Overview of the Del Toro Shoes Brand
Del Toro Shoes was founded in 2005 by Matthew Chevallard, who aimed to fill a gap in the market for high-quality, custom velvet slippers. Inspired by his Italian heritage, Chevallard partnered with artisans in Naples and Milan to produce handmade shoes focusing on refined classic designs.
In just over 15 years, Del Toro has expanded beyond men‘s slippers into a full lifestyle brand. Their collection includes loafers, oxfords, espadrilles, sneakers, and more for both men and women.
While Del Toro has a strong social media presence with over 60,000 Instagram followers, the brand remains dedicated to artisanal production. Their shoes don‘t follow mass manufacturing trends – instead, each pair is carefully cut, sculpted, and painted by hand.
As a result, Del Toro has earned high praise from publications like GQ, the New York Times, and Elle for melding old-world Italian craft with modern yet timeless style.
Del Toro‘s Commitment to Quality Materials & Construction
So what exactly sets Del Toro shoes apart and makes them worth the $200-$500 price tag? Here‘s a deeper look:
Made in Italy – As highlighted, all Del Toro shoes are made by hand in Naples & Milan using traditional techniques that have been passed down for generations. This results in serious attention to detail not found with mass-manufactured shoes.
Premium Materials – From rich velvets and suedes to supple leathers, every material Del Toro uses is carefully selected for luxury, comfort, and durability. Many of their shoes also feature contrasting grosgrain trims and colorful custom heels for added personality.
Goodyear Welt Construction – This gold standard of shoe construction involves stitches through the upper and sole for flexibility and support. Del Toro also adds foam cushioned footbeds and leather linings for enhanced comfort.
Blake Stitch Construction – Many slippers utilize this method which blake stitches the upper directly to the sole for a flexible, lightweight feel.
Hand-Lasted Soles – The sole is literally hand-shaped over a physical last to match the form of the human foot. This creates an incredible custom fit.
As you can see, Del Toro leaves no detail overlooked when it comes to materials and construction. Let‘s look at some of their most popular shoe styles for both men and women.
Review of Top Del Toro Women‘s Shoes
Navy Velvet Gold & Silver Star Slipper
These ornate velvet slippers feature embroidered silver and gold stars for a glamorous statement piece to dress up any outfit. The grosgrain trim and signature red heel stripe add pops of color, while the slight heel provides comfort and support whether you‘re at a cocktail party or date night. $425
Leopard Print Velvet Smoking Slipper
Make a bold impression in these leopard print velvet smoking slippers. The exotic pattern stands out while the grosgrain and red heel trim keep them refined enough for everything from the office to evenings out. The foam cushioning and leather sole also supply reliable comfort. $395
Black Velvet Crystal Buckle Mule
If you want grab attention, step into these stunning crystal buckle mules. The ornate rhinestone buckle dazzles against rich black velvet, instantly elevating any outfit with a glam yet edgy vibe. A slight block heel adds flattering height. $450
Burgundy Velvet Bow Smoking Slipper
These elegant burgundy velvet smoking slippers feature a beautiful grosgrain bow for undeniable feminine charm. Meanwhile the memory foam insole keeps your feet happy when mingling at a wedding or event. The leather lining also provides cozy softness. $395
Review of Top Del Toro Men‘s Shoes
Cognac Leather Penny Loafer
This classic cognac leather penny loafer delivers understated luxury in a versatile style. Pair them with a suit to elevate your business formal attire or throw them on with jeans for refined weekend appeal. Features like the leather lining and slight lugged rubber sole also supply lasting comfort. $395
Navy Suede & White Smoking Slipper
Make a dapper impact in these navy suede and white smoking slippers. Contrast colors create visual interest while the grosgrain trim dresses them up. Meanwhile the leather lining and sole offer reliable softness and traction for all-day events. $395
Birch Suede Milano Loafer
This unique light green suede loafer demonstrates Del Toro‘s knack for colors that pop. The rich suedes contrast beautifully with accents like the signature red heel stripe and brown leather lining. With flexible Blake stitch construction, they‘ll be your go-to shoe all season. $395
Black Velvet Tassel Slipper
Make lounging feel luxurious in these black velvet tassel slippers. The standout woven tassels bring texture and flair while the Veltec Plus outsoles supply lightweight flexibility. Throw them on with sweats or a robe to feel like nobility. $275
Sizing, Fit & Comfort of Del Toro Shoes
Del Toro offers a decent size range from 5.5 up to 14 for men and 5.5 up to 11 for women. They suggest ordering a half size down as many styles tend to run large due to the handmade Italian construction focusing on custom width.
