John Fluevog Shoes

Yes!
Somehow I got a link to some pretty, awesome, artsy shoes, watched the sale prices go down, down, decided to buy due to the history of John Fluevog, he’s the Andy Warhol of modern shoes I digress!
Nevermind the bullocks SHOES ARE BAM comfortable as a glove, feminine, durable, artsy, like wearing a pair of durable slippers that belong in a museum curated by Salvador Dali will take advantage of their warranty thing just to go there to get stroked (sucker for good customer service) and buy another pair on sale, how can you resist these quality quirky shoes?
Want to drink Costco brand French champagne while wearing my Fluevog shoes and will be doing so this weekend, happy, happy.

My first review 9 years ago had me at 42 and I’m currently closing in on 90. I think that says it all when it comes to my undying devotion to this brand.

I LOVE John Fluevog and wherever there’s a John Fluevog store, I’m there. I’ve been wearing JF for years and they are one of the most comfortable shoes and most stylish shoes you could find. I associate JF with good music, the classics, post punk, BSides. That’s why you have to support a brand that supports your music! One of my favorite JF store is the store on Haight in SF. The girls Rachel and Dioanna are the best, two stylish girls who love music like me and are so helpful and accommodating to all the customers who walked into the store. More recently, when I got my pair of «Sinead «they made sure I was happy with my purchase. Dioanna took the time to bring out other pair of shoes that I might like in my size. Now that’s service! Rachel made sure I was a happy customer and this is why JF continues to deliver fine leather quality shoes to repeat and dedicated JF customers like me. I’ll definitely be back to the store on Haight because of the great customer service! Now I’m trying to figure out if I should get «Siouxsie» or «lestat» You know I like them sharp !

Virtually all men have experienced the pain of shopping. Sitting and waiting while your wife browses, then hems and haws, then waffles, then doubts. And the infuriating part is when she walks away empty-​handed.
For me the shopping experience at John Fluevog was different. Yes, we were there for about 35 minutes, and I was bored. But for once I was also really impressed. The shoes are incredibly well-​made by hand. And what impressed me the most was the women who worked there. I’ve never been in any shoe store – hell, any store really – where the people who worked there were so knowledgeable. They were also funky and nice, but they instilled a great sense of confidence with their knowledge of the shoes, my wife’s foot shape and size (and issues specific to her arch and foot width).
So although I did eventually got bored people watching, I was not bored listening to the women here figure out the perfect shoes for my wife. Thankfully she did not leave empty-​handed.

I love Fluevogs. This store is particularly great as far as the environment and the staff. The staff members are so knowledgeable and helpful.
Fluevogs aren’t for everyone, but if you like the aesthetic, they are very much worth the price. They are more comfortable than other shoes that I own. I wear them for work all day and don’t have problems. Plus, they make me feel good because I love them so much.

I always found the Fluevog stores a little intimidating. Maybe because I didn’t feel worthy of their awesomeness. The shoes are bold, unique, artistic eccentricities which can be seriously more expensive than my normal shoe budget.
Long story short, finally stumbled into the Haight Street Fluevog today… and was blown away with the kindness, helpfulness, professionalism, exceptional expertise and humility rarely seen with high end sales professionals.
Regarding the shoes: Buy them! They are mood enhancers. I guarantee you will leave happier than when you came in. Total comfort and awesome state of the art style.
Thanks Monika and Rachel. The next time I’m in the market for shoes, Fluevog will again be a one stop shop.

Holy smokes do I love this place. It’s kind of scary how easy it is to drop tons of dough on quality shoes that will last a lifetime when the sales people are so great and accommodating.
I have bought a wide range of sizes since the shoe styles fit so differently. Definitely listen to them about stretching possibilities, they can work wonders.
I am on my feet for hours at a time at my job and some of their styles make it feel like nothing. I bought a pair of platforms that added six inches to my height with no incline so I can walk an dance in them for days.
If you have a problem dropping a $ 200+ on a pair of shoes that are handmade and will last a lifetime either wait for their sales or get your disposable made in a sweatshop shoes elsewhere.
I love my vogs and all my specialists– Monika, Rachel, Dee, Anka, Denny and Alan you make me and my feet very very happy!

