ECCO Women's Soft 7 Sneaker: A Premium Leather Staple for Your Wardrobe
Product Review Summary
ECCO's Soft 7 Sneaker is a must-have staple in any wardrobe; while a break-in period and extra care are needed due to the high-quality leather, the lasting comfort and durability make it a worthwhile investment for years to come.
Ratings
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★★★★★
Made from premium full-grain leather sourced from ECCO's own tanneries, this shoe boasts exceptional quality. The cozy textile lining and removable inlay sole offer extra comfort, while the robust laces stay securely tied, making it a great choice for those with wider or slender feet alike.
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★★★★☆
Ordered in EU size 40 (equivalent to US 9/9.5 for women), these shoes fit perfectly without any tightness or looseness. However, they do require a break-in period; wearing them for extended periods initially caused blisters on the back of my heels. After healing, I gradually broke them in with shorter wears, so consider this when ordering or use bandaids during the first few wears to avoid discomfort.
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★★★★★
I adore the simple, minimalist design of these shoes. ECCO offers shoe wipes, leather care cream, and cleaning kits to maintain their pristine look, ensuring the longevity of the high-quality leather. While I didn't purchase them as I had a suitable leather protector, I recommend investing in ECCO's care items for optimal protection.
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★★★★★
At $170, these shoes are on the higher end, but investing in quality saves you from frequent replacements, making the price justifiable. Scandinavians value design, and these shoes reflect that sentiment in both craftsmanship and style.
Pros:
True-to-size fit
Cozy textile lining and a removable inlay sole
Crafted from top-notch full-grain leather
Minimalist design that complements various outfits
Cons:
Requires a break-in period initially, leading to discomfort or blisters if not eased into gradually
The high-quality leather demands extra care, which adds to the overall cost.
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ECCO: What To Know About the Brand
ECCO is renowned for its true passion and commitment to exceptional footwear. With complete control over the process, from leather production to shoe crafting, their dedication to quality craftsmanship is unrivaled. Embracing diversity and driven by innovation, ECCO challenges conventions and continues to shape the future of shoemaking since its founding in 1963 by Birte and Karl Toosbuy.
ECCO Soft 7 Sneaker Review
Constantly in search of top-notch walking shoes due to my nomadic lifestyle and frequent exploration of new cities and coworking centers, I eagerly sought out this highly acclaimed shoe to see if it truly lives up to its reputation.
The following is a review of ECCO’s Soft 7 Sneaker in a women’s size US 9/9.5 (EU 40).
First Impressions
In a rare move, I visited a physical store to purchase these shoes, instead of just simply ordering online. However, I'm thrilled I did, as the sales rep assisted me in finding the perfect size for this shoe. Upon trying it on, I was pleasantly surprised by the buttery softness and smoothness of the leather and was excited to bring them along to my trip to Cape Town.
Quality of Materials
Crafted from top-notch full-grain leather, this shoe undoubtedly showcases ECCO's finest quality leather, sourced from their own tanneries. Inside, a cozy textile lining and a removable inlay sole provide added comfort, making it ideal for those with wider feet who need extra space. As someone with slender feet, I kept the inlay and found the perfect level of support. The laces felt robust and secure and stayed tied together throughout the full day.
Sizing and Fit
As a tried and true US size 9 in women's shoes, I ordered an EU 40, which equates to a 9/9.5 in the US. Overall, I found these shoes to be true to size, fitting perfectly without any tightness or looseness. However, I must mention that they do require a break-in period. I made the mistake of wearing them straight out of the box for several hours in Cape Town, resulting in huge blisters on the back of my heels. After allowing the blisters to heal, I gradually broke them in by wearing them for shorter periods around the house and on errands. Take this into account when ordering or consider using bandaids during the first few wears to avoid a similar experience.
Overall Design
I love the simple, minimalist design of these shoes. And like any pair of white sneakers, it's essential to keep them clean, and ECCO provides shoe wipes, leather care cream, and cleaning kits for this purpose. While I opted not to purchase these as I already had a leather protector from a previous purchase that worked well, I would recommend investing in ECCO's additional care items to ensure the longevity and protection of the high-quality leather in these shoes.
Value for Money
Priced at $170, these shoes fall on the higher end of the spectrum. However, as I often believe, investing in quality pays off, sparing you from frequently buying new pairs every few months. Considering what you get in return, I find the price justifiable. After all, Scandinavians truly value design, whether it's in furniture or shoes.
The Bottom Line
ECCO's Soft 7 Sneaker stands out as a fantastic leather shoe, making it a must-have staple in any capsule wardrobe. Although it requires a break-in period for optimal comfort and demands extra care due to its high-quality leather, the effort is well worth it. With proper attention and patience, these shoes are built to last for years, becoming a reliable and enduring companion for your feet.