Hey there, shoe lover! If you‘re anything like me, you‘re always on the hunt for the perfect pair of kicks that combine style, comfort, and quality. But lately, I‘ve been searching for something more – a shoe brand that aligns with my values of sustainability and ethical production. That‘s what led me to VIVAIA, a rising star in the eco-friendly footwear space that‘s been blowing up my Instagram feed.
As a fashion blogger and total shoe addict, I knew I had to get my hands (er, feet) on a few pairs of VIVAIA shoes to see if they lived up to the hype. In this honest, unsponsored review, I‘ll dish on everything you need to know about the brand, from their sustainable mission and production process to the fit, feel, and style of their most popular shoes. By the end, you‘ll have all the deets to decide if VIVAIA is worth the splurge for you. Let‘s dive in!
What is VIVAIA?
In case you‘re not familiar, VIVAIA is a direct-to-consumer shoe brand that‘s all about combining sustainability with style. Their mission is to create "accessible luxury" footwear that‘s better for the planet and the people who make them, without sacrificing quality or design.
The brand launched in 2020 with the goal of shaking up the fast fashion industry and providing an eco-friendlier alternative to cheaply made, disposable shoes. In just a couple years, they‘ve racked up over 982k followers on Instagram and earned press features in major publications like Vogue, WWD, and InStyle.
One of the keys to VIVAIA‘s success is their innovative production process, which uses recycled materials like plastic water bottles to create sleek, breathable knit uppers. According to the brand, each pair of shoes contains an average of 6 bottles worth of recycled PET – which means the 3 pairs I ordered have diverted 18 bottles from landfills!
VIVAIA also uses 3D printing technology, a zero-waste design approach, and carbon-free rubber soles to minimize their environmental impact. Plus, the shoes are totally vegan and cruelty-free, earning a thumbs-up from PETA.
VIVAIA‘s Sustainably Stylish Shoe Collection
Now for the fun part – the shoes! VIVAIA offers an impressive range of styles for every occasion, from everyday sneakers to dressy heels. As someone who loves a minimalist, slightly edgy aesthetic, I was immediately drawn to the brand‘s sleek designs and neutral color palette.
Some of VIVAIA‘s most popular styles include:
- Aria flats: A VIVAIA classic, these pointed-toe knit flats come in a rainbow of colors and are perfect for the office or running errands.
- Mules: VIVAIA‘s take on the ‘90s "ugly" mule trend, with a cushioned insole and stretchy upper for all-day comfort.
- Yenna heels: With a kitteny 2-inch flared heel and open-toed shape, these babies are begging for a cocktail dress.
- Gaia sneakers: VIVAIA‘s version of a classic white sneaker with a sustainable twist, thanks to the recycled knit upper and natural rubber sole.
Most of VIVAIA‘s shoes feature the brand‘s signature recycled knit material, which is surprisingly soft and stretchy. I was worried it might feel cheap or plasticky, but it actually molds to your feet like a cozy sock.
Other eco-friendly materials you‘ll find across the collection include carbon-free EVA and reclaimed foam for the insoles, and natural rubber for the slip-resistant outsoles. The insoles are also treated with an anti-bacterial coating made from herbs, which I can attest helps keep funky odors at bay.
One of my favorite things about VIVAIA shoes is how easy they are to maintain. Almost all the styles are fully machine washable, so you can just toss them in a delicates bag and let the spin cycle work its magic if they get dirty. As someone who‘s always stepping in puddles or dropping food, this is a game-changer.
Putting VIVAIA to the Test
Of course, the real test of a shoe brand is how the styles perform IRL. I ordered 3 pairs of VIVAIA shoes in different styles – the Aria flats, Gaia sneakers, and Yenna heels – to put them through their paces.
First up, the Aria flats. I got these in a cute sage green color, and they immediately earned compliments from my coworkers. The almond-shaped toe is super flattering and elongating, and the cushioned insole feels like walking on pillows. I wore them for a full day of running around the city, and my feet weren‘t even mad at me by the end.
Next, I took the Gaia sneakers for a spin. As a diehard fan of a certain major sneaker brand that shall remain nameless, I had high expectations – and these did not disappoint. The knit upper is SO breathable and lightweight, and the bouncy rubber sole provides just the right amount of support. I‘ve been reaching for these over my usual kicks more and more.
Finally, I dressed up for a friend‘s outdoor summer wedding in the strappy Yenna heels. Heels and grass are usually a recipe for disaster, but the chunky 2-inch heel on these felt sturdy and grounded. I was able to dance all night without any pain or wobbling, which is a wedding first for me. The stretchy straps also prevented any rubbing or blisters, even on first wear.
