I typically wear a wide shoe so ordered half a size up based on advice from Christina when I emailed [****]. She had given me advice on stretching them if necessary, but it hasn't been. They fit perfectly, and I'm so excited to wear them both as an everyday flat and for my wedding shower, RenFaire, and other historical-leaning events. The other reviewers' concern about slipperiness is accurate--I can feel myself slipping on carpet, and, although the soles of the shoes are the same as American Duchess' other heels, these don't have the benefit of the additional texture on the heel cap to help. I will try the suggestion of wearing it a little more on the sidewalk first before trying anything else to add texture!
Similar to many other folks here, the shoes felt a bit tight right out of the box, but after a few hours across the week walking around the house in thin socks, the soft suede quickly bent to my foot shape. The teal color is a lush jewel tone that complements a variety of seasonal colors. As usual, the craftsmanship is unparalleled, and though I've only worn them out into the world once, I already received many admirative comments and asks for the vendor. The soles are a bit slippery on the carpet out the box, but wearing them out and about in town and at work one day was enough to help give them some friction.
These were quite tight in my regular size out of the box, and reminded me a bit of the similarly-tight Mary Renaissance shoe, but they loosened up after some wear around my (carpeted) house and I could feel more room to wiggle my toes (loosened faster than Mary). The suede is so soft, and the teal is maybe a tiny bit lighter in person. I appreciate the petersham ties instead of satin as they have better grip in the knot. They are indeed slippery but that's to be expected of leather soles.
My feet loved these shoes right out of the box! They are not only really comfortable, but also very cute! I am enjoying the thin, light and strong soles too.
I find these shoes a little tight and narrow (a surprise, since usually AD shoes run true to size for me).
But more importantly, as at least one other reviewer has noted, the soles are EXTREMELY and dangerously slippery. In trying them on around the house I’ve already taken two tumbles (on two different surfaces) one of which was down a set of stairs. I’m very lucky I wasn’t seriously injured.
And I’m young and able bodied…I can’t even imagine how unsafe these would be for anyone with mobility issues.
Very surprised by the sole choice on these shoes. A very rare —but major — misfire from AD.
So now I either need to go through the hassle of returning them or the extra expense of having them re-soled. Either way, very disappointing.
Happy to assist with any questions or concerns! The soles on the Artemisia are the same sealed leather soles that are on almost all of our shoes, including all the ones in your collection. If you're finding the sole a bit too slippery on some surfaces, there's a variety of solutions. While you could, of course, have your local cobbler add a half or full rubber sole, you can get a more historically accurate solution with no cobbler necessary - just pop the shoes on your feet and go out to the nearest patch of sidewalk and do the twist! This will scuff off the layer of water resistant coating on the part of the sole that touches the ground. The coating would wear off naturally after a bit; this just hastens the removal. Afterwards, treat the soles with mink or neatsfoot oil to keep the leather hydrated and water resistant.
The shoes are gorgeous to look at. Comfortable even but they’re so slippery, they’re dangerous!!
Why would you put a sole like that on ANY shoe? I’m going to have to spend even more money to get some sort of non slip surface on the sole. Very disappointed.
We're glad you find them comfy! If you're finding the sole a bit too slippery on some surfaces, there's a variety of solutions. While you could, of course, have your local cobbler add a half or full rubber sole, you can get a more historically accurate solution with no cobbler necessary - just pop the shoes on your feet and go out to the nearest patch of sidewalk and do the twist! This will scuff off the layer of water resistant coating on the part of the sole that touches the ground. The coating would wear off naturally after a bit; this just hastens the removal. Afterwards, treat the soles with mink or neatsfoot oil to keep the leather hydrated and water resistant.
I’ve been dying waiting to get these! They just arrived and I already tried them on. They are such a luscious deep persimmon color and so comfortable. I have half a mind to buy another pair because I want to wear these everywhere and not just with my historical costumes. So thrilled with this purchase! The sweet little laces are very nice too.
All I need now is some silk ribbon to fashion rosettes. Straight out of the box they looked like they danced straight out of a painting of a galliard. The fit is comfortable because of the modern last. I believe the sizing is accurate, but can't honestly tell because I'm used to the fit of a tight ballet slipper. There is room at the end of the toes, and I understand that people like a shoe fit like that. Next time I'll buy a size smaller and in a size wide.
