Nisolo Shoes Review: My Honest Take on This Ethical Footwear Brand

Hey there, shoe lovers! If you‘re anything like me, you‘re always on the hunt for footwear that‘s stylish, comfortable, and made with high-quality materials. But these days, I‘m not just looking for shoes that look and feel great – I also care about how they impact people and the planet. That‘s what led me to Nisolo, a sustainable shoe brand that‘s shaking up the industry with its ethical, eco-friendly approach.

As someone who‘s tried countless shoe brands over the years, I have to say that Nisolo stands out from the pack. Not only do they offer beautiful, timeless designs that work for any occasion, but they also go above and beyond when it comes to social and environmental responsibility. In this post, I‘ll be sharing my honest review of Nisolo shoes, along with a deep dive into the brand‘s story, values, and impact.

So whether you‘re a conscious consumer looking to make more ethical purchases or just want some cute new kicks, keep reading for my firsthand take on all things Nisolo!

First Impressions & Experience with Nisolo

I first discovered Nisolo a few years ago when I was on the hunt for a pair of versatile, everyday ankle boots. I‘m always hesitant to buy shoes online without trying them on first, but Nisolo‘s glowing reviews and free returns convinced me to give them a shot. I ordered the Heeled Chelsea Boot in black and eagerly awaited their arrival.

When the boots showed up on my doorstep, I was immediately impressed by the packaging. They came in a simple, recyclable box with a handwritten thank-you note from the Nisolo team. A+ for presentation! But of course, the real test would be how the shoes looked and felt on my feet.

I slipped on the Chelsea boots and was happy to find that they fit true to size. The leather was stiff at first, but after a few wears, it softened up and molded perfectly to my feet. I loved the classic shape of the toe and the walkable height of the stacked heel. Plus, the cushioned insole and sturdy construction made them comfortable enough to wear all day long, whether I was running errands or meeting friends for dinner.

Over time, I started to reach for my Nisolo boots more and more – and snagged a few compliments along the way. Curious to try more from the brand, I later picked up a pair of their huarache sandals for summer and the Oliver Oxford in "brandy" as a work shoe. Both lived up to the hype, with quality craftsmanship, supple materials, and that effortless, goes-with-everything style.

But you don‘t have to just take my word for it. Here‘s what a few other Nisolo customers had to say about their experience with the brand:

"The quality is outstanding. I have several pairs of Nisolo shoes and they are all wearing really well. I appreciate the craftsmanship and the company‘s commitment to sustainability." – Emily L.

"I‘ve been searching for the perfect everyday boot and I finally found it with Nisolo! They are comfortable, well-made, and the leather is beautiful. I will definitely be purchasing more!" – Jackie T.

"Love my Nisolo shoes! They are stylish, comfortable and I feel good about wearing them knowing they are ethically made." – Sarah D.

So far, Nisolo was three for three in my book. But there had to be more to this brand than just great shoes, right? I started digging into Nisolo‘s backstory and brand ethos to learn what really sets them apart in an industry known for questionable labor practices and environmental destruction.

The Nisolo Difference: Ethically Made, Eco-Friendly Shoes

Here‘s something you might not know about the fashion industry: it‘s responsible for a whopping 8-10% of global carbon emissions and nearly 20% of wastewater worldwide. Yikes. On top of that, garment workers (who are mostly women) are among the lowest paid in the world, often earning less than a living wage in unsafe conditions.

Stats like these are what inspired Nisolo founder Patrick Woodyard to launch an ethical footwear brand that puts people and the planet first. By partnering with skilled artisans in Peru and Mexico and cutting out middlemen, Nisolo is able to pay its workers living wages while keeping prices competitive with other high-end shoe brands.

According to their impact report, Nisolo producers earn an average income that‘s 27% higher than fair trade wage requirements. They also receive health care, paid vacation time, and stipends for their children‘s education – benefits that are unfortunately not the norm in the industry.

On the sustainability front, Nisolo uses eco-friendly materials like vegetable-tanned leather and works to offset its carbon emissions through initiatives like tree planting. Since 2012, the company has protected over 60,000 trees in the Peruvian Amazon to help combat deforestation and climate change.

And it‘s not just lip service – Nisolo is a certified B-Corporation, meeting rigorous standards for social and environmental impact, accountability, and transparency. The company earned an impressive score of 89.4 on the B-Corp assessment, outperforming both the median score for ordinary businesses (50.9) and the apparel industry specifically (12.4).

But beyond the certifications and statistics, what I admire most about Nisolo is its commitment to treating workers like family. The name "Nisolo" translates to "not alone" in Spanish, reflecting the company‘s promise to support and empower its artisan partners. In a video on their website, one shoemaker shared how working with Nisolo has transformed his life: "We have benefits that other companies don‘t offer… I can give my family a better quality of life."

That kind of direct, tangible impact is what sets mission-driven brands like Nisolo apart. And as a consumer, knowing that my purchase is making a real difference in someone‘s life makes me feel all the more confident in supporting the company.

How to Style Nisolo Shoes for Any Occasion

Now that you know the story behind the brand, let‘s talk about how to actually wear Nisolo shoes in your everyday life! With their timeless designs and neutral color options, Nisolo‘s footwear is incredibly versatile and easy to style.

