Larroudé Shoes Review: The Ultimate Style and Comfort Review
Searching for shoes that blend fashion and comfort often feels like an impossible quest. Most brands force you to choose between stylish designs that hurt your feet or comfortable options that lack visual appeal.
Enter Larroudé, a rising star in the footwear industry that promises both without compromise. Founded by fashion industry veterans Marina and Ricardo Larroudé in 2020, this brand crafts shoes that catch eyes while treating your feet with respect.
This review dives into everything you need to know about Larroudé shoes, from their exceptional craftsmanship to their innovative comfort features, helping you decide if these statement-making shoes deserve a spot in your closet.
Key Takeaways
- Larroudé was founded in 2020 by former Barneys New York Fashion Director Marina Larroudé and her husband Ricardo Larroudé with a mission to create fashionable yet comfortable footwear
- All Larroudé shoes feature the “Larroudé cloud” memory foam insole that enhances comfort and reduces foot fatigue
- The brand manufactures all its shoes in their own factory in Sapiranga, Brazil, ensuring quality control and ethical production
- Larroudé shoes typically range in price from $215 to $485, positioning them as an accessible luxury option in the market
- Most reviewers find Larroudé shoes true to size with a medium width that works for most foot types
- The brand offers a wide range of styles, from ballet flats to stiletto heels, with popular models including the Verona, Blair, and Milan
- Larroudé has gained a significant following, including celebrities like Taylor Swift, Amy Schumer, and Alicia Keys
- The brand emphasizes ethical production practices, using leather sourced from tanneries certified by the Leather Working Group
- While not the cheapest option on the market, Larroudé shoes offer significant value compared to similar designer options at twice the price
- The brand has experienced rapid growth, reaching $30 million in sales by 2023, just three years after its launch
The Larroudé Brand Story
The story of Larroudé begins with a road trip. In 2020, as the world grappled with the uncertainties of a global pandemic, Marina and Ricardo Larroudé found themselves at a crossroads in their careers.
Marina, with her extensive background in fashion journalism and retail, had previously served as the Fashion Director at Barneys New York after roles at Condé Nast and Style.com. Ricardo brought his financial expertise and business acumen to complement her industry knowledge.
The idea for their shoe brand took shape during an RV trip with their family. They identified a gap in the footwear market – a lack of shoes that struck the perfect balance between high fashion aesthetics and everyday wearability.
Many luxury brands offered beautiful designs but at prohibitive prices and often with little consideration for comfort. Meanwhile, more affordable brands frequently lacked the design flair that fashion lovers craved.
Born from this realization, Larroudé launched in December 2020 with a clear mission: to create shoes that looked like they belonged on a fashion runway but felt like they were made for real life. Marina took on the role of Chief Creative Officer while Ricardo assumed the position of CEO.
The brand immediately set itself apart by manufacturing in Brazil, the country where both founders were born. This decision wasn’t just about heritage but also about quality control and ethical production. By 2023, the company had grown enough to open its own factory in Sapiranga, Brazil, allowing for even greater oversight of the manufacturing process.
In less than three years, Larroudé achieved remarkable success, generating $30 million in sales by 2023. The brand has been recognized by the fashion industry, with Footwear News naming it Brand of the Year.
This rapid growth stands in stark contrast to many independent designers who scaled back or closed during the same period, testifying to the strength of the Larroudé vision.
Larroudé Shoe Collections and Styles
Larroudé offers an extensive range of shoe styles to suit various occasions and preferences. The brand balances timeless silhouettes with fashion-forward details, creating pieces that feel current yet have staying power in your wardrobe.
The Blair collection features one of the brand’s most popular styles. The Blair comes in various iterations, including ballet flats, block heels, and platforms. What makes this collection special is the distinctive buckle detail, which adds a touch of elegance without overwhelming the design.
The Blair Ballet Flat, in particular, has gained popularity for its versatility, available in materials ranging from patent leather to metallic specchio.
