Sneakers Steve Madden from the French Days

From New York to the boutiques: the story of Steve Madden

Steve Madden started his brand in New York in 1990, with a modest capital. He had five hundred pairs of shoes made from his own designs and offered them himself to the city’s boutiques, from the trunk of his car. Success came quickly with a young clientele, attracted by models that closely follow the trends without aiming for luxury. The company set up its headquarters in Long Island City, in the Queens neighborhood. While sports brands focus on performance, Steve Madden focuses on fashion: each season, his sneakers take on the shapes and materials of the moment.

The other brands

The French Days sneakers are also available:

• Asics.
• Saucony.
• Puma.
• Mizuno.
• Victoria.
• Hoff.

All the brands are gathered on the sneakers page.

The platform sole, the brand's signature

The platform sneaker has become the emblem of Steve Madden. Its thick sole, several centimetres high, elongates the silhouette without the imbalance of a heel: the foot remains flat, with weight distributed along the entire length. This height also provides a comfortable cushioning for walking in the city. The downside is the weight: a platform weighs more than a classic sneaker and bends less at the front of the foot. Models with a jagged sole grip better on a wet sidewalk than smooth soles, and a sole lightened by cutouts helps to reduce fatigue at the end of the day.

Leather, suede or canvas: choosing the material of your sneaker

Smooth leather gives a neat sneaker, easy to clean with a damp cloth, that ages beautifully without losing its shape. Suede, softer to the touch and warmer, requires a waterproofing protection before the first outing and regular dry brushing. Canvas, lighter and more breathable, suits warm days but shows stains more easily. Metallic, glossy, or glitter finishes, common with Steve Madden, turn a sneaker into a standout piece. For everyday use, a white or black leather sneaker remains the easiest to maintain.

Size and fit: getting your trial right

To choose your size, measure the length of your foot at the end of the day, when it has slightly swollen, and then compare it to the brand's size guide. The fit varies by model: a tapered shape fits closer than a rounded shape, and customer reviews help to spot narrow models. A rigid platform sole doesn’t mould to the foot: so a comfortable trial is necessary from the start. Leather stretches a bit, while synthetic almost doesn’t. Between two sizes, or with a wide foot, the larger size is the safer choice, even if it means adding a insole.

Frequently asked questions

Are Steve Madden sneakers suitable for long walks?

Their thick sole cushions well for city walking, but their weight and rigidity make them better suited for urban days rather than long hikes. For an entire day on your feet, it’s better to choose a model with a lighter sole.

How to clean the white sole of a sneaker?

Scrub it with a soft brush and a bit of soapy water, or with a magic eraser for grey marks. Avoid bleach, which yellows the rubber, and let it dry in the open air.

How to protect suede sneakers from rain?

Spray a suede water repellent on clean, dry shoes from about twenty centimetres away, then let dry overnight. Repeat the process every month and brush the suede dry to raise its nap.

How to prevent the back of a sneaker from rubbing the heel?

Wear them first for a few hours at home with thick socks to soften the upper. Tightening the laces on the last eyelet keeps the heel in place and reduces rubbing that causes blisters.

What distinguishes Steve Madden from a sports brand?

Steve Madden creates fashion shoes: his sneakers focus on style, sole height and materials, without shock-absorbing technology intended for running. They’re worn every day, not for running or practicing a sport.