I loved you, I supported you, I cried a little when Newlyweds was over (don’t worry, I still have the entire DVD collection.) I defended you when people called you a dumb blonde (because after all, if you were really dumb, you wouldn’t have made yourself a multi-million dollar brand.) I was even sad when they never released your workout video (how could you have deprived us of the opportunity to get your smokin’ “Dukes of Hazzard” body?)
I’ve purchased not one, not two, not three— but FOUR pairs of heels from your line (oh, and a pair of boots too.)
(shield yourself, it’s ain’t pretty!)
After all this time, I could have just spent $300 on a pair of shoes that wouldn’t look like the Jessica Simpson ones and that I could be enjoying to this day. It makes me so mad that I paid for shoes that never lasted longer than 6 months without ripping. They even tend to rip in the same place. I have no idea why I continued to buy from this brand when I saw what was happening to my shoes. The truth is, they are very comfortable (for heels) and that kept sucking me back in—But NO MORE.
I just can’t recommend Jessica Simpson brand shoes anymore. The proof is in the photos—they just don’t last. In fact, I was talking to a colleague about the JS shoes and she mentioned that the last time she was at Dillard’s in the shoe department, the guy helping her actually talked her out of getting JS shoes because they were such poor quality and he said “they won’t even last you a year.” Oh yes, wise Dillard’s employee, you were spot on.
Have you had a horrible experience with Jessica Simpson brand shoes?
My co-worker has the exact same black pair as me (the one with the leopard print on the inside) and hers also ripped in the EXACT SAME PLACE! So I know it’s not just my weirdo feet or something that are causing the damage.
Be warned, my friends. Save your money and buy something that will last longer than a year! I’ve learned my lesson.
Feel free to post links to pretty black pumps that are office-appropriate (no huge platforms) and that are comfy! I know I can always count on you ladies for recommendations 🙂 I’d love to get a pair of black suede ones.
xoxo,
Veronika.
Ugh, I hate when that happens to shoes.
I have a lovely pair of classic black pumps from Aldo. Granted, this is NYC, and I don't wear them outside- I carry them where I'm going and put them on right outside!
I've never bought a pair of her shoes, because I have heard that they aren't very comfortable. I've had my eye on the Dany platforms, but I am worried about quality and comfort.
Im wearing her flats right now and I am in such pain id swear the devil made these shoes. Im going to burn them.
I love my pumps from Nine West: https://www1.macys.com/catalog/product/index.ognc?ID=479435&CategoryID=26481
They have the same look and feel and are super comfy! Hope this helps! 🙂
Wow that's kind of ridiculous that all of the shoes ripped – I would be furious!
I love Cole Haan Air heels and flats for work. They are pricey but completely worth it! They last and are really comfortable.
I have tons of JS shoes and so far the quality has been okay, except for my one pair of black pumps. The heels are all ripped up just like that pair you posted! I thought I was just a clumsy walker, but I'm relieved to know I'm not the only one who that has happened to.
I think I'm going to stick to her flat shoes – boots & flats – from now on. Her pumps can be a bit too iffy.
Girl, you're about to get a box of free shoes in the mail. Jus' sayin.
@Kristen—they SHOULD send me free shoes! seriously. I no longer have black heels to wear to work that have a closed toe—I have to go buy some this weekend!
yes i had the same thing happen and I have it happen alot with my heels, most priced in the 50-100 dollar range, when I look at the very expensive shoes in shoes they don't seem that totally different to me than the pairs I buy so I just assumed I was hard on heels and never get more than a year out of any pair. I have never owned designer shoes but I would definitely consider it if they were going to actually last, I hate when the nail comes through the stiletto or when the backs of the shoes rub off, like in your photo, all my heels do that its awful.
Jennifer—I used to think I was hard on my shoes too….but I'm actually contemplating buying pricier ones if it will make a difference.
And this is why I never bought a pair of her shoes. I never felt that they looked good…even new. I guess I am not really all that shocked at seeing that.
