(if I was a real fashion blogger, that would be a succulent in the middle, of course *wink wink*)
My love affair with Robert Clergerie started in 2002 when I bought my first pair. That’s 2 years B.B. (Before Blogging) BTW. I haven’t worn that particular pair (the square-toe flats) in a VERY long time, but when I bought them, and for a few years afterwards, they were on HEAVY rotation, and they’re quite worn. They were the softest, most beautifully made pair of shoes I had ever owned. They probably still are.
After that pair, I became obsessed, and purchased four more pairs within the next few years. Besides my oldest pair, I have one other “old” pair (purchased in 2007, and now, three “newer” pairs, my Pepo sandals are only two years old, and my Frazzia sandals & Nalo loafers very new (this year). I also have a pair of Gavale slides coming Friday. Whoa.
Why Robert Clergerie? Easily, it comes down to the styles; they’re the perfect mix of fashion-forward, timeless, and exquisite craftsmanship (they’re made in France). But just as important is comfort; Robert Clergerie’s shoes are without question the most comfortable I’ve ever owned. But sizing can be tricky, and the reason why I got rid of the pairs I no longer own only comes down to the size; they just never really fit correctly. I wore them, for a while, but they weren’t good enough to keep wearing.
So my grand total for Robert Clergerie shoes ever owned comes to ten. I still own 5 pairs (with one on the way). Not bad. Actually, I own more pairs of Robert Clergerie shoes than any other brand. Even at my heyday, I only owned 4 pairs of Repetto flats and maybe 4 No6 clogs (I’m now down to 1 each).
The ones I had to let go of:
“Nude” platform wedge sandals – These were lovely, but the leather on the top of my foot always rubbed a bit, and they were HIGH, so I sold them.
Heart wedges – these PAINED me to get rid of, but seriously, they were SO HIGH, and I couldn’t walk in them. I got them for a great price, and I loved to just look at them, but not enough to have them take up space.
The third pair I owned, but had to sell was a pair of high mules with a grid pattern on the sole, from 2003 or 2004, really nice, but they were way too big on me (THESE!!! not my auction though…). I bought them out of desperation during a business trip in Chicago because the shoes I was wearing were KILLING me. The SA assured me they were the right size, and they worked at that point (probably because my feet were swollen from walking so much) and were comfortable for the rest of my trip, but didn’t last long after that.
Finally, I had a pair of flat thong sandals that I LOVED so much that a friend gave to me, but they were a full size too small. I wore them for a while, but couldn’t make them work…
(Left to right: my oldest pair of flats, “nude” wedges I sold, ankle-strap wedges from 2007 that I still own, but don’t wear often)
I definitely don’t think Robert Clergerie (now designed by Roland Mouret) is for everyone; the styles are very distinctive, and as my husband would say, sometimes border on 90’s activist shoes. But if they are your style, and you find yourself loving pair after pair, year after year, then I highly recommend buying a pair to try out. I’ve bought two pairs at full-price (one I still have) but the rest, I’ve purchased for nearly 50% off at the “end” of the season. Even at 50% off, they’re expensive. But given the track record of my older pairs, I’m happy to make that investment for amazing, comfortable, beautiful shoes.
A bit more on the sizing issues though. If you’re lucky enough to have a store nearby that sells Robert Clergerie (Gimme Shoes in SF is a good one) try them on there FIRST before ordering anything online. I am typically a size 8 or 38 in Italian/European brands and a 39 in Repetto. In Robert Clergerie, which is French sizing, I seem to fluctuate between a 38.5 and a 39, depending on the shoe. My two oldest pairs are labeled size 7.5 interestingly enough. Totokaelo is a great resource for Robert Clergerie and allows comments on items so you can read how others find the fit and ask sales associates for more information. Also Nordstrom and Zappos seem to get a lot of reviews on Robert Clergerie.
There’s TONS of older Robert Clergerie on eBay, although most of those styles leave a lot to be desired.
More resources for Robert Clergerie online:
6pm (great for older/discounted styles)
Zappos
Amazon
Neiman Marcus
Nordstrom
The Dreslyn (has frequent codes)
La Garconne (excellent sales)
Totokaelo (great resource for sale items)
Gimme Shoes
Far Fetch
Forward
Vestaire Collective
Saks
Net-a-Porter
Yoox
Avenue32
What do you think? Are Robert Clergerie shoes appealing to you? Do you own any? I know a few of you have purchased the Frazzia sandals since I started wearing them 😉
So if there is a loop…..I’m out of it when it comes to understanding what “succulent in the middle” means?
ha! sorry…on instagram whenever bloggers “set up” photos, there’s usually a succulent in there somewhere, or peonies. oh, and sunglasses on the table in the middle. very contrived looking in my opinion…
And don’t forget a random piece of jewelry, and/or cute iPhone case, and/or high end lipstick or compact, ideally on a marble background. *yawn*
right? *rolls eyes* and just a peek of a chanel bag … i’m just a rebel with my ugly carpet & violet LOL
Oh AaaaAHh! yeah now I get it. Oh man, has that “artful, yet supposedly random” staging thing been done to death. I stopped following anyone who displayed yet another Diptique candle. It just irked me to see those things after the 11th billion time.
