5 Criteria To Finding The Perfect Pair of Shoes
Over the past few decades, the apparel and footwear industries have undergone significant evolution through advancements in materials, engineering, and manufacturing. Every day, we observe what other brands—big and small—are creating, paying close attention to what they reveal about construction, components, and sourcing. We study these developments obsessively because we believe our customers deserve nothing less. Our Founder set out to create the most dynamic, performance-driven, and downright gorgeous footwear that the luxury market has ever seen. Realizing that vision requires an unwavering commitment to innovation, rigorous testing, and close collaboration with third-generation European artisans— challenging even the most skilled makers to rethink what women’s footwear can be.
What we believe matters most, and what we remain steadfast about, is creating a collection of footwear that delivers performance and luxury in equal measure for the demands of everyday life. It is not enough to want to make a ‘different’ shoe. What makes Scarlett Chase truly unique is the full complement of differences, each intentionally engineered and thoughtfully considered. From patented support technology and advanced materials to artisanal European craftsmanship, every element is designed to work in harmony. These are the qualities we look for in every pair we create, and the same standards we encourage you to look for when evaluating footwear, whether shopping online or in-store.
1. Construction: Does the shoe have a clear value proposition around its construction? Does it provide flexibility and natural movement, or does it feel rigid and unforgiving? Does the shoe deliver the support and structure to encourage proper alignment and mobility? When shopping online, how easy is it to find information about the shoe’s construction? Is it prominently featured, or buried in the product details? Does the description focus on details that impact fit and function? Does the shoe maker provide details regarding the nature and source of the materials used to create the shoes? Where were the materials sourced from? If a foam layer is present, what type of foam? When shopping in person, trust what you feel. Does the shoe feel balanced and supportive? Is the heel stable? Does the shoe flex where it should, while still providing the structure needed for confident, all-day wear.
2. Contour: Does the shoe follow the natural shape and biomechanics of the foot? Look for thoughtful contouring that provides meaningful arch support and helps distribute weight evenly. Ideally, the sole should include a subtle lift beneath the toe box—known as toe spring—to encourage smoother movement through each step. A slight heel elevation can also promote healthier alignment and support a more natural gait. Together, these details can make a significant difference in comfort, posture, and how your feet feel at the end of the day.
3. Materials: The biggest retail challenge of our generation might just be how difficult it is to ascertain the quality of materials when shopping online. In store, touch and feel leathers and other shoe materials to determine their stiffness, how well edges are seamed and pounded, any rough corners, and generally how the materials, particularly leathers, smell. Does the shoe maker provide details regarding the nature and source of the materials used to create the shoes? Where were the materials sourced from? If a foam layer is present, what type of foam? As a culture that has doubled down on avoiding toxins in our food and beauty products, it’s surprising what we will put on our feet, often barefoot. Our skin is our biggest organ, so ensuring we feel good about what goes next to it is key. It is important to note that real leathers are, in fact, more sustainable over time in many ways than synthetics that are guaranteed to eventually (and often quite quickly) become landfill.
4. Weight: The importance of weight in a shoe can not be overstated. After all, we are carrying these shoes (or they are carrying us), typically for a good 8-12 hours daily. Often, shoes can look light or substantial, based on their design. But picking them up can give you an entirely different read.
5. Packability: As travel becomes an increasingly important part of modern life, packability deserves thoughtful consideration. Even if weight is addressed, considering how efficiently a pair of shoes will pack is a key criterion for longevity in your closet. To earn a spot in your coveted suitcase space, consider footwear that not only meets your lightest weight expectations for the style, but that also rolls up tight (like our Clara 55 and Lola 75 boots) or packs down small (like our Brigid and Brie ballets), without compromising on its internal support and construction to make long days of walking and touring a breeze.
As a brand dedicated to creating the highest quality footwear, we believe performance and luxury should exist in equal measure. To us, that means an unwavering focus on construction, contour, materials, weight, and packability—all thoughtfully engineered within the most beautiful of silhouettes. We encourage you to keep these pillars in mind whenever evaluating footwear, whether shopping online or in-store. When these elements are considered with intention, the result is a shoe that looks beautiful and performs extraordinarily.