This is probably my seventh pair of American Duchess heels (whoops). I clearly keep coming back for more. They are absolute beauties!
I’m a street size 7, but found in my last couple orders (Hazels 😍) that AD’s 7.5 fit me better for dancing.
I wear AD heels for vintage 1920-40s Swing Dance, Lindy Hop and Solo Jazz. Comfort and leather soles on the dance floor are my top priority to protect my knees…but a girl wants pretty, vintage shoes too! I usually wear my AD Hazels, and get all those benefits and SO many compliments because of how stunning the shoes are.
I was eyeing these Teal and Copper Liliths forever. A giftcard and the Silver Bells sale made for the perfect excuse to snatch them up.
I was a little nervous of the T-strap style, as the top of my foot is a bit high (cuneiform bones/metatarsal area). While reading reviews, I debated between the 7.5 or 7.5W. However, I’ve had incredible customer service from American Duchess in the past. I knew I was in good hands if something was off, so I ordered the 7.5 regulars, like my Hazels.
The shoes came and they were stunning…
👍The Good?
Incredible color, beautiful shape, stable heel, sparkly closure, perfect vintage aesthetic for dancing Lindy!
🥲The Sad?
I should have listened to my gut and ordered the 7.5W with the strap!
They mostly fit-ish (but felt quite a bit narrower/squishier than my Hazels in the toe box, which wouldn’t work for longer wear or dancing). Sadly, the ankle straps didn’t reach around to the closure at all.
That said, I knew I was in good hands. AD’s customer service was SO helpful (thanks, Jeanette! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️), sending them back was a breeze, and the 7.5W replacements arrived SO quickly.
TLDR?
The 7.5W are incredibly gorgeous. There’s a lot of wiggle room in the toe box, the T-strap fits great, they’re comfortable, the color is sensational, and, again, Jeanette’s customer service was so helpful.
For longer wear, I do notice the tiiiiiniest bit of tension in the T-strap on my right ankle, but there’s plenty of room to add an extra buckle hole to solve that.
In, the meantime I’ve been swivelling at home on the carpet to break them in and they feel very comfortable for dance. Looking forward to trying them out on the dance floor for real—and finding a dress to match! 💃🏼 Thanks!