For those who prioritize ultimate comfort, the Verona collection stands out. Described by the brand as “the most comfortable shoe we’ve ever made,” the Verona Ballet Flat features a soft, rounded toe and comes in various materials, including suede, leather, and macramé. The macramé version has been particularly popular, with the intricate woven detail giving the simple silhouette a unique character.
The Milan Sandal represents the brand’s take on casual summer footwear. Available in raffia, leather, and jelly materials, this thong sandal combines beach-ready style with urban sophistication. The beige raffia version regularly appears among the brand’s best sellers.
For evening occasions and statement moments, the Dolly collection offers various heel heights and decorative elements. The Dolly Broderie Sandal, featuring delicate embroidery-inspired details, has become a favorite for special events.
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The Larroudé Comfort Technology
What truly sets Larroudé apart from competitors is their unwavering commitment to comfort, embodied in their proprietary “Larroudé cloud” technology. This innovative feature represents the brand’s solution to the age-old problem of beautiful shoes that cause pain after just a few hours of wear.
The Larroudé cloud consists of specially designed memory foam insoles that form to your foot shape, providing customized support throughout the day. This cushioning technology distributes pressure evenly across the foot, significantly reducing the fatigue that typically comes with extended wear. Even their highest heels incorporate this technology, allowing for greater stability and comfort than traditional stilettos.
When developing this feature, Marina Larroudé worked closely with technical designers to ensure that every pair would be comfortable enough for all-day wear. According to company blog posts, Marina and product developer Gabriel “labored over the technology” to perfect it, refusing to launch until they had created shoes that women could truly stand in all day long.
Reviews consistently mention this comfort aspect as a standout feature. Even in styles with 3.8″ heels, wearers report being able to stand comfortably for 3-4 hours before experiencing discomfort – a significant improvement over many luxury competitors. One reviewer on Reddit noted, “The cloud memory foam insole is a real thing, and it makes standing in heels much more comfortable than other brands I’ve tried.”
Materials and Craftsmanship
Larroudé’s commitment to quality begins with their careful selection of materials. The brand predominantly uses full-grain leather sourced from tanneries certified by the Leather Working Group, an organization that promotes sustainable and responsible environmental practices in the leather industry. This sourcing choice reflects the brand’s commitment to both quality and ethical production.
Beyond leather, Larroudé incorporates materials like suede, raffia, and patent finishes to create visual interest and seasonal variety. Their raffia products, particularly popular in summer styles, are woven by hand in Brazil, adding an artisanal element to the manufacturing process. As the brand stated on Instagram, “It’s woven by hand in Brazil with so much love for our clients.”
The brand’s shoe construction follows traditional shoemaking practices, with attention to details that impact both aesthetics and durability. Larroudé shoes typically feature leather soles with rubber inserts for traction, providing stability without compromising the elegant appearance. The stitching is precise and reinforced at stress points, extending the lifespan of their products.
Sizing and Fit Guide
Finding the right size is crucial for comfort and longevity, and Larroudé aims to make this process straightforward for customers. According to the brand’s FAQ page, Larroudé shoes run true to U.S. sizing with a medium width. This consistency helps customers order with confidence, especially when purchasing online.
However, individual experiences with fit can vary based on foot shape and the specific shoe style. According to reviews, some Larroudé styles feature a slightly wider footbed than average, which can be beneficial for those with wider feet but might require adjustment for narrow-footed customers. The Blair style, for instance, offers a bit more room in the toe box than comparable designer shoes.
For their boot styles, Larroudé designs with a slightly relaxed fit around the shaft, making them easier to pull on and off even without zippers. This thoughtful design element enhances functionality without compromising style.
Price Point and Value Analysis
Larroudé positions itself in the accessible luxury segment of the footwear market. Their shoes typically range from $215 to $485 at full retail price, with most styles falling in the $300-$350 range.
This pricing strategy places them above mass-market brands but significantly below traditional luxury labels that often charge $700-$1000 for comparable styles.
