Playing shoe designer is one of my favourite ways to waste hours of my morning (only just behind getting lost in a Buzzfeed blackhole and throwing balled up newspaper for the kitten to play with). I'm already having a long-term love affair with Upper Street, but after this morning, I'm thinking that I might have a thing on the side with the new kid on the block: Shoes of Prey.
The thing I like most about Shoes of Prey? BROGUES! I'm a recent brogue convert and the idea of making my own is very exciting. For £109 those Oxfords will be handmade just for you. In pink, if you'd prefer. Or with a heel.
There are some potential downsides to the shoes, especially if you're used to creating designs on Upper Street: I can't find a strappy strap. Now, this might not seem like a big deal but thanks to an old foot injury I can't wear a court without a strap, my feet slip and everything hurts for days after. I love the chunky straps on these sandals, though. I'd rock these.
It's hard not to compare Shoes of Prey to Upper Street, and I think both have positives. I do prefer US's design platform. I think the software is simpler and it's just a little more elegant to use. The Shoes of Prey software feels a little clunky in comparison and I think you get a better idea of the shoe with Upper Street. But I do like the other options that you get with Shoes of Prey (brogues! brogues!) and I do love a wedge heel.
I'm also really impressed with the price point - prices start at £109. Not too shabby for a pair of shoes that you created yourself. Their shoes are made in European sizes, starting at a size 34 (a size 1!) and going up to a 49 - that's a size 13.5, fact fans. SIZE 13.5!
And if you really want something crazy on your feet, then Shoes of Prey have plenty of options for those - I don't think I could wear these to the office (that's a fiv, I could and I would). Of course, with any design creation software your creations can be as bold as you like, it's very much what you make of it. There's only one way for you to find out, go lose your lunchbreak to making a pair of shoes or seven.
The thing I most love about Shoes of Prey is that you can choose what type of heel you have. I can't be doing with stilettoes that get caught in cobbles, so being able to choose a square heel is good for me. I also LOVE the patterns and the colours.
ReplyDeleteThe only thing I'm unsure about is size - what do they go up to? It's not very clear.
I can't believe I didn't add that - it's the most exciting bit!
DeleteTheir website isn't very clear at all. That's the least exciting bit.
Hi,
DeleteJade from Shoes of Prey here!
We make shoes in sizes 2.5 to 15 or European 31 - 49. All details and prices here - http://www.shoesofprey.com/contact
Happy designing!
Ignore me, found it. AND WHOA! Updating the size 9 to 13 shoe guide this second!
ReplyDeleteSIAN THEY START AT A CHILD'S 12.5 AND GO UP TO AN ADULT 13 AND A HALF! <3 <3 <3
DeleteAlso: BROGUES. Kat! Kat! BROGUES!
DeleteI found the strap for you. Under decorations, there are two tick boxes, one is "add trimmings, the other is "add mary jane" which adds a thin strap for you.
ReplyDeleteBrilliant! That's tucked away, isn't it?
DeleteI'm a total shoe addict and have used both Shoes of Prey and Upper Street. Shoes of Prey does have a slightly broader range and some fun designs but you get what you pay for....fashionable shoes that will most likely only last you a season. Great for a quick fashion purchase. I've got 4 pairs of Upper Streets and the quality and fit are a different league. GORGEOUS! The girls at the studio are great too!
ReplyDeleteHas anyone from Domestic Sluttery got any shoes from either Shoes of Prey or Upper Street? If yes, I'd be really interested in your feedback on the actual shoes. Designing on a website is great fun (my boss is cursing you as I sent this link around the office & let's just say work productivity 'dipped')but at the end of the day it's the shoes you actually get that counts. Thanks very much
ReplyDeleteI have shoes from Upper Street, they're really excellent quality. And comfy!
DeleteThanks very much for replying and that's good to hear, especially about being comfy. Nothing worse than buying heels that hurt your feet so you can't wear them.
DeleteNow back to shoe designing....
Because I broke my foot a couple of years ago, I can't just wear any pair of heels (instead I stare longingly at my shoe collection). Usually I have to change into flats after a couple of hours. My Upper Streets are fairly new and I've only worn them once (I designed sandals, stupidly hoping that we'd have some sort of summer this year), but I was so happy that I could wear them all night without pain. I really, really love them.
DeleteAnd here's a photo of them:
Deletehttps://twitter.com/SianySianySiany/status/319459241536667648
Wow those are great, thank you very much for sharing. You've made re-think what I design... back to the shoe designing board.
DeleteAnd let's hope the sun comes out soon as those sandals need to be seen on your feet.
Have a great Bank holiday
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