The shoes are so pretty… And that’s it. Uncomfortable, overpriced & terrible customer service.
I should have taken my $ 200 & lit it on fire.
The day I walked in the store I tried in a couple pairs of shoes. So uncomfortable. Then I tried on a pair of ankle boots. They seemed comfortable & sooo pretty– and they were on sale! So I decided to treat my self. The manager offered to put nonskid stickers on the bottom. The next day I put them on & within 10 minutes in my house my feet were in such pain that I took them off to return them. The manager refused to take them back, saying all sales items are not returnable. And saying that the stickers made them «even more» not returnable. I never wore them out. Not a scratch on the bottom since I had them on for 10 minutes on carpet. Had she given me store credit to find another pair of comfortable shoes I may have found some & been a customer — but now I will never ever flush money down a toilet of pain again and will warn everyone I know. Not only did it cause pain in my feet like a cheap pair of shoes, but to my wallet as well. I have $ 30 shoes that are more comfortable. Nobody buys shoes planning to return them. Be warned!

The greatest shoes on earth. Staff is awesome blah blah blah. If you don’t own a pair of Fluevogs you haven’t lived. I still have my first pair I bought 15 years ago. They last forever if you treat them right. The designs are kick ass.

I absolutely love Fluevog shoes!
Each time I have visited the Haight store, I was treated magnificently by the staff. They are incredibly helpful and kind. I can’t say enough about their excellent customer service.
Are the shoes a bit spendy? Yeah. But they’re worth it. Really comfortable, fun, and stylish. If you’re the type of person that looks at the price tag a lot (I do), don’t worry about being judged in this store. It’s high end without the snob.

Excellent shoes, excellent service!
My partner and I were in search for high quality shoes that he could wear to work (standing on his feet all day) that look great and were also comfortable. We were just walking in the Height came across John Fluevog and thought we’d check it out. The place has kind of a cool, funky vibe. The sales people were very cool and had laid-​back attitude, (but not like they were too good for you, you know the type). They were extremely helpful and attentive when needed. We never felt any presser that we had to make a purchase or that we were spending too much time in the store.
My partner tried on several pairs and we found an excellent choice and was very happy with the choice. We felt very relaxed when in the store, it was a great shopping experience. We recently went back for a second pair and the store manager even took the shoes in the back (my partner has a wide foot) and stretched them for 45 minutes. Overall a great shopping experience, excellent customer service!

I love Fluevog. I love the shoes, I love the people who wear the shoes, I love the people who sell the shoes. I love the stores, I love everyone I meet IN the stores. This company sure does things right.
The Haight store is my favourite, not only because I went for the first time on International Fluevog Day and they had wine and cupcakes and a photobooth (totally did not hurt!), but because they’ve got the best space. The store feels large, yet also cozy and inviting. There’s plenty of seating and, I’m not sure if this is actually true, but it felt like they had way more shoes on display than the usual Fluevog store. As always, the staff were super friendly and non-​pushy and very honest.
Just be prepared for two things:
1. The sticker shock, you will pay for quality.
2. The shoes are CRAAAAAZY, but look around, don’t be afraid to try things on (especially the heels! They’re more stable than they look), and keep going back and you WILL find a shoe you love. xoxo

On a recent business flight, I sat next to a delightful lady who is also occasionally responsible for representing her company at trade shows and she told me that if you want to have fashionable and «cute» shoes that you can wear for 12+ hours — you need AT LEAST one pair of Fleuvogs!
I have three upcoming trade shows — so — recalling the pain that accompanies that kind of energy and commitment — I made time to visit the Fluevog store in The Haight before a business meeting today.
The gentleman who waited on me was so helpful and so kind — he understood what I was looking for and made some great suggestions!
it was a terrific experience and I could not recommend these shoes and this shopping experience more… your feet with thank you!
Enjoy!

Just what you’d expect from a Fluevog store… high quality shoes, excellent customer service, and just a little bit of funk.
We entered 5 minutes before they «closed» and never once felt rushed. I couldn’t be happier with my new pair of Andrews!