I got my Frazzias in 40 from avenue32.com yesterday (lightning fast shipping, especially since they came from the UK!) — they are amazing but too big. I could seriously launch on a serious rant about the absurdity of inconsistency in clothing and shoe sizing right now. This week I ordered these Nikes (http://store.nike.com/us/en_us/pd/free-viritous-shoe/pid-10268069/pgid-10342156) and since all the reviews said they ran big, I sized down from my normal 9 to 8.5 — pretty much unheard of in Nike for me. They come, and they are MASSIVE. I reordered them in 8 AND 7.5; they’re due to arrive today, so we’ll see. I also tried to order the old school Adidas Adilette slides. They say to order two full sizes down, it’s not clear if the printed size on the soles is US or UK size, and God only knows if it’s men’s or women’s. I was so annoyed I sent them all back. RANT, RANT, RANT.
Ahem. Back to the Frazzias. I found a 39.5 at a similar price, but final sale — argh! Since I really like them, I gambled. If they’re still big, I’ll pop an adhesive liner on the insole or something.
Speaking of add-ons, I found the bottoms to be scary slick! Have you ever tried to have a cobbler add anything to the sole to give them more grip? Like a Vibram sole or anything? I will wear them much more if I’m not worried about biting it. (My house has pebble stone floors that are at once bumpy and irregular yet slick — every party we have ends up with someone ass over teakettle on the floor.)
man…don’t even get me started…what i hate the most is when online shops will label things in US sizes, but the shoes themselves are labeled european. ugh.
i bet the frazzia’s will work in 39.5. if not, an insole should help. and even then, you can definitely sell them if they’re still too big….
i always try and scuff up the bottoms of my shoes if i feel like they’re slippery at all. i didn’t think these were, really, but then again, i have ugly carpet on my floors LOL – i would take them to a reputable shoe place; they should be able to put something on the bottom, no? i’ve never done it, but would definitely do that if i had to.
and CRAP i just looked at those nikes. i have been thinking of getting a pair like that (lightweight and relatively flimsy) for traveling instead of lugging my brooks’ around with me, which are HUGE. let me know how the sizing works out on those. my typical nike size is a 1/2 size up from my normal, so 8.5.
It helps when you realize that EU size 38 is a US size 7.5 and the EU 39 is a US 8, despite what the sizing charts say. They are supposed to correspond to size 8 and’9 respectively but European shoes are just made smaller. Aside from the slight variation in size between brands, that is a conversion formula that always works for me. I’m between sizes 7.5 and an 8. 38 just barely works and 39 usually fits the best. I’m a UK size 6. What you say makes perfect sense from that standpoint.
Hey Grechen (and anyone else who might know)…what are your thoughts on the Sanuk Yoga Slings? I was just chatting with a lady at the grocery store who had on a pair & she was over the moon about how awesome those slides were.
I love those Nalo wedges. They’re on sale at Tototaelo, but I don’t think the sizes left are going to work. Lately I’ve been a 7.5 (middle age, bleah, I was a 7 for decades, how does this happen?) so I think I need the 38. The 37.5 is half price. I might get the Valof ones, which are very similar but a slightly lower wedge, but more than I’ve ever paid for a pair of shoes before. Maybe not even two pairs. arg 🙂
i bought the 38.5 – my “normal” RC size – and think they’re comfortable if a teeny weeny bit big. as my feet shrink after summer i might have to add something in the heel to make them more snug, or wear no-show socks, but right now, they’re good. so…….the 37.5 might actually work for you, and since they’re not final sale, maybe it’s worth a try?? they are all suede so they’ll give a little also.
the valof is a nice option too…but full price! ack!
i have personally never experienced them…but they look really comfortable.
That’s what I was thinking too, and without socks it might be fine, so I ordered the 37.5 on sale. I’m going to cry if they don’t fit though! And then I will convince myself why I need a full-price pair.
