As long time readers know, I’m a pretty big fan of Quince (see all my Quince reviews here). But I hadn’t thought to try out their shoes until just recently. But when I saw their machine washable shoes (much like Rothy’s which I like—see my Rothy’s review here), at a very reasonable price, I knew I wanted to give them a try. Here are all the shoes I’ve tried from Quince thus far and what I think about them:
Italian Leather Pointed Bow Flat
I’m starting with the worst one with these Pointed Bow flats. Sure they might be made with Italian leather, but that doesn’t mean they feel lux. Honestly they feel like what a $69.99 leather flat would feel like: quite average and a tad plasticky. But from afar they look pretty nice. As for sizing, I took my usual 8 and I would say the shoe was a smidge too long, though the width was just right (and I have slightly wide-ish feet). The bottoms come with a bit of plastic (TPU) on the bottom to prevent slipping. But overall I couldn’t wear these because they were a tad too big and just not comfortable, so unfortunately I won’t be able to tell you how they wear.
Italian Leather Lug Sole Loafer
I wanted to like these loafers since they look like a simple pair of platform loafers. Unfortunately I got it in my usual size 8 and it was way too large (mostly too long). I had about a quarter inch gap at the heel so of course the shoe wouldn’t stay on when I walked. If you’re a solid half size (like 7.5 or 8.5, etc.) I would say these shoes might work for you if you take the next size down (like 7 or 8). Otherwise I don’t know if these shoes would work for you. They’re also heavy (of course because of the lug sole), but unless they fit well the weight of the shoe will just make them come off.
Quince vs Rothys
Washable Knit Pointed-Toe Flat
Now for some good news, Quince’s washable knit pointed-toe flats IMHO are just as good, if not a tad better than Rothy’s The Point (versions I and II since I’ve had both). For me Rothy’s original The Point flats (reviewed here) were good and I loved them for a long time. But after pregnancy, my feet needed a bit more arch support and The Point would leave my arches aching. So I sold them and didn’t really think about Rothy’s for awhile. Then just last year I saw they released The Point II which was supposed to provide more support. And it does, but still not as much as I’m used to. Quince’s version of this flat feels more comfortable to me because they have a high density foam insole that’s really comfy to walk on and my feet feel properly supported. I got a size 8 in these as well and compared to Rothy’s size 8 the Quince ones are a tad bigger (the Rothy’s one is definitely tighter on the foot). I know Rothy’s can stretch to mold to the foot so I’m not worried about the tightness, but overall I think the Quince one is more comfortable. So if you’ve always wanted to try Rothy’s but were put off with the price point, I think these Quince ones that are $90 less are a good alternative. And of course, I’ll update this review with how they wear and how they fare in the wash.
Wearing my loafers rain or shine
Washable Knit Driver Loafer
These washable knit loafers are by far my favorite of the bunch. I’m a sucker for a good loafer, and who doesn’t want a washable driving loafer? I’ve always wanted a pair of Tod’s driving loafers but whenever I tried them on, I never really loved them. I think in my head I think I would love them, but in actuality I don’t. But these washable loafers are a great way to get the same sort of style without the price commitment. Unfortunately I never purchased Rothy’s version of this so I can’t tell you how they compare. But if I were to go on my comparison of the pointed flats, I think I might prefer the Quince loafers as well (especially since the Quince loafers have the same comfy high density foam inserts as the flats). And at a $120 less, I’m happy to choose Quince. So far I’ve worn these loafers out the most compared to the points, and they’re super comfortable from the get-go. I’ve even worn them over a whole day (10,000+ steps) and had no issues. No breaking-in period needed. Also the non-slip rubber outsole have been perfect for all the rainy days we had at the beginning of the month.
The washable knit loafers were the clear winner for me. I’ve already worn them a dozen of times, both in rain and shine and love them. I actually went back to the Quince site to see about getting a pair in black but they’re currently sold out of all the colors in my size (8). So I clicked on joining the waitlist and might get them when they come back. But as usual, I will update this post with any new additions or wear and tear updates!
Italian Suede Penny Loafer (added June 2024)
I must be in my loafer era because I can’t seem to get enough of them (or maybe it’s me just aging lol). Anyway I had to try out the last loafer in Quince’s lineup, especially since I’m such a fan of their washable knit loafer above. This suede loafer is a great classic and a superb value for the price point. I felt the leather was soft and the loafer is easy to wear. I got my usual size 8 and it fits comfortably, granted I haven’t walked miles and miles in them yet (and if I do I’ll be sure to update this review). But of the leather loafers I’ve tried thus far from Quince, this one IMO is the best.
Eco Cotton Canvas Everyday Sneaker (added June 2024)
I’m wearing these sneakers in the picture above, but I have to say these shoes are super uncomfortable. I’ve been wearing them for pictures and that’s it because I can’t walk more than a block without these giving me blisters. I got them in my usual size 8, but I find them to rub at the heel. So I’m not a fan and would pass on these.
100% Suede Driver Loafer (added August 2024)
I’ve always admired the driver loafers from Tod’s so when I saw these dupes from Quince I decided to give them a try. I got my usual size 8 and I’m sad to say they ran too narrow to be comfortable. I have wide-ish feet so this happens to me quite often, but I have to say this is one of the few times it happened with a shoe from Quince. A quick look at the description shows me that they’re from a factory in Jianmen, China, and I don’t think I’ve tried a shoe from them before (all the other shoes are from Donguan or Shenzhen). So this makes me think that the shoe lasts that this Jianmen factory uses probably run narrow. This is great news for those with narrow feet since I think all the other shoes definitely run wider. Anyway I won’t be able to let you know how these wear over time (since I can’t wear them lol), but as far as I can see the quality is alright. Of course they’re no Tod’s but that’s to be expected. As for me I’ll stick with my suede penny loafers that I reviewed above.
Italian Leather Horsebit Loafer Mule (added October 2024)
I had been waiting for these Gucci loafer dupes to come back in stock, and bought them as soon as I got the restock notice (and again I see they’re out of stock again). And I’d love to tell you they’re worth waiting for but sadly they are not. At least not for me. I think because I have a slightly wide fore foot, these are really uncomfortable for me. And because the leather is quite stiff (and IMHO cheap feeling) there’s no give. This shoes might work for those with a narrow fit, but sadly they’re not for me.