Customer Reviews Gentle Souls by Kenneth Cole Charli

The shoe color is perfect: not too dark or too light and of a rich light caramel color, a perfect shade for any summer wardrobe. The wedge height is high enough to lengthen short legs like mine and still be comfortable. The rubber sole has a nice grip. I really like the buckling design of the shoe. I have many espadrille wedges that tie around the ankle, which can be a pain because they loosen easily and tying them with just the right tension for both shoes can take too much time. This bucking design seems stronger: the leather strap passes through 1/2 inch vertical leather piece that is stitched in. Therefore, the ankle strap will not move from its position. The metal buckle is solid, better than plastic. The buckle elastic is a negative for me. This type of elastic over time will break, and the shoe will be unusable unless you take it to a reputable shoemaker for replacement, which will most likely run $10 to $20 since it will need to be stitched. It is the weakest part of the buckling design. Nevertheless, the shoe is stylish in a more casual way. Here are my reasons for returning the shoe: (1). I wear size 6, or usually 36-37. The length of this size 36 is correct, and the width appears to be correct for medium. However, the leather covering the forefoot is very tight, though very soft. I think it would soften with time, but that is a gamble I am not willing to take at this price point, and there were other faults with the shoe. (2). The minute I opened the box, a very strong chemical smell escaped, which meant I was most likely the first person to open this box since all the shoe stuffing and in-box wrapping papers were in pristine order. The smell most likely is from the glue used and/or the chemicals that might have been used to soften and/or color the leather. I am aware that most of the shoes I purchase, especially those made in China and even Italy, are assembled with glue and have leather that have been chemically treated. However, I have never had such a strong chemical smell from a boxed pair of shoes. And I have purchased many pairs of shoes, from $80 to $1700 range. This strong chemical smell right out of the box is a huge turnoff. My reasoning is this: if I smell the glue, that means it is emitting a lot of volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which means it might have been the cheapest chemicals used, ergo not something I would want next to my skin while wearing the shoes all day. Today, many chemicals used are available as either very low or low VOCs. They do cost more though, and some may be more environmentally and health friendly. (3). The heel part of the shoe, especially where it meets the sole, is not only tight but also rubs agains the sides of my heels, and my heels are not fat. I doubt that even with time, this defect will improve. This same part of the shoe also feels uncomfortable because I can feel the footbed decorative stitching. The thread is not soft and feels very coarse. As much as I love the style and color of the shoe, and the leather is very soft, these traits do not outweigh the negatives of the shoe.

I actually wanted these sandals in the mushroom (beige) color but went with the black because I liked the contrast with the jute wedge (and they'll stay clean longer). They were comfortable out of the box even when I walked about 8 blocks in the 90's heat. They run true to size (I wear an 8M and that's what I purchased). I find Gentle Souls to run true to size in the styles I have. The wedge is the perfect height, the front of the shoe fits well, and the strap is comfortable. I have a high instep and some straps don't work for me. The support is average for this style sandal. Another customer mentioned the smell which I noticed as well but I left them out of the box overnight and it was gone the next morning. I can't speak for how they wear because I've only worn them a few times. I like Gentle Souls very much and Zappos is the best!

Love these shoes! Cute, very comfortable, and well made. My only complaint is that the ankle strap was super loose. I had to add two additional holes in order to be able to fit my ankle.

The right sandal was wider than the left sandal, especially in the back. The material covering the front of the foot is uncomfortable. It feels like plastic rubbing against my skin. The colors are just kindof blah.

Really comfortable, nice summer style, perfect for long city walks.

These shoes are so nice and worth the price! They are the perfect height and super comfy!

This is my first pair of Gentle Souls, but will not be my last! I am exactly a size 7, and that is the size I ordered. Perfect fit. The foot bed actually conforms to my foot perfectly, and I have a slightly high arch. Super comfy, super cute. This is the best-fitting, cutest and comfiest espadrille in my closet!

This is my second pair of Charli. I have them in black and I was finally able to get the beige (mushroom). I find them very comfortable and the nubuck nice and soft. The espadrille wedge I find the perfect height for walking. If your foot is a little wider than medium you may find the front too narrow. If you like a low heel these may not work. I wear an 8M most of the time and these fit me well.

These shoes are super cute, and I get tons of compliments on them. However, they are not as comfortable as most of my other Gentle Souls. The bottom of my feet on the foot pad are pretty sore after wearing them for awhile. I still like them a lot, but I am disappointed they aren't more comfortable. I typically wear a 6 or a 6.5, and I the 6 in these fit best.

These sandals are very comfortable and I feel quite differently than some other reviews - the material is soft, the support is very nice, easy to walk and stand in for a good amount of time. Neutral and goes with everything. Every foot is different so these are worth a try if they may work for you. I own two pair of this brand and love them both.

I love it!! The color is perfect! Super comfortable!

Very comfortable; love the heel height. I plan on wearing these a bunch. Cost is a bit more than I typically spend on sandals but I’ll get my money’s worth!

Love these shoes. I had to punch one extra hole on the ankle strap but they’re perfect now

I bought this shoe from another vendor in a rose gold metallic and loved the way it fit, but the shine was a bit much. I found this neutral color at Zappos. The leather is so soft and you can wear them out of the box with no break in time. The arch support is moderate and comfortable and the heel height is just perfect. It is the perfect casual summer shoe - that can go year round here in Florida!

Stylish summer shoe and comfortable. Walked blocks in them no problems.

Super comfy and cute - this is my new go-to espadrille for the summer. I've wore them to work a few times and no complaints from my feet.

I did develop a blister on my pinky toe the first day. The arch support was not great but I was still able to wear the shoe comfortably all day. I would recommend this shoe for anyone who needs a stylish comfortable summer shoe.

Nice but to narrow.

These shoes were exactly what I was looking for a great summer sandal. However, the top part of the sandal over my foot too tight and really annoyed my feet during the first wear. So very sadly, I need to return them.

Height is perfect and it is very comfortable. However, the left shoe ankle strap does not have holes where you need them to be secure to your foot. The shoe flops every step. For $199 they are going back. Try again Gentle Souls; you almost had a sale.

Really wanted these shoes to fit but they were too tight over my foot which is a medium width. Unfortunately, they had to be returned.

The shoe gave off a strong smell of toxic fumes. Plus on one side the fabric around the heel was more narrow than the other and cut into the inside of my foot.