The Nella Grey Olive Suede

The Nella brings together the comfort of a sneaker and the refined shape of a ballet flat. Soft grey-olive suede gives this Sneakerina an understated finish that works with denim, tailoring and relaxed travel outfits. Designed for days filled with walking, from city errands to airports and sightseeing, it keeps the feeling easy without looking too sporty. A versatile alternative to trainers when you want a little more polish.

Like all Blankens shoes, The Nella is handcrafted in a small, family-run factory in northern Portugal. We use European leather sourced from Gold Rated Leather Working Group tanneries, ensuring high quality, responsible sourcing, and a lower environmental impact.

At Blankens, we are a small group of women designing shoes for our own lives. We wear and test every style ourselves, carefully working through fit, function, and feeling — making sure each shoe has a clear role in the wardrobe. We make the shoes that make the outfit — and they are comfortable too.

The Nella is a women’s leather Sneakerina made in soft suede with hand-stitched detailing along the toe. The lace-up construction makes the fit highly adjustable, allowing the shoe to adapt easily to different foot shapes and needs throughout the day. It sits on a lightweight, flexible driver sole that follows the natural movement of the foot, offering comfort and stability without stiffness. A padded leather heel tab adds support at the back, while the low, streamlined profile keeps the shoe easy to style — from relaxed tailoring and denim to dresses and travel looks.

Sneaker ease in a more polished shape.

Adjustable laces let you fine-tune the fit.

Flexible driver sole for city walks and travel.

Runs large. If you have narrow to regular feet, size down; if you have wider feet, choose your usual size. Adjust the laces to fine-tune the fit.

We use only European leather from tanneries rated Gold by the Leather Working Group. The upper is soft greenish-brown suede with a rich, tactile finish. Lined in light leather. Set on a flexible rubber driver sole with integrated nubs that extend up the heel for grip and natural movement.

Treat your shoes to make them last longer! Regular care keeps your shoes beautiful, soft, and strong. By cleaning, conditioning, and protecting the leather, you preserve its suppleness, prevent cracks, and maintain its natural shine. Think of it as skincare — for your most trusted companions. A small ritual that makes a big difference, keeping your Blankens favorites fresh and ready for every season.

We recommend using a protective spray, such as the Water Proofer, before first wear and reapply regularly to guard against moisture and stains.

Use a suede brush to remove dirt and salt stains and to maintain texture.

Don't forget the inside. Refresh the insole by cleaning it with The Foam Cleaner.

We recommend storing them in a cool, dry place when not in use, with a shoe tree or paper stuffing to maintain shape. Avoid prolonged exposure to moisture and direct heat.

The inner sole length is measured from heel to toe. Add a bit of extra space for the feet. For shoes with a pointed toe, keep in mind that your foot will not extend all the way into the pointed end.

The Nella

How to use these measurements
Insole length is measured from heel to toe. Leave a little room at the front: boots may feel more comfortable with a little extra space, while loafers usually fit best with less. Pointed styles extend beyond where the toes sit, so the pointed tip does not provide extra room for the toes. If you are between sizes, a thin insole can help create a half-size. For closed heels, a half insole can fine-tune the fit.

Inner sole:

36 = 24,2 cm

37 = 24,7 cm

38 = 25,5 cm

39 = 26 cm

40 = 26,7 cm

41 = 27,5 cm

42 = 27,9 cm