Look goods but won’t wear well if that matters…

5-​Star-​Shout-​Out for the Assistant Manager Monika who has ushered me into the World Of Fluevog. Monika was super patient with me, ran and down the stairs more than 5 times with arms full each time because I was trying on every option for a funky commuting shoe. We found the perfect one with the Map clog/​boot! My second soirée with Monika was just as fun. She is super knowledgeable, awesome customer service, fun to chat with and this place is simply a delight to spend 3 – 4 paychecks for the best shoes and boots on the planet. I just bought the Altos in Black and Purple and am ELATED!!! Merci Monika!!! Looking forward to the Spring 2013 collection!

Fluevog has some of the best customer service I have ever experienced. The first time I ordered from them online I received an email telling me where the shoes were shipping from and when they would arrive, got a call to discuss sizing, and after I received them I got a postcard in the mail thanking me for my purchase. I felt so cared for!
I recently returned a sale item that had been sent from the LA store. The piece was somewhat worn and I emailed to ask if I could exchange it. They wrote right back saying that the SF store had the item in stock and that I could return it to them. The SF store followed up with me and must have sent the new item the minute they received my return because I got it faster than I even expected.
You guys raise the bar for customer service! I won’t even get into how wonderful the shoes are. I love this company!

Have been eyeing the Q-​Tee mary janes for a while and finally went in to try them on. GORGE-​E-​OUS! Am writing to say that Denny was the most helpful, pleasant shopkeeper I’ve run into in a long time! He was patient as he ran downstairs to get me different sizes, was not snobby when I told him I was interested in getting the pair that were on sale and ordered them for me from their Portland store cuz Haight didn’t have my size. He was genuinely interested in what I was looking for and we had a nice chat. Thank you for helping me get my first Fluevogs and I will see you when I come in for my boots!

I’m a guy who cares a bit about my appearance, but I never really got into shoes. I always envied my wife’s collection of diverse and exciting shoes, and was annoyed that men’s shoes weren’t as expressive. Short of cross-​dressing, which isn’t exactly my style, what’s a guy to do?
Shop at Fluevog.
There are other great shoes out there, but Fluevog provides the highest density of great shoes, men’s and women’s, that I know of. And the staff at the store are patient, knowledgeable, and well, awesome.
I’ve gotten a few others addicted to these works of art for your feet, and I like to say that Fluevogs aren’t about being practical or comfortable (though they mostly are). They are about waking up in the morning when you are feeling down and knowing that in your closet you have something awesome that you can put on to help you float through the day.
Practically, they also have cool sales, and I’ve actually never paid full price for a pair… even the sale shoes are awesome.

This is one of those reviews that I KNOW I’m going to regret writing. However, the fun-​loving humanitarian in me has decided that I shan’t be a selfish shoe b-​tch. So here it goes…
I’m not into fashion. I’m not into shoes. Up until about a year and a half ago, I was the kind of person who bought shoes in bulk from the local DSW. After a dear friend introduced me to the brand, I stalked the website for about a year before finally going into the store to try and possibly buy. My first trip happened to coincide with International Fluevog Day.
Much to my heartbreak, I tried on about 6 – 8 pairs that day and walked out of the store with TWO pairs. The moment those Fluevogs blessed by extra wide, not-​so-​cute feet, I fell in LOVE! Cute, funky, shoes that fit my quirky personality AND are comfy?! OMG Fluevog. Where have you been all my life?! I say heartbreak because the day I brought home those Fluevogs is the same day I knew I had to toss out (donate) all my useless DSW purchases. Sadly, I made those donations without batting a single eyelash. Yes. Fluevogs are THAT magnifient!
Yes, they’re pricey. But I make room in my meager budget for these shoes. If I can do it, so can you:)
Of course, the sales people are PHENOMENAL! I love my «dealers» with all my heart and shall the day come when I get married, I’m going to have a Fluevog table so that they can come and celebrate with me:)
Finally, you know these shoes are awesome when, the Manpanion, who is SO NOT into pricey shoes, patiently accompanies me into the store, watches me try on shoes, and actually ENCOURAGES me to buy the shoes! While he’s not a Fluevog convert (yet), has since made friends with my «dealers.» When we’re in the Haight, the Manpanion always suggests we stop by the store just to say hello:)
For those of you who are on the fence, just go ahead and try on a pair… or two… or eight. Everyone needs to experience a Fluevog:) I confess, since stepping into the store on that fateful day, I am now thirteen pairs of Fluevogs stronger.

