N
Not Cordelia
March 21, 2015
Absolutely adorable designs, completely average (if not cheap-feeling) shoe.
These are seriously cute shoes--just right for Spring and Summer. That said, I have to acknowledge that they're pretty pricey for what comes in the carton. (They come in a milk-carton style shoebox, which is also very cute.) Without being judgey, it seems like what you're paying for when you buy these is the cute, chic fabric designs. And really, that's it. Because these shoes have no leather uppers, super-cushiony linings, or molded, impact-reducing heel cups; no waterproof this, suede that, or ergonomic the other thing. They're flat Mary Janes with a roomy, squarish toe box, a silvertone buckle, and silky fabric uppers stitched to a thin rubber sole. And, of course, they're completely adorable.When I got my first pair, it took me a couple days before I realized that they're freakishly similar to the embroidered silk Mary Jane flats I used to buy at a Chinese import store near my workplace when I was in college. They were just like these except that the toebox was round. They came in silk or cotton, and they cost about $10. The silk was really gorgeous for the price--perfect for a poor college student--and the embroidery made them look like a million bucks. But sadly, like all cheap things, they never lasted very long. If it rained, the silk showed every drop, and the color bled if your feet got sweaty. And now, whenever I look at my feet, I am reminded that my super-cute Hot Chocolate shoes are so very, very like those cheap, Chinese import store shoes in almost every respect but price.Pros/Cons: The soles are very thin, but flexible. The footbeds have -0- arch support, but since they are roomy and the strap is adjustable, I wear arch support insoles with them and that makes a huge difference in comfort. If you use orthotics with a highly cushioned heel cup that raises your heel up too much, you might have issues with the way these shoes rub your Achilles tendon. The prints and patterns are, of course, super cute, to which there is no down side. The toe box is very roomy, the stitching seems tight, and they seem to hold up well in a purely mechanical sense. Aesthetically, however, you need to baby these shoes a bit to keep them looking good--especially the paler designs. (They really seem to show dirt/scuffs, and the silky fabric doesn't wipe clean as easily as leather or fake leathers do.)So, with all that considered, why did I give them 5 stars? Because they're just that freakin' cute. Bottom line, I guess, is that if you go in knowing what you're getting for your money, you'll probably give these shoes 5 stars, too.
✔ Verified Purchase
A
Amazon Customer
April 02, 2018
Very comfortable and so adorable!
These are my 4th pair of Hot Chocolate flats. Love them. No, there are no half sizes, which isn't ideal but we've had experience adjusting with our Crocs, now haven't we. I am an ER 39/40 and ordered the US9 in this pattern. For reference, all my Dr. Martens are UK6. I have one pair that I ordered in the US8. The US9 doesn't feel sloppy big and is roomy enough that I added a cushy insert. The US8 has my toes hitting the end of the shoe box. I wouldn't want to walk around in the US8 all day but I have walked around in the US9 all day and my feet were very happy. I have medium width feet bordering on the wider side, especially near my toes. I find that I need to wear the strap on the smallest notch (even with the insert) and the toe box is really really roomy. So, if you have wider feet or bunions or you are pregnant and you were worried that you might not be able to wear Hot Chocolate flats, I would say that you'll be very pleasantly surprised. No, there is no arch support but (1) I didn't feel a need like I would with other shoes and (2) I had room for an insert if I really wanted to add some arch support. It isn't clear from the photos but the dark background is navy blue and not black. Only warning: Hot Chocolate shoes are addictive!
✔ Verified Purchase
so cute, hope they are comfortable.
So cute. Priced increase like 40dollars,I would not pay. But when they went back to original price purchased. The box they come in so cute.
✔ Verified Purchase
Love this product
Very cute, just like the photo, perfect sizing and fits well, the box gives instructions on how to clean, easy to walk in and they don’t hurt feet, the smell is a bit odd but able to deal with
✔ Verified Purchase
Adorable Sturdy! I'll accept paying $50 for these cuties!
These are perfect!I was very leery purchasing them after reading the reviews, but I’m so glad I did!I haven’t walked around all day in them yet, so I can’t attest to long-term durability or if a breaking-in period is required.QUALITYI was pleased by the quality! Yes, I knew they were going to be fabric, but a lot of reviews lead me to believe that it may be not-sturdy fabric. THE FABRIC IS PERFECTLY STURDY. Almost like the canvas of Keds shoes. Just what I was looking for. The sole is thick and sturdy (with a little bit of arch support?) . The black color of the shoes I received was nice and dark, and there weren’t any “printing errors” that other reviewers mentioned. I was just looking for a light, airy, summery shoe that was appropriate to wear to the office, and this is PERFECT. As close to sandals as I can get without being sandals.FITI usually wear an 8.5 – 9 shoe, and sometimes can squeeze into an 8, depending on brand. (I traced my foot on paper and my foot measured about 9 3/4".) These in size 8 fit perfectly. My toe touches the front, but doesn’t feel smashed. Width is fine. A little room in the heel area, but I tried these on without socks/stockings, but when I wear them, Ill be wearing sock/stockings. If any heel chaffing occurs, I can put a heel pad in there or insole; I’m not worried about it.PACKAGINGMine did NOT come smashed in an egg carton that other people complained about. Mine was adorably packaged in what looked like a large chocolate milk carton; it had care/wash instructions featured in a manner consistent with the Chocolate Milk theme. The shoes were NOT smashed and were wrapped nicely in what I thought was cutely-printed tissue paper, but it was actually fabric of some sort! I will probably save the box because it’s so cute and find another use for it!PRICEAll of this being said, these shoes are definitely a “splurge” and, I will admit, are overpriced. I got mine for $49.99. I know I paid “too much” for the type of shoe it is, but I accepted that going in and it was totally worth it! They’re office-appropriate, sturdy, perfect-for-summer shoes. AND adorable! Although, if I had spent any more than $50, I probably would have been disappointed/mad.
✔ Verified Purchase
