They’re made in Italy, but are they any good? Here’s my hands-on review of Del Toro slippers.
When most American guys think of slippers, they conjure up an image of either fuzzy foot warmers or fancy loafers.
But if you ask a guy from Italy about slippers, he’ll point you more toward something like what Del Toro makes.
I took a pair of Del Toro’s Italian leather slippers for a test drive and ended up really enjoying their simplicity and effortless good looks. In this Del Toro slippers review, I’ll share my insider insights as to what makes these slippers so great, as well as a couple of small issues that you may want to consider before buying a pair for yourself.
About Del Toro
The story of Del Toro’s 12-year-old brand is one filled with unexpected twists and turns — including three different owners, one big marketing mistake, and a mid-Covid decision to return the company to its roots.
Del Toro made a name for themselves with their Italian Velvet Slippers, which boast an effortlessly cool European vibe that could elevate any outfit from casual to dressy. They’re the type of slippers that you’d want to wear with a smoking jacket, putting on your best James Bond impression.
These slippers were such a big hit with menswear enthusiasts that the brand exploded in popularity practically overnight. That led to the eventual sale of the company to a brand management firm — and the beginning of a downturn in the quality and style that Del Toro was synonymous with.
From 2018 to 2021, Del Toro expanded its range of offerings, but they didn’t add many options gear towards the fashion-conscious guy. Then, when the Covid years came it looked like The Bull was going to go under.
Fortunately, New York entrepreneur Andrew Roberts saw potential in what had made the brand such a hit in the first place and bought the company in 2021 (just in time) with the intention to return to its well-proven stylistic roots.
We’re thankful for that, and looking forward to seeing where Del Toro will make its next mark on the menswear world.
What I Tried
For this review, I tried just one pair of the brand’s iconic slippers: the Napoli Slippers in Sand Suede.
Before we get into the pros and cons, here’s some basic info on sizing:
I usually wear a size 7 in dress shoes, and I ordered the same for the Napoli slippers.
Trying them on, the fit seems to run a little wide and a little large — which was perfect for me, as it meant that there was basically no break-in period. But if you’re between sizes, you’ll probably want to size down.
Pros
The Napoli slippers are made in a casual slip-on form, but with a more elevated style.
I really enjoyed how they’re not quite preppy though; they’re not like a pair of boat shoes or tasseled loafers.
Instead, I think it’s a big pro that Del Toro’s shoes feel more international, more refined, and more mature. That’s further emphasized with an unbranded design (though you could personalize the outside of your shoes with embossed text if you’d like).
Overall, these shoes are really versatile. They work well with shorts, swim trunks, pants, really whatever you want to wear.
And last but not least, there are a lot of size options available for most of Del Toro’s shoes too. With a little trial and error, you’ll be able to find a good fit.
Cons
So the only real con I can speak of with all of Del Toro’s offerings is their price. They’re definitely expensive for a slipper. But they do have a luxury look and feel, so if that’s what you’re going for they’re a good investment.
Sadly, it looks like Del Toro’s shoes can’t be resoled either. Usually, that would help offset the higher price.
Lastly, there aren’t always a ton of color options. They stick to the standard colors a lot more than branching out into wilder ones.
Overall Impression
Overall, Del Toro is definitely a high-quality brand, and the new owner is doing a great job with the brand and its offerings.
They’re expensive for slippers, but they really feel worth it.
I’ve never had a slipper-like this, and it’s become a go-to for me over the summer months. I’ll definitely be breaking these out of the closet every spring and summer.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some questions we’ve heard guys around the web asking about Del Toro:
Where Are Del Toro Shoes Made?
Del Toro’s shoes are manufactured in Italy, from Italian leather.
Who Owns Del Toro Shoes?
Andrew Roberts is the current owner of Del Toro shoes, as of 2021.
Who Started Del Toro Shoes?
Matthew Chevallard started Del Toro shoes in 2005, before selling the brand in 2018.
Conclusion
I’m really happy with my overall experience with Del Toro shoes, and I’d definitely consider buying another pair. If you’re looking for a refined, mature slipper with a more European vibe and styling, Del Torro is one of the first brands I’d recommend.
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