Salvatore Ferragamo has an unrivaled reputation in the world of luxury shoes. The Italian brand has never lost its Old Hollywood glamour, and its vintage-focused designs are undeniably timeless.
Ferragamo is the perfect alternative to brands like Chanel and Dior if you want understated elegance. The brand doesn’t use flashy logos and is synonymous with its use of bows and the signature Gancini buckle.
As of December 31, 2022, Salvatore Ferragamo had a total of 389 directly operated stores (DOS) around the world (Credit: Ritu Manoj Jethani / Shutterstock)
Although Salvatore Ferragamo shoes have a high price tag, they’re an investment that can be passed down to the next generation.
We will cover everything you need to know about Salvatore Ferragamo, their shoes, and what to look out for when buying your own.
The Legacy of Salvatore Ferragamo: From Hollywood to Iconic Shoes
First, let’s learn how to save “Salvatore Ferragamo”. If you’re not Italian, it can be a little confusing. We pronounce Salvatore Ferragamo like “sal-vuh-taw-rei feh-ruh-gaa-mow.”
The brand was founded by the designer Salvatore Ferragamo in Italy in 1927, and the company has grown to become one of the most recognizable luxury European designers.
February 18, 2008: Anna Wintour, esteemed Editor-in-Chief of Vogue, and Leonardo Ferragamo, one of the children of Salvatore Ferragamo and a prominent figure in the family’s luxury brand, captivate attention from the front row at Milan’s Fashion Week (Credit: INFphoto)
Crafting Comfort: The Ferragamo Approach to Shoe Design
Born with exceptional talent, Salvatore Ferragamo crafted his first pair of shoes at nine. He honed his skills in Naples, then expanded his horizons by moving to the United States.
Before Ferragamo established his eponymous brand, he opened the ‘Hollywood Boot Shop’ in the early 1920s. His clients included Hollywood legends such as Joan Crawford, and his shoes appeared in the blockbuster film ‘The Ten Commandments.’
When he returned to Florence, he set up the Salvatore Ferragamo shoe brand. It took a while for the company to get its footing before experiencing a boom after World War II when they made 350 pairs of shoes by hand daily.
Christina Ricci at the Ferragamo 80th anniversary exhibition opening at MoCA Shanghai on March 28, 2008, in Shanghai, China (Credit: INFphoto)
Salvatore Ferragamo became known as a brand that produced comfortable handmade shoes. While many of us consider designer shoes uncomfortable and sometimes painful to walk in, Ferragamo shoes are the opposite.
During his time in Hollywood, Ferragamo studied anatomy to figure out how to make shoes comfortable.
It would be an understatement to say that Salvatore Ferragamo revolutionized the world of shoe design. He was responsible for innovating metal heels, sculpture heels, and the sock-shoe.
The metal heels were made famous by Marilyn Monroe, for whom Ferragamo designed several pairs of shoes.
Milan, Italy – 9-27-09: Poppy Delevingne, model and socialite; James Ferragamo, scion of the luxury fashion brand Salvatore Ferragamo; and Rachel Bilson, actress, together at the Salvatore Ferragamo Spring/Summer 2010 show during Milan Fashion Week (Credit: Frezza La Fata / Startraksphoto)
In 1951, Salvatore Ferragamo created the ‘kimo’ shoe, a sandal with a colored leather sock. This style would arguably one day evolve into the modern ankle boot.
You can also thank Salvatore Ferragamo for creating cork wedges, a staple summer shoe. This innovative spirit has continued to the current era, making them one of the best luxury shoes.
Salvatore Ferragamo continues to represent an ideal of glamour and sophistication that other luxury brands of the time have pushed aside for modern trends.
Camilla Belle shows off her feet in black-and-silver sandals at the Salvatore Ferragamo 100th Year Celebration in Hollywood and Rodeo Drive Flagship Store Opening on September 9, 2015, in Beverly Hills, California (Credit: Vince Flores / Startraksphoto)
In 1949, Salvatore Ferragamo designed his first bag to carry his tools, and they released the first Ferragamo scarves in 1955.
Salvatore’s contemporaries included Christian Dior, who was in attendance when he won the Neiman Marcus Award in 1947. The award was known as ‘The Oscar of Fashion’.
Cody Horn displays her feet in geometric statement shoes at the Salvatore Ferragamo 100th Year Celebration in Hollywood and Rodeo Drive Flagship Store Opening on September 9, 2015, in Beverly Hills, California (Credit: Vince Flores / Startraksphoto)
The Ferragamo brand focused on shoes until Salvatore’s passing in 1960, when his wife took control of the company and expanded it into a full fashion label. The brand launched its first ready-to-wear line, perfume, eyewear, and watch collection.