Here are a few no-fail outfit formulas featuring some of the brand‘s most popular silhouettes:

The Nisolo Chelsea Boot

• With straight-leg jeans, a tucked-in t-shirt, and a leather jacket for a casual cool vibe
• Paired with a flowy midi dress and denim jacket for an unexpected mix of feminine and edgy
• Over some skinny jeans with an oversized sweater for a cozy, apres-ski look

The Nisolo Huarache Sandal

• With denim shorts, a tank top, and a Panama hat for an easy, breezy summer outfit
• Dressed up with a boxy blazer, silk cami, and linen trousers for warm-weather workwear
• As a fun pop against an all-white ensemble for date night

The Nisolo Slip-On Sneaker

• With wide-leg crops, a fitted tee, and a crossbody bag for errand running and coffee dates
• Teamed with a printed romper and jean jacket for a playful weekend look
• Contrasted with a lightweight sweater and chinos for casual Friday at the office

The Nisolo Oxford

• Styled with cuffed straight-leg jeans, a crisp button-down, and a tailored blazer for polished perfection
• With a floral maxi dress for a slightly menswear-inspired twist
• Peeking out from a pair of ankle-length trousers with a tucked-in blouse for work

Of course, these are just a few ideas to get you started – half the fun of fashion is mixing, matching, and experimenting to find what works for you! And with Nisolo‘s focus on comfort as well as style, you‘ll be able to strut your stuff all day long without sacrificing function for fashion.

Nisolo Sizing Tips & FAQ

By now you‘re probably itching to get your hands on (or rather, your feet in) a pair of Nisolo shoes. But before you hit "add to cart," let‘s go over some helpful sizing info and frequently asked questions.

In my experience, Nisolo shoes tend to run true to size. However, some styles like the Chelsea boots and Chukkas can feel a bit snug at first, especially if you have wide feet or plan to wear thicker socks. In those cases, I‘d recommend sizing up a half size for optimal comfort.

On Nisolo‘s website, you can find a handy size chart that compares the brand‘s sizing to your normal shoe size in US, European, or UK measurements. They also have a printable "fit guide" you can use to trace your foot and determine your ideal size. How‘s that for helpful?

When it comes to shipping, all US orders over $200 qualify for free shipping – otherwise, there‘s a flat rate of $4.50 per order for standard ground shipping (3-8 business days). Nisolo also offers expedited 2-day and overnight shipping for an additional fee.

If for some reason your Nisolo shoes don‘t work out, the brand offers free domestic returns within 30 days of purchase on unworn items in their original packaging. You can either exchange your shoes for a different size/style or get a full refund to your original form of payment. Easy peasy!

Some other common questions I‘ve seen floating around about Nisolo:

Q: Where are Nisolo shoes made?

A: Nisolo partners with ethical factories in Trujillo, Peru and León, Mexico to produce its shoes. The company has long-term, direct relationships with its producers to ensure fair labor practices.

Q: How do I care for my Nisolo shoes?

A: For leather shoes, Nisolo recommends using a soft cloth or brush to remove any dirt or debris. You can use a leather conditioner every few months to keep the leather soft and supple. For rubber soles, a simple wipe-down with a damp cloth should do the trick. And always avoid exposing your shoes to direct heat or sunlight, which can cause the leather to crack or fade.

Q: Does Nisolo ever have sales?

A: Nisolo occasionally offers promotions like end-of-season sales, Black Friday deals, or discounts for first-time customers. You can sign up for the brand‘s email newsletter to stay in the loop on future sales and special offers. That being said, Nisolo‘s prices reflect the true cost of paying fair wages and using sustainable materials, so you‘re still getting a great value even at full price.

The Bottom Line: Are Nisolo Shoes Worth It?

We‘ve covered a lot of ground in this review, from the nitty-gritty details of fit and materials to the bigger-picture impact of Nisolo‘s ethical business model. But I know what you really want to know: are Nisolo shoes worth the splurge?

In my honest opinion, the answer is a resounding yes. Not only are Nisolo shoes incredibly well-made and stylish, but they‘re also a purchase you can feel good about. By supporting Nisolo, you‘re voting with your dollars for a fashion industry that prioritizes people and the planet over profits.

I‘ve been wearing my Nisolo boots, sneakers, and oxfords on repeat for the past few years, and they still look and feel amazing. The cost-per-wear value is unbeatable, especially compared to cheaper, trendier shoes that fall apart after a season.

And while the upfront cost may be higher than what you‘re used to paying for shoes, I truly believe that Nisolo is worth the investment. The quality is top-notch, the designs are timeless, and the company‘s commitment to ethical and sustainable practices is unparalleled. Plus, Nisolo offers interest-free installment plans through Affirm, which can make the cost more manageable.

But don‘t just take it from me – some of Nisolo‘s biggest fans include celebrities and influencers like Meghan Markle, Emma Watson, and Olivia Wilde, who have all been spotted rocking the brand‘s shoes. Talk about a royal seal of approval!

At the end of the day, I believe that every fashion choice we make has an impact – on our personal style, on the people who make our clothes, and on the world around us. By choosing Nisolo, you‘re taking a small but meaningful step towards building a more ethical, sustainable future.

And hey, you‘ll look dang good doing it too. 😉

So go ahead, treat yourself to a pair (or three) of Nisolo shoes. I promise, your feet – and your conscience – will thank you.