The Budget Babe | Affordable Fashion & Style Blog

Mossimo Petrova Gladiators: Should I Get Them?




Dear readers, I need your help once again: Today, I'm lusting after this pair of Mossimo 'Petrova' Gladiator sandals, available at Target stores for $29.99 (sadly, this style is sold out online). I tried it on over the weekend and it fits really well and it's comfortable as far as 4.25" faux-stacked heels with 3/4 inch platforms go.




The shoe has gotten great reviews, plus it's just really hot. I think. The heel is really high, so these aren't the most practical of shoes, but I feel like my wardrobe is lacking "fierce" strappy heels, ya know? I always talk myself out of getting shoes like this because I can't get much wear out of them, but for $30 maybe this is the time to go for it. On the other hand, this trendy look is everywhere, and maybe I can find a better pair.

Ok, enough rambling...what do you think? Would you get these? Should I?

Comments
i think it's a nice shoe for a great price, but do they really make your heart sing? i'm thinking possibly not...
#1 Cupcakes and Cashmere (Homepage) on 2009-04-06 18:57 (Reply)
I agree with the first comment. They're not bad, but not really "fierce" either. The weaved straps and the cheap looking buckle blunts the look you're going for.
#2 monica on 2009-04-06 19:05 (Reply)
i saw those this weekend as well... caught my eye for a split second, however, i am deterred by the amount of 'strappiness'... i feel like it almost borders old ladyish (minus the 4 inch heel!). they're very similar in style to the Pari heels you got from Target awhile back. you could probably wear those with the same types of outfits you'd wear these with...

hold out... i think there are more gladiator heels out there you can find.
#3 steffanie on 2009-04-06 19:08 (Reply)
I agree the Pari heels would work in place of these until you find the perfect pair. Target shoes have impressed me lately, I have the Pari heels too, so hot! Share if you find a different pair!
#4 Janna on 2009-04-06 19:28 (Reply)
Go for it!! Hells yeah those r hot!
#5 maria b (Homepage) on 2009-04-06 19:28 (Reply)
They look nice in Target's photo but a little plastic-y in your real-life one.

The Simply Vera Didi Dress Heels are on sale at Kohl's for $34.99 but they're available only in dark brown and this muted gold/bronze. Not exactly comparable to Mossimo pair but there are options...
#6 FashionablyChallenged on 2009-04-06 19:32 (Reply)
i bought those!!! you so need to get them..they are UBER comfortable and such a great price..i love mine and i always try to wear them
#7 Neira on 2009-04-06 19:57 (Reply)
ehh im not a fan, i think they look kinda cheap, but thats only my opinion, i think any non- leather shoe looks ceahp!
#8 gina (Homepage) on 2009-04-06 20:07 (Reply)
oh and to add..comfort was a big issue with me when i first got these..i thought i would be able to wear them when i go out at night and special occasions..but omg they are so comfortable you forget theyre 5 inches..i promise!
#9 Neira on 2009-04-06 20:10 (Reply)
i think its a def go. you should check out gojane.com as well. they have tons of fierce heels.
#10 anh (Homepage) on 2009-04-06 20:20 (Reply)
Here's what I would do. Buy them now, since they are sold out online (and obviously people really like them). Don't wear them, keep the receipt, and if you find another pair you like better or that cost less before you decide or need to wear these, take em back. If you can't find some you like, you've got these to wear!
#11 Nicole Michelle on 2009-04-06 20:33 (Reply)
I agree....I think they look a little cheap.

I say why not wait a little bit and try to get a similar style at filenes or marshalls or tj maxx?
#12 Angela on 2009-04-06 20:36 (Reply)
My sentiments exactly Angela!

The leather looks cheap and destroys the shoe for me.

