When it comes to shoes, I’ve become increasingly selective over the years.
Gone are the days when I’d sacrifice comfort for style. These days, if a pair of shoes can’t comfortably get me through a day of meetings, city walking, travel or sightseeing, they (usually) aren’t earning a place in my closet.
That’s just one of the reasons I’ve become such a fan of Margaux in the past several years.
Margaux Shoes Review
The New York-based footwear brand has built a loyal following thanks to its thoughtful approach to fit, timeless designs and exceptional comfort. While many brands ask you to choose between style and practicality, Margaux manages to deliver both.
After wearing several pairs over the years, I wanted to share a full Margaux shoes review including the styles I own, how they fit, whether they are comfortable and if I think they’re worth the investment.
About Margaux
Founded by two women frustrated by the lack of comfortable yet stylish footwear options, Margaux was built around the idea that shoes should fit real women.
The brand offers an expanded size range, half sizes and multiple width options across many styles. Their shoes are handcrafted in Spain using premium materials and designed to be worn for real life rather than just special occasions.
What initially drew me to the brand was how classic the silhouettes felt. Nothing feels overly trendy or tied to a particular season. Instead, Margaux focuses on beautifully made shoes that work seamlessly with an existing wardrobe and I have gotten so, so much wear out of the pairs I own.
In this Margaux shoes review, I’m sharing my thoughts on The Demi, The Woven Demi, The Woven Demi Jane, The Fonteyn Jane, The Flat Sandal, The Palermo Sandal and The Downtown Boot after years of wearing the brand.
Are Margaux Shoes Worth It?
If you’re considering your first pair of Margaux shoes, the short answer is yes.
They aren’t inexpensive, but I have found them to be well worth the investment thanks to their comfort, quality and versatility. These are the types of shoes I reach for repeatedly whether I’m in New York, London or Paris. Several of my pairs are years old at this point and have held up remarkably well with regular wear and proper care.
The combination of thoughtful construction, soft leather and supportive insoles makes a noticeable difference compared to many other flats and sandals I’ve worn over the years (often from less expensive brands).
For me, Margaux occupies that sweet spot between luxury and practicality. But I also highly recommend you take any new pair of shoes to your cobbler and have a protective sole placed on them before you wear them. This will majorly increase the longevity of them and protect them from common signs of wear.
Related: How I Take Care of My Favorite Shoes
Are Margaux Shoes Comfortable?
Comfort is where Margaux truly excels in my opinion.
Every style I’ve tried has felt noticeably more cushioned than the average flat or sandal. The footbeds provide support without feeling bulky and the leather softens beautifully with wear.
What I appreciate most is that their shoes are designed for walking. While no ballet flat is going to replace a sneaker for a 25,000-step sightseeing day, Margaux shoes are among the most comfortable flats I’ve found for everyday city life and travel.
I frequently pack them for my trips to Europe because they are lightweight, versatile and comfortable enough for long days on your feet.
Margaux Sizing Review
One of the most common questions I receive is whether Margaux shoes run true to size. In my experience, they generally do.
One of the brand’s biggest advantages is its fit options. Many styles are available in multiple widths which can be incredibly helpful if you’ve struggled with flats feeling too narrow or too loose in the past.
For reference, I typically wear a size 7 and take a size 7 regular in Margaux.
If you’re between sizes or have particularly narrow or wide feet, I recommend utilizing Margaux’s fit resources before ordering. For what it is worth, my friend who has really narrow feet told me she ordered a pair of these sandals in narrow and absolutely loved the fit.
The Margaux Shoes I Own
The Demi Review
If Margaux is known for one shoe above all others, it’s The Demi.
This classic ballet flat is what first introduced me to the brand nearly 10 years ago.
I personally wear ballet flats with everything from jeans and a blazer to dresses and skirts. This pair is a classic style therefore polished enough for meetings but comfortable enough for days when I’m constantly on the move.
Handmade in Spain from Nappa leather, they are a soft, unstructured flat with a flexible leather sole and a sewn on dainty leather bow.
If you’re looking for an everyday ballet flat that prioritizes both style and comfort, this is where I’d start because the the shoe offers 5mm of plush foam padding. That being said it does make it look a bit less elegant I think.
I have the chocolate brown color but the style does come in a variety of other colors.
If you prefer a more square toe, I’d recommend shopping The Fonteyn.
The Woven Demi Review
The Woven Demi offers everything I love about the original Demi ballet flat silhouette with added texture and breathability that makes them perfect for Spring and Summer wear.
The woven leather gives the shoe a slightly more relaxed feel while still looking polished and elevated.