Let me tell you about a love story.
Of a girl and her shoes.
After a long day of shopping with several friends, they wanted to drop by the sale Fluevog was having. I was curious, having never been before, so I went along for the ride.
The service was helpful and friendly without being pushy and I found the associate pleasant and inquiring without being forced. It was really quite a breath of fresh air to not get the car salesman vibe.
The shoes… oh the shoes. Gorgeous. Pull on ankle high black leather perfection. And pull on’s never fit me. But these did perfectly.
Had they been on sale with the rest of their brethren I might have crumbled, bit the bullet and made the plunge, however at 365 dollars I just couldn’t stomach spending that much on shoes I couldn’t wear to work everyday cause hey, I’d be willing to give up a dollar a day.
However, even with the discount, as they have an agreement with Dark Garden that purchases made at one entitle you to a percentage off within 24 hours if you bring in the receipt at the other, I just couldn’t do it.
I may be back for another sale, but full price Fluevog shoes are just too rich for my blood.

I fashion myself an «early adopter» of the Fluevog shoe, but I’m going to come clean here and admit that over the past decade and a half, I’ve had a love/​hate relationship with Fluevogs.
Let’s start with the LOVE (picture this tattooed on the knuckles of one hand) I remember waaaay back in the 90s, when I couldn’t afford them, Fluevogs were the holy grail of shoes for me. Back then, you couldn’t find a more unique, well-​made shoe. Got my first pair of boots (classic Fluevog witchy heel, Chanel-​esque quilting). Gorgeous.
HATE (tattooed on the other knuckles)
I deemed them unwearable after one time. I still have these to remind me that just because a shoe is gorgeous, does not make it fit for your foot.
More HATE: This happened to me a second, sad time with a pair of mary jane platforms. Could not even make it through the first wearing.
LOVE makes a comeback:
But then a pair of Angels (knee high lace up boots) came along and I was smitten forever. I wore these boots just about every day for years (back in the day, I didn’t have anything close to the shoe habit I have right now).
I’d like to take a moment and show reverence to the coolest, most beautiful boot/​shoe I’ve never owned but admired from afar: The Grand National. If there were a shoe hall of fame, the Grand National might have its own room and there would be eldergoth chicks there worshiping at the altar.
At the hefty price tag they were sporting back then, I not only couldn’t afford them, but I didn’t save up because there was always that concern that I could very well buy these lovelies and then be unable to wear them.
Uh oh here’s the HATE again: I’m not talking getting used to the shoe, ie breaking them in. No, John’s shoes had this horrific tendency of cutting up my feet or putting them in unnatural positions causing agonizing situations. There was often no way of knowing this until you tried to walk a block in them.
So taking chances with a 400 dollar boot? Wasn’t happening. I still mourn the fact that I never owned a pair of GNs. I daresay potential suffering for the greater good (fashion!)
Over the years, I’ve paid attention to the various styles and I’ve loved some except for one annoying detail, often the Dr. Seuss-​esque heel that can have a cartoony effect thereby ruining an otherwise classic shoe. Then there was there were some reports from friends that the shoes didn’t seem to be as well-​made as they used to be. So, I put JF on the back burner as I explored and/​or drooled over offerings by other designers (YSL canvas leopard print Tribute was 2008’s Grand National, by the way. I am still prone to trolling ebay to find this shoe in a 6.5).
What a preamble! But this is *shoes* we’re talking about. So, you do understand (or you don’t, and haven’t even made it this far).
LOVE coming back strong:
John Fluevog, I’m back with you! And this store on Haight is possibly the best one I’ve stepped (a well dressed) foot into. I haven’t crushed on almost all the styles of shoes in a Fluevog store since the 90s. I don’t know what’s going on, but I am loving it! Actually, I learned a bit about what’s going on…
You can see the styles for yourself on the website (I’m partial to the Baroques… that hexagon heel!!!). There are several designs of shoe made by a very small factory in Peru, so there aren’t that many shipped to each store (these are exquisite, by the way and not on the website).
Just a caveat that sizing seems a bit weird with the Baroques. A size 6 is pretty roomy on me and I’m usually a 6.5. So go for a size under your normal one. Size six is the smallest size they come in.
Oh and do check out the reissues! Love looking at the classic vogs, though I don’t think I’d actually buy a pair because in my eyes, they seem a bit dated. Great for the kids who missed out on the first round, though!
What makes this store special, though? Monica! No, I am not trying to put in a plug for my BFF– I just met her on my last visit. After paying for my Baroque Ruebens, we got to talking about the days of the almighty Grand National and that brought up mention of this fall’s style, which she let me take a sneak peak at. I love when stores employ folks that are passionate about the brand itself. This girl isn’t just trying to sell you a shoe! She dishes out advice on what works best on you and gives it to you real (yes, those new crazy wedges that are Grand Nationalesque are easier for us shorter gals to wear than our 6 foot tall sisters). I could have hung out with Monica all day and gone home with her to steal her GN boots.
JF, I’ll be looking at you come boot season. I’m due a new pair and I know what delights are to come!
LOVE for the win!!!