I love Nine West and Bandolino for their great basics. I have quite a few pairs and they have always held up well.
I'm not sure if these are out of your price range, but I have had GREAT luck with Kate Spade Kylie and Karolinas (from zappos.com). $300 is steep but they are comfy, quality, and office-appropriate.
I second the nine west ones! I have them and love them! I sometimes have to do a lot of walking around the office and they are comfy. :)Good luck you always find the cutest things. Can't wait to see what you purchase this weekend!
I know it's not funny but I actually LOLed at the picture of the heel where you wrote WHAT?! That's rediculous!! Can't wait to see the new heels 🙂
My very, VERY favorite shoes forever and ever Amen are Marc by Marc Jacobs. They were $350, but worth every single penny.
I also like Cole Haan and Stewart Weitzman. Generally I gravitate towards shoes with leather soles b/c they tend to wear better and I can have them resoled a couple of times before they finally give out.
I only have a pair of her eggplant purple flats and they are BEYOND uncomfortable. I've tried wearing them several times to break them in, but they are still as uncomfortable as the day I bought them. I even have some cheap $10 flats that are ten times more comfortable than hers. After reading this, I won't be buying any of her heels!
My open-toed pumps from JS ripped in the same place. I'm pretty hard on my heels, but it's nice to know it's not me. I actually have pumps from Aerosole's and they're super comfy and surprisingly not for old ladies! They're a couple of years old though and I got them at DSW so I'm pretty sure it was a one time thing. Good luck shopping!
Veronika,
I second the Nine West Ambitious pumps! They are extremely comfortable and the heel isn't tooo high – appropriate for work! I have them in suede taupe, but this style comes in a number of colors. Also available in matte and patent leather!
Here's my pair:
https://poshxoxo.blogspot.com/2010/11/am-i-addict.html
Purchase @ NineWest.com:
https://www.ninewest.com/on/demandware.store/Sites-ninewest-Site/default/Search-Show?q=ambitious
thanks natasha 🙂
I think I posted something about the JS shoes how they weren't comfortable and not good quality. I was afraid I came off as snarky, but really her shoes are SO overpriced! Sometimes I see her things at Marshall's for less than $40 and I STILL wouldn't buy them.
Nine West is pretty good and they ALWAYS have good sales and even some outlet stores. Also, try Enzo Angiolini. Lord & Taylor has a lot of the classic shoes with good sales and coupons, too.
I'm not a shoe snob, but I truly believe in quality. Your feet will thank you in 20 years 🙂
http://www.dianaekelly.com
i ran up and down 9 flights of stairs one day during a crazy busy day at work (couldnt wait for the elevators) and my feet did not ache once. they are so comfortable and great quality as well. i've had mine for a year now and they are conformed to my feet perfectly yet no indication on the outside and especially no damage on the heels! i have YET to find anything of this quality that is less than $300
ps. my nine west shoes are completely torn up the heel like your JS ones are – i havent even had them 6 months 🙁
I think it is a matter of buying nicer/higher quality and inevitably more expensive shoes. I love my Kate Spade and Cole Haan shoes. Sometimes price does mean quality.
Some of the damage is on us too. Wearing your shoes outside frequently is a guaranteed way to ruin a heel. I won't wear my nice heels on cobblestone or out at night.
I had to chime in on this one V! I third (or fourth lol) the Nine West Ambitious pumps, they are perfect for the office and just enough heel yet supportive. My feet never hurt in them. I have them in black and nude patent. I also like Bandolino's and if you have the $ Stuart Weitzmann's and Kate Spades are great too.
JS's shoes are probably made pretty cheaply overseas and then marked up b/c of her name 🙁
I have a pair of JS black suede knee high boots, and I really love them. Not only are they comfortable, they have lasted me for 3 winters so far. But that's terrible what happened to your black pumps.
