Product Review: J.Crew Shoes {thoughts?}

"Thanks!" to Anon at 10:51 AM (in this post) who suggested a great topic: J.Crew Shoes. J.Crew offers some of the most beautiful shoes around. However, sometimes it is difficult to know what shoes to buy (e.g. is it comfortable, do I size up or size down, etc.).

For the most part, I l-o-v-e J.Crew flats because of the beautiful fabrics and pattern. (My most recent purchase is the Becca Ballet flats [Item 97022] in "fog white dot".) I find the flats run true to size. As I mentioned before, J.Crew flats in general have a little bit of padding in the soles, but not enough to warrant them walkable for a day-trip to the city. They are pretty office shoes, where you walk a bit but sit down for most of the day. ;) There is also no grip on the soles of the shoes (making them very slippery unless you add a sole-grip).

When it comes to other types of shoes... I find the driving mocs true to size. Although they are way more comfortable than the flats, they tend to hurt by the end of the day as well. When it comes to espadrilles, I find that I normally had to size down (either a half a size or even full shoe size). This was until this summer, when I bought the Rafina Espadrilles Sandals and found they were true to size. This can make ordering online difficult (when you think you know your shoe size in general). This also reminds me to include heels. For the most part, I had to size down (usually a half a size) in heels. For example, when I tried on the Spectator Mary Jane Heels (Item 96589), I found I had to "half a size" down. (Incidentally, the shoes are gorgeous. I just can't walk very well in such high heels.) However, when I tried on the Juliet Patent-Leather Midheels (Item 96716), I found the pair to be true to size.

What is your review for J.Crew shoes in general? Do you have a particular shoe (e.g. item number) that you highly recommend or would suggest avoiding? What are some of the reasons behind your choice?