My Extra-Comfy Spring Step Shoes Review After 10 Years Experience
As someone constantly on their feet between chasing after my twins or hustling around my retail store all day, I‘m extremely picky about shoes. Beyond just looking cute with my outfits, they need to keep my feet supported and energized from dawn to dusk without ever pinching, slipping or tiring me out. Not an easy order to fill!
Over years testing countless comfort brands, one company consistently rises to the top as my go-to for quality, versatility and blissfully happy feet: Spring Step Shoes. After a decade of real life wear, tear and repeated reorders, I want to share an honest insider’s guide so you can see if their orthopedic-inspired kicks are a fit for your lifestyle too!
Brief Background: Who Is Spring Step?
Before diving into the incredible comfort features, cute styling and reasons I‘ve stuck loyally with this brand for 10+ years, I think understanding the thoughtful origins behind Spring Step adds meaningful context.
The company launched in 1991, founded by two shoe-making brothers born and raised inside their family‘s generations-old Italian footwear factory. Emigrating from Israel to New York in the 1980s, Avi and David Ben-Zikri noticed a gap in the market for fashion orthopedics. Blending old world craftsmanship with innovative comfort technologies, Spring Step Shoes was born.
The name refers to their mission of adding an effortless “spring” to customers‘ steps. And over 30 years later, the brothers still lead production of their Italian-made shoes from start to finish using quality leathers and fabrics.
In fact, Spring Step remains committed to handcrafting every single pair across their factories in Italy, Spain and Portugal. Their 200+ skilled cobblers use time-tested techniques passed down for durability with techniques to retain out-of-box flexibility. The results clearly speak for themselves…
Today, Spring Step now sells in over 1,500 specialty shoe boutiques and major e-tailers worldwide. While initially appealing to older comfort seekers, their über cushioned clogs, sandals and slippers now attract style lovers across ages dealing with foot issues, long work shifts, or simply wanting that slipper-like ahhhhhh with every step!
So how exactly does Spring Step bake such dream-worthy comfort into every pair? Let‘s analyze some of their greatest hits.
Spring Step‘s Comfort Technologies
As comfort fanatics ourselves, my husband and I quickly noticed thoughtful design details setting Spring Step miles ahead of other brands claiming all-day coziness. Three key elements work together to explain the cloud-like bliss achieved by their stylish orthopedic shoes.
1. Cushy Contoured Footbeds
Every Spring Step shoe contains a contoured, lightweight cork and latex footbed precisely placed to cradle arches and absorb shock. The slight heel cupping and ample toe room prevent any pinching while the responsive cushioning softens impact.
If your individual foot needs demand more support, many Spring Step styles accommodate swapping in off-the-shelf orthotics or their own arch-supporting inserts sold separately. This modularity allows a truly custom, moldable fit.
2. Flexible Shock-Proof Soles
Balancing that plush footbed, Spring Step outsoles use grooved latex, rubber and thermoplastic rubber (TPR) to ensure proper traction, stability and shock absorption on varying terrain.
While ideal for light hiking trails, their grippy soles, slight platforms and modest wedge heels make their dress and casual styles secure for hustling between home to office to dinner without slipping. One happy dad confirmed his daughters‘ rain boots kept little feet dry after exuberant puddle stomping thanks to seam-sealed construction.
3. Premium Leathers + Materials
For uppers, Spring Step sources buttery soft leathers from Italy and Spain for each style‘s decorative accents, linings and foot straps. Design flourishes like laser cut floral patterns, whipstitch details and hand painting give many pairs a true artisanal feel.
Reviewers consistently praise how the quality materials mold perfectly to feet within days or a few weeks. The initial snugness loosens up as the leathers stretch without ever feeling too stiff or tight. Plus, the muted color palettes and rich textures mean their shoes sync seamlessly with casual, professional and formal outfits in my closet.
Clearly, innovative construction matters just as much beauty for Spring Step. Now, let‘s explore some of their perennial bestselling styles starting with…
Top 5 Spring Step Shoes For Women Reviewed
Between chic embroidered booties, crisscross sandals and clogs in spades, Spring Step spoils women with options spanning seasons and dress codes. After testing dozens of their styles myself over a decade of chasing kids, navigating NYC streets and standing behind retail counters, I break down the 5 models earning permanent spots in my closet:
1. L‘Artiste Fabnfun Bootie – Gorgeous Floral Craftsmanship
Kicking things off is the showstopping L’Artiste Fabnfun Bootie which takes inspiration from French floral tapestries with hand painted blooms enveloping soft suede. The almond toe‘s rounded silhouette and fabric lace-up closure pamper feet while the slight platform adds stability and just enough lift without pinching.
I find the Fabnfuns run small, so I recommend ordering a half size up for the best fit especially if you love wearing socks or swelling later in the day. The calf width adjusts easily with the laces allowing comfortable wear tucked under tights with dresses or skimming bare skin with cutoffs once warm weather hits.
