I’ve never been one to spend a lot of money on my shoes. I used to be reluctant to, thinking it was sacrilege to be stepping on very pricey shoes. Ferragamo is one of those old shoe brands I have eyed up for the longest time without ever taking the plunge.
However, I recently went to check out the Ferragamo Varina flats for a friend and I’ll be darned if I didn’t half fall in love with them myself 😛 Enough to make me re-think my reluctance.
The Varina flat has a 1cm heel which isn’t much, but to my surprise, helps the shoe feel a bit more comfortable than if it was totally flat. The shoe itself hugs the foot yet somehow makes the foot look dainty. It is almost as if the most casual of outfits is lifted up a notch just wearing these shoes.
There is some padding at the inner sole and my foot actually felt very comfortable in the shoe. I found that it runs true to size if I base it on the European sizing, where it feels a bit snug at the toes (perhaps because its new), but otherwise is comfortable. Granted, I only walked about in it in the store (as long as I could 😛 ) so that isn’t much to go on. But still, it was one of those shoes you don’t really want to take off 😛
Oh and another thing that sold me on the Varina as opposed to the other designs available is the signature Salvatore Ferragamo grosgrain bow in a matching colour with the shoe and held down with a gold, silver or brushed metal buckle depending on the material of the shoe. It makes a serviceable shoe look at once pretty, chic and classic.
Some day, I’ll get thee, Varina! 😀 I figured I might do it, because if its a good shoe that will last, and looks good and is comfortable on my feet, then why not, right?
Any chance that anyone owns the Ferragamo Varina and would like to share your thoughts on it? 😉 Or do you happen to own any other Ferragamo shoes and think them worth the plunge down the deep abyss of designer shoes? Help, I might be falling already 😛
Paris B
The pretty lass at the top is Zooey Deschanel wearing the Ferragamo Varina flat
LeGeeque says
April 1, 2012 at 9:12 amI own 2 pairs and I love them to death!!!!!!!! And you are right, it gives even the most basic and casual outfit the needed oomph! I have a pair in bright tangerine I pair with black tights and they brighten up my otherwise dreary outfit and I have a pair in classic black that goes with everything. I highly recommend them. 🙂
Paris B says
April 1, 2012 at 10:50 amIts how it looks with tights that really had me going wow! I need it! But since I don’t wear tights back here I’m going to have to go back to the store and try it again but I’m just afraid I’d walk out with a pair y’know 😛 I’ll sleep on it and wait for a nice little windfall then decide 😉
Lisa says
April 2, 2012 at 11:14 pmI’ve been dreaming about “the” Ferragamo tangerine flats for more than ten years. I blame it on a japanese dorama i’ve watched more than 10 years ago. The male lead in the dorama gave the female lead this pair of gorgeous tangerine flats which had me head over “flats” with since. I’ve long forgotten the storyline but not this pair of shoes. Perhaps i should just get it??? What’s holding me back is my feet which is so very prone to blisters. I wouldn’t want to spend several hundreds and not be able to wear them eventually.
lyn says
April 1, 2012 at 9:54 amFerragamo makes one of the best leather shoes. When my mum was still working, she’d only wear Ferragamo shoes and they would last for years. I own a pair myself and have worn it to death, which reminds me, I need to get another pair (or two) during their sales. Due to my height and size, I need shoes that are solid, well made and comfortable. I really think Ferragomos are worth it.
On the middle-end scale, I have been buying Aldos almost exclusively over the past three years because the quality of their shoes are pretty good as well and they usually have some sale going on. I have a few 3.5 to 4 inch heels from Aldos and if I can wear them and run around in them, anyone can 😉
Paris B says
April 1, 2012 at 10:52 amMy mom had a pair of pumps too! I remember polishing them for her weekly and it was very impressive because they’d gleam with renewed lustre after a quick buffing, that no other cheaper shoe could emulate. I can’t wear Aldos, if you can believe it. For some reason, they don’t suit my narrow feet 🙁 They look so pretty otherwise. So I have to go with the serviceable Clarks and the like. So… when are you going Ferragamo shopping again? 😉
giddy tigress says
April 1, 2012 at 9:59 amVery pretty! Any chance you know if it’s cheaper in the States?
Paris B says
April 1, 2012 at 10:52 amIts US$365 or $395 in the States I think. I’m not sure but you can check on the website. There might be other sites that sell them a little cheaper too. Local price quite unknown unfortunately.
Jennifer says
April 1, 2012 at 10:24 amIt’s a very pretty and classic pair of flats. But I’m one of those who never believed in paying a fortune for flats though if they’re a well made pair, it would be super comfortable. I love heels too much I guess 😛 But flats also have a way with clothes as with heels. Haha, I love the way you chose your words – dainty, grosgrain bow, pretty, chic, classic. I think you should get it 🙂
Paris B says
April 1, 2012 at 10:54 amYes! I’m learning only now that some flats work well with an overall look, even with dresses (something like looks like these Ferragamo flats) but some flats don’t. Its such a delicate balance! The old back and knees can’t handle wearing heels too often these days so I have to mix them up 😀 Will probably have to check out the selection in our local stores and erm… think about it some more hehe… 😉
Applegal says
April 1, 2012 at 11:05 amSo pretty and practical to boot! 😀
Applegal says
April 1, 2012 at 11:09 amYou can tell I’m not a good influence 😉
Paris B says
April 1, 2012 at 12:25 pm“To boot” *groan* hehe
Sam says
April 1, 2012 at 11:33 amI did go into the store last week with the intention to buy a pair of Varinas, but came out with a pair of hot pink Audreys instead. They are incredibly comfortable and can’t help but make you happy when you look at your feet.
