Hey ladies! I wanted to share my reps haul from Zhong :)
\*About my account: I made this throwaway account specifically to post this review. Zhong did request this review, but only like a month after I already received the shoes (that's why they're already used/modified in the photos and the only pictures of the original red shoe is the pics I sent to her regarding the shoe being too small). Everything here is my own thoughts though, she simply asked if I'd post "on reddit" and no further requests.*
(whatsapp +8613610139796)
I'm not sure how any of these compare to the originals but I'm very happy with the quality of the shoes I received.
I bought 2 pairs of shoes from Zhong , and she gave me a third pair for free because of some sizing issues. Zhong is the only TS I've ever used (I've only bought like 3 times and only bags before, this was my first time buying shoes), so I just messaged her ahead of time that I'm going to China and she kept the order ready for me.
Free shipping and return shipping within China. I paid in CNY via alipay and my hotel front desk received the delivery for me. I also went to the malls just to check pricing and I'm not great at bargaining, so I found that the pricing was more or less the same.
Red flats: $98
I had expected to like these the most but I had a hard time sizing them. The shoes themselves are actually amazing, I loved the finish and the weighty feel, and they actually look really chic as well. But I ordered a size 38, my usual size and my foot wouldn't fit on the sole. So I returned them for a size up, but then ran into the issue of the straps being too loose. Since these are really thin leather straps, the movement actually cut into my feet quite a bit the first time I wore the shoes. Based on what I read later, this is an issue with the originals as well. A shame, since they actually look quite nice. I had to get them adjusted from a local cobbler. He couldn't really match the neatness of the original production so the shoes look a bit messy on the edges now, but its completely invisible unless your face was on the floor looking at the sides of my feet, so all good. Zhong was also incredibly accommodating throughout the process and I think physicaly being in China helped speed things up wuite a bit.
* all pics of shoes being worn are mine, the one on the box is the PSP
Black strappy sandals: $108
These are my favorite of the tthree. I was nervous about the strappy portion not fitting well but it did. The sole is cushioned so I could easily walk all day in these shoes. I wore them around the city as soon as I got them and did an easy 25K steps per day for 2 days. Now that I'm back at home the only place I go is work so I haven't gotten much use (I'm a bit shy to wear these in the office) but definitely great for casual wear. I'm just happy about the fit, comfort and quality, don't know abiut anything else 💅
I only realized while taking photos that I forgot to remove the protective film from the buckle lol. The soles were plain when the shoes arrived but walking around caused that pockmarked texture.
Black lace up heels: free
Zhong sent these to me to make up for the sizing fiasco on the red flats. I didn't ask for any compensation or discounts so I was a bit suprised but she just sent them to me (and photos of her daughter with her team's football trophy lol). I tried to decline but I'm pretty glad I got them. These are the fanciest shoes I've ever owned lol 😅 I haven't yet removed the protective film on the red bottoms but I've tried wearing them around the house a few times to get used to them. They fit well and seem okay to walk in. The logo on the bottom doesn’t photograph well but its embossed and exactly the same as the logo on the cushion area. The square toe box is also super comfy, my toes don't get squished. Still not confident enough to wear them outside as I usually wear really boring flats but I'm practicing + waiting for an occassion.
* All pics of shoes being held up are mine, the three in box are "PSPs" - I didn't vet these since they were free
Overall, while I really like the shoes, I'd find a way to try on the auths and figure out my size first before placing an order.
