Vintage Havana is a brand that has been gaining buzz in the fashion world for their stylish, Italian-made sneakers at a relatively accessible price point. Touted as a more affordable alternative to designer sneakers from luxury labels like Golden Goose and Gucci, Vintage Havana has won over many fans with their trendy, distressed aesthetics and comfortable construction. But are these kicks really worth the hype?
In this comprehensive Vintage Havana sneakers review, we‘ll take a deep dive into the brand to help you decide if their shoes deserve a spot in your closet. We‘ll cover the company‘s origins and history, dissect the design and quality of their most popular models, analyze real customer reviews, and more.
Who is Vintage Havana? Brand Overview and History
Vintage Havana may have a retro-inspired name, but the brand‘s history doesn‘t actually stretch back decades. The company was founded in 2004, making them a relative newcomer compared to heritage footwear brands.
However, Vintage Havana is backed by Ocean Drive Clothing, a luxury clothing wholesaler and surfwear brand with proprietary factories and teams of designers, merchandisers, and manufacturers across the globe. This allows them to produce on-trend, high-quality clothing and shoes with a quick turnaround.
The brand is headquartered in New Jersey but sources their materials and craftsmanship from Italy. According to the company, their mission is to provide "attainable luxury" by "disrupting the market with luxury grade, Italian-made product at contemporary price points."
Vintage Havana‘s target demographic seems to be fashion-savvy Millennial and Gen-Z women who crave the designer look for less. The brand has developed a loyal following of over 51,000 on Instagram and has been spotted on trendsetting celebs like Ashley Tisdale and Cody Simpson. Media outlets like Yahoo and Good Morning America have also endorsed Vintage Havana sneakers as a smart, budget-friendly alternative to pricier designer kicks.
Vintage Havana Sneakers Review: Design and Quality
So what exactly makes Vintage Havana sneakers stand out in a saturated market? Let‘s take a closer look at the brand‘s aesthetic and construction to find out.
Signature Design Elements
One of the first things you‘ll notice about Vintage Havana sneakers is that most models feature some degree of intentional distressing or scuffing, particularly on the outsoles. This pre-worn, "vintage" look is very on-trend right now, popularized by luxury brands like Golden Goose.
However, Vintage Havana‘s distressing is a bit more subtle and strategic compared to some designer styles. Rather than covering the entire shoe in smudges and scuffs, they keep the distressing mostly confined to the soles. This allows for a hip, lived-in vibe that still looks polished and purposeful.
Vintage Havana sneakers come in a wide variety of colors and fabrications, from understated white and taupe leather to bold, glittery uppers. Signature design details include perforated stars, intentionally untied or knotted shoelaces, and mixed material uppers with suede and glitter accents. The overall vibe is playful, fashion-forward, and eye-catching.
Materials and Construction
In terms of quality, Vintage Havana emphasizes that all of their sneakers are crafted from genuine Italian leather by artisans in Italy. The leather feels buttery soft and molds comfortably to the foot.
Most of the sneakers are lined in leather as well for added comfort and breathability. Cushioned insoles provide support, and rubber outsoles offer decent traction.
Stitching is precise with no loose threads, and hardware like lace eyelets and zippers are sturdy. The shoes are undoubtedly well-made, especially for the contemporary price point.
However, some reviewers did note that the leather can crease and indent after a few wears. This is pretty standard for soft, unstructured leather though and doesn‘t necessarily indicate poor quality.
Best-Selling Vintage Havana Sneaker Styles
Vintage Havana offers a large variety of low-top and high-top sneaker options. Let‘s highlight a few of their most popular models:
Gadol Sneaker
The Gadol is one of Vintage Havana‘s core styles that‘s received rave reviews from customers. It features a smooth leather and suede upper with perforated stars and a pinked edge trim.
Reviewers love the rich, saturated colors the Gadol comes in, like deep burgundy and forest green. It can easily be dressed up or down. Fans describe this sneaker as "comfy right out of the box" and "stylish yet practical."
Zeon High-Top Sneaker
If you prefer more ankle coverage, the Zeon high-top is a great option. Its clean lines and subtle distressing make it an elevated basic.
The contrasting leather heel tab adds a nice pop of visual interest. Reviewers praise the Zeon for its comfort and say it "goes with everything from dresses to joggers."
Klarhe Glitter Sneaker
For maximum wow factor, you can‘t go wrong with the Klarhe glitter sneaker. This low-top style is covered in high-shine, multi-color glitter for a statement-making effect.
Reviewers call it "eye-catching," "funky," and "perfect for concerts and parties." The timeless tennis shoe silhouette balances the bold fabrication.
Vintage Havana Sneakers vs Luxury Designer Sneakers
Vintage Havana sneakers are often touted as a savvy dupe for designer kicks from brands like Golden Goose, which retail for around $500 on average.
Having tested both, I can confidently say that Vintage Havana delivers nearly identical aesthetics for a fraction of the cost. From the artfully scuffed soles to the premium Italian leather and precise construction, these sneakers can easily pass for a luxury label.
