Why I’m Convinced Margaux Shoes Really Are for *Every* Type of Foot

Weather permitting (read: not 20 degrees in NYC), The Demi is my daily shoe. I’ve worn them so much the outsole chipped away. If I know I’ll be walking a lot, I’d throw these on over my sneakers any day. There are tons of colorways (currently 15—though previously there were close to 30), and the silhouette is simple but chic—I feel that they dress up any outfit, even jeans and a white T-shirt. In all the years I’ve worn them, I’ve never had a blister and didn’t need to break them in. And trust me when I say, this footbed is in a class by itself.

Fast Facts

• Size Range: US 3.5 to 14
• Colors: 15
• Widths: 3

This was the first pair of Margauxs I bought, and five years in, they still look surprisingly good. This was one of its earlier iterations, so the sole is super stiff, which I like. Newer designs (I own a pair in black) are less rigid and don’t require a break-in. The tapered toe is a touch more elegant than The Demi and perfect for a night out—or just running errands. The only thing I haven’t loved about these shoes is that the leather on the toes chips pretty easily. I stubbed the toe a few months in and the pink layer started to flake. It was super disappointing considering the shoes are now almost $300. It’s nothing a trip to the cobbler can’t fix (which I did and they look new), but I’d say be cautious anyways.

Fast Facts

• Size Range: US 3.5 to 14
• Colors: 4
• Widths: 3

My first pair of Margaux boots was the now-defunct Edie, and at the time, they were some of the most comfortable boots I’d ever worn. I still have them and they look great, considering they're a near-daily wardrobe staple in the winter thanks to the surprisingly insulating suede. The closest iteration to this style is now The Uptown Boot ($545), but when the brand launched The Imogen, I immediately zeroed in on it. The 1.5-inch, inset heel was enough of a sell for me to opt for the tapered-toe, knee-high leather boots. The weight distribution is much better, putting less pressure on the ball of my foot. While insulating, the boots aren't meant to be worn with thick socks, so if that's your MO when the temps drop, I'd skip these. As for me, I like medium-weight socks and find them comfortable to walk in, but the leather does need to be stretched a tad.

Fast Facts

• Size Range: US 3.5 to 14
• Colors: 2
• Widths: 3

The Ada is one of Margaux’s newer styles, featuring a 1-inch block heel ballet pump with an adjustable cord. This is my preferred heel height for everyday polish, and I’m completely in love with the design. However, I've found that in general, Margaux is a hit-or-miss on its traditional heels (sandals excluded). I've had fit issues with the traditional pump the brand discontinued, as well as the Ada. But after researching and a trip to a the Margaux boutique in LA, I think I've cracked the code.

Typically, I wear a 36W with the brand, but this size was quite tight on the crown of my foot, just above my toes. This wasn't a leather issue—the unstructured sacchetto leather stretches. It was the combination of stiff grosgrain trim and higher vamp. When ordering, I recommend going a half size up in length but sizing one down in the width. For example, instead of 36W, I got a 36.5M. However, if you have extremely wide feet, I'd go at least a half size up in both departments (ex. 36W becomes 36.5W). Also note that, annoyingly, the fit varies from color to color. I tried on a pair red crinkle patent leather Adas which felt looser than the nappa shade I ended up going with. In the end, it worked out and after a couple wears, the leather stretched and now they're perfect. Just plan to potentially wear a preventative bandage on the top of your foot where the ribbon fastens; it might rub in the beginning.

Fast Facts

• Size Range: US 3 to 14
• Colors: 8
• Widths: 3

One of my favorite pairs of Margaux sandals was The Lena, now sadly discontinued. But the MX 35 comes close, sharing The Lena's walkable 1.5-inch block heel, while evoking the look of the Hermès Oasis sandals at roughly one-third the price. I love that I can dress these sandals up or down, and they stay fairly securely on my foot, despite the thinner straps. These shoes did require a break-in period; the leather is a bit stiff and the stitching a tad rough for my blister-prone feet. Two hacks I use to break in shoes are to take short work-break walks around my block in thin socks (not as slippery as it sounds) and to apply a ton of lotion to my feet, which helps prevent blisters by allowing the leather to glide more smoothly on my foot.

