Del Toro Shoes Review: Are These Handmade Italian Kicks Worth the Splurge?

Hey there, shoe lovers! If you‘re craving a little luxury in your footwear rotation, you‘ve got to check out Del Toro. This indie Italian brand crafts insanely gorgeous shoes and accessories with old-world techniques and modern flair. I‘m obsessed!

In this super in-depth Del Toro shoes review, I‘ll be covering:

• An overview of the brand‘s history and bestsellers
• My personal take on Del Toro‘s most popular men‘s and women‘s shoes
• Honest customer reviews and feedback from other Del Toro shoppers
• Crucial FAQs, like the nitty gritty on shipping, returns, and sizing

By the end, you‘ll have all the deets you need to decide if Del Toro‘s splurge-worthy shoes are right for you. Let‘s dive in!

What Is Del Toro Shoes?

Founded in 2005 by Matthew Chevallard, Del Toro is a Miami-born footwear and accessories brand with Italian roots. The company started out making velvet slippers for men—an untapped niche in the luxury market at the time.

Inspired by Chevallard‘s proud Italian heritage, all Del Toro shoes are meticulously handcrafted by skilled artisans in Naples and Milan. While most brands have shifted to speedy mass production, Del Toro champions a slower, more thoughtful approach using traditional Old-World techniques.

Since launching nearly 20 years ago, Del Toro has branched out beyond its original velvet slippers. The brand now offers a full lineup of men‘s and women‘s footwear, including sneakers, loafers, drivers, espadrilles, and more.

What hasn‘t changed is Del Toro‘s signature combination of classic Italian silhouettes and bold, of-the-moment details. With each pair sculpted and hand-painted by master shoemakers, the attention to detail is unparalleled!

Today, Del Toro has a cult following among celebs, athletes, and fashion insiders. The brand has been spotlighted in major magazines like Vogue, GQ, and Esquire. Plus, Del Toro has amassed an impressive 67.4K followers on Instagram.

Del Toro Shoes Quick Facts

Before we jump into the product reviews, here are the key details you need to know about Del Toro:

• All shoes are painstakingly handmade by artisans in Italy
• The brand is known for luxurious materials like full-grain leather, suede, and velvet
• Statement-making designs feature fun pops of color, patterns, and embellishments
• Prices range from $225 for slippers to $375+ for loafers and sneakers
• Free shipping and returns on US orders over $100
• Financing available via Affirm—split your payment into monthly installments
• Stellar reviews, including an average 4.8-star rating on Del Toro‘s website
• B- rating from the Better Business Bureau

My Review of Del Toro Women‘s Shoes

As a bona fide shoe fanatic, I couldn‘t resist putting a few pairs of Del Toro women‘s shoes to the test. After scoping out the brand‘s bestsellers, here are the styles I chose:

Del Toro Navy Velvet Star Slipper Review

Can we just talk about how fabulous these Navy Velvet Gold Star Slippers are?! The plush midnight blue velvet is embroidered with whimsical gold and silver stars for an effect that‘s equal parts playful and posh.

Grosgrain trim around the opening adds a refined touch, while Del Toro‘s signature red stripe at the heel lends a flash of contrast. The 10mm heel height is walkable but still gives you a little lift.

I wore these dapper smoking slippers to a ritzy holiday soirée and got compliments all night. The leather sole and lining kept my feet cozy for hours of mingling and dancing.

Styling these statement slippers is a breeze—they instantly jazz up everything from black skinnies to cocktail attire. For $425, you‘re getting a party-ready shoe that you‘ll treasure for years to come.

Del Toro Cognac Suede House Slipper Review

On the hunt for the perfect pair of elevated WFH shoes? Look no further than Del Toro‘s Cognac Suede House Slippers. But don‘t be fooled by the homey name—these babies are chic enough to sport anywhere.

The rich cognac suede is chef‘s kiss and looks seriously expensive. A super soft napa leather lining and cushy foam footbed make you feel like you‘re walking on a cloud. The timeless silhouette translates seamlessly from lazy day lounging to errand running.

At $225, these dapper slippers ring in at a gentler price point than some of Del Toro‘s other offerings. If you want to dip your toe into the brand, this is the perfect starter style.

Treat yourself to these luxe loafers and be prepared to live in them. The supple suede molds to your foot and just gets better with age. I‘ve been pairing mine with everything from joggers to sundresses!

My Review of Del Toro Men‘s Shoes

Guys, if you‘re hunting for a pair of shoes that looks great and feels even better, Del Toro delivers. These are the two men‘s styles I road-tested:

Del Toro Birch Suede Milano Loafer Review

Every dude needs a killer dress shoe, and the Men‘s Birch Suede Milano Loafer from Del Toro fits the bill beautifully. This smart penny loafer is crafted from sumptuous green suede that‘ll break necks in the best way.