The brand’s value proposition centers on offering designer quality at more accessible prices. Marina Larroudé has been transparent about this positioning, explaining to various media outlets that they aim to provide luxury-level design and materials without the extreme markup typically associated with high-end fashion houses.
Several factors contribute to Larroudé’s ability to offer this pricing. First, their direct-to-consumer business model eliminates many of the markups associated with traditional retail distribution.
Second, their vertical integration and ownership of their manufacturing facility in Brazil gives them greater control over production costs. As mentioned in a Forbes interview, “Enter the Larroudé business plan: Selling shoes closer to $200 or $300 made in the founders’ home country of Brazil.”
Customer Reviews and Feedback
Customer feedback about Larroudé shoes reveals consistent themes across various platforms. On the positive side, comfort remains the most frequently praised aspect of the brand.
Multiple reviewers express surprise at how comfortable even their highest heels feel, with one Reddit user noting, “Despite the 3.8″ heel, they’re surprisingly comfortable for short periods. I can wear them for about 3-4 hours before feeling any discomfort.”
The quality of materials and construction also receives frequent positive mentions. Customers appreciate the soft leather, durable soles, and attention to detail in the finishing. A review on the An Indigo Day blog stated, “The cloud memory foam insole, high-quality materials like leather and raffia product, and the suede leather sole are all signs of a well-made shoe.”
The versatility and style of Larroudé designs earn praise as well. Customers appreciate that many styles can transition easily from day to evening or work to weekend. The distinctive yet not overly trendy aesthetic appeals to those seeking statement pieces that won’t quickly look dated.
How Larroudé Compares to Competitors
In the competitive landscape of designer footwear, Larroudé has carved out a distinct position that sets it apart from both traditional luxury brands and more affordable competitors.
When compared to established luxury shoemakers like Jimmy Choo, Manolo Blahnik, or Christian Louboutin, Larroudé offers similar design aesthetics at roughly half the price. While these heritage brands may have stronger name recognition and status signaling, Larroudé emphasizes comfort technology that many luxury labels neglect.
Against contemporary footwear brands in a similar price range such as Sam Edelman, Stuart Weitzman, or Vince Camuto, Larroudé distinguishes itself through its Brazilian production and innovative comfort features.
While these competitors often manufacture in China or other Asian countries, Larroudé’s vertically integrated Brazilian factory allows for unique quality control. The brand’s “Larroudé cloud” memory foam insole also appears to provide superior comfort compared to many direct competitors, according to customer reviews.
Larroudé also competes with newer direct-to-consumer shoe brands like Margaux, Rothy’s, and M.Gemi. In this comparison, Larroudé tends to have a more fashion-forward aesthetic while maintaining similar comfort claims.
Their manufacturing story provides a compelling narrative similar to M.Gemi’s Italian craftsmanship focus, though with a Brazilian heritage angle.
Celebrity Endorsements and Media Coverage
Since its launch in 2020, Larroudé has garnered significant attention from both celebrities and media outlets, helping to establish its position as an up-and-coming luxury footwear brand.
The brand received a major visibility boost when Taylor Swift was spotted wearing the Eleonor style, a moment the brand celebrated on social media as “our Super Bowl.” This high-profile endorsement introduced Larroudé to Swift’s massive fan base and reinforced the brand’s fashion credentials.
Other notable celebrities who have embraced Larroudé shoes include Amy Schumer, Drew Barrymore, Alicia Keys, and Mary J. Blige. These endorsements have come organically rather than through paid partnerships, lending authenticity to the brand’s growing reputation.
As Elle magazine noted in their feature, “As the brand has gained steam, it’s expanded into bags and collaborations with brands like Oscar de la Renta and fashion influencers.”
Beyond celebrity sightings, Larroudé has received substantial coverage in major fashion and lifestyle publications. The brand has been featured in Vogue, Elle, WWD, and Forbes, among others. Elle published an in-depth profile titled “How Larroudé Became the It-Girl Shoe Brand of Instagram,” highlighting its rapid rise in popularity.
