Review: Sam Edelman Alvin Leopard Print Loafers.

   Ever since I bought my Sam Edelman Adena Loafers last year, I really wanted a leopard print pair. I somehow managed to resist, partly due to the fact that this style by Sam Edelman sold out rather quickly everywhere online. Even after being re-stocked across the interwebs mid-way through the season. 

   Kelly from Alternations Needed showed a similar pair of loafers by Cole Haan on her blog recently (see here) and she pushed me over the edge to buy a pair, just in time to see that the Alvin was again re-released for this summer. Coincidence??

Fit: Narrow. I order these shoes in two sizes because I read that these ran "small". In fact, they are not really small, but narrow. Given the shape of my feet (slightly narrow), they are snug in the width, but not uncomfortably so. I would expect these to stretch out comfortably. I tried on the 6.5 to compare and although the width was more comfortable, the extra length would be a problem for my clumsy self. I would definitely trip on the tip of these shoes and go flying face first into the ground. If you don't have a problem with an extra half size of length and you have medium width foot or wider, go up half a size, otherwise you might want to skip these.

Comfort: Despite the snug fit, these shoes are  similar in comfort to my Adenas, although the Adena loafers fit more comfortable. This could be due to the fact that they've already molded to my feet, however. There is a lot of cushioning in the foot bed. Some reviewers complain about the rubbing in the back of the heel during break in, I haven't walked around in these that much to experience that, but I do feet a few sharp edges around the mouth of the shoe. A few Spot Dots cut in half and stuck on should remedy that.

Quality: Good quality shoe. They are made of haircalf and not leather or satin like my Adenas. With the Adena I do experience a bit of the jewels popping off (I haven't lost any spikes), but obviously, I wouldn't have this same issue with these Alvins. The shoe overall seems well constructed. The sole is made of leather, so they will have to be re-soled at some point after a bit of wear.

Look: These are nice shoes overall, although, I find the print too large for my personal preference. I like the spots to be a bit smaller. They just glare at me. I kept taking them off and putting them on, and they started to grow on my a little, but all I kept thinking was "too big! too big!".

Verdict: Return. If not for the large print, I would not hesitate to keep these, but the large spots are held me back. What do you think?