I'm always on the lookout for comfortable shoes that don't sacrifice on style. Instagram (clearly) reads my mind because Sabah popped up on my feed a few months back. They’re an NYC-based shoe company selling handmade leather slippers. The shoes looked great, and unlike other companies, Sabah likes to show off their shoes with a little age (see a shot from their IG below). It was enough for me to order a tan, leather pair for myself. Here’s my honest review of Sabah shoes after three months of wear.

Ratings Breakdown

STYLE: ★★★★★

Sabah shoes are unique, minimalist and well made. I receive more compliments on my Sabah loafers than any other shoe I own (and some of them cost twice as much).

VERSATILITY: ★★★★★

This is where Sabah shoes really shine. Wear them to the office, the beach, even in the rain- you'll never look out of place in Sabahs.

DURABILITY: ★★★

My one real sticking point with Sabah shoes. They haven't held up super well to heavy wear and are starting to fall apart (note: they can be fixed). Given their supple and minimal materials (and my wear time!) I do understand this bit.

VALUE: ★★★★

While I wish my Sabah shoes held up a little longer, there's no doubt they are well made for the price and are a real statement shoe.

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What Sets Sabah Shoes Apart

Sabah shoes feel different. They’re simple–just a leather sole, a rubber outsole and some stitching–but feel really well made. It’s easy to see that they were handmade, and I was pleasantly surprised by the quality given their price point ($195/pair).

Sabah shoes are incredibly comfortable—I wear them around the house as slippers, and as loafers to work. And because of their beautiful tan color, they're versatile enough to dress up or dress down.

But what really sets Sabah shoes apart is the quality of their leather. Sabahs are built to age and get more beautiful over time - something like a Filson briefcase or a Ghurka duffel bag. I’m excited to see what my pair looks like a year from now!

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What Could Be Better

Sabah soles are flat–really flat. I'm used to, and love, this minimal style but if you have a foot issue that requires a lot of cushioning, you may want to be careful.

I’m also disappointed that the rubber outsole of my shoes wore down significantly after several months (see below). They're still wearable, and sure, Sabah can replace the soles, but I wish they were a bit more durable. Yes, Sabahs are very well made. But one of the cons of their classic, wear anywhere, minimal construction, is hardiness.

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Are Sabah Shoes Worth It?

I've had my Sabahs for about three months, and I love them just as much as the day I got them. Sure, the rubber outsoles have worn down quickly, but I’ll get those replaced. It’s a small price to pay for all the shoe compliments I’ve been getting.

Should you try Sabah shoes? Absolutely! They're comfortable, stylish, and versatile—everything I look for in a shoe. But if you have foot issues, I’d keep looking for something with more support.