Thanks for enabling me 🙂
oh! fingers crossed for you 🙂 they’re such wonderful shoes. i haven’t actually worn them OUT yet, because, uh 100 degrees = sandals, not suede loafers!! but I have worn them a lot whilst trying out countless outfits with them LOL
i was actually preparing a look for tomorrow featuring them, since they’re on sale. i’m surprised they’re on sale, actually, since they’re such a “classic” style. but maybe they’re being phased out in favor of the shorter wedge? incidentally, the heel on the nalo is quite low, and very walkable, lower would almost be flat 😉
Well I’ll let you know how it turns out – ordered a pair from Amazon.
oh, cool. maybe kelly will chime in here, they look like kelly shoes 🙂
i don’t mean that in a bad way at all LOL – i’m all about cute comfort shoes. and i do think those are pretty cute. just not for me (i don’t like when the band at the top comes so close to my ankle – i need a bit more “foot” showing)
Hey! In that last outfit photo I think you’re wearing the dress version of my skirt you ID’d the other day! It looks amazing as a dress!
I have a pair of Robert Clergerie heeled sandals that I LOVE. I got them on eBay in 2009, but the style wasn’t listed. I’ve been trying forever to figure out the style name and season they’re from. Maybe you could extend your ID’ing skills to these? http://40.media.tumblr.com/10ad4cddf43937acf3183d892b32cfb4/tumblr_nrjigt7ioK1tmhxyzo2_1280.png
If not, that’s totally okay! Whatever style they are, they are indeed some of the best shoes I’ve ever owned. I still think they look really current and I always get compliments on them. I have also been eyeing the Fraks for about a year now. If they go on sale again I may have to get them!
Yep, pretty sure “90s activist” is my prevailing shoe aesthetic. This is awesome.
lol. obviously mine too. much to my husband’s chagrin.
yes! that is the dress version of your skirt. it was soo good, but i don’t have it anymore. you know, stripes 😉
i saw your shoes on instagram. and then i think as i was writing this post, i saw them somewhere else, but i can’t remember where. i’ll find them again and let you know. right off hand, i have no idea what the style name is. i love them! they’re a great classic heel i think.
The Sanuks are like a giant wedgie, but on your feet. No thanks
Okay…… the Nikes were a BUST!!! They are LONG and SKINNY. I am usually a 9, ordered the 8.5 after hearing they ran large. Those were massive. The 7.5 and 8 came today. The 7.5 was perfect in length, but waaaaay too narrow. The 8s were okay in width, but super long. Stupid! If you have narrow feet, give them a shot. Otherwise, meh — plus they look really boring IRL compared to the gleaming marketing photos. So that’s good, I won’t feel too sad when I pack them all up.
Yeah I’m already seeing that I will be returning these as soon as they arrive. My super eco, hippy brother-in-law is a big Sanuk fan & he always looks like a hot, but earth-friendly, mess.
lol at hot, but earth-friendly, mess…i can picture it.
They sold out while I was debating them! (or else I ‘forgot’ to hit ‘place order’ at the last page? Am I trying to tell myself something?) Anyway, I will be on the lookout for these in the future. They look fantastic in your latest post!
I had to explain to my hubby what “succulents relation to hipster Instagrams” was all about! Lol! But it IS so predictable. The African Violet cracked me up. No irony list on me. 😉
I’ve never had a pair of Robert Clergerie’s or ANY really good shoes…I am so lower middle-class. But if I had the money, I’d get the slides you ordered. “No high platform, no heels” is my rule. I don’t need the height (I’d be 6’1″ in them!) and I have awful feet!
No kidding!!!
Dang! Skinny is no good for my wide dawgs.
Sorry I’m late to this post – we’ve spent the weekend having fun in NYC 😉 Never saw the Sanuk yoga sling but I agree it looks like a wedgie for your toes!
For a minimalist fitness shoe, I just got ECCO biom hybrid oxfords and wore them this weekend for oodles of walking – it is a very comfortable shoe on my foot, support but not heavy or hot, which is great in the summer. Not terribly adjustable because no laces, just an elastic snug. A little rubbing on one heel but fine after day one…
ok, yeah – fail. First they were comfy, as long as I didn’t move or stand or walk. But the stretchy jersey fabric offered no lateral support so my foot kept sliding off the foot bed with the slightest of movement. Then my husband chimed in with “hey sister sunshine, you’re Mars is in Saturn rising”. ugh.
ugh. i hate that when shoes don’t contain your foot enough. not comfortable…
I bought my first pair of RC shoes on sale (STILL expensive on sale, down from $500+!). They are black, lace-up oxfords called “Gloan.” The breaking period is TERRIBLE–someone tell me it gets better. The sole I thought would be great, it’s a weird cross between a hard rubber that looks like grey styrofoam. They don’t provide any cushion. The overall fit is hard, hard, hard. I’ve gotta believe they’re going to break in. I think the other thing is that they are fitting narrow too, and I’m a medium wide foot. Anyone else have this shoe, or can provide insight on the breaking in?
oh! those are cool. they have the same crepe/rubber heel that my super-high platform wedges have that I bought in 2007. it definitely takes some getting used to walking on that, it’s not very forgiving at all. but it’s VERY sturdy and will last forever. and i thought the reason he separates the sole is to make it more comfortable/easier to walk in? it seems like after they break in they’d be amazing, but i hate a really long break-in time.
that said, my pepo sandals took a lot of getting used to – i was really concerned they were too small for a while, and then all of the sudden, they were perfect.
sorry you’re not having a wonderful experience with your first pair 🙁 i do believe they’ll break in, maybe taking them to a cobbler will help? get them stretched a little?