Salvatore Ferragamo is one of the few luxury houses still under the leadership of the founder’s family. Ferruccio Ferragamo is the brand’s current Chairman and President. Salvatore Ferragamo’s son, Massimo Ferragamo, is the chairman of Ferragamo USA.
James Ferragamo, a key figure in the family’s luxury fashion brand; Michele Norsa, an executive in the luxury industry; Brooke Shields, an actress and model; and Leonardo Ferragamo, another member of the Ferragamo family, attend the Salvatore Ferragamo Spring/Summer 2022 show on September 25, 2021, in Milan, Italy (Credit: IPA / INSTARimages)
Sizing Guide: Finding Your Perfect Ferragamo Fit
Salvatore Ferragamo is to shoes what Hermes is to bags. Salvatore Ferragamo earned the nickname “shoemaker to the stars.”
His shoes have graced the feet of everyone from Hollywood royalty to British royalty. The designer formed a close relationship with Audrey Hepburn, designing shoes for the actress in several of her most famous films.
Salvatore Ferragamo still offers the “Audrey” shoe today, initially designed for the actress Audrey Hepburn in 1954.
If you’re debating what luxury brand is worth spending your money on for a pair of shoes, nothing beats the craftsmanship of Salvatore Ferragamo.
Nina Dobrev showed off her feet in Salvatore Ferragamo black lace pumps at the ‘Let’s Be Cops’ LA premiere on August 7, 2014 (Credit: Tony DiMaio / Startraksphoto)
Their styles typically feature classic silhouettes with lots of short-block heels. For anyone who isn’t a fan of bows, you can try the ‘Gancini’ shoe collection, which features the brand’s equestrian-inspired buckle.
You can find contemporary designs within the brand’s collections. New releases typically feature hallmarks of the brand’s heritage, particularly the bow.
Actress Rose Byrne displays her feet in satin platform Ferragamo pumps at ‘The Internship’ – Los Angeles Premiere at Regency Village Theatre on May 29, 2013 in Westwood, California (Credit: Sara De Boer / Startraksphoto)
If you’re looking for modern shoes that are less feminine, their sneaker range is minimalistic and streetwear-appropriate.
The first thing to know about Ferragamo sizing is that they come in US and EU sizing. Depending on where you’re purchasing your shoes, they may be displayed in one of these two sizing methods.
When determining whether Ferragamo shoes run true to size, consider the material. Their patent shoes, mainly the Vara flats, tend to run half a size smaller than traditional American sizes, meaning you should size up.
Olivia Palermo elegantly attended the Rebecca Taylor Spring 2014 fashion show on September 7, 2013, styled with Ray-Ban sunglasses, a Rolex Oyster Perpetual Datejust watch, a Delvaux Tempete MM bag, and Salvatore Ferragamo Vara pumps (Credit: Marcus Owen / Startraksphoto)
If you can try Ferragamo shoes on in person, it’s always best to ask your sales assistant to get you a pair that is at least half a size, if not one full size larger than you typically wear.
One thing to remember with Ferragamo shoes is that they tend to run narrow. With older Salvatore Ferragamo shoes, you’ll notice lettering beside the size of the shoe.
The width options include AAAA (narrowest), AAA (slightly wider than AAAA), AA (narrow), A (narrow to standard), B (standard or regular, most common), C (slightly wider than standard), and D (wide).
Penélope Cruz dazzled at the ‘Venuto al Mondo’ premiere during the 60th San Sebastian Film Festival, complementing her vintage Gianni Versace gown with red Ferragamo strappy sandals from the Red Carpet Collection on September 25, 2012 (Credit: ALFAQUI S.L. / Startraksphoto)
You’ll want to stay on the lookout for these letters if you’re purchasing pre-loved Salvatore Ferragamo shoes at a consignment store.
Iconic Creations: The Hallmarks of Ferragamo’s Fame
When you think of Salvatore Ferragamo shoes, the first pair that usually comes to mind is the Vara flats. Their design has hardly changed since their creation over 40 years ago.
The ‘Vara’ has had several reinventions over the years, and you can still purchase the original design.
Every season, Salvatore Ferragamo releases a new collection of colors and occasional special releases to mark important milestones for the shoe.
The ‘Vara’ shoes have inspired an entire collection of products, including headbands, handbags, and small leather goods.
Outside of the world of shoes, Ferragamo is known for their silk scarves, which they have carried since the 1950s. Their designs are inspired by Italian artwork.
Silk scarves are synonymous with any European fashion house, but Salvatore Ferragamo makes it their own. The brand is also famous for its handbags, which is no surprise when you consider the craftsmanship of its shoes.
