Some relationships just stand the test of time. I’ve had my Vivaia Jade Pro heels for over four years now: four years of airports, evening dinners, cobblestone streets, and last-minute “I need to look put-together” moments. And although they do now look a little worn, they are still genuinely the most comfortable heels I’ve ever owned. The promise on the box when I bought them was that you could practically run in them. Reader, it’s kind of true.
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So when Vivaia sent me a selection of their summer styles to try, I was both excited and a little nervous. Could they possibly live up to that benchmark?
I tested four pairs across two weeks: the Ava heeled sandals, the Carey mesh flats, the Paloma arch-support sandals, and the Delia flat sandals. Here’s everything you need to know before you buy.
A quick note on AdaptAll
You’ll see AdaptAll mentioned across several of these styles, and it’s worth explaining before we get into individual reviews. It’s Vivaia’s strap-adjustment technology. Essentially, the straps are designed to flex and adapt to the shape of your foot rather than locking you into a fixed fit. For anyone who’s had one too many new-shoe blisters on holiday, it makes a real practical difference.
1. Ava Square-Toe Heeled Sandals
👠 Best for: dinners out, summer weddings, anywhere you want a heel that won’t destroy your feet
If I could summarise the Ava in one sentence: these are what I would have bought instead of the Jade Pro if they’d existed when I first discovered Vivaia.
The Ava has that same square-toe silhouette I’ve loved for years, with a block heel that sits at a height I’d actually consider wearing for a full day of exploring. The AdaptAll strap across the front gives you a surprisingly secure fit. I wore these on an uneven terrace and felt perfectly stable, which I genuinely did not expect from a heeled sandal.
They won’t replace the Jade Pro for me (nothing will, honestly: those shoes are practically family at this point), but they’re the closest thing to that level of wearable-heel I’ve found in a sandal. If you’ve been on the fence about Vivaia’s closed-toe styles because summer is coming, start here.
Fit: True to size.
Comfort: 8.5/10
Style tip: These look brilliant with a midi dress or wide-leg trousers. The square toe keeps them feeling modern rather than overly dressy.
2. Carey Square-Toe Mesh Flats
👟 Best for: everyday errands, casual lunches, commuting in warmer months
The Carey flats are Vivaia doing breathable casual wear, and the mesh upper is genuinely lovely in warmer weather: light, airy, and they don’t trap heat the way a lot of summer flats do.
They’re also very pretty. The square-toe shape keeps them looking intentional (mesh can sometimes veer into trainers territory, but these don’t), and the fit out of the box is comfortable enough to wear immediately without a break-in period.
Honest caveat, though, and I think it’s worth flagging: the non-mesh panels (the solid fabric sections around the toe and heel) show wear faster than I expected. After a couple of days of regular use, mine were looking noticeably dirty. It’s not a dealbreaker, but it’s something to go into with open eyes. If you’re planning to use these as your daily shoe through an entire summer, factor that in.
Fit: True to size.
Comfort: 8/10
Worth noting: Great for warm days when you need something breathable, but for heavy daily wear you may find the solid panels show their age sooner than you’d like.
3. Paloma Arch Pro AdaptAll Sandals
🌿 Best for: long walking days, anyone who needs arch support without sacrificing style
I’ll be honest: I didn’t expect to love the Paloma as much as I do.
The selling point is the Arch Pro midsole: dual-density foam that gives you a noticeably different underfoot feel compared to a standard flat sandal. If you’ve ever walked a city for six hours and arrived home with aching arches, you’ll understand why this matters. The heel sits at a gentle 10mm, which adds just enough lift to reduce strain on the Achilles without feeling like a heel.
What I wasn’t expecting was the herbal insole. Vivaia uses an Artemisia argyi-infused footbed, which apparently has traditional anti-inflammatory properties. I can’t verify the science on that, but I can tell you the insoles feel noticeably softer and more padded than a standard sandal. The anti-slip outsole is also genuinely grippy, which matters when you’re navigating damp pavements or uneven ground.
The AdaptAll straps mean these adjust to fit properly around the midfoot, which is the part that usually makes or breaks a sandal for me. Round-toe shape and clean lines, so these look good with summer dresses and shorts alike.
Fit: I’d go true to size, but if you have wider feet the AdaptAll strap gives you a bit of flex.
Comfort: 9/10
Worth noting: If arch support is a priority for you, these are the pair to go for. The Arch Pro midsole makes a real difference over a long day.
4. Delia Square-Toe Flat Sandals
🩴 Best for: holidays, beach days, quick outings when you just need something easy to slip on
The Delia is the most relaxed of the four: a flat, open sandal with an AdaptAll strap and a square-toe silhouette that makes it look more polished than your average slide. These are your throw-on-and-go summer shoes.
What I appreciate about the Delia is that it feels instep-friendly in a way that a lot of flat sandals don’t. If you have a higher instep and sandals often feel tight or gap oddly, the adjustable strap makes a meaningful difference. I’ve been grabbing these for quick errands and low-key evenings out, and they’ve genuinely become the shoe I reach for when I don’t want to think too hard about what’s on my feet.
They’re not the shoe for a long walking day (for that I’d point you to the Paloma), but for a relaxed holiday, a weekend market, or anything where ease is the priority, the Delia earns its place.
Fit: True to size.
Comfort: 8/10
Style tip: These pair nicely with linen trousers or a casual summer dress. The square toe elevates them just enough that they don’t feel like beach shoes.
Final Thoughts
All four pairs are genuinely comfortable out of the box, which is the thing I value most in a shoe, especially in summer, when blisters from new sandals are practically a rite of passage.
One thing worth noting: none of these are machine washable. If you’ve followed my previous Vivaia reviews, you’ll know that machine washability is usually one of the brand’s big selling points. It’s not the case with these summer styles, so something to be aware of going in if you hate hand cleaning shoes (like me).
That said, the quality, comfort, and design are all still very much there. The Paloma is my top pick for anyone who walks a lot. The Ava is my recommendation if you want a summer heel that won’t have you limping home. The Carey is lovely for casual wear. And the Delia is brilliant for holidays and easy days when you just want something slip-on and put-together.
If you’re new to Vivaia, this summer collection is a great starting point, and if you want to see my full honest review of their closed-toe styles, I’ve written that up here too.
FAQs About Vivaia Summer Shoes
Are Vivaia sandals true to size?
Yes, all four pairs I tested ran true to size. If you’re between sizes, I’d suggest going half a size up for the Ava (heeled) and true to size for everything else.
Are Vivaia shoes sustainable?
Vivaia makes sustainability a core part of their brand. Many of their styles, including the Jade Pro, are knitted from recycled plastic bottles. Check individual product pages for material details on specific styles.
Are Vivaia sandals machine washable?
This batch of summer styles (the Ava, Carey, Paloma, and Delia) are not machine washable. Some of Vivaia’s other styles (particularly their closed-toe knit shoes) are. Worth checking before you buy if that matters to you.
How comfortable are Vivaia sandals for walking all day?
For a full walking day, I’d recommend the Paloma: the Arch Pro midsole with dual-density foam makes a real difference. The Ava is also surprisingly walkable for a heeled sandal. The Delia and Carey are better suited for lighter days.
Where can I buy Vivaia shoes in the UK?
Vivaia ships internationally and you can order directly from their website. Use the links in this post to shop each style.
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