Fast Facts

• Size Range: US 3.5 to 14
• Colors: 7
• Widths: 3

The Paloma has an intimidating 3.5-inch block heel height. When they first arrived, my first thought was, “No way.” But, in the name of research I wore them to a party and ended up also walking about a mile straight in them the same night. No aching feet. No broken ankles. No blisters. Magic. If you asked me to walk another mile in them, I wouldn’t hesitate, and they’re also my go-to wedding guest shoes. They are surprisingly stable given that the heels are creeping on 4 inches, but the one-inch platform neutralizes the heel so that it's more akin to walking on a 2.5-inch ones. The leather on The Paloma is also divinely buttery (at least for the nappa color I selected), so you can wear them right out of the box.

Fast Facts

• Size Range: US 3.5 to 14
• Colors: 4
• Widths: 3

Maybe I've fallen for the Poetcore aesthetic, but I've been wanting loafers for a while. However, as someone who isn't accustomed to bulkier shoes, the task of finding the right pair felt daunting. As much as I loved the traditional, scholarly look of the Marlowe loafer ($385), I was hesitant that I could actually pull it off. When I saw The James, the silhouette felt more manageable, but I was afraid it would feel like I worked for a bank. Instead, the sacchetto loafers surprised me in the best way. They are so soft and flexible, while still creating a nice line. The square toe makes it feel more contemporary and less stuffy. They're a dream to walk in; I've already done several commutes with no complaints from my feet.

However, do note that, like with the Ada, there is some fit consistency in the loafer department. In both the The Marlowe and The James, I ended up going down half a size—from 36W to 35.5W. Though vis-à-vis The James, I think I could have gone with a 36M. The 35.5W has worked well, though, as the leather does stretch after a couple wears and becomes incredibly comfortable.

Fast Facts

• Size Range: US 3 to 14
• Colors: 2
• Widths: 3

While I appreciate a good sky-high heel, sometimes I just want a practical one with a manageable height. That's where The Cleo comes in. The simple design evokes a celeb-favorite red-carpet shoe often employed by stylists when they don't want to take attention away from a show-stopping gown. The Cleo has a walkable 2.5-inch block heel and comfy ankle strap that doesn't need breaking in. I've got a discontinued pair of heeled sandals at the same height that are my go-tos when I have a long workday but evening commitments, and I always make it through.

I've started styling The Cleo with sundresses on warm days, and I love how they're invisible but still add to the outfit. They definitely have the thinnest straps of all the heeled Margaux sandals I've tested, and while I do appreciate the daintiness, I will say the shoe isn't as securely on my foot. While I can walk a full day in them (subway, stairs, uneven sidewalks included), I've had a couple instances where my foot slipped off the shoe, the strap unable to corral it. While I'd wear these out on the town, if you're less confident, they're great for a night out when you're traveling by car. Also note that I opted for the white sandals—they will scuff and are probably higher maintenance than other colors.

Fast Facts

• Size Range: US 3.5 to 14
• Colors: 6
• Widths: 3

In the summer I have one goal: to wear as little as possible while still being socially acceptable. (I mean, you try living in a swamp for eight weeks of the year.) I love sandals, but often, my flat feet do not. I've been wanting a pair of Margaux's flat sandals for a while, and finally got my hands on them. Initially, I was skeptical—the shoe is billed as "barely there" and it looks the part. But one walk and I could feel Margaux's signature padded footbed doing its overtime. Don't be deceived; they're more comfortable than they look. Like the MX 35, I have also been breaking these in slowly, and if you're prone to blisters, you'll want to do that, too.

Fast Facts

• Size Range: US 3.5 to 14
• Colors: 6
• Widths: 3

Last winter I was suckered into the chocolate brown trend and bought a pair of suede Fonteyns. No regrets. I like the updated look of the ballet flat with the square toe box; it makes a traditional, predictable style feel fresh and varied. I'd say this is the brand's hero flat right now, currently available in nearly 20 colors. I'm lusting after the satin finishes.

Fast Facts

• Size Range: US 3.5 to 14
• Colors: 18
• Widths: 3