As someone who loves stylish and comfortable shoes, I was excited to try out Koio sneakers and share my thoughts in this review.
Koio is a luxury footwear brand that offers a range of sneakers, hi-tops and flip-flops for men and women. The brand prides itself on using high quality materials and traditional Italian craftsmanship to create shoes that are both fashionable and functional.
After testing several pairs of Koio sneakers for almost a year, I can say with conviction that they are worth the investment if you have the budget. They may be more expensive than other sneakers on the market, but the attention to detail and the quality of the materials used make them stand out from the crowd.
From the handcrafted calf leather to the durable rubber soles, every aspect of these shoes is carefully crafted to ensure both comfort and style. Whether you’re looking for a classic white sneaker or a bold, colorful option, Koio has something for everyone.
Brand Overview
Koio Shoes is a luxury footwear brand founded in 2014 by Chris Wichert and Johannes Ouodt. The brand is based in New York City and specializes in handcrafted sneakers for men, women and infants.
History of Koio
Koio Shoes was born out of a desire to create a luxury sneaker brand that was both stylish and comfortable. The founders, Chris and Johannes, were tired of the limited selection on the market and wanted to create sneakers that were versatile enough to be worn with any outfit.
The brand quickly gained popularity and has been a favorite among sneaker lovers ever since. Koio Shoes has also collaborated with various artists and designers to create limited edition sneakers that are highly coveted.
The Koio philosophy
Koio Shoes prides itself on its commitment to quality and craftsmanship. The brand uses only the finest materials, including full-grain Italian leather and hand-painted edges, to create its sneakers.
Koio Shoes also places great importance on transparency and sustainability. The brand works closely with its suppliers to ensure that all materials are ethically sourced and workers are paid fairly.
Overall, Koio Shoes is a brand that values quality, craftsmanship and sustainability. The brand’s commitment to these values has made it a favorite among sneaker enthusiasts and fashionistas alike.
Material and Craftsmanship
When it comes to luxury sneakers, material and craftsmanship are two crucial factors to consider. In this section, I will discuss the quality of the leather and the craftsmanship process that Koio uses to make its sneakers.
Quality of the leather
Koio claims that their sneakers are made from Vitello calf leather. However, upon closer inspection, it turns out that the leather used for the sneakers is actually cowhide.
Nevertheless, the leather has the same properties as calfskin, without the ethical issues that some buyers might have with the latter.
The leather used for the Koio sneakers is of high quality and feels incredibly soft. It is also hard-wearing and can withstand daily wear and tear. The leather comes from Italy, where it is tanned using traditional methods to ensure that it retains its natural look and feel.
Handmade process
Koio is proud of the fact that its sneakers are handmade by skilled craftsmen in Italy. The leather is cut, sewn together and the sole attached by hand. This process ensures that each sneaker is unique and has its own character.
The attention to detail in the craftsmanship is impressive. The seams are clean and precise, and the leather is carefully cut so that the individual parts fit together perfectly. The sole is also attached with care to ensure that it is firmly bonded to the upper.
Overall, the material and workmanship of the Koio sneakers are of high quality. The leather is soft, hard-wearing and made in Italy, while the craftsmanship ensures that each sneaker is unique and has its own character.
Comfort and Fit
As someone who prioritizes comfort over everything else when it comes to shoes, I was pleasantly surprised by how comfortable the Koio sneakers are.
As soon as I put them on, I realized that they were made from high-quality materials. The leather is soft and supple, and the lining is smooth and breathable. Even after wearing them for several hours, I didn’t feel any discomfort or rubbing.
One thing to note is that the Koio sneakers do not come in half sizes. This can make it a little difficult to find the right fit if you are between sizes. I normally wear a size 8.5, but with the Koio sneakers I had to go up a size, to 9.
If you’re not sure which size to choose, I recommend ordering two sizes and returning the one that doesn’t fit.
Another thing I like about the Koio sneakers is that they are neither too tight nor too loose. They have a comfortable, snug fit that doesn’t feel constricting. The tongue and collar are padded, which adds to the overall comfort.
