On our recent trip to Tuscany, my Italian friend Martine—a fashion diva with a great sense of taste and style—glanced down at my ballerina flats.
She asked: “Are those Bottega Veneta?”
My heart soared. Hers was the ultimate seal of fashion approval if I needed one. Bottega Veneta is a venerable luxury Italian brand known for its iconic woven leather goods. Sold at Neiman Marcus, Saks Fifth Avenue and Barneys, these exquisitely designed flats can easily run over $600 a pair.

Bottega Veneta flats that retail for over $600 (screenshot)
I came clean and told Martine that the ones I was wearing were Zee Alexis shoes, a brand that I had found and ordered online.
Zee Alexis: Comfort at a sensible price
My $60 Zee Alexis shoes retail for about 1/10 of the cost of a pair of Bottega Veneta flats. And they have earned their place as my latest favorite pair of travel shoes.

My Zee Alexis Sugar ballet flat in neutral pewter/bronze tones

Another view of Sugar
The shoes are made of an attractive woven nylon elastic material that is stretchable (for comfort) and crushproof (for ease in packing). As opposed to their leather doppelgangers, they are 100% vegan.
They come in a variety of styles: flats, sandals, sneakers, wedges, boots, and heels. “Sugar” was the style that I found most appealing. I selected this comfy ballet flat in neutral pewter/bronze tones. It has a flexible rubber sole and reinforced heel (great for slippery surfaces).
Prudent shoe packing
For many women of a certain age (and even their younger daughters), selecting shoes is one of the most daunting aspects of packing for a long trip. I think about how much walking I’ll be doing and where I’ll be going. I pack in anticipation of different types of weather. And, of course, I routinely worry about how much real estate the shoes will consume in my suitcase.
Throwing in this versatile pair is a no-brainer for any prudent packer. They are stylish and fashionable enough to wear to dinner. They are comfortable enough for walking and truly featherweight. The shoes are washable and quick-drying (although I never even came close to trying because they seem to be soil-resistant, too). And they hold up remarkably well even after several weeks of “hard wear.” We walked about five miles a day on old Italian cobblestone streets. When I returned home, the shoes still looked brand new, suffering no injury when they were crushed at the bottom of my luggage.

Zee Alexis Sugar (catalog picture)
If you have a bunion or other often age-related foot problems, these stretchy shoes are quite “forgiving” with flexible memory foam insoles.
All in all, Zee Alexis is a great choice of shoe for women travelers over 50. Call me Imelda Marcos; I can’t wait to add another pair to my collection!

Zee Alexis logo
Disclosure: This pair of shoes was sent to me for review but any opinions expressed in this post are my own.
147 Comments
Amy F
June 22, 2016 at 10:22 amFingers crossed: I love these
LINDA ZEE CLOUDS Pink Woven Slip-On Sneaker
Debbra Dunning Brouillette
June 22, 2016 at 10:41 amSugar Mosaic Multi Flat – love these! They would go with my whole summer wardrobe, excellent for tropical travel!
Jacqueline
June 22, 2016 at 3:49 pmOh! This! JACYLN-N Pewter/Neon Pink Mule Slide
Brittney House
June 23, 2016 at 8:59 pmI love the ABBY Black Metallic Slip-On the most.
Fran
June 23, 2016 at 9:42 pmThe Abby black metallic slip on would be the most practical for traveling as they look fine with most outfits.
Tammy Evans
June 24, 2016 at 1:00 amGIGI Black Metallic Flat Espadrille I love these, I need these for summer
Jeanne Rousseau
June 24, 2016 at 1:04 amWOW, so many awesome shoes, I finally decided on these but love dozens! DANIELLE Mosaic Multi Woven Sneaker
Jacquelyn Cannon
June 24, 2016 at 2:07 amI love the Danielle Black Metallic Woven Sneaker!
Ashley C
June 24, 2016 at 8:17 amOH I absolutely adore the DAWN Espresso Flat Ankle Boot!
