By now, most of you have probably heard of Zappos, the online shoe and clothing giant. The Las Vegas-based brand — which prides itself on providing users with a “WOW experience,” according to the company’s mission statement – was founded in 1999 by Nick Swinmurn and has remained a staple online shoe store since. The website is especially revered for making it so easy to search for footwear based not only on your size (it’s very important that you never wear shoes that are too big for you or too small), but your foot type (i.e. wide or narrow).
As of 2019, Zappos has stocked more than “3.5 million shoes, handbags, apparel items and accessories from over 1,200 brands,” including popular labels such as Nike, Clarks, L.L. Bean, and UGG (via Zappos). Given the seemingly endless amount of shoe choices available on Zappos’ site, one of the sites best features are the detailed customer reviews. Based on their best-sellers and those customer reviews — most of which speak to level of comfort so you can avoid having to deal with painful blisters or aches — these are the best and worst in shoes on the site.
The best shoes on Zappos
There are hundreds of popular shoes to choose from on Zappos’ site, and from that huge inventory, these are the pairs you need to put in your shopping cart ASAP. Starting off the list is the Vans Classic Slip-On™ Core Classics ($49.99). These iconic lace-less shoes have a five star rating (from more than 4,000 reviews), and are the epitome of comfort as they are so easy to put on and take off. They also feature a padded collar and footbed and are manufactured with a stretchy material for a more custom and comfortable fit.
Coming in a close second is the Birkenstock Mayari sandal ($99.95). Everyone needs a go-to pair of sandals, and the Mayari is the one for you. These sandals are not only extremely light-weight, but durable enough to last you a number of years. They come in an assortment of colors and, according to one of the 4,400 reviewers who gave this product 5 stars, the sole “really conforms to the shape of your foot so they feel very supportive.” Plus, they are super trendy, too.
Lastly, comfort is king when it comes to the Nike Benassi JDI Slides ($24.95). Slides have made a major fashion comeback in recent years and this sporty, yet comfy option is a staple for anyone’s shoe closet. They can be worn anywhere from indoors to poolside, and are especially great for running day-to-day errands in the summer. One reviewer stated that this is their second pair because they “provide adequate arch support” and they just “love them so much.”
The worst shoes on Zappos
Of course, not every single pair of shoes on Zappos is going to be a huge hit with customers (such is life!). When it comes to the “worst” pair of shoes, be sure to avoid the Pearl Izumi Tri Fly Select V6 ($100). This pair of sneakers was rated a mere 2 stars by reviewers, who said that “the top is too narrow” and they are “difficult to put on and take off.” Another user claimed they “cut off circulation because the top strap was so tight.” Next!
The second pair of shoes to steer clear of is the Clarks Lexi Carmen sandal ($64.99). This strappy sandal was notoriously uncomfortable with customers as it allegedly pushed their feet forward and, in some cases, completely out of the toehold. The shoe’s sole size also does not align with the actual shoe size, according to one reviewer’s observation.
Finally, the Lilly Pulitzer Bridgette Wedge ($198). This wedge heel is not only on the pricier end, but features a painful front strap, which, according to several customers, cuts deep into their feet. One reviewer stated, “the strap had a rough finish to it” and “seemed cut a bit wide,” making it difficult for them to push their foot through the buckle. Furthermore, heels in general don’t seem to be the trend lately, according to fashion experts.
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