For $150 MSRP, the L‘Artiste Bootie sits at a luxury price point justified by meticulous Italian craftsmanship and buttery materials molding to your anatomy. The floral embroidery makes each pair special enough for date nights while the comfort lasts for strolling farmer‘s markets too.
Overall Rating: 5/5 Stars
2. Fusaro Leather Loafer – Sophisticated Versatility
For those seeking a slip-on almost as comfortable as socks with next-level sophistication, meet Spring Step‘s beloved Fusaro Loafer. I own this style in three versatile neutral shades suitable for everything from client meetings to farmers‘ markets to date nights.
The magic lies in the glove-like Italian leather upper which hugs feet beautifully with zero break-in needed. I advise sizing up half a size if wearing them daily to accommodate swelling. The slight platform means your heel never slips while the modest 1.5 inch wedge adds polish without pinching.
Teachers and retail workers alike praise the Fusaro Loafer‘s slip resistance and arch-cradling contour after long shifts on unforgiving hard floors. While $110 (less on sale!) feels splurge-worthy, fans swear they hold up impressively season after season justifying every penny.
Overall Rating: 5/5 Stars
3. Harlequin Strappy Wedge Sandal – Playful Height with Comfort
While the Fusaro Loafer channels European sophistication, the Harlequin Sandal satisfies my cravings for flirty femininity with its crisscross faux leather straps shining in juicy tropical hues. The hidden 2 inch wedge makes legs look miles long without sacrificing an ounce of cushy comfort.
Everything about the Harlequins feels lighter than air from the feathery foam footbed to bouncy thermoplastic rubber sole. Those needing more arch support can add Spring Step orthotics. But right out of the box, the roomy toe box prevented any blister-causing rub.
Despite feeling fancier than typical drugstore flip flops, the Harlequins cost just $50 (orig. $70) making them completely guilt-free shoes for beach cottage getaways, summer cocktail hours or exploring a new city.
Overall Rating: 5/5 Stars
4. Garda Waterproof Rain Boot – Cute & Dry Through Puddles
April showers and muddy trails prove no match for my Garda boots which keep my feet bone dry inside their seam-sealed waterproof shell. The adjustable shaft width suits curvy calves while a foam padded collar prevents any rubbing at the ankles when worn for hours.
Inside, the Gardas feel like sturdy slippers thanks to a cushy memory foam insole and breathable lining. Outside, the rugged lug sole means I can fearlessly tromp through wet grass or gravel while keeping my feet stylishly snug. Plus, picking edgy snake print over classic Hunter green makes them so fun!
Made thoughtfully in Portugal, these Italian leather boots earn their $150 price tag considering I anticipate years of heavy use. The mid-calf silhouette also accommodates layering thicker socks underneath on cold, drizzly days.
Overall Rating: 5/5 Stars
5. Propmaster Kitchen Clog – All Day Comfort Guaranteed
My final forever fave may surprise you considering their humble clog silhouette. But the Propmasters have earned a cult following as nurses, teachers and moms‘ do-anything foot saver after long shifts. With over 500 5-star reviews for good reason!
Right out of the box, the roomy toe box cradles feet perfectly to prevent pinching while the arch hugging contoured footbed works wonders on tired soles. The slip resistant sole ensures I confidently stride around slick restaurant floors all evening rather than timidly tip-toeing.
Beyond serving my waitressing needs flawlessly, the Propmasters transition beautifully from baking cookies in my kitchen to walking my dogs after work without changing shoes. The cushioned Nubuck leather actually looks polished enough for dinner with friends after a long Friday on my feet. And did I mention they cost just $100? Easy decision there!
Overall Rating: 5/5 Stars
Hopefully breaking down those five styles across categories gives you an idea of how Spring Step shoes perform across wearing occasions beyond their obvious comfort bragging rights. But I don‘t want to leave the gents feeling left out! Let‘s explore my husband‘s favorites picks too…
Top Spring Step Shoes For Men Reviewed
Whether seeking lace-up boots for weekend adventures or slip-ons suitable for casual Fridays in the office, Spring Step outfits men‘s feet brilliantly too. After surveying my husband‘s stash plus best selling models across the web, these three emerge as fan favorites for stylish gentlemen who refuse to compromise on comfort.
1. Sullivan Hiking Ankle Boot – Rugged Meets Refined
Starting things off right, the Sullivan Hiking Boot proves performance and polished style blend wonderfully with Spring Step‘s touch. While my husband reserves them for light trail use rather than rugged thru-hiking trips, the Sullivans still deliver traction and shock absorbing comfort on par with brands like Merrell.
The oiled leather upper and textured panels resist abrasions while a discreet side zipper makes the boot easy to slip on quickly. Underfoot, the modest platform and grippy Vibram outsole ensure stability while their snug (but not pinch-y tight) fit prevents rolling ankles on uneven ground.