Styling Tips and Versatility
Larroudé shoes strike a perfect balance between statement-making and versatility, making them suitable for various occasions and outfits. The key to maximizing your Larroudé investment lies in understanding how to style different models for maximum impact and wearability.
The Blair Ballet Flat offers exceptional versatility for daily wear. Its distinctive buckle detail elevates simple outfits without overwhelming them. For casual settings, pair these flats with straight-leg jeans and a white button-down for an effortless look.
For work environments, they complement tailored trousers or pencil skirts beautifully, adding interest without sacrificing professionalism. The patent leather version works particularly well for evening occasions when paired with a little black dress.
The Verona Ballet Flat takes a softer approach with its rounded toe and comes in various materials that suit different seasons.
The suede version pairs beautifully with fall fabrics like corduroy and wool, while the macramé style offers texture that enhances summer dresses and linen pants. The simple silhouette makes these flats perfect for outfits with more complex patterns or details.
For those seeking height without sacrificing comfort, the brand’s block heel styles deserve attention. Models like the Ines Pump and Kate Boot feature substantial heels that provide stability while elevating your look.
These styles transition seamlessly from office to evening wear, looking equally appropriate with business attire and cocktail dresses. The neutral color options function as wardrobe workhorses, while metallic finishes like silver specchio add drama for special occasions.
Where to Buy Authentic Larroudé Shoes
Finding authentic Larroudé shoes involves knowing the authorized retailers and recognizing the signs of genuine products. As a relatively new brand with growing popularity, being aware of legitimate purchase channels helps ensure you receive the quality and craftsmanship the brand promises.
The official Larroudé website (larroude.com) remains the primary and most reliable source for purchasing their shoes. The website offers the complete range of current styles, exclusive colorways, and early access to new releases.
Shopping directly from the brand also provides the benefit of their customer service expertise for sizing questions and after-sale support. The site frequently offers promotional discounts and has a “Last Chance” section featuring discontinued styles at reduced prices.
Several major department stores have partnered with Larroudé as authorized retailers. Nordstrom carries a curated selection of Larroudé styles, both online and in select physical locations.
Bloomingdale’s also stocks the brand, focusing primarily on their most popular styles like the Blair and Verona collections. Saks Fifth Avenue features Larroudé in their designer shoe department, particularly highlighting their evening and special occasion styles.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Larroudé shoes comfortable?
Yes. Larroudé shoes feature their signature “cloud” memory foam insoles that provide exceptional comfort even in high heel styles. Many reviewers report being able to wear their heels for 3-4 hours without discomfort.
Do Larroudé shoes run true to size?
Larroudé shoes generally run true to US sizing with a medium width. Some styles have a slightly wider footbed that accommodates different foot shapes.
Where are Larroudé shoes made?
All Larroudé shoes are manufactured in their own factory in Sapiranga, Brazil, allowing for quality control throughout the production process.
How much do Larroudé shoes cost?
Most Larroudé shoes range from $215 to $485 at full retail price, positioning them as an accessible luxury option in the footwear market.
Who founded Larroudé?
Marina Larroudé, former Fashion Director at Barneys New York, and her husband Ricardo Larroudé founded the brand in 2020.
What materials are Larroudé shoes made from?
Larroudé uses full-grain leather, suede, raffia, and other high-quality materials sourced from environmentally certified suppliers.
Do Larroudé shoes go on sale?
Yes, the brand offers seasonal sales and maintains a “Last Chance” section on their website where discontinued styles can be found at reduced prices.
Are Larroudé shoes good for wide feet?
Many Larroudé styles feature slightly wider toe boxes, making them suitable for those with wider feet. The brand has been recommended by podiatrists for wide feet comfort.
How do I care for my Larroudé shoes?
Care varies by material, but generally includes regular cleaning, conditioning leather styles, protecting suede before wear, and proper storage in dust bags.
Where can I buy authentic Larroudé shoes?
Authentic Larroudé shoes are available on their official website, as well as authorized retailers like Nordstrom, Bloomingdale’s, Saks Fifth Avenue, and Shopbop.