In terms of arch support, the Koio sneakers aren’t the most supportive shoes I’ve ever worn. However, they do provide good arch support, especially for a casual sneaker. If you have flat feet or need a lot of arch support, you may need to add an insole to these sneakers.
Style and Design
When it comes to style and design, Koio sneakers are a perfect blend of classic and modern. The sneakers feature a sleek, minimalist design with no flashy logos or branding, making them a versatile option that can be dressed up or down.
The clean lines and simple silhouette of the sneakers give them an elegant and sophisticated look.
The Koio sneakers are available in a variety of colors, from classic white to bold and bright tones. The brand also offers limited edition collections characterized by unique and eye-catching designs.
The quality of the materials used for the sneakers is evident in their look and feel. The sneakers are made from high-quality Italian leather and feature hand-painted edges and waxed cotton laces.
It should be noted that Koio only offers full sizes, which can make it difficult to find the perfect fit. However, the brand does offer a sizing chart on its website to help customers find the best size for them.
It’s also worth noting that Koio sneakers aren’t cheap, with prices starting at around $250. However, the quality of the sneakers justifies the price and makes them a worthwhile investment for anyone looking for a high-quality, stylish sneaker.
Overall, I love the style and design of the Koio sneakers. They are sleek, elegant and versatile, making them a great addition to any wardrobe.
The variety of colors and limited collections make it easy to find a pair that fits your personal style, and the quality of the materials used ensures that the sneakers will last for years to come.
Variety and Options
When it comes to variety and options, Koio has a decent selection of sneakers to offer. They offer both men’s and women’s sneakers as well as unisex models. The brand also has a few different collections, each with their own unique look and feel.
One of Koio’s most popular collections is the Capri collection. These sneakers are made of full-grain calfskin and are available in various colors, from classic white to bold red.
The Capri sneakers have a sleek low-top design and minimal branding, making them a versatile choice that can be worn both up and down.
Another collection worth mentioning is the Primo collection. These high-top sneakers are made from a combination of suede and full-grain calfskin, giving them a unique texture and look.
The Primo sneakers come in a range of colors, from muted neutrals to bold hues like pink and green.
In addition to the standard sneaker collections, Koio also offers some limited edition models. These sneakers are often created in collaboration with other brands or artists and are released in small quantities.
These limited edition sneakers can be expensive, but offer a unique and exclusive look that you won’t find anywhere else.
Overall, I appreciate the variety and options that Koio offers. While there aren’t as many styles as other brands, the ones that are available are well designed and high quality.
Whether you’re looking for a classic white sneaker or something more unusual and unique, Koio has something to offer.
Price and Value
As someone who values quality over quantity, I am prepared to pay a higher price for shoes that I will enjoy for a long time. However, I also want to make sure I get value for my money. So how do Koio shoes perform in terms of price and value?
Let’s start with the price. Koio shoes are definitely on the pricier side, with their sneakers ranging from $178 to $298.
However, compared to other luxury sneaker brands like Common Projects, which can cost up to $400, Koio shoes are quite affordable. Plus, Koio offers free shipping and returns, so you can try the shoes risk-free.
Now we come to the price-performance ratio. In my opinion, Koio shoes are well worth the investment. The attention to detail and the quality of the materials used for the shoes are impressive.
For example, the sneakers are made from high-quality calfskin, which is finished by hand to achieve a polished look. In addition, Margom rubber soles are used, which are known for their durability and comfort.
Aside from the quality of the materials, Koio shoes are also versatile and timeless in design. They have a minimalist aesthetic with minimal branding, so you can wear them up or down. This means you can wear them for years without worrying about them going out of style.
Overall, Koio shoes are a bit pricey, but I think they offer good value in terms of quality, durability and versatility. And since shipping and returns are free, there’s no harm in trying them out and seeing for yourself.
Customer Service
In my experience with Koio, the customer service is satisfactory. They have a live chat feature on their website, which is very useful for getting quick answers to questions or concerns.
There is also a phone number and email address on the company’s website for customers to contact them.
One thing I appreciated about Koio’s customer service was their willingness to exchange my shoes for a different size.
I had ordered a pair of sneakers that were too small for me and they sent me a new pair in a larger size free of charge. The return was straightforward and without any problems.
