Frequently Asked Questions
What are velvet flats?
Velvet flats are slip-on flat shoes with a soft velvet upper. Ours are traditional friulane (also spelled furlane) from Friuli in northeastern Italy — cotton velvet uppers on a lightweight, flexible recycled rubber sole, hand-finished with tonal piping.
Are velvet flats comfortable to walk in?
Yes. They are unlined and unstructured, so there is no break-in period — the shoe moulds to your foot from the first wear. The flexible sole folds almost flat, which is why so many customers use them as a travel shoe.
How do I clean velvet shoes?
Brush the nap with a soft-bristle brush, always in the direction of the pile. If the velvet is crushed, hold it briefly over steam and brush while the fibres are warm — the pile recovers. Blot stains with a dry cloth immediately and never rub. Store away from direct sunlight, which shifts velvet colour over time.
What is the difference between velvet flats and velvet mary janes?
The classic velvet flat is a slip-on with no strap, sitting low on the foot. A velvet mary jane adds a single instep strap with a small buckle for a more secure fit. Both are built on the same Italian last with the same cotton velvet uppers.
What sizes do velvet flats come in?
US sizes 2 to 12, in over sixty colours. They run true to size. If you are between sizes we recommend sizing down, as the cotton lining softens and settles to your foot over the first few wears.
Are they really made in Italy?
Yes. Every pair is handmade in Friuli, in northeastern Italy, using the same construction the region has used for generations — the shoe originally worn by Venetian gondoliers.