To say I’m a fan of Nisolo is an understatement, and really my love for the brand borders more on obsession. I was first drawn to Nisolo’s minimalist yet timeless style. Instead of indulging in fly-by-night trends Nisolo makes shoes that will look current for years to come. I was intrigued when I learned about Nisolo’s commitment to the craftsman and artisans that make their shoes and accessories by hand. (Handmade shoes, who even does that anymore?). Building close relationships with their craftsmen in Peru, Mexico and Kenya, Nisolo (which means not alone) provides a fair living wage and benefits in communities where this is not the norm. Some shoemakers have experienced a 400% increase in income, greatly benefiting their families and communities. Eschewing fast fashion for quality and community, Nisolo is fashion you can feel good about. Lastly, Nisolo makes a damn good pair of shoes. The quality in each pair I own was evident the moment I put them on, these are shoes that are built to last.
This post contains affiliate links, when you make a purchase or book a hotel through these links the Casual Travelist receives a small commission that helps support this site at no additional cost to you. Nisolo provided me a pair of their Elayna sneakers for review but as always all opinions remain my own.
The very first pair of Nisolos I ordered was their Smoking Shoe, a classic loafer that works for both the office and weekend fun. Aside from the goes-with-anything styling Nisolo’s Smoking Shoe features a cushioned leather interior making them perfect for all day wear. Compliments and comfort? I was hooked.
The Smoking Shoe quickly became a wardrobe staple for me so I was soon on the lookout for my next pair and once I saw the Nisolo Austin Heel I was smitten. This low cut bootie’s modern styling instantly appealed and once I put them on I immediately declared them the best made pair of shoes in my closet. When I wear heels I usually have all the grace of a cow walking through mud but with the Austin Heel I could walk for hours with comfort and sass. This heel looks perfect with everything from jeans to dresses and gets near constant compliments whenever I wear them.
After declaring my love for Nisolo and featuring the Smoking Shoe as a pair of the best flats for travel the team at Nisolo reached out to see if I wanted to try their Elayna sneaker. This casual sneaker is a modern take on the classic canvas sneaker of my childhood; but the Natural Vachetta leather, a buttery vegetable tanned leather that ages beautifully, and rose gold eyelets make this sneaker much more sophisticated. The Vibram soles provide supreme comfort, these shoes kept me going all day during my recent trips to Baltimore and Portugal.
With modern yet classic styles, a focus on comfort and ethical manufacturing practices Nisolo’s shoes will have a place in my closet for years to come. Which Nisolo style calls to you?
JaMeka says
I need these for my next trip! We do so much walking and would love to wear shoes that are cute and comfortable!
– JaMeka https://www.gotthetravelbugtoo.com/
Brianna says
I’ve gotten so many compliments on them!
Andi says
Looks like agreat pair of shoes for the road. Comfort and style are my requirements for footwear!
Brianna says
Life is far too short for uncomfortable shoes!
Sayanti Mahapatra says
I am a complete sneakerhead and I really loved your sneakers. For footwear, I always tend to make the comfortable choices which should look stylish at the same time. Your collection is the same. Comfortable and stylish!
Brianna says
The Elayna sneakers are super comfy and I got so many compliments on them!
Kristin says
Cute! I love those sneaks. Nisolo is based in Nashville and several of my friends work for the company, but I’ve never even thought about shopping there as their styles aren’t really me. But they look great on you!
Brianna says
Kristin, I could totally see you in their Elayna sneakers or Chukka boots.
Jody Robbins says
I have been looking for a cool travel shoe for so long. I love both the sneaker and the bootie.
Brianna says
You can’t go wrong with Nisolo!
Tami says
The heels are very stylish, although I generally avoid anything with heels for travel. But the sneakers? Those I would definitely wear — I love that they’re made of leather so they’re more durable and comfortable!
Brianna says
No matter what shoe you go for Nisolos are very well made.
Steph & Zach Dorworth says
You’re right, it makes more sense to invest in shoes that are timeless. And these really are. It’s nice to hear that they’re comfortable too since that’s crucial when traveling. We walk so much when we travel to save money! Great post. Love those smoking shoes!
Brianna says
Thanks, Nisolo has a great selection of men’s shoes too!
Fiona Maclean says
I like all three of the pairs you show – Nisolo do look stylish. I wonder if they are for sale in the UK – I have very broad feet and struggle to find good shoes for travel when I need to be on my feet all day
Brianna says
I think they do ship to the UK
Emily Hines says
I have always been curious about these shoes. Thanks for sharing!
Brianna says
Do you have a favorite pair?
Anisa says
These shoes look so stylish! I really don’t wear heels anymore due to knee issues, but I love those tennis shoe ones. They look nice and also look comfortable, which is most important to me.
Brianna says
You can never go wrong with cute and comfy.
Joanna says
The shoes look really good! I always have troubles finding the perfect pair of shoes for me and that’s why I mostly wear only trainers. I really like the elegant approach Nisolo took towards the design of the trainers. The brown color is so nice.
Brianna says
Not only are they comfy but the natural leather goes with everything!
Mona Corona says
It is so hard to come by heels you can actually travel in!
Brianna says
Much less walk in! The Austin booties are very comfy.
Anita Hendrieka says
The Elayna sneaker looks like my sort of shoe! I usually only travel with jandals and a pair of sneakers but my pair of sneakers is nearly done for the season I think so I may have to consider sneakers like these ones. Love the colour too, so autumnal!
Brianna says
You can’t beat having comfortable shoes that go with everything!
Kayley chislett says
Those sneakers are super cute – I wear supergas a lot so these are right up my alley. Comfy, cute and trendy. I really love those booty heels too – normally comfy and ethically produced shoes places don’t have such pretty and diverse shoes!
Brianna says
Seriously, with Nisolo you get form and function!
Siena says
What a great idea for a blog post! It’s so difficult to find cute yet comfortable travel shoes. Thanks for sharing!
Brianna says
Do you have a favorite pair?
Tracy says
The heels and the sneakers are my favorites! Although they all are very nice!
Brianna says
Those are two of my favorites!
Veronika says
Wow, how come I didn’t know about Nisolo shoes before? The brown sneekers look totally comfy! Compliments for your last outfit, it looks gorgeous with the heels!
Brianna says
Aw, you are too sweet!
Suruchi says
Heels are really stylish but for travel I will prefer sneakers. They too look quite smart amd comfortable. I am surely going to check out Nisolo shoes on your recommendation. Thanks for sharing
Brianna says
I hope you enjoy whatever pair you get.
Monia says
There’s nothing like comfy shoes… but for that matter they also need to be stylish! Some great choices here 😉
Brianna says
Cute and comfy are the name of the game.
Alli says
Those shoes certainly were made for walking! It can be challenging sometimes to find dressy shoes that also double as travel shoes 🙂
Brianna says
Life is far too short for uncomfortable shoes.
shoptrethovn says
Nisolo brand shoes are just right for me. Give me a very comfortable and light, no pain when walking too much.
Shirley says
Hey Brianna, I like all shoes that you have mentioned in your blog. You are right when we travel, the most important thing is comfortable footwear so whenever we plan to travel we need comfortable footwear. Thank you for sharing.