I have a couple nine west pumps for work that have lasted for awhile, but if you're willing to spend some more money, you can't beat a Cole Haan pump for work in my opinion. They are made very well and very comfortable.
I LOVE Steve Madden and Guess for work. I have a beautiful pair of black suede Steve Maddens with a hidden platform that I've gotten TONS of wear out of this winter. I, too, have had to quit JS shoes 🙁
Yes Its TRUE! all of my Jessica Simpson shoes have split at the exact same place. This is totally wrong, my co-worker has a pair of payless pumps that have lasted longer than her JS. I have thrown away two pair my last pair I only wear when i'm only going to wear for short periods of time as to not to wear them out. I will never purchase again. Also the clothing is equally cheap and poorly made…….Sabrina
NINE WEST all the way! 🙂
I think I have one pair of JS shoes. I've only worn them once. It's helpful to know they might majorly FAIL on me. Jeez. What a rip. Too bad. Although many of the shoes stay really high in heel height, I was recently admiring how cool the designs are. Guess I'll be admiring them from afar. Yikes.
Girl – those shoes are in rough shape! pls pls buy something new!! as for what, I admit I have a hard time taking the plunge with SW, CL, etc because some of the wear and tear (esp on hte heel) is bound to happen and I'd rather it be on something I spent $70 on, not $700. but I do love cole haan – kinda a happy medium.
Good to know – I've always thought that J S shoes were supposed to be good quality for the money – apparently NOT!
Now I'm going to read through the comments to see which shoes really last!
Hmm I've never experienced this and I think JS shoes are among the most comfortable out there. I don't have any of the heels, but I love her flats. =)
That's so odd because I love her shoes! I only have three though. My first pair I've had for about five years and they are quite scuffed at the toes. So I guess her shoes aren't the best quality. I do find them to be super comfy though. Since I can't afford pricier designer heels at the moment, I'll have to hassle with the pitfalls of cheaper shoes. I'm going to check out Nine West on the rec of others!
Wow, I can't believe they ripped at the seams of the boots and at the break of the toe box….that's not good at all! But I have to say, for the heels, you should replace the tips before the nail starts to show through. I've done this to several pairs to extend the life. And I've had to get at least half my vintage shoes re-tipped with leather tips.
Looks like everyone has given you great rec's!
Ditto on the Cole Haan suggestions- they aren't as pricey as Kate Spade and IMO the Nike Air technology in their pumps/heels is unmatched. They last (I've walked in pouring rain storms with leather CH pumps and after they dried they still looked brand new), are comfy, and I had weird feet (before I had a bunion surgery) and Cole Haans were the ONLY shoes (trust me I tried everything out there, high and low price!) that did not hurt my bunion and I didn't even have to buy wide width.
Also since you are a lucky Houston girl you should check out the CH outlets either at Katy Mills or the giant one up HWY 6- awesome sales there and they aren't weird dejected shoes, sometimes they have the same ones from the B&M store.
My mom got me my first and the last pair of JESSICA SIMPSON boots 4 years ago. It was "Cowboy Daisy Boots" or something like that.
I loved them so much! I wear this pair of boots for 3 year! Really. They was so comfortable! Then (after 3 year!) they start to damage a little, but still was in a pretty good shape. I think I was lucky to have them.
Now I have my new pair of Aldo boots, they are also comfy.
Sorry about this V, but I lol'ed at this post. Awesome job!
I haven't had ripping issues with the couple of JS shoes I've bought. Maybe it is because the ones I wear the most are the flats?
I wore Jessica Simpson brand flats (Belta) for my wedding because they were the only cute, dressy flats I could find in plum. I've still only worn them that one time, but I can comfortably (haha) say that they were the most uncomfortable flats I've ever worn. Yes, I danced for several hours, but did they really need to give me blisters that lasted three weeks? THEY WERE FLATS, for goodness' sake!!! So, yeah – I won't be buying any more JS shoes either.