Another aspect of customer service that stood out to me was the transparency of the production process. There is a section on their website that explains how the shoes are made and where they source their materials from.
This level of transparency is not common in the fashion industry, and it was refreshing to see.
Overall, I had a positive experience with Koio’s customer service. They were responsive, helpful and transparent. However, it’s worth noting that some customers have reported inconsistencies with sizes, so it’s important to check the size chart before placing an order.
Sustainability Efforts
As someone who cares about the environment, I was impressed when I learned about Koio’s sustainability efforts. The brand has made significant strides in reducing its environmental impact, from using eco-friendly materials to implementing sustainable practices in its production process.
One of Koio’s most notable sustainability efforts is the launch of their first 99% biodegradable sneaker in 2023, just in time for Earth Day. According to the brand, the shoe is made from biodegradable materials such as organic cotton, natural rubber and a plant-based biopolymer.
The company is also committed to reducing waste by using recycled materials and minimizing the amount of packaging used for its products.
Another way in which Koio prioritizes sustainability is by partnering with organizations that share the company’s values. For example, the brand has partnered with the non-profit organization One Tree Planted to plant a tree for every pair of sneakers sold.
This partnership not only helps to offset the carbon emissions associated with the production and shipping of the shoes, but also supports reforestation efforts around the world.
Koio’s commitment to sustainability goes beyond its products and partnerships. The company has implemented sustainable practices in its production process, such as using solar energy in its factories and reducing water consumption.
The company also values ethical working conditions and works with factories that provide fair wages and safe working conditions for their employees.
Overall, I appreciate Koio’s commitment to sustainability and its efforts to reduce its impact on the environment. It’s refreshing to see a luxury brand taking responsibility for the fashion industry’s impact on the planet and taking steps to make a positive change.
Conclusion
After wearing and testing Koio Shoes, I can say with conviction that they are worth the investment. The handmade Italian sneakers are made from high-quality materials and with great attention to detail, making them durable and comfortable for everyday wear.
It should be noted that the Koio shoes are slightly more expensive, but the quality of the product justifies the cost. The sneakers are versatile and can be dressed up or down, making them a great addition to any wardrobe.
Another advantage of Koio Shoes is the size selection. They offer a wide range of sizes, including half sizes that are hard to find in other brands. This allows for a more customized fit and overall comfort.
If you are looking for a high quality, stylish sneaker that will stand up to daily wear and tear, I highly recommend checking out Koio Shoes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Koio shoes worth the investment?
In my opinion, yes. Koio shoes are made of high-quality materials and are produced in Italy by experienced craftsmen. They are designed to be both fashionable and comfortable and to last a long time.
They may be more expensive than some other sneaker brands, but I believe they are worth the investment for a durable and versatile shoe that can be worn in a variety of situations.
What are Koio’s most popular shoe styles?
Koio offers a variety of styles, but some of the most popular include the Capri, the Gavia and the Primo. The Capri is a low-top sneaker with a sleek design, while the Gavia is a classic high-top shoe.
The Primo is a mid-top sneaker with a casual look. All of these models are available in different colors and materials, so there is something for everyone.
How do Koio shoes fit compared to other brands?
Koio shoes tend to run true to size, but some customers have reported that they can be a little tight. If you have wider feet, you may want to go up a size. It’s always a good idea to consult the sizing chart on Koio’s website before purchasing a shoe.
Do Koio shoes need a break-in period?
Some customers have reported that Koio shoes require a short break-in period, but most find that they are comfortable right out of the box. The high-quality leather of Koio shoes is designed to mold to your feet over time, so they become even more comfortable with wear.
Where can I find Koio shoes on sale?
Koio occasionally offers special deals on its website. So it’s worth checking regularly to see if the models you’re interested in are reduced. You can also find Koio shoes on sale at select retailers like Nordstrom and Saks Fifth Avenue.
What makes Koio different from other luxury shoe brands?
Koio is known for its commitment to quality and craftsmanship. Each shoe is made from the finest materials and crafted by skilled artisans in Italy. Koio also offers a range of unique styles and colors so you can find a shoe that reflects your personal style.
In addition, Koio is committed to sustainability and ethical production practices, which sets them apart from many other luxury shoe brands.
