Simple Carousel Review

Keep it Simple

I had not been swayed by the brand called “Simple” for many years...just like it took me years to realize how cool my Dad actually was. My Dad knew that black and white went with everything except opinions and to be cool you had to have a splash of the unique. I shouldn't have been surprised that my Dad liked this pair of Simple Carousels. How could one resist the black suede, white toe bumper and outsole that exudes street style. The unique lacing style with its wide minty sea foam green ribbon and trio of grommets on each side dance across my instep in a myriad of combinations. Dad noticed me wearing them and gave me that smile of approval that says...” you are on your way to cool kid”.

Even though I loved Dad's grin and would love to leave the simple matter there; I must tell you that cool only goes so far and give you the whole truth. My first outing in the Carousels did cause blisters on the back of my heels and there is very little arch support to speak of. I did remedy both issues by slipping in a pair of Shock Doctor arch supports and have made peace with these cool treads. I still love lacing them this way and that thinking of my Dad each time. Thank you Simple for the style props.

It's always best to try on and buy Simples at your favorite local shoe store but if you can't find the pair you are after you may have luck with the Shoebacca, Backcounty or eBay.

Fitting Notes:

American sizing. The style I purchased runs a bit long so 7 ½ medium was plenty long enough though I normally wear an 8 medium. I have not tried on enough of this brand to know if the sizing is typically long or not. Simples have great cushioning but minimal arch support which is good for folks with a static or rigid arch. Many have removable footbeds so it is easy to switch for an insole with better support such as SuperFeet.