I say try to find a similar heel at the stores Angela suggested or put the money towards a pair at Aldo!
#13 Mee on 2009-04-06 21:00 (Reply)
I say spend a little more and get what you really want. These are just too cheap looking.
#14 sohoaccessories (Homepage) on 2009-04-06 21:01 (Reply)
I bought these shoes a couple weeks ago. They are surprisingly comfortable despite the heel height. The straps aren't very constricting either. I highly recommend them!
#15 Alyssa (Homepage) on 2009-04-06 21:03 (Reply)
They're adorable and all, and it's a slightly less trendy (did i just say that?) take on the gladiator heel trend. But I say hold out, there are defintely going to be better options out there in a few weeks or so!
#16 Christie (Homepage) on 2009-04-06 21:30 (Reply)
A girl can never have too many shoes... Buy 'em!
#17 fabulosity on 2009-04-06 21:36 (Reply)
personally, i only ever buy flip flops at best for myself from target... but the other day i actually bought these shoes. not they are not practical but i was pleasantly surprised nice the "leather" was and they were only $30. yes, i know this goes against whatever one else is saying... and ps there not to uncomfortable either!
#18 erin on 2009-04-06 21:57 (Reply)
I own these shoes and have gotten an insane amount of compliments on them! They are a bit high but i wore them to work and around downtown Austin for a day and was fine. Sure they're faux, but b/c they're black, they don't look as cheap on your feet as you might think. Get them!!
#19 Carolyn (Homepage) on 2009-04-06 22:05 (Reply)
I saw these at Target too and they are striking and very on trend for the moment. The only reason I hesitate to buy these shoes is because they look like fake leather (plasticy). I say wait it out and your sure to find a better pair :-)
#20 J (Homepage) on 2009-04-06 22:28 (Reply)
I would definitely get these shoes. How often will you find such sexy heels at this price? If money is an issue then save $15 this week and anotehr $15 two weeks from now - next payday. Also, cut back on something to work them into your budget without diverting funds from something else. With all of this, how coud you not get them? I'll be in Target looking for them by Wednesday. Thanks for the tip! How many sexy, strappy heels are enough? I don't know yet but I'll let you know when I find out:)
#21 Rene' on 2009-04-06 22:50 (Reply)
I would buy them.
#22 Anna Rice (Homepage) on 2009-04-06 23:08 (Reply)
I also own these shoes and they are very comfortable. I love them.
#23 Betty on 2009-04-06 23:11 (Reply)
Very Cute!! I'm always cautious of comfort and price. Although I did just recently buy a $ pair of cole haan shoes that give me crazy blisters!
#24 Crystal (Homepage) on 2009-04-06 23:37 (Reply)
Cute, but my say: don't buy them.

A little too strappy for my liking, and the weave feels a little too funky. Also when I first looked at them, they seemed a little cheap.
#25 Chanel on 2009-04-06 23:39 (Reply)
I agree with the other posters. I saw these the other day and while they are pretty eyecatching, they are a little cheap looking upon closer inspection. Something about the way the edges are cut doesn't look right to me. These cage gladiator heels are supertrendy right now, and I bet they will be for another year or so. If you really want to go for them, a way to combat cheap looking fake leather (it's just too shiny usually) is to hold it over a pot of boiling water. The steam dulls it out a little bit. This works for belts, shoes, etc. Love your blog!
#26 Michi on 2009-04-06 23:58 (Reply)
I think the shoes look great on you! if that is your picture with them on. Sounds like a typical price for that type of shoe. Since it tends to be your style and they look nice if they are what you want and you can comfortably afford them( who's to say you can't) then I think you should get them. I love shoes as well and are very picky. Those would not look good on me I don't think but hey, what do I know? I know how women are about shoes. I am not obsessed with them but I do like them. Get what makes ya happy.
#27 JuliP49 (Homepage) on 2009-04-07 00:19 (Reply)
i think it looks too cheap! it should be 20-25$ lol yes i'm cheap only 5 bux more but tax counts too you know...but i do think they look good on you! but i also think you could find better ones that may be just a few dollars more. I think gladiators are worth it since it can be difficult to find the right gladiators and they're so trendy they can look funny at times. ive met alot of people who think gladiators are hideous but i love them.
#28 piggy on 2009-04-07 00:50 (Reply)
I don't think they look like plastic, but that square buckle gives them away. That said, it is a trend item, so not worth spending a lot of money. The width of the strap behind the heel combined with the platform make them seem like they'd be relatively comfortable for this style of shoe, plus that's what other posters who own the shoe are saying. If I were you, I'd get them. No one is going to be looking at them that closely when you're wearing them way down on your feet anyway, it's the impression and your comfort that really counts.
#29 Jenava (Homepage) on 2009-04-07 00:59 (Reply)
i would normally say no b/c they aren't real leather, but i'm leaning towards yes b/c so many people have said that they're comfortable. i'm willing to sacrifice a lot for comfort. you could have the buckle replaced since that seems to be a deal killer for a lot of people here.

the target site says that they're arriving in 2 to 6 weeks. maybe you could wait to see if they go on sale online. in the meantime, shop around for another pair.
#30 grace on 2009-04-07 01:11 (Reply)
I personally wouldn't by them myself, but you should purchase them only if you absolutely love them. On a scale of 1-10, they're a 4.5 for me because I've seen better gladiator heels/fiercer pumps. But if you're willing to settle because you're on a budget, then go ahead! Plus, Target's shoes overall are pretty comfortable :-)
#31 Ivy (Homepage) on 2009-04-07 06:12 (Reply)
http://www.fredflare.com/customer/product.php?productid=4885&cat=291&bf=cto#

