The Expert Edit features interviews with specialists about the products they swear by in their chosen field. For the latest installment, we spoke to fashion expert and Vivaia [1] cofounder Marina Chen about her fashion product recommendations and the best tips for finding the perfect shoe.
Whether you're scrolling TikTok's FYP or just completely obsessed with shoes, chances are you've come across Vivaia. The cult-favorite brand was founded by Marina Chen, born out of her desire to create footwear that's both fashion-forward and sustainable. Since launching in 2020, the label has gained a loyal following for its heels that feel as comfortable as sneakers [2] and, yes, have caught the attention of celebs. The Cristina Square-Toe Lace-Up Sneakerina, for example, is a favorite of Bella Hadid [3]'s (she actually has them in two colors). Meanwhile, Charli XCX [4] has been spotted in the Yanka Round-Toe Satin Sneakerina — a dainty yet edgier version of the Cristina.
Still, the essence of Vivaia is far more significant than a buzzy obsession with balletcore [5] or celebrity approval. Instead, Chen's passion is simple: crafting quality footwear that actually serves the wearer. "When we set out to design heels, our mission was clear: create a pair that's both beautiful and truly comfortable," she tells Popsugar. "To achieve that, we have to experience the pain points ourselves — I still remember one of our male teammates even had a pair of size 42 heels — US women's size 11.5 — made just so he could understand how they felt. He wore them, walked in them, and helped us iterate the design."
That kind of dedication speaks directly to Chen's mission to keep comfort at the center of the conversation, regardless of the controversial trends that plague fashion. Practicality is far from a nonnegotiable in 2025: just look at Kylie Jenner, who had her feet taped to her heels for this year's Met Gala. And that's where Vivaia comes in. "Comfort is the most important element when it comes to shoes, and our heels are not only stylish and elegant, but also designed with high-resilience PU insoles and dual arch support, so you can stay comfortable all day long," she says. Whether you're wearing a heel or sneaker from the brand, you definitely won't need any tape.
Ahead, Chen shares more tips on finding the perfect shoe, along with the footwear essentials she keeps in her personal collection.
A Shoe Cleaner
Jason Markk Cleaning Brush [6] ($10)
Having a great shoe brush is just as important as having a stylish shoe. Chen swears by this one from Jason Markk, which is especially great for maintaining delicate materials like suede and cotton.
Shoe Laundry Bag
Reshoevn8r Sneaker Laundry Bag [7] ($20)
For those shoes that are washing-machine-friendly, Chen recommends this laundry bag from Reshoevn8r, which can hold up to two shoes, size 12 or smaller, at a time. "I highly recommend using the laundry bag with hand-wash mode while washing your shoes, so they stay protected," she says.
Comfortable Heels
Vivaia Julie Pro Almond-Toe Chunky Heels [8] ($149, originally $189)
Comfort is a key element that Chen and her design team consider when constructing a shoe, and the brand's Julie Pro heels are a prime example of that. Made with a chic block heel and roomy round toe, they're the perfect shoe to stand in for hours. "It features a padded back heel — like a mini pillow — designed to prevent blisters and keep your feet secure," she says.
Stylish Ballet Sneakers
Vivaia Cristina Square-Toe Lace-Up Satin Sneakerina [9] ($159)
The brand's cult-favorite Cristinas are viral not only because Bella Hadid wore them, but also because of their innovative design. They're the perfect blend of a ballet flat and a classic sneaker, featuring a triple-layer sole, chic satin lace, and eco-friendly fabric that makes them foldable.
Classic Heels
Vivaia Addison Pointed-Toe Slingback Sandals [10] ($169)
These pointed-toe slingbacks are one of Chen's must haves, and for good reason. The shoe's soft knit upper and sleek toe make it versatile enough to go from the office to dinner, serving as "the perfect balance between elegance, style, and all-day wearability."
Naomi Parris [11] is the assistant shopping editor at PS, based in New York. With over eight years of experience and previous roles held on the brand's Beauty and Operations teams, she enjoys telling stories that merge fashion, beauty, and Black culture. Naomi has also lent her skillful pen to Essence Girls United, Elle, Bustle, and Elite Daily. When she's not crafting shopping roundups, high-profile features, beauty op-eds, or trend guides, you can find Naomi behind her blog "Eli-Nay," where she inspires readers through style guides, cultural pieces, and innovative content on her Instagram.