Cynthia C
June 24, 2016 at 10:05 amI like the
SAMMI Black/Charcoal Tie-Dye Mary Jane Flat
Holly C.
June 24, 2016 at 10:38 amI love the DANIELLE Pink Multi Woven Sneaker, so cute and looks very comfortable!
nickie
June 24, 2016 at 11:13 amI like the GRACE Black Metallic Slingback Espadrille
Inese
June 24, 2016 at 11:16 amABBY Cobalt Multi Slip-On in a size Size: 38 (US 7 – 7.5)!!
Laura
June 24, 2016 at 11:17 amLINDA ZEE CLOUDS Black Metallic/White Bottom Woven Slip-On Sneaker
http://zeealexis.com/linda-zee-clouds-black-metallic-white-bottom-woven-slip-on-sneaker/
You have the best giveaways, Irene!
Joanna Allison
June 24, 2016 at 11:49 amABBY Calm Multi Slip-On
McKim
June 24, 2016 at 12:48 pmSUGAR Blue Tie-Dye Flat
Barbara Lima
June 24, 2016 at 12:56 pmFREA Pewter/Bronze Woven Sandal
Emily
June 24, 2016 at 1:15 pmI love the STELLA Mosaic Multi Woven Slip-On Sneaker. It looks comfortable, colorful and wearable for all four seasons!
Suzanne K
June 24, 2016 at 2:05 pmI like the STELLA Black Metallic Woven Slip-On Sneaker
Cynthia Mercado
June 24, 2016 at 2:33 pmI love the TERRI Black Metallic Wedge Slide
paige chandler
June 24, 2016 at 2:53 pm/rory-black-metallic-slingback-heels/ I must possess
Sandy Klocinski
June 24, 2016 at 4:00 pmPIERCE White/Pewter/Silver Woven Sandal
Jessica Small
June 24, 2016 at 4:20 pmI love the ABBY Calm multi slip on!
Julia Barnes
June 24, 2016 at 6:13 pmI love the Danielle Black Metallic Woven Sneaker! it looks so comfy!
G. Rutkowski
June 24, 2016 at 11:42 pmI would give togt the SAMMI Blue Tie-Dye Mary Jane Flat.
Jennai
June 25, 2016 at 2:23 amI like the STELLA Sangria Woven Slip-On Sneakers
Jackie Trimble
June 25, 2016 at 7:30 amLINDA ZEE CLOUDS Papaya Woven Slip-On Sneaker
Thank you for the opportunity!
Lonnie Hutchinson
June 25, 2016 at 10:16 amDANIELLE Pink Multi Woven Sneaker these are my favorite
JAMES LYNAM
June 25, 2016 at 12:26 pmSTELLA Sangria Woven Slip-on Sneakers are my choice.
Theresa Jenkins
June 25, 2016 at 12:38 pmTRINA Black Metallic Wedge Shoe or DANIELLE Black Metallic Woven Sneaker;… the sizing scares me I wear a 5 …5 1/2 is to big
Cindy StPierre
June 25, 2016 at 2:05 pmI would love to have a pair of Sugar Mosaic Multi Flat as they could be worn with anything!
Elisa Dias
June 25, 2016 at 2:46 pmThe shoes look great!
I especially like the TRINA Pewter/Bronze Wedge Shoe in size 38.
Thank you!
Paulina
June 25, 2016 at 3:19 pmDUSK Black Tall Flat Boot.
I love these! fingers crossed.
Nancy
June 25, 2016 at 9:30 pmThey have so many wonderful shoes! I especially like these: STELLA Mosaic Multi Woven Slip-On Sneaker.
