Vivaia Shoes: The Good, The Bad, The Ugly
I asked my Facebook followers for their feedback on Vivaia shoes. I figured ,”Who better to ask than women with some sort of foot issue: bunions, plantar fasciitis, flat feet?” Here’s a summary of their feedback:
Vivaia Shoes: Feedback on comfort and support:
- Good for bunions – Stretchy material helps accommodate bunions in some styles, especially flats.
- Mixed arch support – Some users found the Walker styles comfortable for plantar fasciitis, while others needed extra arch support.
- Walker styles fit and feel better – Shoes labeled as “Walker” styles, which have a small wedge, provide better comfort and fit.
- Flat styles lack support – Some users felt the standard flats lacked sufficient arch support compared to other brands like Rothy’s.
- Sport Sandals better for hallux rigidus – Vivaia sport sandals have a thick outsole, soft straps and cushioned, supportive insole help with forefoot conditions.
- Boot styles work for some better than flats – the lug boots are forgiving of bunions, have good insole and minimal heel incline.
- Rigid and uncomfortable for some – A few users found the flats stiff and uncomfortable, returning them.
- Runs narrow – Many users reported that the toe box is too small, particularly in pointy-toe flats.
- Widths– Some styles come in wides.
Quality & Durability:
- Machine washable – Users appreciated that Vivaia shoes can be easily cleaned.
- Lightweight – Many found the shoes to be super lightweight.
- Mixed opinions on construction – Some found them comfortable, while others thought they felt cheap or stiff.
Customer Service & Returns:
- Mixed return experiences – Some had a smooth return process, while others faced confusion over refunds.
- Issues with order management – One user accidentally placed an order in their sleep, but customer service successfully intercepted and refunded it.
- Trust Pilot score: A quick check of Trust Pilot indicates a 4.7/5 overall score for Vivaia.com.

I just noticed a style called “All-Day Standing Flats” which purport to have two times the arch support as the regular flats (they’re also water-repellent). Let me know if you’ve tried this style!
Most Vivaia styles are available in whole and half sizes 5-11 (I saw a few size 12s) medium and wide widths for $79-129 at Vivaia.com. Some styles are available through Nordstrom and Amazon.
I have probably 6 pairs of Vivaia shoes! I have boots, flats, slingbacks and mules. For my feet, these shoes are so much less painful than leather shoes–they seem to mold to my feet, including tailor’s bunion and post-bunion surgery on both feet. They are quirky fun and functional for me. I will buy them again!
I have one pair of these. They worked well for me for a wedding. But I now have hallux rigidus combined with the fact that I need shoes with ZERO arch support, and prefer flats and slip-ins to any form of tied shoes. I wore Bernie Mev.s forever and now my styles are hard to find, if not discontinued completely. Any suggestions in Vivaia that meet my needs? Or any other ideas? Thanks!