I got L’Amour des Pieds women’s travel shoes to solve a problem: travel shoes are one of the hardest things to choose, when I pack. I’ve been through lots of choices through the years, and I often wind up choosing a single pair sneakers, when I give up.

But what about when I want to look cute in photos? What about having cushioned support for my feet while on vacation? What about having comfortable options for business trips?

I learned about L’Amour des Pieds, a brand making ergonomic “total comfort technology” shoes in some great styles for traveling women. This review will cover my experience, as someone who often gets foot aches, and as a woman who just wants to look good in my travel pics!

Key takeaways from this review

  • The L’Amour des Pieds shoes I tried are more cushioned and supportive than other shoes in similar styles that I’ve owned in the past.
  • They work for travel because they are versatile and look nice for occasions from wedding weekends to business travel. They look polished in travel photos because the styles go with pants, dresses and shorts.
  • As for comfort, LDP shoes address the issue of many women’s shoes not supporting arches. They have ergonomic footbeds and memory foam insoles for added support (and I have flat feet).
  • There are a few shortfalls that you can read about below, regarding the arch support (it could be better), overall price point and style choices.
  • I list a few places to get L’Amour des Pieds shoes online, so that you can choose.

Shoes I tried from L’Amour des Pieds

In being transparent, these were some of the only styles from the LDP website that really spoke to my personal style, which is casual, laid back and pretty timeless. The only other shoe I considered was the Yolandi Loafer, but did not wind up trying it.

Summary: Why I like L’Amour des Pieds shoes

I find it rare that I discover cute, stylish and trend-forward shoes that I can pack for travel because lots of shoes are heavy (with platforms or heels). On top of that, most companies are not prioritizing foot comfort like ergonomic cushioning, memory foam or arch support.

I had good luck on the first try-on with both the Abrilla and Karsha shoes (and keep in mind, these were the two top styles that interested me on the LDP website while I was browsing). I’ve had platform sandals before that had absolutely no foot cushioning. I’ve had flats that had thin soles and wouldn’t work for long travel days (despite being attractive shoes!).

L’Amour des Pieds nailed both the foot comfort and style aspects, and made me visualize how both these shoes will replace less-comfortable versions of similar styles in my shoe collection.

Why LDP shoes work for travel

I’ve reviewed a lot of travel footwear. Compared to the shoes I usually take for travel, as I detail in the best shoes for woman travelers (Nike sneakers, Birkenstock sandals, and huarache sandals or casual/versatile platform heel sandals), the LDP travel shoes win for multiple occasions and types of travel.

The Abrilla works for when I have to travel for weddings: they’re a good shoe for rehearsal dinners, cocktail events and even cocktail-attire summer weddings. They’re infinitely lighter-weight than my previous platform heels, and they have a slightly lower platform, which means more comfort for longer days.

The Karsha sandal-flat-sneakers are a great hybrid shoe. I’m using them to replace my Sperry Topsider Boat Shoes, which at this point are a bit beat-up from years of travel. Yes, it’s true: I would take my Sperry shoes on trips to be a not-a-sneaker shoe. I like to wear them in photos, with dresses, or shorts, so I don’t look goofy.

But the Karsha shoe from LDP solves this instantly. The Karsha is an adorable woven leather flat sneaker that reminds me of sandals, but with the memory foam insole that supports my feet. It’s great for travel, great for travel photos and great for multiple occasions I’ll find during my trips, like going out to dinner, family events, exploring nightlife or even business conferences.

While we’re talking about looking cute and being comfy, have you seen my list of the best dresses for travel?

How they feel (are they really so comfortable?)

When I first put on my Abrilla platform sandals, I yelled to my husband Dan from another room, “Oh wow, they actually are really comfortable!”

This was a surprise to me because I have barely had luck through the years finding “cute shoes” that I can pack for a trip that don’t give me comfort concerns when I slip them on.

And that is because most shoes are not designed ergonomically: the bulk of the platform heels and dressy sandals I’ve owned are ones I’ve gotten for how they looked, not how they feel. And I’m done shopping like this, as I’m someone who has low arches, pronation and flat feet. I need as much support as I can get so that I don’t complain about foot aches while we’re on vacation and a change of shoes is not available.

Above, on left, I’m wearing the Troubadour Apex Mini backpack, a lululemon Love Crew tee shirt and the Quince denim straight leg jeans.

LDP shoe comfort attributes

The brand says that the LDP shoes uniquely contour to your foot, and while I am not sure I am experiencing this to a tee, they do have a type of comfort that is a level up from my typical shoes.

Here is an outline of a few of the ways the “foot feel” is about twice as better as the shoes I have in my closet:

  • Shock absorption through thick soles
  • Breathability to minimize foot sweat
  • Durability with premium leather and suede
  • More arch support than other sandals or flats (this is probably my biggest issue as someone with low arches)
  • Ergonomic footbed
  • Rubber soles!

All of these characteristics might seem like super boring ergonomic footwear qualities you’d find from Dr Scholl’s for old people with bad feet, but actually, it works out. It was a difference I felt in just seconds after putting on my Abrilla paltform sandals and Karsha sneaker-flats.