Oli Pii
June 26, 2016 at 1:20 pmOOOH! SO ADORABLE! TINA Eggplant Wedge Zip-Back Bootie
Susan Christy
June 26, 2016 at 8:09 pmI like the ALLY Pewter/Bronze Slide-On Flat
DailyWoman (Lacey)
June 27, 2016 at 1:34 amI love the DANIELLE Mosaic Multi Woven Sneaker
jennifer aguero
June 27, 2016 at 11:28 amhttp://zeealexis.com/danielle-black-royal-multi-woven-sneaker/
Jill Wilson
June 27, 2016 at 11:30 amJENNY Black/White Slip-On Platform Shoe (I have all the colors except this one) – I would really, really love it if they made it in white. It’s my favorite casual shoe by far & it’s great for travel.
Anita G
June 27, 2016 at 1:15 pmGIGI Black/Charcoal Tie-Dye Flat Espadrille
Thank you so much for the chance!
Valerie turner
June 27, 2016 at 10:17 pmLINDA ZEE CLOUDS Black Metallic/White Bottom Woven Slip-On Sneaker
Louise Zamudio
June 28, 2016 at 12:58 pmAARON Black Metallic High Top Sneaker I would totally love to try something new trendy and comfy!
Kim H.
June 28, 2016 at 6:09 pmI love the LINDA ZEE CLOUDS Pink Woven Slip-On Sneaker in pink!!
Ceil
June 29, 2016 at 3:40 pmLove the Gigi Tie Dye Charcoal/Black Flat Espadrille, but then there are so many cute styles to love.
Peggy Johnson
June 30, 2016 at 11:47 amDANIELLE Navy & White Bottom Woven Sneaker
Diane
July 1, 2016 at 12:46 pmSUGAR Black Flat
joe gersch
July 2, 2016 at 5:03 pmI like CASSANDRA Black/White Woven Pump
Ruth
July 2, 2016 at 8:07 pmI like the Stella Bronze woven slip-on sneaker. It looks really comfy!
clynsg
July 3, 2016 at 8:23 amGWYN White/Pewter/Silver Slingback Espadrille
And some others as well of course!
Laura S
July 3, 2016 at 9:36 amI love the GEM Black Metallic/Zebra Thong Sandal
Candace S
July 3, 2016 at 9:45 amI like the SAMMI Black Metallic Mary Jane Flat.
Michelle Ward
July 4, 2016 at 12:54 amTINA Black Metallic Wedge Zip-Back Bootie
Tracy Robertson
July 5, 2016 at 9:11 pmI love the JESSI Black Royal Multi Platform Mary Jane shoes.
Peggy Johnson
July 5, 2016 at 10:17 pmI like the SUGAR Black Flat
Terry Stevens
July 8, 2016 at 6:54 pmI love theFAITH Mosaic Multi Flat Sandal.
jberry
July 9, 2016 at 3:32 pmI’m fond of the DAWN Espresso Flat Ankle Boot.
Elisse
July 10, 2016 at 5:46 amMy favorite is the RORY Pewter/Bronze Slingback Heels,
Amy Smeltzer
July 10, 2016 at 7:30 pmDANIELLE Forest Multi Woven Sneaker
Jennifer H.
July 13, 2016 at 8:10 amI love the TINA Eggplant Wedge Zip-Back Bootie. Awesome color!
Kathleen B
July 14, 2016 at 10:29 amLove the DAWN Black Flat Ankle Boot!
Theresa Clift
July 16, 2016 at 10:02 amLINDA ZEE CLOUDS Hot Pink Purple Woven Slip-On Sneaker
Jennifer W.
July 17, 2016 at 11:29 amENGIE Black Cork-Wedge Bootie
Theresa N
July 17, 2016 at 11:52 amI like the ALLY Pewter/Bronze Slide-On Flat.
