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Details
- Price $175 at vibae.com
- Material Premium vegetable-tanned leather
- Weight 19.51 oz / 553 g (measured, Size 44)
- Dimensions (Size 44, width at the widest point.) 0.5" (w) x 0.3" (h) x 1.2" (d) / 12 (w) x 7 (h) x 30 (d) mm
- Made in Portugal
Overview
My floor gets pretty chilly in the winter and room slippers help insulate my feet from the cold ground. I have a pair of three-dollar imitation Yeezy Slides that does the job. Honestly, I never quite saw the point of having nice things to wear at home. I want them to look decent because I do care about the things I look at all day, but they certainly do not need to be branded or stylish since there isn't anyone to impress.
But VIBAe certainly made me think twice. I was immediately drawn by VIBAe's style, especially the ROMA Leather Preto Black slippers which aim to redefine casual footwear by merging comfort, durability, and style.
Designed in Finland and handmade in Portugal, these slippers embody a seamless blend of Scandinavian minimalism and Mediterranean craftsmanship. Rooted in the founder's nostalgia for Rome’s timeless allure, the ROMA line channels a vibe of sophistication while staying grounded in everyday utility.
These aren’t just slippers—they’re a nod to versatility and a tool for stepping confidently through any scenario, whether lounging at home or heading to the corner café. I am sure they will be better than what I am wearing now, but are they worth the price?
Style
ROMA slippers offer understated elegance, with five versatile colorways, preto black, cocoa brown, cognac brown, fawn tan, sunflower yellow. No prizes for guessing the color I went with.
The Preto Black version is sleek and timeless. It'll look amazing with a smoking jacket and cigar in hand, but that isn't really a common look in Japan or Singapore. Instead, it is versatile enough for my office in Japan where is normal to swap out your shoes for room slippers during the work day.
The style is determined by the premiumness, achieved by attention to detail such as neat and unobtrusive stitching.
There is a rather obnoxious printed branding on the footbed with the brand name, size, and proud claims that it is “A NEW STANDARD IN ERGONOMICS” and that it is designed in Finland and made in Portugal. The print doesn't look bad and gets covered when you have them on, but I wished it could be more subtle.
On the sole, there's a large VIBAe branding, done tastefully by using a smooth rubber texture contrasted against the pebbled sole. Unlike the white-on-black print on the footbed, I thought this added character to the Preto.
Apart from that, the rest of the slipper is simple—minimalistic even. Not just with the lack of details, but the pleasing curves that give it an understated silhouette. The modern, unisex design flatters a wide range of styles, and the sizing accommodates both men's and women's feet comfortably.
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There's a pretty nifty size selector that recommends a size based on your sizes on other brands of shoes. Choosing US 10.5 on Nike shoes and wide feet, I was recommended the size 44.
It was the perfect size, with my heels coming right to the edge of the slippers. One size large would have been nice too since your feet rarely stay into the slipper and then slip out the other way as you walk around. My recommendation would be to use the size selector and size up if unsure.
Material
The upper is crafted from vegetable-tanned leather, prized for its eco-friendliness, durability, and ability to develop a rich patina over time.
The insole uses Carbon Step™ technology: polyurethane with an open-cell structure to retain cushioning and fight bacteria, paired with a cork shank for thermal insulation and structural integrity. This combination ensures comfort while maintaining sustainability.
Usage
Wearing the ROMA Leather Preto Black is like stepping into soft, durable sophistication. I was immediately impressed by how the Carbon Step™ insole provides noticeable comfort. It felt comfortable even with prolonged use.
My feet sweat quite easily but I still prefer going sockless as my feet get pretty hot. Thankfully, the anti-odor properties keep them fresh even during summer, much to the relief of my SO.
While the leather is what made me notice VIBAe in the first place, leather can deteriorate with excessive moisture from sweat. While it makes it better that the footbed is not leather, wearing it all day every day can cause the leather to break down. Like most leather shoes, I recommend you only wear it every other way and store it in a well-ventilated place to dry off moisture.
The VIBAe ROMA Preto looks premium right out of the box. However, the leather may scuff as you knock into things. A beautiful patina will form, which might not be for those who prefer the polished look.
I designed a thing.
I found a 100 year old company that would create these heirloom quality canisters for me. They are handmade and will keep your tea leaves, coffee beans or anything that you need dry for years to come.
or read review
I will update this section over the next couple of months so be sure to check back to see if it holds up.
Conclusion
There are not many slippers out there that check all the boxes for style and comfort, making the VIBAe ROMA Leather Preto Black a rare fine. The slippers deliver on style, comfort, and versatility with a minimalist flair. While $175 is somewhat of an investment, they can be worth it if you value quality craftsmanship and need a slipper that transitions seamlessly between home and casual outings.
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