Some key differences to note though:
- While both are made in Italy, Golden Goose uses a higher-grade leather that will wear in better over time.
- Golden Goose sneakers tend to run about a half size larger, whereas Vintage Havana is more true to size.
- Vintage Havana offers more options in extended sizes like 5.5 and 11 compared to Golden Goose.
- Vintage Havana‘s distressing is slightly more understated, making them easier to dress up compared to the heavily smudged Golden Goose styles.
Ultimately, if you‘re lusting after the designer look without the sticker shock, Vintage Havana is an unbeatable option. The quality is comparable and paying 60-70% less is always attractive.
What Do Customers Think? Vintage Havana Sneakers Reviews
To get a balanced perspective for this Vintage Havana sneakers review, I analyzed dozens of customer reviews from various retail sites like Nordstrom, Zappos, and Amazon. The feedback was overwhelmingly positive, with the brand earning an average score of 4.5 out of 5 stars.
Reviewers consistently raved about the sneakers‘ style and comfort. One happy customer said "I get so many compliments every time I wear them" and another wrote "super cute and surprisingly comfortable for long days on my feet."
Negative reviews were few and far between but a couple mentioned the shoes arriving with a strong chemical smell or visible glue. However, most said the odor dissipated after a few days and that the quality was on par with the price point.
The majority of reviewers said the sizing was accurate, but a few advised going up a half size if you have wide feet or plan to wear thicker socks.
Overall, the customer reviews paint Vintage Havana sneakers as stylish, well-made, and comfortable shoes that offer great value for the money.
Where to Buy Vintage Havana Sneakers
You can purchase Vintage Havana sneakers directly from the brand‘s website, vintagehavana.com. They offer free standard shipping on all U.S. orders.
The sneakers are also sold at department stores like Nordstrom and Bloomingdale‘s, specialty retailers like Revolve and Shopbop, and select boutiques and independent retailers across the country.
Additionally, you can shop a wide selection on Amazon, often with Prime shipping options.
No matter where you buy, make sure to double check the return and exchange policy. Unworn and unaltered shoes in their original packaging can typically be returned within 30 days for a full refund. Some retailers charge for return shipping though, so it‘s good to be aware of that.
Vintage Havana Sneakers Promotions & Discounts
Before you add to cart, make sure to check for any Vintage Havana promo codes and special offers that could save you money on your sneaker purchase.
By subscribing to the brand‘s email newsletter, you can get a one-time discount code for 15% off. Vintage Havana also occasionally hosts seasonal sales where sneakers are marked down by 30-40%.
You can also save by shopping the sale section on their website or by using cash back apps like Rakuten.
Certain retailers like Nordstrom and Bloomingdale‘s also allow you to earn points on your Vintage Havana purchase through their loyalty programs.
Vintage Havana Sneakers FAQ
Before we wrap up this Vintage Havana sneakers review, let‘s go over some frequently asked questions about the brand:
Are Vintage Havana sneakers comfortable?
According to customer reviews, yes. The sneakers are crafted with cushioned insoles and soft, supple leather that molds to your feet. Many reviewers say they can comfortably wear them all day.
How do Vintage Havana sneakers fit?
The brand advises that their sneakers run true to size. However, some wide-footed reviewers suggest sizing up a half size.
Are Vintage Havana sneakers real leather?
Yes, all Vintage Havana sneakers are crafted with 100% genuine leather sourced from Italy. You can expect high-quality materials and construction.
Do Vintage Havana sneakers come in half sizes?
Yes, most models are offered in half sizes from 5.5 to 11.
How long does Vintage Havana take to ship?
U.S. orders typically ship within 1-2 business days. Standard shipping (3-7 business days) is free. Expedited options are available for a fee.
The Verdict: Are Vintage Havana Sneakers Worth It?
Based on my thorough research for this Vintage Havana sneakers review, I can confidently conclude that yes, these fashion-forward kicks are worth the price tag. By sourcing high-end materials and craftsmanship from Italy but pricing the shoes at a contemporary level, Vintage Havana offers the best of both worlds.
While you could easily pay twice as much for similar designer styles, Vintage Havana sneakers give you that same luxe look and feel for around $100-200 on average. The quality, comfort, and style are all there.
With dozens of colors and silhouettes to choose from, Vintage Havana is a fashionista‘s dream. I love that their distressed aesthetics are trend-forward but still subtle and versatile enough to pair with both casual and dressy outfits. You really can‘t go wrong with these stylish, wear-everywhere sneakers.
The only caveat is that Vintage Havana seems to have a relatively limited production run for each style. Popular colors and sizes can sell out quickly, so if you see a pair you love, I recommend scooping them up fast.
I hope this Vintage Havana sneakers review has been helpful in outlining everything you need to know about the buzzy brand! Feel free to let me know if you have any other questions. Happy shopping!
