Alias Mae Shoes Review: My Honest Take After 6 Months of Wear
Hey there shoe lovers! If you‘re on the hunt for stylish, well-crafted footwear, you‘ve probably heard the buzz about Alias Mae. This Aussie brand has gained a cult following for their always on-trend, effortless designs and commitment to quality.
But with so many shoe brands out there, you might be wondering: is Alias Mae really worth the hype (and the price tag)? I‘d been eyeing Alias Mae‘s covetable boots and chic flats for ages, so I finally decided to take the plunge and treat myself to a few pairs.
After wearing my Alias Mae shoes regularly for the past six months, I‘m ready to share my honest, unfiltered thoughts. In this comprehensive Alias Mae review, I‘ll cover:
- Brand background & values: Learn about Alias Mae‘s innovative founder and commitment to craftsmanship
- Style & design: My take on Alias Mae‘s aesthetic and how their pieces work with my wardrobe
- Quality & construction: A detailed look at materials, stitching, soles and overall durability
- Comfort & fit: How Alias Mae shoes feel on the feet, plus tips for finding your perfect size
- Price & value: An honest assessment of whether Alias Mae shoes are worth their cost
- Customer reviews: See how my experience compares to feedback from other Alias Mae shoppers
- Pros & cons: A balanced summary of what Alias Mae nails and where they could improve
I‘ll also sprinkle in some of my favorite Alias Mae styling tips and outfit ideas along the way. Consider this your ultimate guide to shopping the Alias Mae brand. Let‘s dive in!
First Impressions & Ordering Process
I ordered three different Alias Mae styles directly from their website: the Jetta Black Leather Ankle Boots, the Boe Sand Suede Flats, and the Tilly Natural Leather Slides. Here are my initial thoughts on the browsing and checkout experience:
Pros:
- Website is easy to navigate with clear, high-quality product images
- Detailed descriptions and material information provided for each shoe
- Option to sort by size, color, material, heel height, etc. helps narrow down choices
- Free shipping option for orders over $300 AUD
- Straightforward checkout process; my order was confirmed and shipped quickly
Cons:
- Product pages don‘t have customer reviews or ratings directly on Alias Mae site
- Limited real-life photos of shoes being worn/styled
- No option to filter by price; had to scroll to find styles in my budget
- Shipping fees for orders under $300 AUD are quite high ($20-$30 flat rate)
- Didn‘t qualify for free returns since I‘m located outside Australia
The unboxing experience was lovely, with each pair arriving in a sturdy dustbag and the brand‘s signature orange box. A handwritten note with styling suggestions was a nice personal touch that made it feel like a true boutique purchase.
The Shoes
Jetta Ankle Boots
$280 AUD / $210 USD
I‘d been hunting for the perfect pair of everyday black ankle boots, and the Jetta immediately caught my eye. The smooth black leather, rounded toe and stacked mid-heel looked sleek and versatile.
Specs:
- Upper: 100% cow leather
- Lining: 100% goat leather
- Outsole: Rubber
- Heel height: 6.5cm
- Cushioned leather insole
- 9 sizes available (EU 35-42 whole sizes)
- 2 colorways: Black, Tan
Pulling these on for the first time, I was struck by how buttery-soft the leather was. The craftsmanship was evident in the clean stitching and gently tapered shape. A lot of boots feel stiff and uncomfortable at first, but the Jetta had just enough give to be wearable right away.
The 6.5cm heel is the ideal height for me: tall enough to feel a bit elevated and dressy, but low enough to comfortably stand and walk in for hours. I‘ve been pairing my Jettas with everything from cropped jeans to floaty dresses for the past few months. They‘ve quickly become a staple I reach for 2-3 times a week.
So how are they holding up? After six months of moderate wear, my Jettas still look pristine. No scuffing, scratching or loose threads. The rubber heel caps have prevented any major wear on the soles. And the more I wear them, the more the leather is softening and molding to my feet for a custom fit.
I went with my usual size (EU 38) and found them to be true to size. They fit snugly at first but have relaxed slightly with wear. If you‘re between sizes, I‘d recommend going up, as the rounded toe tapers in. Here‘s how the Jetta compares size-wise to other popular boot brands I‘ve tried:
| Brand | Style | Size I Wear |
|---|---|---|
| Alias Mae | Jetta | 38 |
| RM Williams | Craftsman | 7.5 |
| Midas | Nell | 38 |
| Blundstone | 510 | 7 |
| Acne Studios | Jensen | 38 |
Boe Suede Flats
$190 AUD / $142 USD
Ballet flats are a core part of my wardrobe, so I wanted to see if Alias Mae could deliver a quality, stylish take on the classic. I love the modern look of the square toe and singular seam down the front.
Specs:
- Upper: 100% cow suede
- Lining: 100% goat leather
- Outsole: Rubber
- Slight heel height (5mm)
- Leather insole with padded footbed
- 7 sizes available (EU 35-41 whole sizes)
- 2 colorways: Black, Sand
The unlined suede interior and ultra-soft leather lining make the Boe flats insanely comfortable, even barefoot. There‘s a padded, cushioned insole that provides great support compared to flimsier flats I‘ve owned.
