Alex Marie Wrenna Pearl Stud Embellished Leather Platform Sneakers
The Alex Marie Wrenna brings statement luxury to everyday footwear. Genuine leather uppers are hand-embellished with graduated pearl studs along the quarter and heel tab, creating a sculptural silhouette that elevates casual looks without sacrificing comfort. The 1.5-inch platform sole provides lift and all-day cushioning, while the padded collar and tongue cradle your foot through every step.
Each Wrenna sneaker features 18 graduated faux-pearl studs applied by hand to the leather upper. The pearls range from 6mm at the toe to 10mm at the heel tab, creating dimensional interest that catches light as you move. We chose ivory faux pearls with a subtle luster rather than high-gloss finishes, so they read as refined rather than costume. The studs are secured with metal posts and backing plates beneath the leather lining, ensuring they stay put through regular wear.
Platform sole construction and fit
The Wrenna sits on a full rubber platform sole that measures 1.5 inches at the heel and tapers to 1 inch at the forefoot. This graduated height gives you lift without the instability of a wedge or traditional heel. The rubber compound is dense enough for durability but still flexes at the ball of the foot, so your gait feels natural.
We recommend ordering your usual sneaker size. The lace-up closure lets you adjust tension across the instep, and the padded tongue prevents pressure points if you tie them snugly. The removable insole adds about 4mm of memory foam cushioning — if you prefer a roomier fit or plan to use custom orthotics, you can take it out. The platform sole adds weight compared to a flat sneaker, but the cushioning distributes impact evenly across your foot.
Leather care and longevity
The Wrenna’s genuine leather upper will develop a patina with wear, softening and molding to your foot over the first few weeks. To keep the cream leather looking fresh, wipe it down with a damp microfiber cloth after each wear to remove surface dust. For deeper cleaning, use a pH-neutral leather cleaner applied with a soft brush, working in gentle circles. Avoid soaking the pearls directly — water can dull their luster over time.
Protecting the pearl studs
The faux pearls are durable, but direct impacts against hard surfaces can loosen the backing plates. Store the Wrenna in the dust bag provided, and avoid tossing them into the bottom of a gym bag where metal zippers or keys might scratch the studs. If a pearl does come loose, bring the shoe to a leather-repair specialist rather than attempting a DIY fix — the backing plates require pressure tools to reseat correctly. With regular care, the Wrenna’s leather and embellishments will hold up through seasons of wear.
Wrenna design highlights
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Customer reviews
Common questions about the Wrenna platform sneaker
The Wrenna fits true to size for most customers. We recommend ordering your usual sneaker size. The lace-up closure allows you to adjust the fit across the instep, and the padded tongue accommodates a snugger lacing if needed. If you’re between sizes or have a wider foot, consider sizing up — the leather will give slightly with wear, but the toe box and midfoot are structured and won’t stretch significantly.
The rubber platform sole offers good traction on damp pavement, but we don’t recommend wearing the Wrenna in heavy rain or snow. The leather upper isn’t waterproofed, and prolonged moisture exposure can discolor the cream leather and dull the pearl studs. If you’re caught in light rain, wipe the shoes dry with a soft cloth as soon as possible and let them air-dry away from direct heat. For wet-weather days, consider a sneaker with treated leather or synthetic uppers.
Wipe the pearls gently with a barely damp microfiber cloth to remove dust and fingerprints. Avoid submerging the studs in water or using harsh cleaners, which can strip the luster coating. If a pearl looks cloudy after cleaning, buff it gently with a dry jewelry polishing cloth — the same type you’d use for costume jewelry. Don’t use abrasive brushes or acetone-based products near the pearls, as these can scratch the surface or loosen the adhesive backing.
Yes, the 1.5-inch platform is designed for stability. The sole is wider at the base than the upper, creating a stable footprint that distributes your weight evenly. The rubber compound flexes at the ball of the foot, so your stride feels natural rather than stiff. Customers regularly wear the Wrenna for eight-plus-hour days without balance issues. The platform adds lift without the forward pitch of a heel, so your posture stays neutral.
Most customers find the Wrenna comfortable right out of the box. The leather upper is pre-softened, and the padded collar prevents heel rubbing during the first few wears. You may notice slight stiffness across the vamp during the first day, but this typically relaxes within a few hours of wear. If you experience any pressure points, adjust the lacing tension or remove the insole temporarily. After about a week of regular wear, the leather will mold to your foot shape and the fit will feel custom.
Yes, the Wrenna’s insole is removable. Lift it out from the heel and it will release easily. The shoe accommodates custom orthotics or aftermarket insoles up to 5mm thick without feeling cramped. If you prefer a roomier fit or need more arch support than the stock insole provides, replacing it is a simple option. The platform sole itself is stitched to the upper and can’t be replaced, but the rubber is durable and should last through a year or more of regular wear.
The Wrenna’s platform sole measures 1.5 inches at the heel and 1 inch at the forefoot, giving you approximately 1.25 to 1.5 inches of net height once your foot compresses the insole. This is less dramatic than a traditional heel but more than a flat sneaker. The graduated sole keeps your foot in a near-neutral position, so you won’t feel like you’re walking on your toes. The added height is flattering under full-length pants and helps balance proportions with midi skirts or wide-leg trousers.