Shoes – my one true love. In approximately 2009/10 I went through a season where I was so unstable from my EDS that the only shoes I could wear were a pair of Solomon hikers or my Chacos. I also didn’t have the financial flexibility to buy anything else or try other styles beyond those I KNEW were safe. And comfort shoes were still in the early stages of their style glow up; there just weren’t as many options to be had. While my Chacos and Solomons will always hold a place in my heart and closet, now that I am able to wear a broader variety, I feed my lifelong love for shoes as often as possible.
I wanted to review these Vionic platform sandals because a lug sole platform is a style departure for Vionic. I currently have the Vionic Astrid which is one of the most amazing pairs of shoes I’ve ever owned. It’s truly more comfortable than tennis shoes most times for me. My boss noticed them because we were at a work conference together and she was so used to me needing to change shoes at a certain point in the day, that she instinctively paused to wait for me to reverse Cinderella my shoes before we walked to dinner, and was shocked when I said, “Nope! I’m good to go!”
But as amazing as these little wedges are, they aren’t particularly suited for casual wear. Leggings and an oversized shirt are nearly a daily uniform for me. Wedges at the base of that ensemble, doesn’t really flow when you’re running errands. And in summer it’s nice to have something more casual for shorts.
Vionic’s new Phoenix line represents a sportier, more current aesthetic than the more classic looks they have stuck to in the past. It is perhaps an a slightly more sophisticated answer to the TEVA platform, a toned-down version of the Michael Kors Karlow, comparable more to the Eileen Fisher line of shoes, but with a bit more style and the very specifically orthopedic benefits that Vionic provides with their Vio-Motion footbed and Three-Zone comfort system. A wedge with a good heel cup usually works best for me, so I was curious if these would work since they are a platform. I was also concerned that they might be too heavy and wondered if the straps would be comfortable and adjustable enough.
The Brielle
I started by purchasing the Phoenix Brielle from Amazon seller Bayou Birkenstock in size 6.5 for $129.00. Snakeskin isn’t my usual style choice, but these spoke to me and seemed like the wider strap over the instep might be more comfortable than several thin straps. Incidentally, I consulted my teen daughter for style guidance between the Phoenix Brielle and Lex and she chose Brielle, commenting that the Lex seemed kind of childish/awkward with the little straps. Additionally, the Lex was out of stock in black 6.5, which is the color I wanted. I ordered the Brielle on April 13 and received them on April 16th and was very excited to unbox and try them on.
The footbed was fantastic. Arch support and heel cup were a perfect fit. The shoes weigh more than the Astrid wedge, but it was surprisingly lighter than I anticipated, and it walked well with a good rock forward during the “support stage” of my walking gait. The sueded bottom is fantastic for sensitive skin and sensory issues. The problem was with the strap over the instep. My feet tend to be medium to slightly narrow and generally petite. While the instep strap was adjustable, I just couldn’t make it fit quite how I needed it. And when I walked I did not like the edge of the strap (towards my toes) and the way it pressed into my instep. I do think that this might soften as it’s broken in, but it just didn’t feel worth it, and it was clear that the strap would also land in a bit of an awkward spot on my foot. I wasn’t convinced that this was ever going to fit well enough that I would instinctively grab for it. Visually it somehow looked either aging, or like I was a child wearing grown up shoes (common issue for a petite-footed person).
I rate the Brielle 3.5 Spoons. It is still a fabulous shoe, and for a different foot shape, might rate at a 4+.
The Lex
I had been tracking the Phoenix Lex while I waited for the Brielle to arrive. I was delighted when it came back in stock in a 6.5 on April 18th (also from Bayou Birkenstock). I ordered them immediately for $118.75 and received them on April 23rd.
It was clear as soon as I put them on that they were a win. The concerns about the multiple straps looking awkward and being uncomfortable were totally backwards. The Lex manages to be chunky and sporty while allowing my foot to look petite. The Velcro was able to adjust down to the size I needed and the forward most strap hit at a much more comfortable line for my foot than the Brielle. The rock through during walking was even better than the Phoenix due to the placement and flexibility of the instep straps. I also realized that the rubber sole provides some anchoring stability while giving a subtle shock absorbing rebound.
I liked them so much that after only wearing them around the house a few times, I grabbed them for the trip to Tuscaloosa to tour the University of Alabama with my daughter. I know, ridiculous and risky move. Even if I brought other shoes in the car – once you’re on a tour – you’re stuck. If things go south, you’re committed until you get back to the car. I’m sure this sounds ridiculous to many people, but if you know, you know. Hypermobility means it can only take an instant for things to very wrong.
I liked them so much that after only wearing them around the house a few times, I grabbed them for the trip to Tuscaloosa to tour the University of Alabama with my daughter. I know, ridiculous and risky move. Even if I brought other shoes in the car – once you’re on a tour – you’re stuck. If things go south, you’re committed until you get back to the car. I’m sure this sounds ridiculous to many people, but if you know, you know. Hypermobility means it can only take an instant for things to very wrong.
I’m pleased to say that the shoes performed flawlessly. No blisters. No cramps. No foot pain. No issues in my ankles, knees or back. It was a pretty impressive success. Which is why I give these shoes 5 spoons.
You can purchase various styles of the Phoenix (Lex, Brandie and Brielle) at DSW, Amazon, and the Vionic website.
