority of reviews for Steve Madden‘s best-selling items are quite favorable in terms of style, aesthetics and trendiness. "Stylish", "unique", "eye-catching", "cool", "edgy", and "fun" are words that come up again and again. Most people seem very impressed and delighted by the high-fashion look of their shoes and accessories. I definitely relate to the thrill of unboxing a shiny new pair of Steve Maddens!
Comfort and fit are a bit more hit-or-miss. Some shoppers with wider feet or high arches found certain styles too narrow or unsupportive. Several mentioned their shoes felt stiff or pinched at first and needed some breaking in. A few even had issues with ankle straps or embellishments digging in and rubbing. However, just as many praised their Steve Maddens as "deceptively comfy" or "surprisingly wearable for the height." Looks like it really depends on your individual foot shape and needs.
Quality and construction also garnered some differing opinions. Many longtime fans raved about their SM shoes and bags standing up to years of frequent wear. Others complained about things like glued-on gems popping off, ripped seams, or flaking ‘vegan leather‘ coating. It seems like consistency is where Steve Madden could improve. For the prices they charge, I agree that every item should be uniformly well-made. No one wants their statement boots falling apart after one season!
The biggest red flags I spotted in reviews had to do with Steve Madden‘s customer service and shipping/return processes. A vocal minority of shoppers expressed major frustration with things like unresponsive reps, return mishaps, and delivery delays. Some disgruntled customers even swore off shopping with them altogether after negative experiences trying to resolve issues. While these complaints were far outnumbered by positive reviews, it‘s still concerning. To Steve Madden‘s credit, I did see their team responding to critiques and trying to make things right. There‘s clearly some room for improvement but they aren‘t ignoring problems either.
Overall, I‘d say reviews for Steve Madden lean pretty heavily positive, with some caveats. Most shoppers love the fashion-forward, trendy styles and feel they are getting a good look for the price. Fit and comfort are more variable. While there are some horror stories, the general consensus is that Steve Madden gets it right more often than not. It‘s not a perfect record, but considering the brand‘s massive popularity, they must be doing something very right!
Is Steve Madden Worth It? My Verdict
After wearing Steve Madden shoes, examining their bags, diving into customer feedback and assessing their overall vibe, I feel I can confidently say whether they‘re worth the buy. My verdict? A solid YES, with a few stipulations.
If you‘re looking for long-lasting wardrobe staples or are extra picky about comfort and fit, you might do better with a different brand. But if you‘re after bold, trendy, statement pieces to zhuzh up your wardrobe and make fashion waves? Steve Madden is your guy. I was consistently wowed by their innovative designs and think they are one of the best brands out there for head-turning, high-impact style.
While I‘d love to see Steve Madden tighten up their quality control and smooth out some customer service wrinkles, I don‘t think these issues override the brand‘s many positives. With inclusive sizing, an expanding range of vegan options, fair pricing and an unparalleled variety of trend-forward styles, they offer a lot of value and excitement to fashion-hungry shoppers.
If you‘re considering buying from Steve Madden, I absolutely recommend giving them a shot. Maybe start with one of their less expensive best-sellers to test the waters. Make sure you carefully check the size chart, materials and reviews for the specific shoe you‘re eyeing. And don‘t hesitate to reach out to their customer service if any issues arise – the more they hear from shoppers, the better they can become.
At the end of the day, fashion should be FUN. And that‘s exactly what Steve Madden delivers. I‘ve rarely felt cooler or more photoshoot-ready than when strutting in their shoes or rocking their audacious accessories. In a world of pared-back minimalism and safe style choices, Steve Madden is a breath of sparkly, platform-heeled fresh air. Taking one of their signature bold designs for a spin is the perfect way to live out your wildest fashion fantasies. Go ahead and treat yourself – I won‘t tell!