I just wanted to say that I love this post. It made me laugh out loud. Not necessarily at your frustration, but at the pink MS-Painted commentary inside the photos. Sorry about your shoes!
I have a few pairs of really cute Jessica Simpson shoes. They're so comfortable too! But yeah, they're all breaking down in exactly the same places you described.
I second the Aldo black pumps. I love mine. Classic and beautiful.
I LOVE my Jessica Simpson shoes! I have the nude ones like you have, a pair of black tall heels with cork on the bottom, and a pair of grey suede heels. I did get the black and gray ones on clearance at DSW. I don't wear mine much so I haven't had any problems with them. They are uncomfortable, but my feet hurt in about any shoe or boot I put them in. I love them and they make my legs look sexy! I hate that you've had such crappy experience!
I have the same shoes as you, the ones with the leopard print inside, and they have also ripped. It's terrible! So frustrating because I did love the look and the comfort of them.
I bought a pair of J.Simps shoes in brown labelled as "leather upper" They had a zipper up the front and cutouts across the foot. First day I wore them, 3 of the cut outs rip at the seam. Turns out, "leather upper" is actually a cardboard material. I will never buy from her again, nor have I for over 3 years.
Nine West for sure. Also Kenneth Cole–the reason I love the Kenneth Coles are the rubber bottom–my whole "office" is concrete, and the grip on those shoes have made it so much easier not to tiptoe around hoping not to slip.
I purchased a beautiful purple faux croc bag from her line a few years ago. I got compliments every where I went. It was this nice deep shape of purple and was an awesome nuetral for my winter wardrobe because it really did go with everything. After about a month, the material on the handles started to peel right off. I was even more upset when Victoria Secret where I ordered it from was just like "Sorry about your luck"
I have a pair of JS black peep-toe pumps and don't wear them very often (just weddings, work parties, etc.) and so far, they're OK for me. On a regular workday, I swear by Nine West too! I think I love them because the heel-height is not too unbearable and they're comfortable all day long!
Also, I will admit that I also have all the Newlywed DVD's as well and watch them in order about once a year (when I get bored and there's nothing else on TV!) I truly believe Jessica and I would be friends in real life! She just seems like so much fun!
@ kate—agreed! I think she would be a fun friend to have 🙂 my issue is just with the quality of her shoes, not her as a person. I love her!
The Nine West website says the Ambitious pumps have a 4" heel and the Macy's site says 2.5". Anyone know the heel height? I love the way they look and from what everyone's posted, they're comfortable – which is really important to me. I'm 5'10 though and feel enormous in 4" heels (not to mention I can't walk…)
Thanks 🙂
Oh man! I totally laughed at this posting. When you wrote "rip", for whatever reason I read it as R.I.P.
I got this pair last year from Nine West and I love love LOVE them. They look amazing with brightly coloured tights.
https://k3.stylefeeder.com/thumb/da/c8/dac8116d40adc87681681ccd937b16938de6f10f-200.jpg
: )
xo
K
I have a super tall pair of strappy heels of hers that have some stones coming up the center (the ones in my trash the dress pics!), and the friggin stones started coming off the top. And the heel… well, ALL of my heels do that, so i stopped wasting money on expensive ones, since they deteriorate just as fast as my $20 ones. Ive even gone so far as to keep flats in my car so i can drive in my flats and put the heels on later because driving in them rips them apart. I also have a pair of her suede pumps (like your black and nuede ones but with an extra strap across top of the foot), and I havent had any problems with those, but I dont wear them often.
Ive thought that about her shoes from the beginning! I have purchased two pairs of her "cork" wedges. The first pair were returned when I realized they werent cork throughout – just pieces glued on. The cork started come off after wearing them ONCE. The second pair I still have, only because they were purchased at Macys. This pair are a brown wood and cork wedge. After owning them for about 3 months the section that separates the wooden front and the cork back came unglued while I was wearing them at work. I literaally had to use super glue so my shoe wouldnt completely separate into two pieces.
