As a serial shoe lover who‘s tested everything from Rothy‘s to high street knock-offs, I was instantly intrigued when ShoeDazzle emerged offering steep discounts and a celebrity stylist. Now, after being a paying member for over 16 months and having over 15 pairs shipped to my door, here’s my insiders take…
How I Discovered ShoeDazzle
Rewind to early 2021 when the ShoeDazzle Instagram first popped up on my feed. As a freelance writer focused on subscription boxes and fashion brands, I was hooked by the gorgeous (and affordable!) boots being touted by Christine Quinn. Could shoes this cute really be so cheap with an auto-renewing membership?
I had to dig deeper, especially with rumors of quality issues swirling. Little did I know I was about to embark on a year-long insider experiment putting this viral service to the test…
Weighing Up The ShoeDazzle Subscription Model
Here’s an outline of how the much-hyped ShoeDazzle membership works:
Monthly Fee = $49.95 billed automatically
Perks = Access to personalized “showrooms” of curated shoes at up to 75% off retail pricing
Fine Print = Skip any month or cancel anytime
Considering most shoes run $80-120+ at full price, I realized recouping the membership in discounts could be easy if the options consistently aligned with my style. But questions lingered around whether sizing would be consistent and styles well-made.
After surveying members across Reddit and Facebook groups, I decided to take the plunge. $50 felt like a fair experiment to see if ShoeDazzle could be the affordable shoe hookup I’d been seeking…
A helpfully visualized explainer of the ShoeDazzle membership model [click to enlarge]
Unboxing My First ShoeDazzle Order
Barely containing my excitement, I clicked through my very first personalized showroom just days after becoming a ShoeDazzle VIP.
I filtered for ankle boots under $50 and one killer pair instantly caught my eye – the Remi Block Heel Booties for just $39.95! Here‘s what arrived on my doorstep a week later:
Slipping them on I was shocked by the buttery soft faux leather and stability of the chunky 3 inch heel considering the bargain price. The tan shade effortlessly transitions my summer dresses into fall.
Most importantly – they fit like an absolute dream right out of the box despite my slightly narrow feet. My first ShoeDazzle score felt like a genuine slam dunk!
Buoyed by this success, I eagerly awaited my next shipment, curious if my winning streak would continue…
Expanding My ShoeDazzle Collection
Over the next year I ended up purchasing 15 pairs, including sneakers, office-appropriate flats, date night pumps, and various boots. Prices averaged around $50 with my member discounts.
While I‘ve been generally impressed, some pairs did miss the mark proving consistency issues remain. Here‘s my frank quality assessment across what I added to my closet:
A collage sampler of the ankle booties, strappy sandals, flats, pumps and sneakers I’ve tested
Hits
- Lydia Lug Sole Loafers – Chic spin on menswear flats, perfect for all-day wear
- Bellina Clear Strap Heels – Elegant transparent accents dressed up basic LBDs
- Joelle Colorblock Sneakers – Unexpectedly stable and cushy for intense city exploration
Misses
- Pearla Ballet Flats – Ran painfully small and rubbed blisters instantly
- Kenzi Rhinestone Pumps – Broke heel first wear and felt flimsy
- Talia Lace Up Boots – Fit strangely wide despite request for narrow option
You undoubtedly have to temper expectations around manufacturing consistency at these low price points. But the misses have proven rare exceptions across the 30+ items I‘ve tested.
Bottom line? A little wariness goes a long way but the majority of ShoeDazzle pairs punch far above their $30-60 cost. Just secure backup sizing options for peace of mind.
Next let’s break down the definite ups and downs I’ve experienced as a member…
ShoeDazzle Subscription Perks & Pitfalls
Joining any auto-renewing membership "club" sparks skepticism – and rightfully so. In my experience, ShoeDazzle deserves moderate applause for member perks but also warrants caution around hidden hassles:
Why I Applaud ShoeDazzle:
Surprising Style Variety: More adventurous than department store brands
Bill-Shrinking Discounts: $200 shoes for $50 excites my bargain-hunter soul
Celeb Collaboration Cred: Special capsules with Christine Quinn extra motivating
Prompt Delivery: Week-long standard shipping leaves no room for impatience
What I Approach Warily:
Price Creep: Discounts decrease order to order after initial hauls
Rocky Restocks: Hot styles quickly sell out so procrastination is punished
Upsell Overload: Easy to overspend on add-ons like jewelry and handbags
Auto-Renew Antics: Annual plans better but month-to-month is sneaky
ShoeDazzle absolutely makes elevating my shoe arsenal affordable but requires managing expectations and spending tactics. Ultimately the pros outweigh the pitfalls if you onboard with eyes wide open about the Davis and downs expected.
Now let‘s tackle the million dollar question…
Is a ShoeDazzle Subscription Ultimately Worth It?
Whether ShoeDazzle merits that $50 monthly investment depends on your expectations and shopping habits.
Based on my first-hand tests, I firmly believe SIGNIFICANT value exists for the fashion-forward woman who:
- Craves designer shoe styles beyond department store selections
- Actively hunts sales and clearance sections
- Sees subscriptions as motivation to routinely upgrade her closet
- Enjoys being surprised by styles outside her comfort zone
- Can exercise restraint around impulse purchases
But, ShoeDazzle will likely DISAPPOINT serial shoppers who:
- Prefer conservative footwear aesthetics
- Demand luxury brand quality and construction
- Enjoy meticulously planning their purchases in advance
- Dislike surprises and want to hand select everything
- Struggle to set and keep monthly clothing budgets
My advice? Approach a ShoeDazzle membership as inspiration to explore beyond your staple brands and silhouettes. View monthly credits as a styling service stretching your fashion sense AND budget. But temper expectations around inconsistencies and plan to actively skip months when nothing entices you.
Ultimately used strategically, this addictive subscription PASSIONATELY delivers for diehard shoe lovers like me on a budget!
Leave any lingering questions in the comments and I’m happy to share more guidance from my insider perspective…