Across the board, I was impressed by how VIVAIA‘s shoes felt like they were broken in from the very first step. There was no stiffness, pinching, or digging – just soft, responsive cushioning and a snug but not restrictive fit. The brand offers half sizes and a few different width options, which I think contributes to the great out-of-the-box fit.
Sustainable Quality and Comfort: What Customers are Saying
But don‘t just take it from me – VIVAIA has racked up thousands of glowing reviews from satisfied customers around the world. On the brand‘s website, most of their best-selling shoes boast a near-perfect 5-star rating from hundreds of reviewers.
Comfort is a huge selling point for many VIVAIA fans. One reviewer raved about their Aria flats: "I cannot believe how comfortable these are! I have wide feet and always have trouble with flats, but these are a dream."
Another common theme in the reviews is the impressive quality and durability of VIVAIA shoes, especially given their recycled origins. "I was skeptical about shoes made from plastic bottles, but these are the most well-made and substantial feeling sustainable shoes I‘ve tried," wrote a happy customer.
Even professional critics have taken notice of VIVAIA‘s eco-friendly innovation and style. Vogue described the brand‘s knit upper material as "the next frontier of footwear," while InStyle praised the Aria flats as "the perfect marriage of fashion and function."
And it‘s not just the shoes themselves that are earning high marks – many reviewers also applaud VIVAIA‘s commitment to sustainability and ethical production. "I love that I can feel good about my purchase knowing that it‘s not contributing to environmental waste or human exploitation," said one buyer.
How VIVAIA Stacks Up to Other Sustainable Shoe Brands
Of course, VIVAIA isn‘t the only brand out there making strides in sustainable footwear. To see how they compare to some other popular options, I did a little digging into the materials, production processes, and price points of a few key competitors.
| Brand | Materials | Production | Price Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| VIVAIA | Recycled PET, reclaimed foam, carbon-free rubber | 3D printing, zero waste design | $79-$149 |
| Rothy‘s | Recycled plastic, merino wool, vegan leather | 3D knitting, hand assembly | $125-$165 |
| Allbirds | Merino wool, eucalyptus tree fiber, sugarcane EVA | Carbon-neutral production | $95-$135 |
| VEJA | Organic cotton, rubber, tilapia skin leather | Ethical conditions, some recycled materials | $120-$195 |
As you can see, VIVAIA sits around the same price range as other trendy sustainable shoe brands, with a slightly more accessible starting price point. Their production process and materials are comparable to industry leaders like Rothy‘s and Allbirds, with the unique addition of zero-waste 3D printing.
Where VIVAIA really stands out is in their trend-forward, fashion-girl-approved designs. While brands like Allbirds and VEJA tend to play it safe with more basic, unisex silhouettes, VIVAIA offers a wider range of on-trend styles like square-toed mules and mock-croc heels alongside sleek sneakers and classic pointed flats.
Is VIVAIA Worth the Hype? My Honest Opinion
So, after all my research and first-hand experience, do I think VIVAIA lives up to its eco-chic reputation? In a word: absolutely.
From the moment I unboxed my first pair of VIVAIA shoes, I was impressed by the quality, comfort, and style. The recycled knit material is unlike anything I‘ve felt before – soft, breathable, and flexible, but still substantial. I love that I can just throw them in the wash when they get dirty, too.
Comfort-wise, VIVAIA‘s shoes are a revelation. I have finicky, blister-prone feet that usually take days or weeks to adjust to new shoes – but every pair of VIVAIA I tried felt amazing right away. The arch support and cushioning are next-level, and the stretchy uppers mold to your feet like a custom fit.
Aesthetically, I think VIVAIA nails the perfect balance of timeless and trendy. Their designs are fashion-forward enough to get you noticed, but classic enough to outlast micro-trend cycles. The fact that each pair represents 6 fewer bottles in landfills is just the icing on the cake.
Price-wise, VIVAIA is definitely an investment compared to your standard fast-fashion kicks. Most of their styles hover around the $130 mark, which isn‘t pocket change. However, when you consider the quality, comfort, and sustainable production, I think it‘s a worthwhile splurge for a shoe you‘ll reach for again and again.
Plus, VIVAIA has a great recycling program where you can send back your used pairs to be properly disposed of, so you‘re not just chucking them in the trash when you‘re done. Oh, and did I mention they offer free shipping and returns? Dangerous for my credit card, but a nice perk.
At the end of the day, I think VIVAIA is an excellent choice for anyone looking to make more conscious, quality-driven choices in their wardrobe without sacrificing personal style. The brand‘s authentic commitment to sustainability, trend-forward designs, and next-level comfort make them a major contender in the eco-friendly footwear space.
If you‘ve been curious about VIVAIA or sustainable shoe options in general, I wholeheartedly recommend giving them a try. Just don‘t blame me if you get hooked and end up with a closet full of candy-colored knit flats! Happy (green) shopping!
