Do I Love My Gucci Slingback Pumps? Yes, but It’s Complicated
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I thought I found my dream pair when I discovered the crystal-embellished Gucci mesh slingback pumps.
Fashion experienced a ‘90s revival last year, making kitten heels the silhouettes du jour. With the practical height and design, they allow fashion girls like me to have their cake and eat it too. That is, looking good and feeling comfortable. I gravitate towards kitten heels as someone who’s always on the go—having meetings in the city, running errands or attending brand events. They convey easy elegance and provide the comfort a pair of 6-inch heels simply can’t offer for very long.
I thought I found my dream pair when I discovered the crystal-embellished Gucci mesh slingback pumps. I was on the market for stylish black heels that can work seven days a week and effortlessly transition from day to night. I'm not the type to save big purchases for special occasions, so the plan was always to bring them out whenever possible. Although it took months (plus a brief exchange with a friend who has them) to rationalize spending over $1,000 on a pair of shoes, I felt good about the investment knowing I would get a lot of wear out of the crystal slingback heels.
A few clicks (and days) later, they arrived in Gucci's stunning green logo-embossed box and canvas shoe bags. They looked just as elegant in real life, made from mesh embellished with crystals in the shape of the famous GG logo. I wore them the same day, and every few days after that for a range of events, including date night, work dinners, and New York Fashion Week parties. While they’ve quickly become my favorite dressy shoes, they surprised me in a few ways. Scroll on for my complete review of the Gucci slingback pumps.
The Design
Referencing Tom Ford’s Gucci era, the slingback pumps feature low 1.5-inch heels and an elegant mesh detailed with crystals for a soft blend of glamour and femininity. Sleek, minimal and understated, these heels gave us (Chris bought the brown versions) a serious case of logomania. We loved the artistic insertion of Gucci’s recognizable pattern here. There are a few other gorgeous iterations (peep the blue canvas and pink styles), but the black spoke to me the most as I needed a pair to match with my silver, gray or dark navy outfit combos. It needed to be black, but not plain black, so the crystals were just the details that made the shoes stand out. The square toes are quite appealing (they look a lot edgier and fashion-forward than round toes). The slingback pumps feel both of-the-moment and timeless.
The Comfort Level
There is relatively no break-in time. The heels feel secure, so you won’t experience any discomfort when wearing them. The choice of mesh also adds a breathable element that feels very modern. Admittedly, they are tricky to wear out in the winter for that same reason, but pairing them with sheer black stockings should help a little.
GG Slingback Pumps
$1,150
GG Slingback Pumps
$1,150
GG Slingback Pumps
$1,190
GG Slingback Pumps
$990
How to Style the Gucci Slingback Pumps
The overall minimalist design makes the Gucci slingback pumps a match for a wide range of looks. Seriously, their versatility is what makes me feel better about the price. You can go the smart-casual route with denim jeans and a boxy blazer, or amp up the glamour with a silky dress or crystal-embellished top and fitted mini skirt. A full-length dress works too, but I prefer to let them have their moment with ankle-length pants and minis. I’d avoid flowy maxi skirts or wide-leg pants with the shoes as I think they’d bring down their overall sex appeal, but feel free to experiment.
The Quality
Since much of the appeal lies in the bejeweled mesh, I was disappointed to see some of the crystals fall off after only four months. I’m no shoemaker, but my guess is that they’ve been glued to the mesh without a strong hold. The beige version, on the other hand, features brown leather that started to peel off only about a month after Chris started wearing them. It’s possible this is the natural outcome of wearing them a lot (at least three times a week), but I’m baffled by how quickly this happened. Maybe it’s made from less durable materials, so given the premium price point, I’m a little disappointed. It’s a con, but not an absolute deal breaker at this point because someone would have to look closely to notice the flaws. I will keep wearing them for as long as possible.
Are the shoes worth the price? I don’t regret buying them because they work really well for my lifestyle. I’ve also received many compliments on them, which feel somehow validating. If you decide to go for them, just do your best to protect the crystals and the leather material.