SUAVS Shoes owner, Monxi Garza
While living and studying in Madrid, Monxi Garza, local designer and creator of SUAVS Shoes, couldn’t find a shoe that met her needs. Basically, she wanted a Prince Charming for her feet, a shoe that was missing from storefronts, but resided in her imagination and on graph paper.
She wanted to create a shoe that would check every box on a lengthy list of requirements–a shoe that both men and women could wear. It had to be functional, flexible, breathable and stylish. She wanted a slip-on that didn’t require socks, one that could seamlessly take someone from meandering cobblestone streets to twirling on a dance floor. The shoe’s versatility had to keep up with the demands that often accompany work, while keeping toes happy past midnight tapas. And lastly, Monxi’s perfect foot companion had to be attractive.
From Paper to Pavement
After a year of research, design and testing, Monxi has brought her vision to life. The shoe that resided in her imagination is now a reality that goes by the name SUAVS.
When asked how she came up with the shoe’s name, she said, “SUAVS comes from the English and Spanish versions of the word ‘suave.’ It means soft in Spanish, and in English the word describes someone as being sophisticated, charming and classy. SUAVS is a combination of the two!”
The Test: Trying SUAVS for Myself
Slip-on SUAVS Shoes in black
I was skeptical, but anxious to slide on a pair and see if the designer had succeeded in her mission. For three weeks, I put my SUAVS to the test.
We’ve trekked the Mopac-Congress loop around Town Lake three times. They’ve accompanied me to interview an 80’s rock star (future article!), they’ve taken me to see plays at both the Salvage Vanguard and Zach Theatre.
They adorned my feet while sipping beer among peers at Banger’s Sausage House and Beer Garden, and they didn’t cause my feet to break a sweat during kickboxing.
We’ve strolled through parks, stood at the end of the driveway at 3 AM to witness a meteor shower and danced in the kitchen with my seven year old to “Melt With You.”
Over the past 21 days, two standard elements were missing: sweaty, swollen feet and backaches. As a bonus, these slip-on shoes still look brand new!
If your feet are looking for a fairytale ending, this is it. SUAVS are fashionable and functional, classic and comfortable. They come in four different colors: white, navy, all black and black/white. Be on the lookout for new fabric, colors, prints and designs for winter!
Purchase SUAVS online at SuavShoes.com.
@theAustinot wants to know:
What is your favorite color of SUAVS?
Disclosure: I was given a pair of SUAVS for the purposes of this article. All opinions are my own.