great service and cool shoes.
I bought a pair of shoes here
I’m not a shoe person at all
and I spent a lot on them
and while I am still trying to justify them at times
I still love them
they are though, amazingly comfortable and I get a lot of compliments, so yay for that.
I’d recommend to anyone without good credit and self restraint.

I’ve bought a few pairs of shoes here since my last review, so an update is in order. The update is: I still love these shoes and this company. I’ll also toss in some specifics about the new purchases.
First, the classic Angel Supervogs in burgundy. I wear these perhaps 5 days out of 7. Enough said.
Second, a pair of Operetta Fiorenzas in orange. These were an impulse buy, as orange shoes always should be. I had a hard time working with them for awhile — I didn’t calculate in the fact that slingbacks aren’t great for a climate that rarely gets more than «warm». However, so long as I wear them in the right weather, all is well. I’ve found that they go well with bell bottoms and Cat Stevens.
Next, the Mini Gorgeous style in teal, red and purple. These are fantastic, and I’m lucky to have happened upon a pair — apparently they only made twelve in those colors? They are comfortable, despite being 3″ heels, and even have a traffic-​stopping quality. I once had a carful of women yell across the street that they loved my shoes. Definitely a pick-​me-​up on an otherwise dreary day.
Finally: I was at the store earlier today, and came across a red pair of what can only be described as fuck-​me shoes (or technically, the «Body Parts Pump» style). They’re lovely. They also have a back story, (source
):
«The Body Parts Family was … the shoe family with the phallic heel … John’s Anti-​AIDS shoe. As his Message, now etched into the sole, proclaims: Your Body Parts are not Communal Property… [it] was also a reaction to what, in John’s humble opinion, was the overuse and leverage of sex and nudity in the media and advertising.»
Wicked sexy, but also with a multi-​layered and self-​aware statement about sex. I like that. Sadly, though, the f-​me pumps also have a «Fuck me. If I buy these, I will have no money for food this month» price tag. Thus they will not find a home in my closet.
I have enough shoes for now. I’ll break down and buy more, of course, but for now I’m focusing on proselytizing to my friends. And to Unilocal readers. If you have $ 359, please buy the f-​me shoes, wear them with abandon, and then practice safe sex.

For the longest time I equated Fluevog with an upscale Doc Marten, so figured there styles weren’t to my aging hipster tastes. After a Unilocaler showed me her knee-​high boots — sassy and sexy but oddly appropriate for any occasion — I thought it’s about time to pay another visit.
While the men’s shoes were pretty cool, they still seemed a little too over the top for me, although their boots might entice me yet. But the women’s shoes were something else: fun and flirty, boots and pumps, all with some bold yet feminine touches. The sales lady who was helping me wife was tremendously cool and ready to offer up alternative styles. Even when nothing seemed to be the right fit, she was casual but earnest in hoping to see us again. That sort of pleasant shopping experience had me sign up for their mailing list, so hopefully John Fluevog will make a customer out of me yet.