They’re a wonderful option for warm-weather travel because they pair beautifully with linen, dresses and relaxed tailoring.
If you’re deciding between the classic Demi and the Woven Demi, I view them as complementary rather than interchangeable. The classic version feels slightly more polished and versatile while the woven version feels ideal for warmer months.
The Woven Demi Jane Review
The Woven Demi Jane combines two design elements I consistently gravitate toward: woven leather and Mary Jane styling.
The addition of the strap gives the shoe a slightly more vintage feel while maintaining the comfort and practicality Margaux is known for. I find them to be more supportive than the Woven Demi so reach for them more. And, like the Woven Demi, these are a shoe I only bring out for wear in Spring and Summer.
I find myself reaching for these when I want something that feels a bit more distinctive than a traditional ballet flat. The strap also provides added security when walking, which makes them a particularly good travel shoe.
The Fonteyn Jane Review
Similar to the Woven Demi Jane but with a subtly squared off-toe. I love these in the Ecru I own in particular because they pair well with a lot of my little white dresses I’m always wearing in Summer.
The silhouette feels elegant and sophisticated while remaining incredibly wearable. It strikes that rare balance between looking polished and feeling comfortable.
I often reach for these when I want something dressier than a ballet flat but don’t necessarily want to wear heels. They’re a beautiful option for dinners, work events, theater evenings or occasions where I want my outfit to feel slightly more elevated.
Like the rest of the Margaux collection, comfort remains a major selling point.
The Flat Sandal Review
Finding a chic flat sandal that is actually comfortable can feel surprisingly difficult but Margaux’s Flat Sandal is one of the pairs I consistently reach for throughout the summer because it manages to be both comfortable and versatile. It is, without a doubt, one of my most worn pairs of shoes and one of my most worn sandals.
The minimalist design works with virtually everything in my warm-weather wardrobe, from linen dresses to denim shorts to tailored trousers. Furthermore, at 5’5″ I find the addition of the ankle strap gives the illusion of elongating my legs. Win/Win.
They’re also incredibly easy to pack and take up very little room in a suitcase so I often bring them with me on my summer travels.
They also have a wrap version of this style.
The Palermo Sandal Review
The Palermo Sandal feels like the dressier counterpart to The Flat Sandal. They look designer – similar in quality to a Manolo Blahnik sandal in my opinion.
The sleek design makes it perfect for dinners, summer events and evenings while traveling. I particularly love styling these with dresses and wide-leg linen trousers.
Related: How to Style Trousers
What sets them apart from many dress sandals is that they don’t require sacrificing comfort. Like the rest of the Margaux collection, they feel thoughtfully designed for real-world wear.
They’re elegant and sexy without trying too hard.
They also have a wrap version of this style if you’d prefer that.
The Downtown Boot Review
The Downtown Boot is one of those rare shoes that manages to be both practical and polished.
As someone who spends a lot of time walking around New York, I’m always searching for boots that can comfortably handle a full day on my feet while still looking elevated enough to wear with dresses, denim and tailored pieces. The Downtown Boot checks all of those boxes. I have walked so many miles in these!
Related: A Roundup of My Favorite Boots and Booties
The silhouette is sleek and timeless with a versatile heel height that provides a bit of lift without sacrificing comfort. I find them easy to style throughout fall and winter and particularly appreciate how well they transition from daytime errands and meetings to dinner plans in the evening.
These have become a reliable travel companion for cooler-weather trips because they pair effortlessly with everything from jeans and sweaters to midi dresses and coats. If you’re building a capsule wardrobe, they’re exactly the kind of versatile boot that you should prioritize.
My Favorite Margaux Shoes for Travel
As someone who travels frequently, I tend to evaluate shoes differently than I once did. I want pieces that are versatile, comfortable and capable of working with multiple outfits.
If I were packing a Margaux capsule wardrobe for Europe, I’d choose:
- The Fonteyn Jane for spring and summer travel
- The Flat Sandal for daytime sightseeing and evening dressing up
- The Palermo Sandal for dinners and evenings out
- The Downton Boot for fall and winter trips when I’ll be doing a lot of walking
Together, these four styles can take you from daytime sightseeing to dinner reservations and everything in between. They are the pairs I would personally prioritize when packing for many trips because they strike the perfect balance between comfort, versatility and polish.
Frequently Asked Questions About Margaux Shoes
What are Margaux shoes made from?
Most Margaux shoes are handcrafted in Spain using high-quality leather. One of the things I appreciate most about the brand is that the materials feel luxurious and soften beautifully over time while maintaining their shape.
Are Margaux shoes worth the price?