I also have a pair of black and white Fedoras I bought on sale last year. One of my work colleagues cruelly termed them ‘golf shoes’ – they are patterned like brogues with a 3cm heel. I love them!
Definitely worth the investment in my opinion. I think I’ll get a pair of Varinas when they’re on sale.
Paris B says
April 1, 2012 at 1:45 pmEeks! I’ve heard so much about the comfort of Ferragamo shoes that I’m dying to own a pair. I’m not sure if Varina goes on sale here but you bet I’ll be right there at the store when the sales come on in the hope that they do! 😀
ysk says
April 1, 2012 at 12:04 pmI’m not a big fan of flats although it’s comfortable.hopefully I cam splurge on a pair of YSL high heels one day XD
Ps I’m 1.68m but heels boost my confidence,cant live without heels=)
Paris B says
April 1, 2012 at 1:46 pmYSL heels? Nice! 😀
ysk says
April 1, 2012 at 4:13 pmBut somehow,I prefer to spend $$ on handbag XD I want to buy lady Dior but ended up buying marc Jacobs,longchamp,fendi….
Paris B says
April 1, 2012 at 5:22 pmWell so long as it makes you happy I guess. I eyed up the Lady Dior but I know I’ll never get it simply because its just too impractical for me.
ysk says
April 1, 2012 at 6:17 pmImpractical??You mean the design or what??
Paris B says
April 3, 2012 at 11:43 amI find it too small but its something that is probably best tested out yourself.
ysk says
April 3, 2012 at 10:26 pmSmall??I was wondering how many items you bring out…
Mira says
April 1, 2012 at 1:00 pmI don’t think I’ll buy any shoes that worth thousands, although how comfy and pretty it is. I’m the type that never splurge on shoes because I always get bored of wearing the same shoes. Plus, how can I step on a RM3000++ shoes?? If I buy it I might just put it prettily on the shoe rack! >.< The most pricey shoes I had is only RM200, and yeah it won't last for more than a year but considering the price, I think it's ok. I splurge more on designer handbags. I don't mind if it's pricey, as long as the quality & design is good.
Paris B says
April 1, 2012 at 1:49 pmI used to think the same way 🙂 But we all have our vices. I haven’t quite gone down the high end shoe road yet, but after testing a couple, I just might. I have very picky feet so what is most important to me is comfort. Many more inexpensive shoes are bad for my feet, knees and back so now I just have to buy fewer shoes but spend a bit more. That said, its great if you don’t have picky feet. Some people are lucky and then they can splurge on other stuff … like bags hehe 😉
Bugs says
April 1, 2012 at 5:14 pmI have small feet and it’s so difficult to get size 3 shoes that fits me, some European brands I need to get size 1 shoes from children department. So I always come out the store with nothing when I go shoe-searching, that’s why I am 1 girl who do not have lots of shoes… ( I can hear a sigh of relief from my husband )
Paris B says
April 1, 2012 at 5:28 pmAnd I thought I had small feet! >.< I guess I should count myself lucky then that my feet come just within the lower size ranges of footwear, even if I then battle thin narrow feet syndrome! I guess you have found brands that work for you then, Bugs? And do you then shop exclusively in those brands? 🙂
Bugs says
April 1, 2012 at 5:37 pmNo problem finding sandals. I like Hush Puppies Body Shoe and Fitflops, but I can’t find heels or pumps that fits and are comfortable.
Paris B says
April 3, 2012 at 11:42 amI can imagine shoes for small feet would be a problem. I have UK4 feet and am already having problems! I find Clarks suit me best 🙂
ponikuta says
April 1, 2012 at 3:16 pmMy friend has this exact pair. She wore it to drive the next day and left this ugly black smudge mark on it that refuse to come off regardless of how she tried. Feel sorry for her. If you are going to splurge get the leather ones, mine has lasted for years. 🙂 x V
Paris B says
April 1, 2012 at 5:22 pmThank goodness for your warning! I am not quite sold on the patent leather versions myself so I will most definitely be looking at the leather ones. I just hope that if I do get them, I don’t scuff them immediately. I’m prone to doing silly things like that 😛
Shleesy says
April 1, 2012 at 8:35 pmI loves Ferragamo shoes.
Bought my 1st pair of Varina in Paris and got myself hook with the brand ever since. Worth every penny.
To my knowledge, Ferragamo Varina (in classic colour) never goes on sales; seasonal colour – yes.
Paris B says
April 3, 2012 at 11:43 amAhhh I need someone to go to Europe and get these for me hehe… Thanks for the input!