Laura J
July 21, 2016 at 6:39 pmTINA Black Metallic Wedge Zip-Back Bootie is quite adorable. Thanks for introducing us. 🙂
Angela Winesburg
July 25, 2016 at 7:52 pmI would love the WESTIN-G Black Metallic Crisscross Wedge
Sandy Bonesteel
July 27, 2016 at 5:43 amSugar blue tie flat
VI - LE
July 28, 2016 at 1:48 pmI like the SUGAR Black Metallic Flat – size 38 (US 7 – 7.5)
Laura Schrillo
July 30, 2016 at 6:23 pmABBY Cobalt Multi Slip-On size8.5
Kayla Bowe
August 1, 2016 at 3:49 amI would love to have the ABBY Sangria Multi Slip-On, Pink. 9.5 shoes. They look cute and comfortable.
Jessie Thompson
August 2, 2016 at 12:49 pmDUSK Black Tall Flat Boot!
P. Randall
August 2, 2016 at 12:50 pmStella Bronze woven slip-on sneaker
April V.
August 4, 2016 at 10:02 pmSugar – White/Pewter/Silver Flat
Beautiful and look comfy
rickel bart
August 5, 2016 at 6:41 pmABBY Cobalt Multi Slip-On
Trish F
August 7, 2016 at 9:46 amHello, LOVE the SAMMI Calm Multi Mary Jane Flat. Thanks for a great giveaway!
Joy Venters
August 7, 2016 at 10:12 pmI like the GIGI Blue Tie-Dye Flat Espadrille
Melissa Tippie
August 11, 2016 at 12:17 amLINDA ZEE CLOUDS Black Metallic/White Bottom Woven Slip-On Sneaker
So pretty & comfy looking!
Thank-you for a really great #giveaway 🙂
ashley
August 12, 2016 at 12:11 amRORY Black Metallic Slingback Heels
$135.00…. I love them, they’re so funky!
Elle
August 12, 2016 at 1:23 pmThey make such creative and interesting looking shoes! I love so many different styles but I think I like DANIELLE Mosaic Multi Woven Sneaker or one of the booties like the ENGIE Black Cork-Wedge Bootie best.
Jenna Hudson
August 13, 2016 at 1:36 amI just love the SUGAR Black Royal Multi Flat. It\’s so pretty how all the colors are woven together. Looks like great support as well!
Linda
August 13, 2016 at 3:42 pmThe Danielle mosasic women sneakers are so pretty! I love the multi colored but also the pink/blue combination as well. I would just love to win those.
Lee mckeon
August 13, 2016 at 7:55 pmAbby cobalt multi I absolutely love these!
Stephanie Liske
August 14, 2016 at 4:34 pmENGIE Merlot Cork-Wedge Bootie
elizabeth miller
August 15, 2016 at 10:26 amI love the LINDA ZEE CLOUDS White Metallic Woven Slip-On Sneaker–http://zeealexis.com/linda-zee-clouds-white-metallic-woven-slip-on-sneaker/. So casual yet classy and cute.
Cathleen Finch
August 15, 2016 at 1:02 pmGIGI Black/Charcoal Tie-Dye Flat Espadrille are perfect for me. Size 7 1/2 please
richelle bowers
August 16, 2016 at 12:41 pmDANIELLE Navy & White Bottom Woven Sneaker
katie
August 16, 2016 at 2:54 pmI love the STELLA Mosaic Multi Woven Slip-On Sneaker — so colorful!
Patricia Mingozzi
August 17, 2016 at 8:46 amI like the GWYN Black Metallic Slingback Espadrille.
Jessica Hadley
August 17, 2016 at 3:39 pmSugar Black Flats! They look super comfortable and look like they would go with everything. Only having to bring one pair of shoes would save a lot of packing space. They also look comfortable enough in to go for walks, do yoga and some body weight exercises.
S Riches
August 17, 2016 at 4:40 pmI like the DANIELLE Navy & White Bottom Woven Sneakers.
Carol G
August 17, 2016 at 5:49 pmDANIELLE Black/Royal Multi Woven Sneaker because they would go with everything, look great and be comfy. Going to the theme parks in Orlando and comfort is the name of the game.
JoAnn F
August 18, 2016 at 9:34 amI like the DANIELLE Black Metallic & White Woven Sneaker!!
