Naturalizer Review: Comfortable, Stylish Footwear Worth the Hype?
As a shoe lover, I‘m always on the hunt for that elusive combination of cutting-edge style and cloudlike comfort. One brand that keeps popping up in the quest for the holy grail of footwear is Naturalizer. This company has been a go-to for generations of women seeking shoes that look as great as they feel since way back in 1927.
Naturalizer‘s popularity endures today, with the brand frequently featured in fashion publications like Vogue and InStyle and racking up tens of thousands of devoted followers on social media. But does Naturalizer really live up to its reputation as a top seller of wearable yet fashionable shoes? I dug in to find the answer.
In this comprehensive Naturalizer review, I‘ll give you the inside scoop on the company‘s background, best-selling shoes, customer feedback, and more to help you decide if their footwear is fab or just a flop. Let‘s walk a mile in Naturalizer‘s shoes together, shall we?
From Orthopedic Origins to High Fashion: The Naturalizer Story
Naturalizer first stepped onto the scene way back in the Roaring Twenties, making it one of the oldest comfort footwear companies still strutting its stuff today. At a time when restrictive, ultra-narrow, and or sky-high heels reigned supreme, Naturalizer dared to prioritize women‘s foot health alongside style – a truly revolutionary approach for the era.
While the brand started out specializing in orthopedic-inspired shoes, it quickly jived to the times by pairing its signature comfort features with more glamorous, trendy designs. This unique balance of functionality and fashion helped make Naturalizer a hit through the decades with everyone from flappers to flower children to power-suited ‘80s executives.
Naturalizer is now owned by the Caleres fashion footwear company, whose other popular brands include Sam Edelman, Vionic, and Dr. Scholl‘s. But Naturalizer remains the flagship label, selling millions of pairs per year.
So what‘s the not-so-secret formula behind Naturalizer‘s enduring success? According to the brand, it‘s all about their dedication to "making beautiful and elegant shoes that are also designed for comfort and flexibility to help you live your life to the fullest." In other words, Naturalizers aren‘t just meant to be admired from afar – they‘re made to actually walk, dance, work, and play in, no suffering required.
Naturalizer‘s Greatest Hits: The Best-Selling Shoes Reviewed
From booties to ballerina flats, Naturalizer offers hundreds of shoe styles to suit every taste. Most feature the brand‘s patented N5 Contour comfort system, which includes extra cushioning, arch and heel support, a flexible sole, lightweight materials, and a breathable lining.
The majority of Naturalizer shoes are made of leather or suede, with some fabric options as well. Prices generally range from $50 for a basic flat to $200+ for boots, putting the brand on par with competitors like Aerosoles, Rockport, and Clarks.
But with so many Naturalizer shoes to choose from, which pairs are truly a step above the rest? Here are some of the brand‘s most popular, top-rated styles and my take on each one:
Vivienne Flat
A classic ballet flat with a modern twist, the Vivienne features a sleek almond-shaped toe, feminine detailing, and a surprise pop of leopard print on the padded insole. Made of soft, supple leather or suede, this $99 style earns raves for its incredible out-of-the-box comfort, chic look, and easy wearability from office to evening.
The Vivienne runs true to size and comes in appealing neutrals like black and nude as well as bolder colors like red and navy. I‘d recommend these as a go-to flat you can truly go all day in – just note that some wearers say the lighter shades can stain easily.
27 Edit Phaedra Pump
Proof that sensible shoes can still be sexy, the Phaedra is a wardrobe workhorse disguised as a fashion pump. Its walkable 2.5" block heel and ultra-cushioned footbed mean you can stay on your feet from 9 to 5 and beyond, while the pointed toe and curvy silhouette scream pure sophistication.
At $130, the Phaedra is pricier than some Naturalizer shoes, but its versatility and wearability make it well worth the cost per wear. It comes in a rainbow of color options and finishes from basic black leather to shimmery rose gold fabric. Reviewers say this pump runs slightly long and narrow.
Alya Sandal
Meet your new warm weather go-to. The Alya is a sleek slingback with double hook-and-loop straps for a secure, adjustable fit. A dual-density, contoured footbed adds stability and support, while the lightweight cork midsole keeps things airy.
Customers rave that the Alya is as close as it gets to wearing sandals that feel like sneakers, praising its bouncy, almost weightless feel, excellent traction, and easy-on, easy-off design. The $110 sandal comes in versatile shades like tan, white, and bronze and looks equally chic with sundresses or shorts.
Tallis Boot
Another fan favorite, the Tallis is Naturalizer‘s take on the classic riding boot. It features a stretchy back panel, generous calf circumference, and an inside zipper for a flexible fit on a variety of leg shapes. A breathable, antimicrobial lining keeps feet cool and dry.