The inspiration for their handbags typically comes from their shoes, which often feature the same detailing as their most popular styles, including the Varina, Viva, and Gancini hardware.
Salvatore Ferragamo is synonymous with the age of old Hollywood glamour. The brand’s clientele included Audrey Hepburn, Greta Garbo, and Sophia Loren.
Ferragamo created several pairs of lace-up loafers for Greta Garbo and strappy low-rise flats. During the ‘60s, Ferragamo designed ankle boots for Brigitte Bardot. Other famous female fans of the brand include the Duchess of Windsor, Margaret Thatcher, and Eva Peron.
During the ‘90s, the brand became a favorite of Princess Diana, who owned several of their chain-strap leather handbags. Ferragamo later renamed the bag ‘Lady D’ in honor of the British royal.
Authenticity Check: Spotting Fake Ferragamo Products
Salvatore Ferragamo deals with considerably fewer counterfeit items than Louis Vuitton or Chanel. Still, you can never be too careful when purchasing a luxury item.
You need to be on the lookout, especially if you’re looking for items like belts and sneakers. The best way to ensure you purchase a genuine product is to buy directly from Salvatore Ferragamo or an approved stockist.
One of the most affordable ways to buy Salvatore Ferragamo shoes is by looking on the pre-loved market and in vintage stores.
The design of several of their signature shoes has hardly changed over time, making them a unique case where vintage can appear new. While counterfeits are a relatively modern concept, you can never be too safe.
Telltale signs of counterfeit shoes include the brand’s font being incorrect. You want to ensure that the logo matches the cursive version used by Salvatore Ferragamo and that Salvatore Ferragamo is spelled correctly.
Salvatore Ferragamo dust bags have changed over the years, but the current style is a white dust bag with a red drawstring closure.
Vintage dust bags typically feature the brand’s red logo, and each shoe may have one dust bag. When buying a pair of Salvatore Ferragamo shoes, you purchase a piece of luxury craftsmanship.
The shoes should be impeccable. If you see a stitch out of place or apparent flaws in the design, you know it’s a fake. The quality of the product is usually the easiest way to tell if it is real or fake, although you can come across ‘super fakes.’
You won’t see words like “genuine leather” or “real leather” on the box. They make Salvatore Ferragamo products in Italy, so any other country should throw up an instant red flag.
You should find a long serial number inside your Salvatore Ferragamo shoes, right next to where you’ll find the sizing information. Fake shoes often won’t include a serial number.
Since 2014, Salvatore Ferragamo has added NFC tags to products to prevent counterfeits.
Discovering Ferragamo: Where to Buy Authentic Products
Good news! As of December 31, 2022, Salvatore Ferragamo had 389 directly operated stores (DOS) worldwide. This represents a decrease from 409 DOS stores in 2021.
Unlike other luxury fashion houses, Salvatore Ferragamo offers sales on seasonal pieces. Even their most classic shoes, such as the Vara flats, are on sale at the end of every season.
Signing up for the brand’s newsletter is worth it if you want to be invited to their private sale before it launches to the public.
Salvatore Ferragamo also has several outlet stores around the world. You can find them at Bicester Village in the UK and some Premium Outlets offered by the ‘Simon’ group in the United States.
Be aware of any websites claiming to be the brand’s outlet site. The brand’s only website is its official one; its outlet stores have no online presence.
Other online certified stockists offer sales on Salvatore Ferragamo items, which typically run concurrently with the usual end-of-season sales.
You can purchase Salvatore Ferragamo items from popular luxury department stores like Saks Fifth Avenue, Nordstrom, and Bergdorf Goodman.
If you prefer to use online retailers, they stock Salvatore Ferragamo at Mytheresa, Farfetch, and Amazon.
If you’re on a budget, you might prefer to look into the pre-loved market to find a pair of Salvatore Ferragamo shoes. It’s worth checking in your local consignment stores and vintage-specialist shops. If you’re looking online for second-hand Ferragamo shoes, try Vestiaire Collective.
The Value of Ferragamo: A Luxury Investment Worth Making
Do we think that Salvatore Ferragamo shoes are worth their price tag? Absolutely! You’ll struggle to find another pair of shoes as well made as Ferragamo styles.
While these shoes come with a luxury price tag, they are not as expensive as European brands like Chanel and even certain styles of Christian Louboutin shoes.
Salvatore Ferragamo’s shoes are more than a status symbol. They represent an ideal of regal elegance and innovative design passed down through the generations.
When you buy a pair of Salvatore Ferragamo shoes, you know they will never go out of style. If you want a comfortable pair of luxury shoes that will last, look into the styles Salvatore Ferragamo offers.