In general, wearers praise Del Toro shoes for comfort thanks to:
- Cushioned memory foam and leather lined footbeds
- Flexible constructions like Blake stitch
- Impact-absorbing rubber and leather soles
- Custom widths for ideal fit
- Materials with some give like velvets
Some pointed slipper styles may feel snug at first, but the flipper leathers and fabrics will stretch and mold to your feet over time.
If you have wide feet, certain loafers and lace-up shoes provide roomier options. But given most shoes are hand-cut rather than mass manufactured, those needing extra wide sizes may struggle finding the perfect fit.
Del Toro Shoes Policies: Shipping, Returns & Discounts
Shipping Policy
- Free shipping on US orders over $100
- International shipping via FedEx with duties paid by customer
- 2-day shipping available for extra fee
Return Policy
- 30 days for returns/exchanges on unworn items
- Original shipping costs non-refundable
- International customers pay return shipping
Discounts
- None offered – Sign up for emails to receive exclusive access to sales and new arrivals
I couldn‘t find any actively advertised promo codes or discounts. But signing up for their newsletter is wise so you can discover rare sales or personalized discounts.
Given the luxury quality and handmade production though, Del Toro shoes are designed to be timeless investments. So full-price could still be worth it for pieces you‘ll treasure for years.
How Del Toro Shoes Stack Up: Pros vs Cons
Pros
- Handcrafted quality and Italian artistry
- Premium materials like rich suedes and velvets
- Classic, versatile styles for men and women
- Detailed custom touches like contrast heels
- Cushioned, supportive constructions
- Free shipping and returns on US orders
Cons
- Very expensive full retail pricing
- Limited wide width options
- No actively promoted discounts
- Hit and miss sizing due to handmade approach
- Limited weatherproofing for delicate materials
When investing in shoes, you typically get what you pay for. So while expensive, Del Toro delivers outstanding craftsmanship and detail that makes the splurge worthwhile for many buyers. Just take care when sizing your first pair.
Compared: How Del Toro Stacks Up to Similar Luxury Brands
Del Toro
- Focused on artisanal production
- Specializes in slippers and smoking shoes
- Known for velvets and unusual colors
- Trendy but classic styles
Bruno Magli
- Long heritage back to 1930s Bologna
- Bit more formal/professional styles
- Known for leathers and traditional crafting
- caters to luxury niche market
To Boot New York
- NYC brand since 1985
- Handcrafts wider range of boots and shoes
- Bit more rugged raw style at times
- Very expensive $500+ price points
While each brand offers luxe craftsmanship and materials, Del Toro best balances unique style with wearability. The velvets and casual silhouettes cater to modern tastes without sacrificing meticulous Italian quality.
Where to Buy Del Toro Shoes
The best place to buy Del Toro shoes is on their official online store at deltoroshoes.com.
Browse the latest collections of men‘s and women‘s shoes, read background on each style, and order your true size with ease.
You can also visit one of Del Toro‘s boutique store locations:
- Miami
- New York
- Bal Harbor, Florida
Or shop select styles at high-end stockists like:
- Neiman Marcus
- Nordstrom
- Mr. Porter
If you spot Del Toros secondhand, check sites like:
- The RealReal
- Poshmark
- eBay
Just carefully inspect pictures for signs of wear before buying pre-owned.
The Verdict: Are Del Toro Shoes Worth The Investment?
In the world of Goodyear-welted Italian luxury shoes, Del Toro remains a relative newcomer – though one making outstanding first impressions that should only get better with age.
While the sticker shock may seem intense, devotees swear by the brand once they experience their hand-tailored fit and charm. The velvets and unique embellishments like grosgrain bows or crystals deserve the Made in Italy craftsmanship behind them.
Ultimately, investing $400+ in shoes may not suit every budget. But if you want singular statement pieces instead of disposable fast fashion, Del Toro delivers enduring value through soul and quality. Just take advantage of the generous return policy if sizing proves tricky on your first go.
So for shoppers seeking playful yet sophisticated shoes with imaginative personality, Del Toro emerges as a specialized hidden gem worth stepping into.