Priced at $200, the Tallis is one of Naturalizer‘s pricier styles, but it‘s built to last for years of comfortable all-day wear. Longtime Naturalizer customers call it the ideal, wear-everywhere boot – as long as you have calves on the slimmer side. The Tallis tends to run very roomy in the leg.
Banks Loafer
For a menswear-inspired shoe that means business, look no further than the Banks loafer. This square-toed slip-on features a high-rebound, dual-density footbed, a sturdy block heel, and a sleek yet stretchy silhouette.
Wear the Banks with everything from trousers to dresses for a polished look that won‘t punish your feet. At $120, it‘s an affordable option compared to similar styles from higher-end comfort brands. Just note that the Banks has a stiff leather upper that may require some breaking in.
Naturalizer According to Real Customers
To give you an even more well-rounded view of Naturalizer shoes, I combed through hundreds of reviews from real customers across multiple sources. Here‘s what shoppers have to say about the brand overall:
The vast majority of Naturalizer reviews are positive, with many longtime customers praising the brand‘s consistent comfort and on-trend styles. On Naturalizer.com, most of the bestselling shoes have 4+ star ratings and hundreds of rave reviews.
Happy customers frequently call Naturalizer their go-to shoe source, using phrases like "the only heels I can wear all day," "like walking on clouds," and "they look as great as they feel." Negative reviews tend to focus on inconsistent sizing between styles and disappointment with the longevity of some shoes.
On retailer sites like Zappos, Nordstrom, and Amazon, Naturalizer also earns largely favorable feedback, with most styles averaging around 4 out of 5 stars. Customers especially love that Naturalizer offers so many widths, sizes, and extended calf options.
A few reviewers complain about the shoes being overpriced or lower quality than expected. There are also some gripes about Naturalizer‘s customer service being unhelpful with returns, exchanges, and defective products.
Naturalizer Promotions, Discounts & Shipping Policy
If you‘re looking to snag some Naturalizer shoes at a discount, you‘re in luck. The brand frequently runs sales and promotions, especially around holidays. You can often find promo codes for 20% off or more on the Naturalizer website or through third-party coupon sites.
Naturalizer also offers a rewards program where you can earn points toward future discounts. Plus, students, teachers, healthcare workers, and military members are eligible for 20% off full-price styles year round.
Naturalizer offers free standard shipping and returns on all orders over $65 within the contiguous US. Expedited and international shipping are available for an extra fee. The brand also offers a "buy online, pick up in store" option where available.
If you‘re not satisfied with your Naturalizer purchase, you have 60 days to return it for a refund or exchange. However, final sale items and those returned without a receipt may only be eligible for store credit.
Pros & Cons of Naturalizer Shoes
To sum it all up, here are the key pros and cons of Naturalizer footwear based on my research:
Pros:
- Consistently comfortable shoes thanks to signature cushioning, support, and flexible materials
- On-trend, versatile designs for work and play
- Wide range of sizes, widths, and extended options
- Frequent sales and good value for the price
- Generally well-made, durable shoes from a nearly 100-year-old brand
Cons:
- Some complaints about inconsistent sizing between styles
- A few negative experiences with shoes wearing out quickly or not matching the picture online
- Mixed reviews on Naturalizer.com‘s customer service and return process
- Pricier than budget comfort brands, though more affordable than high-end designer labels
The Verdict: Is Naturalizer Footwear Worth It?
So, is Naturalizer worth the hype? Based on my thorough review, I would give the brand a solid yes – with a few footnotes.
There‘s no denying that Naturalizer is one of the most trusted, beloved names in comfortable yet cute shoes, with a long track record of helping women look and feel their best. The sheer number of glowing reviews speaks for itself – as do the brand‘s frequent features in fashion magazines and well-heeled celebrity fan base.
When it comes to the ideal mix of of-the-moment style, wearability, quality, and value, Naturalizer is tough to beat. Their signature N5 Contour comfort system puts them a step above many similarly priced shoe brands. And with hundreds of designs to choose from, there‘s truly a Naturalizer for every walk of life.
However, Naturalizer isn‘t completely infallible. The brand‘s seeming unwillingness to post negative reviews on their own site – despite some customers calling them out for deleting complaints – gives me a bit of pause. There‘s also validity to the gripes about shoes not always matching the pictures or descriptions.
Overall, I still highly recommend giving Naturalizer a try if you‘re in the market for beautiful, practical shoes that won‘t break the bank. Just be sure to read sizing charts, reviews, and return policies closely to ensure you find the best fit.
The bottom line? In a world where women are often forced to choose between feeling good and looking good, Naturalizer continues to make it possible to do both. These shoes may not be 100% perfect, but they‘re still a giant leap in the right direction.