Shoe styles from L’Amour des Pieds

In all honesty, not all their styles really speak to me. The two shoes I chose, and a third I have in mind for the future (the Yolandi Loafer) are timeless and playful. They’re the types of shoes that actually replace current shoes similar to them, in my shoe wardrobe, that are NOT comfortable for me.

Abrilla: Ankle strap platform sandal

I chose the Abrilla to replace a pair of similar two-strap shoes that I got from H&M a while back. I know what you’re thinking, of course LDP leather shoes can’t compare to the synthetic materials in a pair of H&M heels I got for wearing in my NYC office and to business events at bars and restaurants.

And yet, those shoes lasted. But they’re not comfortable at all, and have zero cushioning in the sole. They’re also heavy. I don’t like to pack them when I travel.

The Abrilla is softer, with that memory foam layer for shock absorption while I walk (and I can feel this, because the entire platform is softer as well). And there’s the slight arch support that I find to be even stronger than in the Karsha, below.

I love that I can wear these platform sandals with jeans, shorts, skirts or dresses. I find that having a black sandal with a slight platform and heel gets me everywhere from wedding weekend events to business travel. So in conclusion, these are a great investment.

Above, I’m wearing a Bluffworks travel dress, the Canvelle Oversized Fanny Pack and a necklace from Quince.

Karsha: Leather slip-on sneaker

Okay, love them. I compare these to the Huarache sandals that I got from my friend’s company, which makes Mexican-artisan-made huarache shoes in lots of styles. I got huarache strap sandals and loved the vibe.

I also have been wearing Sperry Top Sider boat shoe flats. I wear them because of the closed toe and heel support, and the cushy inner sole. But mine are wearing out, and don’t have any lift.

The Karsha is a replacement of both these shoes at the same time. With the woven leather design, and the 1-inch platform, it’s a casual and elevated shoe that looks fantastic with outfits and in photos. The heel has a lot of protection and support. The rubber sole is thick. The foot coverage and ankle rise is ideal for my feet.

It’s a day-to-night shoe that I chose in the golden brown, to be both timeless and versatile. I can wear them as sneakers, or as flats. I’m a big fan of the style.

Sizing

I went by the size info on the website that LDP shoes fit true to size. I read a few reviews on the website that the overall fit, and width, are both “as expected.”

I tried my luck and chose 6.5 in both the Abrilla and Karsha.

I think I got lucky, as both these shoes have a little bit of space. This is good, though, because if I’m traveling in the heat (like in Mexico, one of my favorite destinations, where it’s often hot no matter where you are), feet tend to expand.

With some space in the toe and heel on the Karsha, my feet don’t nudge up too tightly against either end of the shoe. And with the Abrilla, having them with some space rather than too tight is ideal, so my toes don’t hang off the front edge.

Drawbacks and shortfalls

My review wouldn’t be complete if I didn’t comment on a few things for critique. Here is where I think LDP has room for improvement.

Arches

First, as someone who relies on supportive and ergonomic footwear to make my feet happy and avoid aches, I am really looking for super high arches. I think a lot of women are. I also think tons of brands are skipping out on this comfort aspect to appeal to people with flat feet, because flat feet are so common.

So therefore, I do think that the arches in the Karsha sneaker could be higher and more defined. This would keep my foot (personally) from collapsing as I walk. For now, it is “good” and better than other flats as well as flat sneakers I’ve experienced. It has a little more work to do from LDP’s designs.

Price

The next drawback for some might be the price. $200/$250+ travel shoes are only worth it if you plan to wear them so much that the cost-per-wear makes it effective as a purchase. To this, I say that if you choose a versatile LDP shoe style in a versatile color (or one that you really like), you will probably benefit from wearing them all season long (boots for cold months, and sandals for warm ones, as well as warm trips).

And if you find them as comfortable as I do, you may choose to wear them rather than your previous shoes of a similar style.

The price itself comes from the fact that most LDP shoes are made of premium leather, with no artificial finishes or coatings.

Are L’Amour des Pieds shoes worth it for travel?

If you’re looking to replace uncomfortable shoes that come traveling with you, like I did, I think L’Amour des Pieds is a good choice. From what I’ve seen, a lot of shoes will come in cute styles from reputable brands, but they’re missing the cushioned support and arch support that LDP works into their designs.

If you’re looking at the prices, consider that LDP shoes are made of leather, not synthetics. This drives their longevity and quality. So that’s a bit to think about if you’re weighing options or thinking about cost per wear.

I like LDP shoes because they are packable for travel, and they work well in everyday life, especially if you want dressier and luxury-style shoes for occasions and being in photos.

Also, a great way to get them at a discount or for less is to shop the L’Amour des Pieds sale page. You can find some styles as low as $69.99 at sale price. It’s a smart way to have your first try at the brand, to see if you like the feel.

Where to buy LDP shoes (a few choices)

L’Amour des Pieds shoes are available in a few places online. You can get them at the following retailers:

See more travel shoe ideas for women

L’Amour des Pieds shoes are brilliant for upscale occasions and for looking chic. For other types of travel when you may be at the beach, caught in rain or choosing casual sneakers, read on for my:

Thank you to L’Amour des Pieds for gifting me both pairs of shoes in order to write this review, as well as sponsoring it; despite this, all opinions expressed are genuinely my own and reflect my authentic personal experience after trying these products.

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