The classic silhouette is enhanced with a nappa leather lining, a leather sole, and a lightly padded footbed for supreme comfort. A pop of Del Toro‘s signature red stitching across the heel adds subtle flair.

I sized a half size down in these as the brand recommends for a snug fit. Worn with a crisp button down and chinos, these natty loafers are a shoo-in for the office. But they also pair perfectly with rolled denim and a tee for an upscale weekend vibe.

These are the rare dress shoes that look as good as they feel. The Italian suede is like buttah and molds to your foot over time. If you‘re going to drop $395 on work shoes, you want a pair that goes the distance. These check all the boxes!

Del Toro Merlot Velvet Slipper Review

Feel like royalty in Del Toro‘s impossibly debonair Merlot Velvet Slippers. In a decadent burgundy shade, these after-hours loafers are giving 19th-century smoking jacket—in the best way possible.

The plush velvet is accented with a black grosgrain band around the edge and a discreet wooden heel. A leather sole and lining ensure the slippers wear well over time, while a generously cushioned footbed keeps you comfy.

When I tell you these slippers will up your suit game by a billion percent, I‘m not exaggerating. I wore these to a fall wedding with a black tux, and the merlot hue made my whole look pop. Prepare for strangers to stop you in the streets!

If you‘re worried about the $425 price tag, let me assure you: you‘ll reach for these opulent slippers again and again. They‘re the perfect marriage of comfort and style, with a fit that only improves with wear.

Feedback From Other Del Toro Shoe Fanatics

You don‘t just have to take my word for it—Del Toro has racked up stellar reviews from critics and customers alike. The brand gets major props from fashion authorities like Esquire, which called Del Toro‘s signature velvet slippers "the ultimate party shoe."

Meanwhile, Vogue has featured the brand‘s colorful espadrilles, noting, "The beauty of a Del Toro shoe lies in the details, each pair is hand-stitched by artisans using the finest materials and time-honored craftsmanship techniques."

On Del Toro‘s website, the reviews are equally glowing. One shopper gushed about the Cognac House Slipper, writing, "These are the softest most comfortable shoes I have ever put on my feet. I love the color and the fit is perfect. I will be buying another pair!"

Another reviewer gushed about the quality of Del Toro‘s customer service: "I had to exchange a pair for a different size and Del Toro‘s team made the process seamless. They responded quickly to my email and processed the swap with no hassle."

The biggest ding against Del Toro? The lofty price point. These handmade kicks don‘t come cheap! However, many devotees insist the superior make and enduring style is well worth the investment.

On Yelp, one Del Toro convert remarked, "Yes, these shoes are expensive but you are paying for quality. I have had my velvet slippers for over two years and they still look great. I wear them all the time. It is a classic style that never goes out of fashion."

Frequently Asked Del Toro Questions

That was a lot of info, so let‘s recap the key things you need to know about Del Toro shoes:

Where are Del Toro shoes made?
By skilled artisans in Italy! The brand partners with family-owned workshops in Naples and Milan that have been perfecting their craft for generations. You can feel the quality and attention to detail in every pair.

What is Del Toro‘s return policy?
For shoppers in the US, Del Toro offers free returns and exchanges within 30 days of delivery. Items must be in new, unworn condition. Refunds are issued to your original payment method and can take 5-10 business days to show up. Easy!

How do Del Toro shoes fit?
From my experience, most Del Toro styles run true to size. However, the brand does note that some of their slippers and loafers run a bit large. You may want to size down by a half size for the right fit. When in doubt, check the "Size & Fit" tab on the product page for tips!

What‘s the best way to snag Del Toro shoes on sale?
Your best bet is to sign up for the brand‘s email newsletter. You‘ll get first dibs on any promotions or flash sales. Following Del Toro on Instagram is another great way to stay in the loop. The brand occasionally posts exclusive discount codes for followers.

Del Toro Shoes: The Final Verdict

Whew, you still with me? I know I threw a ton of info at you in this monster Del Toro review. Here‘s the bottom line: if you appreciate slow fashion and have the budget, Del Toro shoes are a worthwhile splurge.

No, these Italian-made beauties aren‘t cheap. But in my humble opinion, you‘re getting a lot for your money. The materials and construction are top-tier, the designs are just stunning, and the styles are timeless.

As someone who lives for fashion, I can definitely see myself saving up for another pair of Del Toros. These are investment shoes I know I‘ll cherish for years—not just another mindless fast fashion purchase.

I hope seeing all the drool-worthy styles and hearing my firsthand experience helped you decide if Del Toro shoes are right for you! Feel free to drop any other questions in the comments.

Now if you‘ll excuse me, I need to go take my new velvet slippers for another spin…

xx [Your Name]