I have A LOT to share about Vivaia shoes. This article is my brutally honest review of Vivaia shoes and why I have some reservations about this company. My experience with Vivaia shoes started when their affiliate marketing team sent me a pair of their "sustainable" Aria 2.0 flats to try. Since then, I've also purchased a pair of "sustainable" boots and received their new Aria 5 flats. But let me tell you, there are just too many red flags with this company.
What are Vivaia Shoes?
Vivaia is a relatively new shoe company founded in 2020. According to their website, their mission is to create stylish and sustainable footwear and apparel that are eco-friendly. They claim to use recycled plastic bottles to make their shoes, and many of their products are machine washable. While their flats are their most popular product, they also offer sandals, loafers, mules, sneakers, and boots.
Where are Vivaia Shoes from?
Vivaia shoes are manufactured in China, which may raise concerns about sustainability practices and employee welfare. The company claims to have a positive story about their production in China, but they provide no evidence to support their claims on their website.
Are Vivaia Shoes Sustainable?
While Vivaia markets themselves as a sustainable brand, there are some issues with their claim. Making clothing from recycled water bottles might seem like a step towards sustainability, but once a plastic bottle is turned into clothing, it won't be recycled again and will likely end up in a landfill.
According to an article by Well and Good, this type of clothing is not as environmentally friendly as it may seem. Additionally, less than 1% of all clothing is recycled into new clothing, according to an article by Harvard Business Review. So, is buying "plastic bottle fashion" really helping the environment? The best way to be sustainable is to reuse clothing and buy secondhand.
Are Vivaia Shoes Fair Trade?
Vivaia does not claim to be a fair trade company. Fair trade means paying fair wages and ensuring safe and healthy working conditions for employees. While having a factory in China doesn't automatically mean a company is unethical, Vivaia's offer to pay only $50 for a significant amount of work raises concerns about how they treat their own employees.
My Honest Vivaia Shoes Review
Now, let's discuss the product itself, setting aside my personal feelings about the company. In terms of shipping, Vivaia's processing time is quick, taking only one day. Shipping to the US generally takes around 10 days. As for returns, the process is a bit odd, but it does exist. It may not be the smoothest experience, but I did eventually receive a full refund.
When it comes to sizing, there can be some discrepancies. Based on my foot length, I initially ordered a size 38, but it turned out to be slightly small. However, when I ordered a size 39 (my usual US size) for the boots and Aria 5 flats, they fit perfectly. So, I would recommend sticking to your regular US size when ordering Vivaia shoes.
For those with wide feet, Vivaia shoes are a good option. The fabric has some stretch, making them comfortable for wider feet. As for washing, the shoes can hold up well in the machine. I washed mine in cold water inside a mesh bag, and they came out looking brand new.
In terms of quality, I have to admit that Vivaia shoes are of good quality. They are comfortable, versatile, and show no signs of wear. Despite my reservations about the company, I cannot deny the quality of their products.
Verdict: Should You Buy Vivaia Shoes?
If you're considering Vivaia shoes because you want to support a sustainable brand, I would advise against it. The company's claims of sustainability seem more like marketing tactics than actual environmentally friendly practices. However, if you're looking for shoes that are durable and versatile, Vivaia does offer good-quality options. Wearing one pair of durable shoes for years can be beneficial for the environment compared to buying several cheap shoes that end up in landfills.
In conclusion, while Vivaia shoes have some positive aspects, it's important to be aware of the company's marketing tactics and lack of evidence to support their sustainability claims. As consumers, we should prioritize reusing clothing and buying secondhand for a truly sustainable fashion industry.
If you have any questions about this Vivaia shoes review, feel free to reach out in the comments below.
