I love a good pair of shoes. Austin gave me my first pair of Valentino Rockstuds 4 years ago for a birthday present and they are still my favorite shoe. Since then, I’ve purchased another pair of white flats and they have been a pair that I wear frequently. I’m much more of a “flats” girl now, but the heels still hold a special place in my heart!
After posting the Valentino’s over the years, I’ve had several emails, comments and messages asking if I knew of any “similar styles” at a more budget friendly price. Up until now, I honestly didn’t. While there have been several versions of “studded flats”, I’ve never found one that was so similar. A few weeks ago a sweet reader (hi, Melissa!) emailed me about these Rocktsud Flats. I was immediately taken back by how similar they were to the real deal. So much, that I decided to order a pair for myself and give them a little test run. Since this is a request I get so often, I figured you all might want in on this amazing find as well!
COLOR + SIZE
I ordered the Caged Ballerina Leather Flats in the color “Poudre Patent”. Valentino’s are known to run small, so I ordered a 1/2 size up in these just to be safe. I found the 8.5 to fit perfect!
SIMILARITIES
When I opened the box I could not believe how similar the color was to my Valentino Heels in Poudre Patent. Though it’s not exact, you can see the similarities in the photos below. As far as the studs go, they were identical. From shape, size and placement, they were exactly like my original Valentino Rockstuds.
COMFORT
So let’s talk comfort. Valentino’s are known for being a somewhat uncomfortable shoe. They get better after wearing several times, but it can take a while. These shoes arrived just as we were leaving for Vegas so I decided to take them along. It was a risky move on my part because we were doing a lot of walking. You guys- I wore these for 12.5 miles and did not have one blister. Yes, 12.5 miles (my friend tracked our walking on her fitbit). My feet did hurt towards the end of the day, but that would have been normal from just being on our feet the entire day. I wore them again the next day and had zero issues.
QUALITY
In terms of quality, I need to keep wearing them to make a final decision. My initial take is that they look and feel just like the real deal. While I’m not 100% they are made from real leather, they sure do feel like it. They are sturdy and appear to be made well, however only time will tell.
I will say, my Valentino’s have held up beautifully over the years. I wear the white flats at least once a week and they look almost brand new. You can see how I wear them in these past posts.
OVERALL THOUGHTS
My overall take on these shoes is pretty positive. I am honestly just shocked at how close these look to the real thing. I’m all for investing in quality, but if you are wanting to test this trend without breaking the back, then these might be your best bet.
Thanks for reading! xx Ashley 
I need a pair of flats like those in my wardrobe!
Liv
livforstyle.net
I have always LOVED the way you style your Rockstuds, and this is perfect for my price range! I’m definitely ordering the black matte – if they hold up well, the leopard and nude are gorgeous, too! Thank you for sharing!!!
Hi Ashley! I definitely want to try these shoes out! I’m normally an 8 in flats and I’m not seeing an 8 on the site. Should I go for the 81/2?
Thanks,
Melissa
Hi there! I would go for the 8.5. I am normally an 8 and the 8.5 fit perfect. Hope that helps! xx Ashley
Love them all <3
http://www.evdaily.blogspot.com
Greatttt a just bought a pair of the real thing! At least I get a cool box!
YAY this post is awesome!!! thank you so much for the detailed review I’m totally going to try out a pair!
Hi! Love these shoes, I have been looking for a good quality dupe for rockstuds FOREVER! You are my closet’s life saver. Would you say your nude patent ones look pink? On the site they appear to be more pink than nude. Thanks! xo
Hi! Love these shoes! I have been looking for a dupe for rockstuds forever, you are my closets savior! Would you say the nude patent looks pink? on the site it looks more pink than nude.
Thanks!
Lauren
Hi Lauren! Thank you for your sweet words. The site makes the nude look more pink than they actually are. I would say my photos reflect the true color better than their site. Hope that helps!
Ashley
Gosh I clicked on this because I thought they were the rockstuds!
http://www.flareaforte.com
Right? Don’t they look identical? Crazy!
xx Ashley
Wow such a great alternative they look so similar and glad to hear they are responsible comfortable 🙂
https://blondieinthemoon.blogspot.co.uk
Thank you for your amazing post & review– I own many pairs of Valentino rock studs all in heels which I can easily justify but the flats @ the high price have held me back! I ordered the leopard flats based on your review. Thank you! -Elissa
I have ALWAYS wanted a pair but can’t afford the real deal. Thank you for sharing this detailed review. I would love to see a review over you 5 favorite shoes or bags!
Hi Ashley! I want to buy the rockstud flats from amazon for my wedding. Could you send a picture of the ones your ordered off of there and the color!?
Hi Courtney,
How exciting! This will be the perfect shoe! The exact shoes I bought are the Caged Ballerina Leather Flats and they are photographed in the post, as well as the color, which is “Poudre Patent.” Hope this helps! xx, Ashley
I’ve been intruiged by the RockStud flats ever since I first saw them. The price point is quite high but if I ever see the soft pink patent RockStud flats again in my size I won’t hesitate to splurge on a pair. I haven’t tried any knockoffs yet since I’m still happy with the price point and fit of my Tory flats.
Thanks for sharing your RockStud love.
https://davisbe.files.wordpress.com/2014/08/dsc03306.jpg
Hello,
Thank you for sharing! I think it’s important to find what you love, so I’m glad you found a pair of RockStud flats that suit you best! Have a great rest of your Monday. xx, Ashley
I am not able to click on the shop now button. Any advice?