For $140 made in Italy, my husband feels good getting years of wear during shoulder season adventures or even paired with jeans or slacks around town when conditions get slick. Definitely go up half a size if adding aftermarket orthotics.
Overall Rating: 5/5 Stars
2. Devon Loafer – Dapper Retro Appeal
Channeling Ivy League intellect, the Devon Loafer‘s timeless penny keeper straps and crepe sole ooze vintage sensibility without reading costume-y. The supple leather lining creates a glove-like fit easing pressure on arches and joints for gentle all-day wear.
My husband constantly gets asked where he bought these stylish kicks after long days on his feet as a chef. Despite the decades-proven classic design, they just mold to feet perfectly right away thanks to those hidden comfort technologies Spring Step bakes in.
While $110 hits above fast fashion prices, fans swear their Devons still look freshly polished after years of wear for a reasonable cost-per-use. Plus, the crepe sole works wonderfully offering traction inside slick restaurant kitchens.
Overall Rating: 5/5 Stars
3. Iwan Crisscross Slide Sandal – Effortless Summer Style
For easy breezy warm weather style, my husband slides his feet into the Iwan sandals almost daily once spring hits. While possessing enough sturdy support for tackling yardwork and walking our dogs, the sleek square toe silhouette actually transitions beautifully with shorts during date nights too.
Made from softly woven nubuck leather, the crisscross straps cradle his flat feet without pinching while the molded cork footbed offers more arch support than flimsy drugstore flip flops. The bonus? At just $60 they cost about the same!
Offering this polished style at an affordable price point makes the Iwans fantastic knock-around sandals. We even pack them on beach vacations for strolling boardwalks and browsing boutiques in comfort.
Overall Rating: 4.5/5 Stars
Hopefully those reviews across three diverse styles effectively demonstrate Spring Step‘s range blending elite comfort, value and aesthetic versatility beyond stereotypical ugly orthopedic shoes. Before wrapping up with where to actually try Spring Step shoes yourself, let‘s address a common concern…
Do Spring Step Shoes Run Big Or Small?
The number one sizing question newcomers ask gets answered definitively here: Spring Step shoes fit snug at first, so sizing up 1/2 to a full size is recommended.
Rather than feeling loose and sloppy initially, their leather lining and sturdy sole takes a few wears before molding perfectly to your feet‘s contours. Breaking them in gently allows the materials to relax slowly as they conform to your anatomy for a truly custom fit.
If you fall between standard size ranges or need accommodation for foot swelling, orthotics or socks, definitely size up rather than down. The leathers and elastic goring stretch naturally, preventing any pinching or uncomfortably tight squeezing.
This advice goes for both the women‘s and men‘s collections – go up half a size or full size as needed. If possible, trying sizes on in stores first helps nail fit before ordering online.
Where To Buy Spring Step Shoes
Thanks to their swelling global fanbase, Spring Step shoes get easier to find by the season both stateside and overseas:
Online Retailers
- SpringStepShoes.com
- Zappos.com
- Nordstrom.com
- Amazon.com
Brick & Mortar Stores
- Over 1,500 specialty shoe boutiques across North America – Store locator
International Shipping
Spring Step shoes ship worldwide directly from their website, though additional duties and taxes may apply depending on country.
Returns & Exchanges
No shoe achieves perfection for every foot which is why Spring Step offers hassle-free returns within 30 days to the original retailer. Gently worn shoes with intact boxes get fully refunded.
I suggest purchasing directly from their site first for fastest shipping and easiest exchanges. Offloading extra inventory through Zappos and Nordstrom does mean fewer size availability.
Should YOU Buy Spring Step Shoes?
Hopefully this comprehensive walkthrough from an insider Spring Step fangirl of 10+ years offers helpful intel before you shop! To recap, here‘s quick pros vs cons if still debating adding them to your comfort footwear lineup:
SPRING STEP PROS 👍
- Handmade quality and artistry
- Cushioning rivaling slides and slippers
- Glove-like fit easing feet issues
- Stylish silhouettes hiding comfort tech
- Proven durability holding up years
- Ideal for jobs requiring long hours standing
- Accommodates orthotics
SPRING STEP CONS 👎
- Run snug initially before break-in
- Limited availability outside flagship website
- Luxury pricing, but worth cost per wear
- Lack mainstream brand recognition
- Not designed for intense athletics
- Rare quality issues with lemons
As someone constantly testing the latest kicks hyped online, very few check every box earning permanent spots in my closet quite like Spring Step. While priced at a premium, their leisurewear-level comfort, durable Italian craftsmanship and accommodating fit create dream shoes well justifying $100-$200.
For those over pronation, plantar fasciitis or simply needing to power through long work shifts with blissfully supported feet, Spring Step helps you strut through life’s demands with a spring in your step as promised. Just be sure to size up!
Still debating if they’re worth it for your individual needs? Feel free to reach out with any questions in the comments below! Happy shoe shopping 🙂