They are definitely very cute, but not worth it in terms of quality. If you MUST buy a pair, buy them from Nordies, so you can get your $ back.
COLE HAAN.
If you want amazing, totally-worth-every penny, stylish, classy, made with Nike Air technology pumps, boots, etc, Cole Haan is the only brand. They're amazing. My personal favorites are my black peep-toes – I could literally run in them (& I'm a runner, so thats a big deal) but they look smoking hot and sexy, too.
I also love Modern Vintage/Rosegold for cute boots….I have the Liam boots and have worn them on a day-long Chicago museum day full of walking and standing and shopping and my feet were as comfy as can be.
Since both brands tend to be pricey, I recommend scouting Nordestroms Rack, Marshalls, and TJ Maxx….but honestly, even at full-price, the Cole Haan shoes especially are worth it.
(ps – I'm in love with my Cole Haan bag as well. Best made designer bag I have owned ever, and super versatile.)
My JS kitten heeled pumps ripped in the exact same place! WTH? And the heel looked like your black pumps too.
Anyway, I have these pumps from Max Studio and they are THE most comfy pumps I own for work:
https://www.dsw.com/shoe/maxstudio+marais+leather+pump?prodId=170262&cm_mmc=GPS-_-all-_-MAXSTUDIO-_-170262&mr:trackingCode=8E874218-74BE-DF11-A490-002219319097&mr:referralID=NA
-Julie
I have these black suede shoes from Urban Outfitters… They're my work shoes since the don't have too high of a heal and the fact that the heal is a little chunky also helps when you're wearing them around all day long.
https://www.urbanoutfitters.com/urban/catalog/productdetail.jsp?id=17037151&pushId=WOMENS_SHOES&popId=WOMENS&navCount=18&navAction=jump&itemCount=80&itemdescription=true&parentid=WOMENS_SHOES&startValue=1&sortProperties=+subCategoryPosition,+product.marketingPriority
I'm always an 8.5, but got an 8 in those. They were a little snug for the first week or so, but they definitely stretched out and fit great now.
I also really like these from UO that are black suede too… They came our right after I bought the ones I have..
https://www.urbanoutfitters.com/urban/catalog/productdetail.jsp?id=19992783&pushId=WOMENS_SHOES&popId=WOMENS&navCount=18&navAction=jump&itemCount=80&itemdescription=true&parentid=WOMENS_SHOES&startValue=1&sortProperties=+subCategoryPosition,+product.marketingPriority
And they're on sale for $39!
I actually used to be a shoe buyer and I worked directly with the guy (Vince Camuto) that made Jessica Simpson shoes. ( He also makes BCBGeneration.) I've been to the factories, I've seen the materials used and I know how much these shoes cost to be made. The mark up is ridiculous and the shoes are horribly made. Tons of them fall apart. Now that they are being made in China I feel that the quality has gotten even worse. But, I was lucky enough to meet Jessica during a buying trip and she is seriously one of the nicest people I have ever met. So sweet. So sometimes I find myself still buying a pair of her shoes here and there 🙂
Guess, Steve Madden, Report
I pretty much gasped in horror when I saw the back of those black pumps. HOW did that even happen?!?!?! Eeeeeek!!
Ha! I still watch Newlyweds while doing my hair and makeup in the morning!
FYI…any shoe heels will get destroyed like that if you walk through cracks or grates or any sort of leather destroying hole in the ground. I have cheap shoes and expensive shoes alike that have suffered this destruction. It's where you're walking, it's not the shoe.
Having said that JS shoes look cheap to me, so I've never purchased a pair.
I have six pairs of JS shoes and have had them for a few years now. I do a lot of walking in my pairs, too, and have no complaints!
I have the same Jessica Simpson shoes with the leopard print inside but they are the wedge style and mine ripped in the SAME EXACT PLACE!!! I thought it was my feet or something until a girlfriend of mine told me her's ripped as well. This is totally not acceptable and I will no longer be buying ANYTHING Jessica Simpson!