Renee Walters
August 18, 2016 at 12:51 pmI absolutely love the TERRI Black Metallic Wedge Slide!
Lanicsha Wynn
August 18, 2016 at 1:32 pmSUGAR Mosaic Multi Flat
Ashley B.
August 18, 2016 at 4:21 pmAs a mom of 2 who owns ZERO good pairs of sneakers – I would LOVE to win! I fell in love with LINDA ZEE CLOUDS White Metallic Woven Slip-On Sneaker instantly when I saw them 😀
Fingers crossed!
Rachel Freer
August 18, 2016 at 8:26 pmI love the GEM Black Metallic/Zebra Thong Sandal!
Erica B.
August 18, 2016 at 11:08 pmI like the TINA Black Metallic Wedge Zip-Back Bootie.
Jane McGregor
August 18, 2016 at 11:15 pmENGIE Black Cork-Wedge Bootie!
MARIA SIMON
August 18, 2016 at 11:29 pmGIGI Black Metallic Flat Espadrille
think these are very pretty and look so comfy thank you
Kristin McCall
August 19, 2016 at 12:17 amI love the DANIELLE Mosaic Multi Woven Sneaker
Kathy Pease
August 19, 2016 at 10:25 amI love the LINDA ZEE CLOUDS Black Metallic/White Bottom Woven Slip-On Sneaker
susan smoaks
August 19, 2016 at 12:31 pmI really love the ENGIE Eggplant Cork-Wedge Bootie
Docia Vagnerini
August 19, 2016 at 2:07 pmGRACE Pewter/Bronze Slingback Espadrille
These are cool, would love to win them! Thank you for the opportunity 🙂
Janice
August 19, 2016 at 3:03 pmDanielle multicolored woven sneakers! I haven’t seen shoes like this before. I love them.
Lisa V.
August 19, 2016 at 3:12 pmI like the RORY Black Metallic Slingback Heels.
Jessica Epps
August 19, 2016 at 3:42 pmI love, love, love the TRINA Pewter/Bronze Wedge Shoes.
Alice C
August 19, 2016 at 4:22 pmblack metallic wedge bootie
cool shoes:0)
Alice Rolf
August 19, 2016 at 6:38 pmENGIE Black Cork-Wedge Bootie
LaTanya
August 19, 2016 at 8:40 pmI like the STELLA Black Metallic Woven Slip-On Sneaker
Dario Moniz
August 19, 2016 at 9:16 pmABBY Black Metallic Slip-On
shawna
August 19, 2016 at 10:08 pmDusk black tall boot
Breanne
August 19, 2016 at 11:02 pmI like the DANIELLE Mosaic Multi Woven Sneaker
Mark Marville
August 19, 2016 at 11:05 pmTINA Black Metallic Wedge Zip-Back Bootie!
Jennifer Reed
August 19, 2016 at 11:05 pmI like the mosaic multi flat
Carolyn Daley
August 19, 2016 at 11:11 pmI would love the LINDA ZEE CLOUDS White Metallic Woven Slip-On Sneaker.
Shannon
August 20, 2016 at 12:26 amMy favorite is the DANIELLE Navy & White Bottom Woven Sneaker.
Karen A.
August 20, 2016 at 12:27 amI like the LINDA ZEE CLOUDS Black Metallic/White Bottom Woven Slip-On Sneaker
Renee G
August 20, 2016 at 1:12 amI love the CASSANDRA Pewter/Bronze Woven Pump
Trisha McKee
August 20, 2016 at 1:53 amI love the CASSANDRA Black/White Woven Pump
Shayna Brookman
August 20, 2016 at 7:35 amI LIKE THE DANIELLE Black Metallic & White Woven Sneaker 🙂
Penny Snyder
August 20, 2016 at 7:48 amLOVE the DANIELLE Forest Multi Woven Sneaker!!!~
denise
August 20, 2016 at 7:57 amSAMMI Black/Charcoal Tie-Dye Mary Jane Flat
$60.00 7.5
Angela Ash
August 20, 2016 at 8:02 amI really like the DANIELLE Mosaic Multi Woven Sneaker. They kind of remind me of a suitcase with travel stickers all over it.
