Salvatore Ferragamo

71 community mentions · Apparel & Footwear
Hit or miss
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Summary

The Reddit community is broadly positive about Ferragamo, particularly for shoes and leather goods, with many users reporting ownership spanning 10–30 years. However, a recurring and notable caveat is that quality is seen as having declined in recent decades, with vintage and older pieces regarded as far superior to current production. Comfort and fit are also divisive, with the brand's notably narrow last drawing strong reactions in both directions.

Verdict

Ferragamo earns strong BIFL credentials based on decades of community evidence, but buyers should seek out vintage or older pieces, prioritize the Tremezza line for shoes, and be aware of the narrow fit before purchasing.

What people love

Users consistently praise Ferragamo for exceptional longevity and timeless design, with many reporting shoes and bags lasting decades with basic maintenance. The brand is frequently cited as a genuine BIFL choice, especially for classic dress shoes and handbags.

  • Shoes and bags regularly reported lasting 10–30 years with care
  • Classic designs remain stylish across decades without going out of fashion
  • Resoleable construction allows indefinite wear with cobbler maintenance
  • Leather quality praised as thick and durable, especially older pieces
  • Handbags cited as among the best quality in the designer leather goods category
  • Belts noted as durable with 5+ years of daily wear holding up well

What people criticize

The most significant criticism is a perceived decline in quality over time, with some users explicitly calling current Ferragamo shoes inferior to older ones. Fit is also polarizing — the brand runs very narrow, and a minority of users found them deeply uncomfortable.

  • Quality widely seen as having declined significantly in recent years
  • Current shoes often glued rather than welted, except the Tremezza line
  • Very narrow last makes fit unsuitable for many foot shapes
  • Some users report $1,000+ pairs wearing poorly after limited use
  • Customer service reported as unhelpful by at least one user

What people are saying

One user bought a pair of Ferragamo cap toe dress shoes in 1994 for their wedding and still wears them regularly — calling it the best $200 they ever spent.
A highly upvoted reply cautioned that while older Ferragamo shoes are exceptional, current production may not meet the same standard, as the brand no longer welds soles on most lines.
Someone who has worn suede Ferragamo sneakers regularly for over ten years noted they still hold up like the first year, and said it changed how they thought about paying more for quality footwear.
One user owns a vintage Ferragamo bag purchased at an estate sale that had already been carried daily for twenty years by the previous owner — and expects it to outlast them too.