Ling says
April 1, 2012 at 10:13 pmThat is a gorgeous colour!! And agree with Val regarding patent – my patent shoes always scuff after 2-3 wears 🙁
Paris B says
April 3, 2012 at 11:44 amI had a patent pair of shoes once. They looked nice for about 2 months and then looked awful thereafter. I’m too clumsy for patent footwear >.<
Denise says
April 1, 2012 at 10:49 pmWow, so pretty! Sometimes I think I should stop reading your blog Paris, since you keep on posting nice things that I end up wanting! From cosmetics to purses and shoes, I want them all.. But of course I can never stop visiting MWS 🙂
Paris B says
April 3, 2012 at 11:45 amLOL I hope not! 😀 But yeah I post stuff that enable myself if that’s even possible 😛 Still, its nice to have something to aspire towards right? 😀
Monstro says
April 2, 2012 at 10:16 amI believe in paying for good shoes since I have problem feet. Problem is these pretty covered shoes always hurt my feet. But it’s worth a try for me, right? RIGHT??? It’s so so pretty!
Paris B says
April 3, 2012 at 11:58 amErm… right 😉 I don’t think flats suit everyone to be honest. I’m not one to wear flats myself because I can never find flats that suit my feet. Flat feet and flats don’t go very well, methinks. Hence my balking at trying these (way too pricey to make a mistake with!) no matter how pretty they are.
synical says
April 2, 2012 at 10:17 amAnd I thought French sole flats were up there in terms of price… to each their own, I guess.
Paris B says
April 3, 2012 at 11:59 amI’d only just heard of French Sole recently. Are they as pricey? Or less so?
synical says
April 3, 2012 at 12:14 pmFrench Sole flats are from RM500 and above – I thought I saw a few pairs that were RM200-300, but I think my eyes were playing tricks on me 😛 I can’t say for sure whether they’re on the same price level as Ferragamo or not.
I’m only aware of French Sole because I keep getting the promo emails and texts. Odd, considering I’ve never bought anything from there – but I think it’s also managed by whoever runs Anya Hindmarch here, and I’m on their customer database.
Flats aren’t really my thing – I still have to try them out in person and I can’t stand toe cleavage.
Paris B says
April 3, 2012 at 5:34 pmSomeone mentioned the Ferragamo is RM1800 locally. Oh dear! 😛 I didn’t know French Sole was so pricey. I looked around online and apparently the new Duchess of Cambridge wears it which might explain a recent price hike hehe…
shasha says
April 2, 2012 at 10:21 amI love varina too, but the prices in Msia is way too expensive, RM1800 a pair.
Buying in europe is cheaper and they do have SF outlets too..
Anybody know if Johor Premium Outlet has these shoes on sale?
Paris B says
April 3, 2012 at 12:00 pmGolly me! Is that the price of a Varina locally? I’ll have to pass then till I get my butt to Europe hehe… I think the JPO has a Ferragamo outlet but I would believe it should only have sales on the seasonal colours. Still, if its on sale, its worth considering, I guess? I haven’t been to the JPO yet 😛
Marina(Makeup4all) says
April 2, 2012 at 4:01 pmOh, yes, these look pretty! I wouldn’t mind a pair myself (just not in pink) 😉
Paris B says
April 3, 2012 at 12:05 pmLOL No pink for me either – I’d probably go for the classic calf in black 😀
Amex says
April 2, 2012 at 4:05 pmFerragamo shoes are a good investment. It’s a classic that won’t go out of style. I have a few with heels (the Carla and Ribes ranges) and they’re easy to wear and go with pretty much anything. I bought them overseas during sales and they are much cheaper than the prices here on sale. I think it’s worthwhile buying them online when they go on sale. My mum’s Ferragamo’s have lasted for many years, so you do get quality for what you pay. Go for it! 🙂
Paris B says
April 3, 2012 at 12:06 pmWoohoo! I guess I don’t have to ask you if you like your Carla because I’m eyeing that one too 😀 I love how elegant it looks when worn. Thanks for the input. It looks like I’ll have to find an excuse to go overseas to erm… indulge in a pair of Ferragamos then? 😉
Nadia says
April 3, 2012 at 5:17 amI love the fuchsia shade and the Varina shoes sure looks comfy and pretty! I’d say they’re an awesome investment though I’ve never been one to spend too much on shoes myself. LOL! 🙂
Paris B says
April 3, 2012 at 12:28 pmPsst! You and me both! I don’t know if/when I’d ever be able to bring myself to swipe my credit card for a pair of flats this pricey! >.<
plue says
April 3, 2012 at 12:33 pmif it’ll solve all my blister problem and skin allergies on my feet, then I will save up and buy this one pricey pair and ditch everything else. No point spending RM50 or more for 10 or more pairs which doesn’t work right? 😛
Yvonne says
April 5, 2012 at 10:06 amLike the Ferragamo iconic bow but I’d prefer it on a hair accessories. My recent shoe craving would more likely be the Melissa X Vivienne Westwood heart shaped heels/flats 🙂