WORDS BY LUCY HARDY
There are shoes and then there are Manolos — designs so iconic that they only need referring to on a first-name basis. Manolo Blahnik shoes have been gracing the feet of elegant women everywhere since the ‘70s, but it was the success of ‘Sex and the City’ and Carrie Bradshaw’s lustful love affair with the Hangisi pump that earnt Manolos their cult status (they’re not the ones with the red soles, by the way).
Defined by satin finishes, jewel tones and crystal embellishment, Manolo Blahniks represent sophistication and craftsmanship. The handmade, artisan quality is one of the reasons why they’re so popular — the other being their renowned comfort and wearability, with varying heel heights to choose from.
Before you make the all important decision — Lurum or Maysale, BB pump or Hangisi? Read our Manolo styling, size and fit guide to get the expert opinions of five Manolo enthusiasts on how to style Manolo Blahniks and how comfortable they really are.
Amelia Liana (@amelialiana)
Fashion YouTuber
Based in London
What do you love most about Manolo Blahnik and of course, the Lurum satin mules?
I love that Manolos are playful, elegant and unmistakable. There are so many colours and styles, so there’s really something to suit every taste and occasion. I’m particularly partial to the Lurum Mules. I think the combination of the shimmering satin and crystal leaf embellishment is truly timeless and versatile — they look incredible with dresses, jeans and trousers.
Tell us about the fit of your Manolo Blahnik mules — do they run true to size?
My Manolos fit true to size. I do have a narrow foot though, so I would recommend sizing up half a size if you’re not 100% certain.
Do you find them comfortable to wear/walk in?
As far as high heels go, I think the Lurum satin mules are really comfortable. I find that the front strap helps my foot feel more secure, which means I can easily wear them for a night standing or dancing without pain, as long as I’m taking a taxi home.
How do you style your Manolo Blahnik shoes — what type of occasions do you wear them for?
I truly believe that shoes are meant to be loved and worn. Life is too short to save them for special occasions, which is why you’ll often see me wearing my Manolos day-to-day, as well as out to events. I love styling them with a simple jeans and T-shirt combo or going all out with a sleek cocktail dress.
What advice would you give to someone looking to purchase their first pair of Manolos?
Go for a fun colour. A bold and bright pair of heels is the easiest way to inject some colour into your wardrobe. If you change your mind, The Restory can help dye them another colour. In fact, I’ve done this myself — my red pair of Lurum Mules were originally yellow.
Caroline Vazzana (@cvazzana)
Fashion Editor and Stylist
Based in New York City
What do you love most about Manolo Blahnik and of course, the Doloros slingback pumps?
I’ve always been a huge fan of Manolo Blahnik’s designs. Its shoes are timeless, classic and feminine, but always with a twist. The brand isn’t afraid to embrace bold colours, textures and fun prints, which I love. The Doloros slingback has been one of my favourites for sometime now, for a few reasons. The shape of the heel mimics the shape of an hourglass which you don’t often see. Also, for someone like me who is usually on their feet running around the city, the kitten heel is ultra comfortable, which always makes me happy. Plus, the pointed toe and buckle on the front give it a fun, feminine touch.
Tell us about the fit of your Manolo Blahnik slingback pumps — do they run true to size?
I wear a women’s size 8 US but when it comes to Manolo Blahnik shoes, I wear a size 39 across the board in all Manolo shapes and styles.
Do you find them comfortable to wear/walk in?
Absolutely. In my opinion, Manolo Blahniks are some of the most comfortable shoes I own. They bend to your foot as you wear them, making them a go-to for a long day or night out.
How do you style your Manolo Blahnik shoes — what type of occasions do you wear them for?
Manolo Blahniks can be worn for so many different occasions. A kitten heel is great for a daytime look, paired with a wispy dress or structured suit. When it comes to pumps, I love wearing them to a wedding with a floor-length dress or sparkly cocktail dress. With that being said, all of my Manolos can easily be dressed up or down, so they can be paired with a dress or jeans and a T-shirt.
What advice would you give to someone looking to purchase their first pair of Manolos?
My advice is to do your research and go for it. Figure out which pair of Manolo Blahnik shoes fit best in your wardrobe. Whether a slingback, a traditional pump or a Mary Jane, Manolo Blahnik offers something for everyone. No matter which style you go with, you can never go wrong because a pair of Manolo Blahnik shoes will instantly become a staple in your closet that you will wear and treasure for years and years.
Melissa Soldera (@melissasoldera)
Digital Marketing Strategist at STYLE SOCIETY Social
Based in Montreal
What do you love most about Manolo Blahnik and of course, the Maysale heels?