After breaking them in around the house, I wore my Boes for a full day of running errands and was shocked to end the day with zero blisters or aches. The suede is a lot more durable than I expected – six months in, it hasn‘t stretched out or gotten misshapen at all.
They do run a tad narrow, so I went a half size up from my usual ballet flats. Compared to other popular flats, here‘s what size worked best for me:
| Brand | Style | Size |
|---|---|---|
| Alias Mae | Boe | 38.5 |
| Chanel | Lambskin | 38.5 |
| Mansur Gavriel | Dream Ballerina | 38.5 |
| Margaux | Demi | 38.5 |
| Everlane | Day Glove | 8.5 |
Tilly Slides
$180 AUD / $132 USD
The chunky slide trend has been going strong for several seasons now, so I wanted to invest in a quality pair that would last beyond one summer. I love the minimalist yet edgy look of the Tilly.
Specs:
- Upper: 100% cow leather
- Lining: 100% goat leather
- Outsole: Rubber, 35mm high
- Moulded leather footbed
- 7 sizes (EU 36-42 whole sizes)
- 4 colorways: Black, Natural, Olive, White
The Tilly sandals are a dream to slip on. The wide strap and square toe are super on-trend, but what really sold me is how comfortable they are. The contoured footbed is cushiony and supportive, while the rubber sawtooth sole has great traction.
After wearing them at least twice per week for the past six months, my Tillys have softened and molded perfectly to my feet. The thick leather straps show no signs of stretching out or becoming misshapen. The natural leather colorway I chose has developed a lovely patina over time.
I went with my usual size, and these fit perfectly. The regular width strap fits my slightly narrow foot well, but they also come in an extended "wide" fit for those who need more room. Here‘s how the Tilly compares to some other popular slides:
| Brand | Style | Size |
|---|---|---|
| Alias Mae | Tilly | 38 |
| Birkenstock | Arizona | 38 narrow |
| St. Agni | Crete | 38 |
| Nelson Made | Slides | 38 |
| Zara | Chunky Flat Sandals | 7.5 |
Styling Alias Mae Shoes
One of my favorite things about Alias Mae shoes is their versatility. The brand‘s signature minimalist, modern aesthetic means even the trendier styles can be worn countless ways. Some of my go-to outfit formulas:
-
Jetta Boots + cropped flares + a silk blouse: A chic and easy combo for the office or dinner out. Swap the blouse for a white tee and you have an elevated weekend look.
-
Boe Flats + wide-leg trousers + a structured blazer: The perfect outfit recipe for days with lots of walking. Polished with a bit of Parisian flair.
-
Tilly Slides + linen shorts + an oversized button-down: My summer uniform for sightseeing, beach days, errand running, you name it. Comfy, effortless and so chic.
I also love how easily Alias Mae shoes can be dressed up or down. The Jetta boots add an edgy touch to slinky slip dresses for evenings out. The Boe flats work beautifully with slouchy suits for the office, while the Tilly slides pair perfectly with breezy sundresses for casual weekend occasions.
The Final Verdict
Now for the million-dollar question: are Alias Mae shoes worth the price? After putting my three pairs through their paces over the past six months, my answer is a resounding yes.
The quality craftsmanship, buttery-soft leathers, and flawless wear speak for themselves. These shoes are truly built to last, and they seem to only get better with age. I love the stylish yet timeless designs that work for so many occasions. And the comfort level means I actually enjoy wearing them all day.
Of course, this level of quality does come at a price. Most Alias Mae styles are around the $200-300 mark, which is definitely an investment. However, the cost per wear is extremely reasonable when I consider how often I reach for them.
Additionally, Alias Mae‘s commitment to ethical production and materials sourcing helps justify the price for me. All of the brand‘s leathers are a byproduct of the meat industry and vegetable-tanned to ensure no harmful metals are used. The fact that they partner with select family-run factories and tanneries to craft the shoes is another big plus.
My one complaint is that Alias Mae rarely has sales, so I likely won‘t be adding to my collection too often. And international customers like myself do have to pay customs duties on top of the retail price. However, for the quality and longevity, I‘m willing to save up and treat myself once or twice a year.
Overall, I‘m extremely happy with my Alias Mae purchases and would absolutely recommend the brand to anyone looking to invest in beautiful, comfortable and long-wearing footwear. The Jetta boots, Boe flats and Tilly slides have all become a mainstay of my everyday wardrobe.
I hope this in-depth Alias Mae review has helped you decide whether the brand is right for you! Let me know in the comments what other questions you have about sizing, styling, or the ordering process.
For more of my honest footwear and fashion reviews, be sure to check out the "Wardrobe" highlight on my Instagram page [@username]. And if you do end up splurging on some Alias Maes, I‘d love to see how you style them – be sure to tag me so I can cheer you on!
Until next time, happy shopping!
Xx [ Your Name ]
