Last year, (it’s literally been a year, see my last blog post date), I had the honor of working with VIVAIA, a luxurious shoe company that takes pride in being fully sustainable. As someone who is trying to help reduce the amount of waste I personally use, I was intrigued to see what these flats were all about. The idea of plastic bottles as shoes didn’t seem like they would be comfortable, but to my surprise, they truly are comfortable! 

I have owned a pair of Rothy’s for a while and wanted to compare the brands for myself. Well, after a year of owning the two brands, I have to say I prefer VIVAIA. Sure, each brand is sustainable by using recycled plastic waste, but I not only prefer the comfort of VIVAIA, but the price as well. Rothy’s are about $100+, where as VIVAIA are under $100 and it’s free shipping worldwide. (See below for pricing on all 3 shoes, plus comparing to Rothy’s) You’ll be saving money, while saving Mother Earth. 

I wear mine to work…

I am a full time wedding photographer, and I am on my feet for over 8 hours, running around capturing beautiful memories to share with my clients. Being that I am on my feet all day, I need to make sure that I wear shoes that are comfortable or else my feet are throbbing by the end of the evening. Plus, my feet will be so gross after a long day, because I find myself in mud, fields with foxtails, or even sand. So I need shoes that I can wash over and over. I have worn these comfortable black VIVAIA flats to every single wedding I have photographed since owning them. They are my go-to work shoes! 

Sustainability

Can you believe that 6 plastic bottles made these shoes? You’d think that plastic is uncomfortable, but truly they are really comfortable and very light weight. I love that they are light weight because they are easy to pack for traveling. Most of my shoes, even some of my flats, are actually really heavy. The last thing I want is to have heavy shoes that even take up space when traveling for work. I wouldn’t even want to wear heavy shoes when working too. I’d be dragging my feet everywhere by the end of the night. 

Texture & Design

The shoes have a very interesting texture and pattern to them. The textures of the shoes really don’t feel like plastic. Honestly, they feel like fabric materials. Especially the sneakers, the material is really flexible. The inner sole has good support and cushion, which helps me when I am running around at a wedding. Aside from price, comfortable truly is the most important. When I worked with VIVAIA last year, there were only a few designs to select from. Just your basic flat with solid colors. Now, they have all different styles and colors! From square toe with colorful designs, too sneakers. I live in sneakers, and have worn my VIVAIA sneaker since getting them. I’ve washed them once already too and they are back to be bright white.

Machine Washable

YUP! When your shoes are dirty, you can easily wash them! No need to bleach them or send them to the dry cleaners, which I highly recommend you don’t do! Just toss them in your washer machine, wash them with cold water, but be sure to dry them in the shade. Not in the sun! 

Use My Discount Code!!!

For those of you who are interested in purchasing a pair of VIVAIA’s, be sure to use my discount code for 18% off! Treat yourself, while saving a little money! 

Code= PPP

These are the 2 shoes that I have recently purchase, and so pleased that I did!

1. Evermore in Whisper White – $109 USD

2. Marina in Deep Ebony – $89 USD

Here is a link to my original black flats:

1. Aria in Deep Ebony -$79 USD (Rothy’s go for $145… click here and compare for yourself!)

I hope you enjoy your VIVAIA’s as much as I do!!