Poor quality!!!
I only own one pair a JS Heels and I have to admit that I LOVE them. I haven't purchased another pair because her shoes are so over priced and being that I am a college student I can not justify another purchase. I found this blog post because I googled "What happened to Jessica Simpson Shoe Brand" her website has compeletly taken the shoes off. I've had my eye on a pair of boots and I check every once in a while to see if they are on sale but now their GONE 🙁 but maybe that's a good thing.
Wow!! At least I'm not the only one who feels, screwed by this label. Shoes look & feel great but they don't last either the word heel breaks or the stiching comes undone & rips. These shoes aren't cheap in price just cheap in quality.you might as well go BOGO at Payless.Where's the loyalty from JS to her customers.We all need to be compisated for damages.My wood heel broke & I twisted my ankle luckily it wasn't [email protected]
I’m sad, but I want to say thank you. I found a pair of JS wedged booties at DSW for $50. I was a little wary because it was so much money and JS isn’t a typical shoe brand. I wanted to research it beforehand. I won’t buy them now and will look for a different pair black booties. So yeah, I just want to say thank you for your honest evaluation.
okay I know this article is pretty old – but I HATE Jessica Simpson shoes! They’re everywhere and always have the trendiest styles at a great price, but they are seriously DANGEROUS! They are not made well and every time I convince myself to buy a pair I’m always worried that I’m going to break an ankle!
Hi, I am having an issue with a Jessica Simpson handbag. I purchased it because I loved the color purple /wine . I t has all the compartments I need. The two straps for over the shoulders are coming g apart. I want to return it but do not have an address. Can you give me the address you sent your shoes back to. Saddened in So Cal. Thank you very much.
Hi Terri– you should work directly with the reatiler you purchased the product from. Let me know if you can contact them!
I got a pair of black pumps. This is actually my third time wearing them at funerals. I only put them on when i get to churcb ( driving with flip flops) and yesterday as im stting down at the restaurant after the burial and all im looking at my shoes and they are both ruined , both at the same spot. Ill definitely take photos of them. I dont understand. Still new, third time wearing them and its ruined. Im so didappointed, as i have some of her clothes and sandals. I really liked these pumps. Definitely wont be buying shoes from her or recommend her anymore.
I bought a pair of her flat sandals. Loved them! They are gorgeous but I literally wore them twice and the strap just snapped! So disappointed!! I don’t have my receipt and doubt I’ll be able to return them from where I purchased. Left a terrible taste in my mouth for the brand.
I’m so glad I saw this. I have worn her shoes for years and it wasn’t until about two years ago that I noticed a dramatic change in the quality. I agree they are super comfortable but the last two pair I bought- one fell apart after two wears and the other started peeling when I took them out the box. WOW I WAS LIVID!!!!
I have the black Adelli, only worn twice and the heels doesn’t looked warped but are and I almost fell today. Those shoes are too expensive for such poor quality.
Recently I purchased Jessica Simpson’s Suzanne wedges. A cute, black wedge Pump. I wore them three times and each time they gave me extremely painful blisters on the top front of my foot. I thought if I wore them more they will soften and it won’t happen, but so not true. Unfortunately Nordstrom rack is where I bought them and they do not have a good return policy. They told me I should’ve wore them in my house for a few days before wearing them outside to be sure they would work for me. Who does that!? What a waste of money…
I agree, I bought a pair of black boots, I love them but they didn’t last long. I paid a good price for them too…
Oh my goodness!! I have owned about 4 or 5 differ pairs of Jessica Simpson heels….I bought two pair and the rest were gifts from my husband. I was stunned to find after wearing each pair once or twice…the heels were peeling on the inside and the out! JS is an American icon that has a very poor quality shoe line. Why is that? I would like to see the quality of her heels improve in the future but until then I will not be wasting mine or anyone’s else’s money on her heels!!!