Nisolo Reviews
Let’s chat all things Nisolo! Chances are, if you’re a regular CCCH reader, you’ve seen me mention and/or wear Nisolo before. I first heard of the brand years ago. They started just two years before I started blogging! A lot of the blogs I read at the time loved Nisolo and were the ones to introduce me to the brand.
Nisolo has always been known for their ethics and sustainability efforts. Every person in their supply chain is paid a living wage, which is rare in the fashion industry. Of all their products, their huarache sandals are probably the most popular, which I believe have seen an iteration or two since they were originally launched.
My very first pair of Nisolo shoes was the Lucia block heel sandals (on sale, naturally). They are a gorgeous pair of nutmeg suede sandals! Below, I shared reviews of all of the Nisolo shoes and other products I own. (This post isn’t sponsored, but I’d love to work with Nisolo in the future!)
Nisolo Reviews
I decided to order Nisolo shoes because I had heard such great things about the quality and workmanship. I love that every pair of shoes comes with a card with the name of the person who made your shoes! Plus, I felt it was important to support a brand that supported their producers by providing a living wage and other benefits, like paid time off, health care, and bonuses (read more about how Nisolo’s employees are paid).
Nisolo’s transparency is incredibly rare in the fashion industry. (Be sure to read Consumed by Aja Barber to learn more about just how exploitative it is!) Their products are not inexpensive because of these efforts, but you can rest assured knowing that their employees are taken care of.
I currently own six products from Nisolo, including five pairs of shoes. Here are the products I reviewed for you:
I also previously ordered and returned the Amalia All-Weather Boot, which are no longer available. They were absolutely stunning leather boots (the brandy color was drool-worthy!), but the shape of the boots didn’t work for my feet. I think my arches were too high for them? It was strange; the boots rubbed on the top of my foot but that only happened with one of my feet! I had purchased my true shoe size, 7.
Go-To Lug Chelsea Boot (black, size 7.5)
My exact boots (purchased fall 2023) are no longer available, but there is a new version: the Go-To Lug Chelsea Boot 2.0. Unfortunately, I don’t have the new version, so I’m not quite sure how they compare. They look very similar. The new 2.0 version does not have a pull tab at the front of the boot like mine do, and the leather of the new version looks more supple.
I love that these are waterproof leather boots that don’t look waterproof. They’re great for wearing to work in wet weather! I sized up a half size to 7.5, which was a good choice because I can wear thicker socks with them. I do NOT find these boots to be warm at all. Pretty much any other boot I own is warmer. So, definitely plan for an insert and/or wool socks…or wear different boots in the cold!
The new version seems to run large (long) compared to the version I own. I do wish Nisolo had more consistent sizing across their shoes. Luckily, for me, these boots don’t rub the top of my feet quite as bad as the Amalia boots did. I do find that the boot shafts rub my ankles a bit after some time. I’m interested in trying the 2.0 pair to do a proper comparison.
Women's Huarache Sandal (desert rose, size 7)
I also purchased the huarache sandals in fall 2023! As I mentioned at the start of this post, these shoes are what Nisolo is known for. I had been wanting my own pair for a few years before finally taking the plunge during a good sale. I’ll be honest, though: I haven’t actually worn these out yet!
I purchased the huarache sandals in the hopes of taking them on an extended beach vacation, but… I haven’t gone on one yet, ha. And I’m still breaking them in! The leather is much stiffer than I was anticipating, especially at the back of the heel. It’s taking some time and I’m being lazy about it. They do NOT feel flimsy at all, and they do feel TTS. I love the desert rose color, which matches very closely to my skin tone and means that they go with any outfit!
Shop the Nisolo women’s huarache sandal (and men’s huarache sandal).
All-Day Open Toe Clog (desert rose, size 7)
I used the credit from my Amalia boot return to purchase the All-Day Open Toe Clog (as well as the flatform sandals below) in summer 2021. I fell in love with these clogs in desert rose, and they fit well in my true size 7. Some reviewers had issues with the straps separating from the soles, but luckily I haven’t had that problem (yet).
These open toe clogs feature memory foam insoles, adjustable straps, and a 3” heel with comfortable platform. The toe strap is roomier than it needs to be on my foot, and the ankle strap is more snug. I do find that I need to walk a bit more careful when I wear these clogs, especially on stairs, because I often feel like I might roll my ankle.
Go-To Flatform Sandal (bone, size 7.5)
I also purchased the first iteration of the Go-To Flatform Sandal with my credit back in summer 2021, and now there’s a new version of these sandals, too. (I also don’t own the new version to compare.) It sounds like the new version runs a full size larger than the old one (I would try a 6.5).
The Nisolo flatform sandals feature a memory foam sole (and 1” platform), an outer sole that’s grooved for improved traction, an easy hook and loop ankle strap with velcro closure, AND water resistant leather, which I didn’t realize until after I had purchased them.
I ordered a size 7.5 per Nisolo’s recommendation (my typical size is 7). My toes AND heels touch the edge in a size 7.5, so if that would bug you I may suggest going a full size up from your usual. The width around the balls of my feet is fine; the strap over the toes is roomy on me. The strap that goes over the top of my foot, on the other hand, fits much tighter. I had a similar issue with the Amalia boot where it rubbed on the top of my feet. The leather is soft to the touch but rather stiff.
When I wear them, my heel slides to the inside of the shoe. I don’t know what that means in terms of how I walk but I thought I would mention it just in case you experience the same thing with other pairs of shoes! I only notice it with two pairs of sandals I own(ed).
Lucia Block Heel Sandal (Nutmeg, size 7)
This is the very first pair of shoes I purchased from Nisolo back in fall 2019 (along with the Amalia All-Weather Boots that I returned a few months later). These sandals are still going strong over five years later. These sandals are true to size, and the nutmeg suede is gorgeous!!! It’s just pretty to look at, ha. (So much so that I purchased another product in nutmeg suede below!)
I’ve worn them a few times in outfits that were featured here on CCCH, which you can see in the images above. My one qualm with these sandals is the ankle strap. The side straps that anchor the main strap that wraps around the ankle feel almost too short, and they get bent to the side when worn. It’s hard to tell in photos but it bothers me in real life!
Rosa Pouch (nutmeg)
The Rosa Pouch (purchased spring 2020) is also no longer available, but I wanted to include it because it’s still from Nisolo! This small, unstructured pouch bag is made from the same supple nutmeg suede as the block heel sandals.
It’s a good size for the essentials, especially if you’re traveling; just fill it with a few things that you may reach for on the plane and throw it in your carry-on bag! There aren’t any pockets or anything on the inside, and it features a zipper closure. The suede is NOT waterproof, which is something to keep in mind.
Are Nisolo Shoes Good?
Yes, I think you can gather from my reviews that Nisolo shoes are great! I mean, they are all gorgeous and beautifully constructured. You can tell how much love goes into each pair. You might need to try a few styles to find ones that suit your feet, as not every foot will fit well in their shoes.
Nisolo shoes are also extremely versatile, and because they are so well-made, they tend to read dressier than other pairs of shoes. This means that they work well in a suitcase because they can be worn for sightseeing during the day and then can easily transition into evening activities.
Where to Buy Nisolo Shoes
Interested in trying Nisolo’s shoes (or bags or other accessories)? Here’s where you can find their products! I recommend purchasing from a retailer that offers a generous return policy if you’re trying them for the first time. I’ve had a great experience with Nisolo’s own customer service in the past.