In my opinion, yes. Margaux shoes are certainly an investment, but I have found the quality, comfort and versatility to justify the cost. They are the types of shoes I reach for repeatedly throughout the year which helps make the cost-per-wear feel worthwhile. If you’re looking for timeless styles you’ll wear for years rather than a single season, I think Margaux is a smart purchase.
Do Margaux shoes run true to size?
In my experience, Margaux shoes generally run true to size. As mentioned, one of the biggest advantages of the brand is its extended sizing and width offerings, which can make finding the right fit much easier.
If you’re between sizes or have particularly narrow or wide feet, I recommend consulting the brand’s fit guide before ordering.
Are Margaux shoes comfortable for walking?
Yes, comfort is one of the main reasons I continue to buy Margaux shoes. Their flats and sandals feature noticeably more cushioning than many comparable styles I’ve tried.
I find Margaux shoes comfortable enough for everyday city life, travel days and long stretches on my feet.
Are Margaux shoes good for wide feet?
While I can’t speak to this personally as I don’t have wide feet, as mentioned, one of the things that sets Margaux apart is its commitment to fit.
Many styles are available in multiple width options, making them a great choice for women who have struggled to find comfortable flats and sandals elsewhere. The availability of narrow, medium and wide widths is one of the reasons the brand has developed such a loyal following.
How do Margaux shoes compare to Chanel ballet flats?
As someone who has been wearing and sharing looks with Chanel ballet flats for over ten years, this is a question I receive often since I own and wear both.
My Chanel ballet flats remain my favorite and are the pair I reach for most often. They are, hands down, the most worn shoe in my wardrobe. They are more structured than Margaux’s ballet flats and, on my foot, create a slightly more polished silhouette.
I love their timeless design, craftsmanship and the way they instantly elevate an outfit. They were one of my first luxury purchases and continue to be among the hardest-working shoes in my closet.
That said, Margaux offers a compelling alternative at a far more accessible price point. The brand is particularly known for its focus on fit, with extended sizing and width options that many women find appealing and that Chanel doesn’t offer.
If you’re looking for a classic designer investment piece, I still think Chanel ballet flats are hard to beat. You can also find some good pairs usually on the second hand market once you know your size (I wear a half size down in Chanel shoes – a size 36.5).
If you’re seeking a beautifully made, comfortable flat with thoughtful fit options and a lower price point, Margaux is an excellent choice.
Which Margaux shoe should I buy first?
If you’re new to the brand and looking for a style you can wear year round, I’d start with The Demi. It’s Margaux’s signature style for good reason and offers the best introduction to what the brand does so well: comfort, quality and timeless design.
From there, you can expand into styles like The Flat Sandal or The Downtown Boot depending on your wardrobe and lifestyle. These two are my own personal most-worn pairs from Margaux.
Who Are Margaux Shoes Best For?
In my opinion, Margaux shoes are best for women who prioritize comfort without wanting to sacrifice style and understand the value of investing in comfortable, high quality shoes.
I think the styles the brand offers are particularly well suited to frequent travelers, city dwellers, professionals who spend a lot of time on their feet and anyone who struggles to find flats that fit properly. If you’re building a wardrobe of timeless pieces designed to last for years rather than seasons, Margaux is absolutely a brand worth considering.
Does Margaux ever have sales?
Margaux doesn’t run frequent sitewide sales. They offer rare, seasonal promotions (usually around Black Friday only) and end-of-season markdowns on select colors and styles. Each summer they run an Archive Sale but sales are final.
If you’ve had your eye on a particular pair, it can be worthwhile to sign up for the brand’s emails to be notified of any upcoming sales or limited-time offers.
Personally, if you’re considering one of their signature styles in a classic color, I wouldn’t necessarily wait for a sale. The most popular sizes and colors tend to sell through quickly and these are the types of shoes I find myself wearing for years, making the cost-per-wear well worth it.
. . .
There are very few shoe brands that consistently earn repeat purchases from me, but Margaux is one of them. (And another being Sarah Flint!)
Their thoughtful approach to fit, beautiful craftsmanship and commitment to comfort make them stand out in an increasingly crowded footwear market. Every style I’ve owned has proven versatile, well-made and comfortable enough to become a regular part of my wardrobe.
For anyone looking to build a timeless shoe collection filled with pieces you’ll actually wear, Margaux is absolutely a brand worth considering.
While I’ve tried many styles from the brand over the years, there are still a few on my wish list including the new Selene Flat Sandal (looks similar to a pair I own by YSL…), The Lotto Sandal, The Cleo Sandal, The Marlowe Loafer and The Dylan Sandal.
Shop my Margaux Favorites
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