Joy Adams
August 20, 2016 at 9:14 amI have to be honest ,Before I ran across this sweepstake I had never heard of Zee Alexis shoes.From the picture I must say I like them Should I win this contest Any color would be fine.
amy smeltzer
August 20, 2016 at 9:35 amSAMMI Black Metallic Mary Jane Flat Size 40
DeeAnn S
August 20, 2016 at 9:54 amDANIELLE Forest Multi Woven Sneaker
Jackie
August 20, 2016 at 10:37 amblack metallic wedge
Mary Childers
August 20, 2016 at 10:53 amI really like the “Sugar” style ballet flat in black because my sister has a pair of these and thinks they are fabulous to wear to work! I’d like the shoe in black in size 38-I’m sure they will be GREAT!
Thanks for sponsoring the contest and giving us all a chance to win!
Heather S
August 20, 2016 at 1:11 pmABBY Black Metallic Slip-On
Vicki D.
August 20, 2016 at 4:33 pmI like the GWYN Black Metallic Slingback Espadrille. They look so comfortable. I am sure if I had them I would practically live in them all summer!
Billie R
August 20, 2016 at 5:24 pmI like these, thanks for the chance to win! DANIELLE Black Metallic & White Woven Sneaker
Adriane
August 20, 2016 at 6:10 pmI like the GIGI Black/Charcoal Tie-Dye Flat Espadrille.
Billie
August 20, 2016 at 7:47 pmGRACE Black Metallic Slingback Espadrille, please!
vivian
August 20, 2016 at 8:10 pmexpresso flat ankle boot.
Allie Pence
August 20, 2016 at 9:05 pmI love the TINA Eggplant Wedge Zip-Back Bootie!
DanV
August 20, 2016 at 9:06 pmI like the ABBY Cobalt Multi Slip-On
Heather C
August 20, 2016 at 9:08 pmLINDA ZEE CLOUDS Papaya Woven Slip-On Sneaker!
Thanks!
Danielle
August 20, 2016 at 9:09 pmI would love the DANIELLE Black Metallic Woven Sneaker. That\’s my name–It\’s serendipitous!
Buddy Garrett
August 20, 2016 at 9:45 pmMy wife would love to add the DAWN Espresso Flat Ankle Boot to her collection.
Jerry Marquardt
August 20, 2016 at 10:28 pmI like the ABBY Black Metallic Slip-On the most of all of tine styles available on the Zee Alexis web site.
AEKZ2
August 20, 2016 at 10:33 pmI would love to own the SAMMI Black Royal Multi Mary Jane Flat
Donna Kozar
August 20, 2016 at 10:39 pmI love this: DANIELLE Black/Royal Multi Woven Sneaker
Tosha H
August 20, 2016 at 11:34 pmReally like the Tina Eggplant Wedge Zip-Back Bootie, cool-looking shoe!
Jenny S
August 21, 2016 at 12:29 amThe Jenny Black Metalic Slip on. Very cute and comfy looking.
Lily Kwan
August 21, 2016 at 2:27 amThe SUGAR Black Flat looks very nice!
Birdiebee
September 1, 2016 at 9:20 pmThank you so very much for offering this giveaway. I received the Zee Alexis Faith Women Open Toe Purple Mosaic Canvas Sandals in the mail yesterday and they are the most comfortable sandals I have every worn. I wear sandals from the time the snow melts until the time the snow flies again in the fall. I was at the hospital today wearing the sandals and all of the nurses commented on how nice the sandals look.
Irene S. Levine
September 2, 2016 at 6:57 amI’m so happy you liked these shoes as much as I do! Congratulations again!
Kristin
January 30, 2017 at 1:47 pmThanks for the blog recommendation. I just ordered a pair.