As a self-professed shoe lover, I've always believed in the importance of having a diverse rotation of high-quality footwear that never compromises style for comfort. From everyday staples to glamorous statement pieces, a good pair of shoes should always take you places, and most importantly, make you feel confident.
VIVAIA takes this empowering ethos a step further with its eco-friendly philosophy and renowned sneaker-like comfort. After all, the global label's shoes are crafted from recycled water bottles and equipped with strategically placed artemisia insoles suited for all-day comfort. Since its inception in 2020, VIVAIA has steadily become a celebrity favourite—having been spotted on the likes of Saoirse Ronan, Alexa Chung, Emma Roberts and more.
Ahead, I put six of VIVAIA's iconic silhouettes to the test to see if they live up to the hype: The Margot Mary-Jane, the Aria Walker, the Julie Pro, the Addison, the Melissa and the Alexandra.
SIGNATURE FLATS
Ever since coquette-core took the fashion world by storm, ballet flats have earned a top spot in my footwear rotation. Quintessentially feminine and perfect for everyday wear, ballerinas are my second most worn type of shoes after sneakers. Naturally, I was excited to put the Margot Square-Toe Mary-Jane and the Aria Walker to the ultimate test of durability—by wearing it to run errands all around town. Crafted in a breathable mesh material and velvety padded insoles, both ballet flats were lightweight and easy to wear the entire day. I also particularly liked the elegant square-toe on the Mary-Jane and the eclectic checkerboard facade of the Aria Walker, which added a vibrant touch to my outfit.
Repped by style maven Alexa Chung and actress Emma Roberts, it's easy to see why the Margot Square-Toe Mary-Jane and the Aria Walker are amongst VIVAIA's top picks. They're stylish and versatile with exceptional comfort—the three most important factors for an everyday shoe.
Margot Square-Toe Mary-Jane in Forest Green, $149, VIVAIA.
Aria Walker Lightweight Pointed-Ballet Flats in Checker, $149, VIVAIA.
DAY TO NIGHT HEELS
Searching for the perfect pair of heels can often feel like finding a needle in a haystack—especially with the assortment of styles and brands out there. The quest of finding the right pair is often complicated by all-too-common pain points like narrow toe boxes and stiff cushioning.
Spotted here on acclaimed actresses Jenna Ortega, Selena Gomez and Aubrey Plaza are VIVAIA's coveted Julie Pro and Addison heels. Based on first impressions alone, I was instantly drawn to the sophisticated designs of both silhouettes. After wearing them to multiple work events, I was pleasantly surprised that I didn't encounter the typical issues mentioned above. Thanks to its soft knit upper and refined heel shape, the Addison was one of the most comfortable slingback heels I've ever worn and was my top pick amongst the six shoes I tried. The Julie Pro was a close second with its roomy toe box and double arch support.
Julie Pro Round-Toe Chunky Heels in Beige and Black, $213, VIVAIA.
Addison Pointed-Toe Slingback Sandals in Almond, $182, VIVAIA.
VERSATILE BOOTS
As seen on Saoirse Ronan and Julia Roberts, the Alexandra and Melissa are not your typical statement boots. Rather, their allure lies in timeless simplicity and innovative craftsmanship. While boots have long earned the notorious reputation of being uncomfortable—with the dreaded "breaking in" ritual resulting in painful blisters—both pair of boots prove otherwise. Stretchy, water-repellent and equipped with pressure-relief insoles, the Alexandra and Melissa are the epitome of functionality meets comfort. Both silhouettes also come with a highly elastic shaft, making it easy to slide your foot in and out of the shoe.
The Alexandra ankle boots stood out to me with its kitten stiletto and sleek pointed toe. As someone who prefers a mid-length heel, these elegant boots also earned extra points for its effective shock absorption around the heel. Meanwhile, its cozier counterpart, the Melissa is my go-to for cold, wet weather. Designed with a knitted perforated facade and equipped with an anti-slip rubber outsole, these durable boots also make perfect travel companions during the fall/winter season.
Alexandra Pointed-Toe Ankle Heel Boots in Black, $243, VIVAIA.
Melissa Square-Toe Perforated Heeled Boots in Light Grey, $213, VIVAIA.
VIVAIA is located at Bugis Junction, Bedok Mall, Wisma Atria, VivoCity, and Westgate Mall. For more information, visit their website.
All photos: Courtesy of VIVAIA