When it comes to luxury footwear, designers like Christian Louboutin, Jimmy Choo, and Manolo Blahnik usually come to mind. But there‘s another high-end brand that deserves a spot on that list—Vince. This LA-based label has quietly built up a reputation for making some of the most stylish, well-crafted shoes on the market. As a self-professed shoe lover, I decided to take a closer look at Vince to see if their footwear lives up to the hype.
In this ultimate guide, I‘ll give you the full scoop on Vince shoes, from the brand‘s background to detailed reviews of their bestselling styles. I‘ll also share feedback from real customers, info on pricing and promotions, and my honest take on whether Vince shoes are truly worth the investment. By the end, you‘ll have all the facts you need to confidently decide if you should add a pair of Vince kicks to your collection. Let‘s dive in!
About Vince
Founded in 2002 by Rea Laccone and Christopher LaPolice, Vince is a luxury fashion brand that captures the effortless, laid-back vibe of its native Los Angeles. The company originally focused on women‘s knitwear and cashmere sweaters but has since expanded into a full lifestyle brand, with collections for both women and men that include clothing, shoes, bags, and accessories.
Despite its growth, Vince has stayed true to its original design philosophy of creating timeless, unfussy pieces that epitomize relaxed elegance. As the brand states on its website, "Vince‘s collections are inspired by the brand‘s California origins and embody a feeling of warm and effortless style. Vince designs uncomplicated yet refined pieces that approach dressing with a sense of ease."
This pared-back aesthetic has made Vince a favorite among celebrities like Meghan Markle, Selena Gomez, and Kendall Jenner. The brand has also been featured extensively in major fashion publications such as Vogue, Harper‘s Bazaar, Elle, and InStyle.
In 2013, Laccone and LaPolice departed from the company. Vince is currently owned by Vince Holding Group and helmed by CEO Jack Schwefel. Though now headquartered in New York City, the label remains deeply influenced by its West Coast roots.
What Makes Vince Shoes Special
So what sets Vince shoes apart from other high-end footwear options? Here are a few key reasons:
Exceptional Quality: Vince shoes are crafted from premium materials like Italian suede, full-grain leather, and French calf hair. The brand works with the best tanneries and factories in Europe to ensure every pair is made to the highest standards. Stitching is always neat and even, while hardware like zippers and buckles feels sturdy and substantial.
Understated Elegance: There are no flashy logos or over-the-top embellishments on Vince shoes. Instead, the brand is known for sleek, minimalist designs that exude quiet luxury. Neutral color palettes, clean lines, and subtle textures add interest without overwhelming the shoes. This less-is-more approach makes Vince shoes incredibly versatile—they can easily be dressed up or down.
Superior Comfort: Despite their chic appearance, Vince shoes are shockingly comfortable. Padded leather insoles, flexible soles, and cushioned footbeds make them wearable straight out of the box. Many styles also feature practical details like elasticated panels and pull tabs. Whether you‘re walking to work or dancing all night, your feet will thank you for choosing Vince.
Constant Innovation: While Vince sticks to a core aesthetic, the brand is always experimenting with new silhouettes, materials, and techniques to keep its collections fresh. Recent launches have included sporty neoprene sandals, shearling-lined combat boots, and futuristic sneakers with oversized soles. Vince also frequently collaborates with artists and designers on limited-edition releases.
Most Popular Vince Shoes for Women
With so many covetable options, choosing the perfect pair of Vince shoes is no easy task. To help you narrow it down, here are three of the brand‘s bestselling styles for women:
Warren Platform Sneakers: Vince‘s take on the chunky sneaker trend, these cool kicks feature thick rubber soles, supple leather uppers, and a slip-on design for easy on-and-off. The Warren comes in a range of neutral shades like black, white, and tan, as well as seasonal hues like metallic silver and dusty rose. Pair them with cropped jeans and a tee for a casual weekend look, or style them with a midi dress for an unexpected twist.
Janna Strappy Sandals: Minimalist and uber-versatile, the Janna is a barely-there sandal that goes with everything. Delicate leather straps crisscross over the foot and around the ankle, while a low stacked heel adds just the right amount of lift. Wear them with a breezy sundress for brunch or a silk slip dress for a night out. The hardest part? Choosing between classic black and chic bone leather.
Fane Ankle Boots: One of Vince‘s most popular boot styles, the Fane features a pointed toe, a sculptural block heel, and an ankle-grazing shaft that looks great with cropped pants or bare legs. The boots come in both smooth leather and suede, with fresh colorways released each season. For an effortlessly polished outfit, style them with skinny jeans, an oversized blazer, and a cashmere scarf.
Top Picks for Men
Guys, Vince hasn‘t forgotten about you. The brand‘s selection of men‘s shoes is just as impressive as its women‘s range. Here are three styles that consistently earn rave reviews:
Fulton Sneakers: Retro-inspired yet totally modern, the Fulton is Vince‘s signature sneaker. It has a classic low-top silhouette with a lace-up front, plus a cushioned footbed and rubber sole for all-day comfort. Premium leather uppers come in versatile shades like white, black, and grey. Wear them with everything from joggers to chinos.
Daley Chelsea Boots: Every man needs a great pair of Chelsea boots, and Vince‘s Daley style is a standout. Crafted from supple leather or suede, these ankle boots have elastic side panels for a snug fit and a back pull tab for easy on and off. A stacked heel and almond-shaped toe create a sleek, streamlined look. Team them with slim jeans and a moto jacket for a night out.
Alaves Sandals: Flip flops get a major upgrade with Vince‘s Alaves sandals. Made from soft leather with a molded footbed and rubber sole, they‘re comfortable enough for all-day wear but stylish enough to pair with linen trousers and a button-down shirt. The crisscross front straps and neutral color options give them a luxe, minimalist vibe.
