As someone who‘s tested over 500 pairs of shoes in my 10+ year career evaluating footwear, I was eager to check out the buzz surrounding emerging brand Angela Scott. Known for oxfords and other luxe yet comfortable styles for work and play, Angela Scott has quickly captured attention from celebrities like Julia Roberts and features in Vogue – hence I had high expectations.
After personally trying 3 different Angela Scott styles and poring over reviews, are they truly as revolutionary as billed? Let‘s break it down in this comprehensive, no-B.S. review.
Angela Scott Brand Background
First to set the context, the global footwear industry currently generates over $365 billion in sales annually and has grown at an impressive CAGR of over 4% the past 5 years. While male styles still dominate, women‘s fashion comfort shoes are on the rise as workplaces relax dress codes while consumers continue to seek versatile, walkable options. Brands like Allbirds, Rothys and Volley have found success, but a clear market leader yet to emerge.
Enter fledging brand Angela Scott, founded in 2012 by construction/real estate veteran Angela Scott. Noticing a gap for stylish yet comfortable shoes suitable for women across workplace and lifestyle scenarios, Scott tapped into Portuguese shoemaking expertise to launch her own luxury brand from scratch.
Initially self-funded then later VC-backed, the company has expanded methodically over the past decade to offer a variety of oxfords and boots. As Scott described to Forbes recently, "We are empowering and inspiring women by giving them shoes that can effortlessly transition from the boardroom to the ballroom."
While still small, the brand is gaining momentum with nearly 30K Instagram followers and celebrity attention driving an estimated $10 million in annual revenues. Impressive growth, but a far cry from giant incumbents.
Now that I‘ve set the backdrop, let‘s get into the meat of this review across factors shoppers care about most…
Testing Comfort and Fit First-Hand
When evaluating any shoe, I always start with comfort and fit. If your feet hurt, nothing else really matters.
For testing, I visited the Angela Scott showroom in LA to try on 3 top-selling styles:
- Ms. Jane Oxford
- Mr. Logan Loafer
- Mr. Doubt Wingtip Oxford
Right away, I noticed a roomier toe box than expected. My wide feet felt relaxed, not squeezed. Walking around, cushioning felt decent but not the "most comfortable ever" per some reviews. The cork midsole molds nicely but could use more arch support.
Sizing wise, I found the shoes true to size. They suggest ordering down a half size if in between, but that led to some heel slippage for me. So go your normal size unless you have narrower feet.
For all day wear, Angela Scott still beats basic pumps or wedges. But doesn‘t quite match specialty comfort brands like Vionic or Dansko for extended standing or walking. Rating it 6.5/10 on the comfort scale.
Style and Quality Craftsmanship
No complaints on style – Angela Scott shoes look sharp! Clean, tailored lines retain a feminine edge. Clear attention to detail from the contrast heel patches to engraved treads. The kiltie on Ms. Jane and brogue styling of Mr. Doubt stay fun without going overboard.
I‘ll give Angela Scott an 8.5/10 rating for looks. The shoes garnered plenty compliments around the office. Newport Loafers or Rockport provide comparable styling at lower price points but lack that luxe polish. For finishing touches, Angela Scott shines.
Examining construction, every stitch and panel aligns precisely as expected from handcrafted Portuguese shoemaking. Leather quality also feels supple, worth the upcharge versus man-made stuff. While no wear issues thus far, I can‘t fully validate longevity yet – check back in a year!
Pricing Holds Back Wider Adoption
Now for the sore spot – pricing. Most Angela Scott shoes cost $500 to $700+ making them some of the most expensive in the women‘s comfort category filled with entrenched stalwarts.
Comparing a leather oxford like Ms. Jane to alternatives:
- Clarks Cloudsteppers Oxford = $100
- ECCO Soft 7 Lace Oxford = $180
- Vionic Georgia Lace-Up = $165
- Rockport Total Motion = $150
At 4-7x+ the cost of those options, Ms. Jane needs to deliver substantially more value. Materials and construction do support the markup somewhat…but likely not enough for most shoppers weighing budgets.
Even prestigious Italian brand Salvatore Ferragamo offers the Varina leather loafer around $500 – similar to a basic Angela Scott style. And at the top end, legendary British shoemaker John Lobb charges ~$1500 for bespoke, handcrafted oxfords using meticulous processes.
Compared to those established luxury peers, Angela Scott feels rather overpriced for now. But perhaps not outrageously so given the segment. The company smartly positions between fast fashion and heritage luxury. Less practical consumers could justify the splurge as a status investment in quality craftsmanship and empowering mission.
What Reviewers are Saying
Scouring the internet, I noticed reviews and testimonials run overwhelmingly positive for Angela Scott. Wide praise centers on elegant comfort and seemingly no complaints on quality or customer service.
On the company website, rated styles average 4.8 to 5/5 stars but would love a larger sample size. Unbiased reviews off-site remain more limited as the small brand builds awareness. But here‘s a sampling of what real Angela Scott customers report around the web:
"Absolutely love my black Oxford lace-ups! Wore them for a 12 hour shift at the hospital with no issues. Super cute and get so many compliments."
"Going on year 5 of heavy wear, my Angies still look amazing. Worth every penny for the Italian craftsmanship and comfort."
"Bought my first pair 3 years ago and now I have 5!! Beyond stylish and keep my feet comfy whether dressing up for a wedding or heading to work."
"My friend just got a pair and raves about them. I wish I could splurge on $600 shoes! Saving up for my birthday…"
So everyone aligned on praising both style and comfort factors once you have the shoes. But the price remains the barrier, even sparking some shoe envy!
Who Should Buy Angela Scott Shoes?
After gathering all the evidence, I believe the target Angela Scott consumer falls into one of these two buckets:
1) Professional Women Seeking Luxe, All-Day Work Shoes
If you‘re dissatisfied with "orthopedic" looking comfort brands and want attractive leather oxfords suitable for high-power boardrooms, Angela Scott checks the boxes. Willing to invest $500+ for quality, made-to-last materials.
2) Fashion-Forward Shoppers Wanting Bold Styling
The bold kilties or plaids attract those after daring statement pieces above generic comfort. Appreciate the premium Portuguese craftsmanship and story behind the brand. Budget secondary if head-over-heels for the look.
Outside those groups, lower-priced alternatives likely better value picks. But no doubt Angela Scott offers outstanding comfort & quality IF money no object!
The Final Verdict
Considering all factors – comfort, style, quality, value – I rate Angela Scott 7.5 out of 10 overall. Biggest downsides are pricing running luxury-level and unfinished brand awareness. Otherwise, the company delivers on its positioning for elevated yet comfortable oxfords and boots.
While not the MOST comfortable or durable women‘s shoes for extended wear, Angela Scott hits an alluring sweet spot between fast fashion and heritage luxury. For those willing to invest $500+ in artisan Portuguese craftsmanship alongside eye-catching comfort, Angela Scott deserves a confident thumbs up.
Excited to see how the brand grows over years ahead! Maybe one day my wallet will warrant those Mr. Doubt Oxfords after all…Stay tuned!
