After months, maybe even years, of seeing Alohas’ aesthetic ads on Instagram, I decided to finally try them out. It was the Charlotte slingback block heels that finally got me, as they looked perfect for upcoming summer events. I decided to order the chunky Barrel sandals as well, and am reviewing both in this post.
Overview
Alohas is a Spanish shoe brand specializing in small batch leather & vegan leather shoes. They also carry some accessories, such as handbags, and clothing. As far as I know, they’re the only shoe brand that does pre-orders for styles, which helps cut down on overproduction.
Their items lean towards a slightly higher price point – leather sandals are in the mid to high $100s, and boots from $200s to $300s. However, purchasing earlier in a style production’s lifecycle results in a higher discount: pre-orders are 30% off, in-production are 15% off, and in-stock are normally priced.
Pre-Order Timeline
I ordered both the Charlotte and Barrel sandals during their production phases late March, with an expected ship date of mid-May. Note that if you pre-order multiple pairs of shoes, they will wait to ship your order until the last pair is ready.
Mine ended up delayed, so I didn’t receive them until early June. Thankfully, I was not in a rush. But this is certainly something to consider if you are hoping to meet a deadline!
Sizing
I am typically a narrow 7.5 US, so I ordered both pairs in a size 38 EU. From a fit & length standpoint, they worked out perfectly. I find in general that European sizing tends to be more consistent for me, and Alohas is no different here.
Charlotte Slingbacks
The first thing I noticed was how comfortable these were – the 2.5” block heel is the perfect height for balancing lift with walkability. I often worry about slingback heel straps digging in, but these did not at all. I really like the higher vamp at the front of the shoe, which did not cut in to my feet at all. The cut of the vamp gives them a bit of a more formal edge, perfect for events. However, they’re still very wearable with jeans for daily wear.
Alas, I wasn’t a big fan of the color. The light greige really highlighted how pink my feet get sometimes, which is unfortunate. I really wish they had these in more colors – a deeper camel suede would have been perfect.
Barrel Sandals
I love the look of white and ivory dad sandals – the brighter color lightens the visual weight of the style, especially for summer. In particular, I liked how this style has the leather stitching around the edges – it’s a very clean look, but still has a casual vibe.
The stock photos make these sandals look a bit stiff, but they are anything but! I was pleasantly surprised by how soft the leather straps and sole actually were. Photos can definitely be deceiving – these sandals are super comfortable. The velcro on the front straps makes it easy to adjust them for different feet widths.
Unfortunately, I personally didn’t love the oversized look on my size 7.5 feet and 5’4” frame. Chunky shoes are a hit or miss for me, especially since I have narrow ankles that accentuate the visual difference. More often misses than not, though I still continue to try!
Verdict
Though neither of the two styles worked for me, I’m a fan of Alohas’ sustainable production model and the quality of shoes. Both the leather and suede shoes were well-constructed, sturdy, and felt worth the slightly higher price tag.
I’m looking forward to giving them another try for the colder months. Specifically, I’m eyeing these fun bi-color boots and ivory lug boots – yes, I know. Maybe someday I’ll learn!
Partnership Disclosure: This blog post was not sponsored by any of the brands listed above. As always, all opinions are my own. This post may contain affiliate links, in which I earn a commission on purchases.