What Customers Are Saying
Of course, you don‘t have to just take my word for it. To get a broader sense of how Vince shoes perform in real life, I combed through dozens of online reviews from customers. While feedback was largely positive, there were a few caveats to keep in mind.
On the plus side, many buyers raved about the exceptional quality and craftsmanship of Vince shoes. "The leather is buttery soft and the stitching is flawless," one reviewer wrote of the Janna sandals. "You can tell they‘re made with care." Others praised the brand‘s minimalist designs, noting that they were "chic without being flashy" and "went with every outfit."
Comfort was another common theme in positive reviews. "I have wide feet and always struggle to find shoes that fit well, but these were perfect right out of the box," a customer said of the Warren sneakers. "No blisters or rubbing, even after walking all day." Several reviewers also mentioned that Vince shoes held up beautifully over time. "I‘ve had my Fane boots for two years now and they still look great after regular wear," one wrote.
However, some customers did express sticker shock at the high price point of Vince shoes. "They‘re gorgeous, but definitely a splurge," one reviewer noted. A few also mentioned that certain styles ran slightly narrow or small, recommending going up half a size for the best fit.
Overall though, the vast majority of customers felt that Vince shoes were worth the investment for their outstanding quality, style, and comfort. "Hands down the best shoes I‘ve ever owned," one reviewer summed up. "I get compliments every time I wear them."
Pricing & Where to Buy
Now for the question on everyone‘s mind: How much do Vince shoes actually cost? As a luxury brand, Vince is definitely at the higher end of the price spectrum. Flats and sandals generally start around $250, while sneakers and boots can go up to $500 or more. The priciest styles, like knee-high leather boots, can approach $1,000.
However, the brand does offer occasional promotions that can help you snag Vince shoes for less. End-of-season sales often have discounts of 30-50% off, while special holiday deals can go even higher. Vince also has a robust sales section on its website where you can find past-season styles for a fraction of the original cost.
If you‘re not keen on paying full price, I also recommend stalking department store sales. Retailers like Nordstrom, Saks Fifth Avenue, and Bloomingdale‘s regularly mark down Vince shoes, so you can often find them for 20-40% off if you time it right.
Speaking of retailers, Vince shoes are available at a wide range of high-end department stores and boutiques, both online and in-store. Some of the best places to shop include:
- Vince.com
- Nordstrom
- Saks Fifth Avenue
- Bloomingdale‘s
- Shopbop
- Net-a-Porter
- Neiman Marcus
- Moda Operandi
The brand also has its own brick-and-mortar boutiques in major cities like New York, Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Chicago.
Shipping, Returns & Customer Service
If you‘re buying Vince shoes online, shipping and returns are fairly straightforward. The brand offers free standard shipping on all orders over $250, with expedited and overnight options available for an additional fee. Shoes typically arrive within 5-7 business days.
Vince has a 30-day return policy for unworn items, as long as they‘re in their original packaging. However, final sale items (usually marked with a price ending in .97) are not eligible for return. The brand provides a prepaid shipping label for returns, so you don‘t have to pay out of pocket.
In my experience, Vince‘s customer service is excellent. Representatives are responsive and helpful, whether you contact them by phone or email. The brand also has a comprehensive FAQ section on its website that covers most common questions and concerns.
Vince vs. Other Designer Shoe Brands
So how does Vince stack up against other high-end footwear brands? While it‘s hard to make an apples-to-apples comparison given the wide range of styles and price points out there, here‘s my take:
Compared to uber-luxury labels like Manolo Blahnik or Christian Louboutin, Vince shoes offer similar quality and craftsmanship at a slightly more accessible price point. You‘ll still pay a premium, but Vince shoes are generally a few hundred dollars less than the most expensive designer styles.
Vince is often compared to brands like rag & bone, Theory, and Eileen Fisher, which share a similar aesthetic of understated luxury. However, I‘ve found that Vince shoes tend to be a bit more fashion-forward and trend-driven than these brands, with a wider variety of statement-making styles each season.
On the contemporary end of the spectrum, Vince is pricier than brands like Sam Edelman, Veja, and Madewell, but the quality of materials and construction is noticeably higher. Vince shoes also have a more refined, elevated look than many contemporary brands.
Ultimately, whether Vince is the right brand for you depends on your personal style, budget, and priorities. If you‘re looking for timeless, beautifully crafted shoes that will hold up for years to come, Vince is definitely worth considering. But if you‘re on a tighter budget or prefer more trend-driven footwear, there are plenty of other great options out there.
The Verdict
So, are Vince shoes worth the splurge? In my opinion, absolutely. While they‘re certainly an investment, the exceptional quality, understated elegance, and superior comfort of Vince shoes make them a worthwhile addition to any wardrobe.
Vince has managed to strike the perfect balance between timeless style and modern sensibility, creating shoes that feel both classic and of-the-moment. The brand‘s minimalist designs and neutral color palettes make them incredibly versatile, so you can wear them for years without ever feeling dated.
Of course, the high price point of Vince shoes means they‘re not accessible for everyone. However, if you have the budget and are looking to invest in a few key pairs that will last for seasons to come, I highly recommend giving Vince a try. And with the brand‘s frequent sales and promotions, you may be able to snag your perfect pair for less than retail.
At the end of the day, the best shoes are the ones that make you feel confident, comfortable, and stylish—and Vince checks all those boxes for me. While they may be a splurge, I‘ve never regretted adding a pair of Vince shoes to my collection. Trust me, your feet (and your wardrobe) will thank you.