The 39.5 Frazzias are perfect!!! I had the cobbler put on a nice layer of textured firm rubber on the sole to give them some grip. I did chores all over the house (with its evil pebble floor) wearing them — no slipping, sooooo comfy! Ding ding ding!!! We have a winner.
Haha! I love that you did chores all over the house in them. I do that too when I’m trying to decide on shoes lol. Yay!!
Grechen, as always, you are a wealth of information which I so appreciate. I’m going to try the thick socks and hair dryer trick on these and prayyyy that these loosen up a bit. As you know I’m an event planner and I actually wear this to work, but sometimes even the comfiest shoe won’t be, after standing on the job. On most event days it can be as little as 3 hours, and as much as 14! Wonder if you have any recommendations for comfortable, sturdy shoes that can bear standing and walking AND that are still fashionable-ish? I’ve tried every cheapie brand (Payless) to comfort brands (Gentle Souls, Ecco) and indie/Euro brands (Paul Green, Arche), but haven’t found my holy grail. Does it even exist?!?
lately, i don’t have to stand or walk much, really, but when i worked at starbucks, i wore my dansko clogs exclusively. WAY back in the 90’s i wore dr. martens, which i wouldn’t eschew now, but they’re a particular look . as are danskos, honestly, they’re not cute…but there is nothing better for walking/standing, in my opinion. i wore mine also to amsterdam in december and alaska in may and sure, my feet could have been warmer, but they were extremely comfortable for walking, and held up well to the ice, snow & rain we encountered.
personally, now, i find that if i’m out shopping for a long time, etc., walking, standing, wood sole clogs are ideal. my no6 clogs are most comfortable for that. i need STURDY support, and generally, that seems to be hard, wood soles…
this might be a good subject for a post – i think it’s a question better answered by readers than me!!
Honestly, I’m not sure they really exist. If you look at professions where people are on their feet all of the time, it’s Dansko’s. But I find that with my foot and ankle issues, I need REAL arch support plus cushioning. Let me know if you find your “Holy Grail” comfort/chic shoe. I’d be very interested!
I’ve worked in healthcare for the past 20+ years & I wear either Dansko clogs, KlogsUSA clogs, Sanita clogs and sometimes my Asics tennies. I like the Dansko’s, but I don’t love the Dansko’s. I love the KlogsUSA even though they are kinda humdrum in appearance, but they are workhorses!!
I am biased though about clogs, seeing how I am a card-carrying member of the clog fan club.
My only beef with clogs though can be the rocking action (worse with some Dansko styles) can force you to walk faster than you might intend. I sometimes find myself trying to “outrun” my Dansko’s in order to keep from busting my arse. So it can take some front-burner attention to get the hang of walking safely in clogs.
But assuming you don’t face-plant or blow out an ankle, then clogs are super good for maintaining good posture and saving your back from future issues. Many folks who try clogs for the first time can get frustrated too quickly & give up before finding the value in wearing clogs. It does force your posture to improve & that can be oft-putting & folks can interpret that as “making them feel too tall or high up”. Yeah some clogs are tall, but more than not, it’s that you aren’t slouching about in a forward-facing shlumpy blob and don’t recognize the fact that you are shoulders-back, chin-up, spine-straight good to go.
But yeah, if you are hell bent on walking around with crummy posture, or are a fan of dragging (sliding) your feet when you walk (hate you people that do that btw) then you’ll find wearing clogs to be intolerable.
Ok waaaay more detail than anyone ever needed or didn’t want to know, but I feel better.
P.S. If you want a GREAT starter clogs…..highly recommend Klogs USA’s Nashua style. Closed back, good side support (so you won’t shift out left or right), comfortable height. Stylish? um, yeah debatable, but comfortable, durable & again – a workhorse! Once you get all cocky then go for open backs – but ferchrissakes, wear socks with no holes in the heels! People! No! Stop that! Go buy new socks!
Ok rant over.
Hi grechen, I just bought a pair of clergeries having tried them on previously. Sadly they are too small. I can’t see a size on the shoe which I think is odd. Do yours have the euro size. I’m wondering if I’ve been sold a non authentic pair even though I paid a bit for them. Cheers Sarah
They’re definitely a distinctive style, I also found that I tend to fluctuate between sizes, being a 38, I sometimes require 39, which like you said is dependent on the shoe.