I love that Manolos are sexy yet subtle. The Maysale pumps are very much that dual vibe. They can be proper ‘ladies who lunch’ mules but they also look amazing with a pair of distressed baggy jeans and a crop top.
Tell us about the fit of your Manolo Blahnik heels — do they run true to size?
All of my Manolos are size 36 which is my size in general, so the sizing is really reliable.
Do you find them comfortable to wear/walk in?
The Maysale is my go-to ‘I want to wear heels but I can’t deal with having sore feet’ shoes. They look like they’d pinch but they’re actually totally comfortable, which I feel is always the goal with shoes — look good without the pain.
How do you style your Manolo Blahnik shoes — what type of occasions do you wear them for?
I’m a casual girl but I live in heels so I wear them on the regular. Most people wear Manolos for special occasions but I think they’re too special to leave for those few and fleeting moments.
What advice would you give to someone looking to purchase their first pair of Manolos?
Have fun with them. Manolos are one of those shoes that are meant to be the centre of attention, go hard or go home.
Claire Chanelle (@clairechanelle)
Stylist
Based in London
What do you love most about Manolo Blahnik and of course, the Maysale mules?
My very first pair of Manolo Blahnik shoes were a pair of black Hangisis. I bought them for work when I was a fashion specialist at Harrods. I loved how they looked but actually chose them for their comfort. Since then (over 10 years ago) I have never looked back. I really appreciate how comfortable all Manolos are. I love how the Maysale mules bring a feminine vibe to my slightly masculine looks. I live in jeans and a simple tee and I can rely on my Manolos to bring the ‘wow’ factor.
Tell us about the fit of your Manolo Blahnik mules — do they run true to size?
I think all Manolos run true to size. I always buy mine true to size. However, I do like to size up by half a size for my Maysale mules or Lurums. I would also say that the brand runs slightly narrow, bear this in mind.
Do you find them comfortable to wear/walk in?
Very. I can still walk in the higher 105mm, it’s one of very few brands where I can wear a heel this height as I have nerve damage in my right foot. I really love the 70mm heel. From the front, you cannot see the difference but I have the extra comfort, I can wear them all day.
How do you style your Manolo Blahnik shoes — what type of occasions do you wear them for?
Manolos are for all occasions. Especially after the last two years we have had, now is the time to enjoy everything and not just save things for ‘best’. With that said, I have also loved wearing my jewelled shoes (Hangisi, Lurum, Nadira) with jeans and tee or leather leggings and shirt. I tend to be drawn to boyish looks and the Manolos give me a feminine edge. Of course, if you wear feminine looks, Manolo Blahnik shoes are perfect. I would suggest we all embrace our ‘best things’ and wear them.
What advice would you give to someone looking to purchase their first pair of Manolos?
When investing in a new luxury piece, I always tell my clients and followers to stick to something you already love. Do not pick something random. For example, Manolo Blahnik is known for their electric blue Hangisi. This does not mean you have to buy the blue. Stay true to the colours you love and usually wear, then you will get the wear out of your new purchase. For me personally, I like to buy neutral tones. If I really love a shoe, I will buy one classic dark colour, one classic light colour and a pop of colour if I love the fit and wear them often. You can see I love Manolo Blahnik as I have nearly every colour available.
Ashley Kane Harper (@ashleykane)
Creative
Based in San Francisco Bay Area
What do you love most about Manolo Blahnik and of course, the Ballermiu flat?
Manolo Blahnik is so distinct, yet classic and timeless. The Ballermiu is just so beautiful. A simple idea executed with such attention to detail — the shape, the colourways, they are so special.
Tell us about the fit of your Manolo Blahnik slides — do they run true to size?
In my experience, Manolos require careful thought with sizing based on each individual. I have wider feet, and since the styles I own are a little more narrow, I’ve had to go up half a size. I think it’s important to try a couple of pairs on to establish which size best fits you. Once you’ve established this with your first pair, you’re set going forward.
Do you find them comfortable to wear/walk in?
As with most new, fresh leather shoes, they take a little while to wear in. Once you do, they are comfy and easy to walk in.
How do you style your Manolo Blahnik shoes — what type of occasions do you wear them for?
I love to wear mine with elevated casual pieces. I wear them with cropped-ankle jeans, a tee and a blazer. They are my ballet flat of choice to wear with everyday looks.
What advice would you give to someone looking to purchase their first pair of Manolos?
Be thoughtful with measuring — being off even half a size makes a big difference in comfort, so make sure they feel perfectly tailored to you and you’ll become lifelong companions.