Since Covid I find many women (me included) are less and less tolerant of wearing anything that is the slightest bit fussy, including an uncomfortable pair of heels. So, I have been on a mission to find THE BEST pumps. Naturally I had to include two of the most iconic luxury brands out there, Jimmy Choo and Manolo Blahnik. After weeks of wearing both luxury brand heels here's my honest opinion, and which I would choose to wear all day.
In this review I will be comparing the Jimmy Choo Romy 85 and Manolo Blahnik BB 90. Both are classic styles and a great heel height to take you from day to night. I am typically a size US 7.5/8 which is comparable to size EU 38. For each brand I went with EU 38 which fit perfectly, so I am happy to say each runs true to size.
At first the Romy 85 felt quite stiff. But after walking around for a few minutes they begun to loosen and mold to my feet which is exactly what you want in a quality leather shoe. So many people expect quality leather shoes to feel comfortable right from the start and that is rarely the case. You want them to be a bit uncomfortable to "break them in", so it's like you're getting custom made shoes that fit your unique feet. The Romy 85 is a classic pump with a subtle round pointed toe, making it the perfect heel to complete a number of looks. I suggest wearing them with jeans and a tee or tailored dress and pearls.
As soon as I put the BBs on I thought now that's fine Italian craftsmanship! The heel is a bit higher than the Romy but just as comfortable. Walking around to take my first few steps I could barely tell I had heels, they just felt like an extension of my foot. They too were a bit stiff at first but quickly molded to my feet, stretching out slightly in all the right places. This pump has a strong point at the toe and pairs perfectly with a wide leg jean or trouser.
(Outfit details - Shoes, pants, similar camisole, cardigan)
If I had to choose
Although both the Romy and BB are extremely comfortable and versatile, I have to give the slight edge to the Manolos. After weeks of comparing the two I notice after a few hours the Jimmy Choos begin to put pressure on the outer side of my toes. I haven't gotten blisters, but I definitely think "ouch" at the end of the day. For the Manolos I have never had that thought. So, if I HAD to, I vote Manolos are more comfortable, although I love the Jimmys too and plan to have them for years and years.
So, If you are on the hunt for a comfortable pair of classic luxury pumps, I highly recommend giving them both a try! And if you don't have a luxury retailer in your
area, Net-a-Porter and Farfetch are great
online sources that carry a large number of Jimmy Choo and Manolo Blahnik styles.