I think these Chinese Laundry heels is similar to the Target pair, but they look fiercer. Sure, it's more than 2x of the price of the Target ones, but real leather is worth it.
#32 jackie on 2009-04-07 08:44 (Reply)
Oh YES!! Please! If you don't I definitely will (and probably will even if you do). Those suckers will look even hotter with bare feet and a home-spun pedicure. Hot shoes, nice price. Why do I feel like I will be headed to Target after work?
~a
#33 Amanda Heironimus (Homepage) on 2009-04-07 09:08 (Reply)
girrrrrrrrrrrl! BB, you have got to purchase these, for girls like me that would be giants wearing those heels and only dream of their feet looking that sexy! my only point is are they comfy? If not - heck no, don't buy them! Otherwise - rock 'em out!
#34 allison (Homepage) on 2009-04-07 10:45 (Reply)
I think they are just OK not the hot killer heel it sounds like you are looking for and the price not so great either I think you can find better and less expensive somewhere else.
#35 RUTHIE on 2009-04-07 11:03 (Reply)
I got these shoes when they first popped up in Target and though I was a bit hesistant about the height.. I absolutely adore them now. Get 'em
#36 Vivian on 2009-04-07 12:02 (Reply)
I think the shoes look great!! i really like the black tights look,,,I just may go to Target and try on a pair myself,,but I really dont need another pay of black heels :-(
#37 nicoleH on 2009-04-07 13:35 (Reply)
I'm sorry, but I personally do not like the gladiator look in general and these shoes in particular look cheap. Also it looks like that material would make your feet sweat and blister. Just MHO.
#38 MissIng on 2009-04-07 14:50 (Reply)
Ok, so far we have 20 "Nays" and about 17 "Yea's" ...it's a close race! I'm still undecided. I don't think they look that cheap in person. Plus, the arch fit my foot perfectly, and that is hard to find yet it's the KEY to comfort. Also, that front platform part makes them comfier, and overall, they are well balanced, so you can take normal strides and not teeter all over the place. You guys have given me a lot to think about! I may leave it up to fate, ie. go back this weekend and if they're still there, I'll get them :-) Thanks for all your help!! xox, BB
#38.1 The Budget Babe on 2009-04-07 15:38 (Reply)
I say go for them, b/c it's hard to find heels that are comfy! At first glances they are definitely hot, but I think I prefer a more authentic gladiator look, ie. thicker, more bondage style straps, as these are a bit "wicker-y" for me. Also, the buckle could stand to be more chunkier, but for that price who cares!
#39 MizzJ (Homepage) on 2009-04-07 15:51 (Reply)
The target shoes are cute, esp. for that price!! I just bought a pair of strappy heels from Chinese Laundry, they're not at the price point of target but they're totally reasonable! Super cute, and comfy too!! :-)

http://www.chineselaundry.com/indShoe.asp?type=n&store=c&id=4111&sess=04070959122599200
#40 steph on 2009-04-07 16:12 (Reply)
Jessica Simpson has this exact shoe in her line as well. The heel is a diff color. http://www.jessicasimpsoncollection.com/cgi-bin/cam99w/site.w?location=b2c/product.w&action=catalog&division=07&category=100&prb=&srb=&mill=&product=DELANCO&result=&brands=no&frames=no&target=main&sponsor=000001
#41 maria b on 2009-04-07 18:39 (Reply)
Go for it! I bought these and wear them fairly often - they are comfortable and I don't think they do look good in person.
#42 Crystal (Homepage) on 2009-04-08 09:22 (Reply)
I bought them and I loooove them.
#43 Pita on 2009-05-03 20:45 (Reply)
I happen to love these shoes...so I bought them and brought them home. BUT...much to my dismay, I find that when I wear them with skirts or dresses(sans tights), they visually shorten the length of my leg since they kinda go right up to the ankle (I'm 5'3" so I need the height). So I don't know what to do with them. Did you have this problem? Did you end up buying them? Does anyone else who has them have this problem?
#44 Andi on 2009-05-23 23:57 (Reply)
I've wanted these shoes since I first saw them but I'm 5'8 so I don't really wear heels. However my local target had them for $8 so I went ahead and got them. I love them and I'm excited that I didn't pay original price for them.
#45 Barb on 2009-09-09 10:59 (Reply)
I don't know what you decided, BB, but I bought these as soon as they were in the stores, for full price, and I have never regretted it -- they were gone from the stores almost instantly. I love them! I wear them constantly, and not only are they the most comfortable heels I own, of all my shoes, I get the most compliments on them.
#46 MEP on 2009-10-20 12:46 (Reply)
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