April Fools?

I’m not a fan…

I’m not sold on these. Someone, somewhere can wear them and look great I’m sure…but not me!

No April Fools, Christie. But it helps that I saw people pull off the look with style in Tel Aviv last week. The sandal bootie was all over stores. (An epidemic in fact). The look might be better suited to a person with exotic features – I’m not sure. But the ensembles that I saw with this edgy ped REALLY worked.

There is also the possibility that one’s eyes needs to adapt to the trend. But if sandal booties are not your cuppa tea, that’s fine too

Nope, sorry Angie, this is not my cup of tea;-)

I am curious though: how would you wear them?

Um, not my thing. But then, I’m usually behind the curve on new trends.

Angie,

Will you be posting photos of your trip to Israel? If you have photos of gals sporting those peds, I’d love to see. Perhaps seeing them in the context of the whole outfit *might* win me over. Doubtful, but I am curious.

Yes yes yes! I got a high-heeled version with shorter top last year from Turkey and loved it. I’m in the market for one of these flat versions for a few months. I almost bought one at the Buffalo Exchange in San Diego before I left. It was leopard print and I decided maybe it’s a bit much.

Good question Inge, and quite right Kyle.

Lasses in their 20’s were wearing them with short denim shorts, miniskirts, clamdiggers or leggings, Grecian-looking knitted tops/ tunics and ethnic jewelry. A few older gals (in their 30’s to 50’s) wore them with casual knitted wrap day dresses. All the colours were natural and murky – lots of grey, black and brown. Quite fabulous. The ethnic look of a person with Israeli heritage probably sealed the deal. Imagine the ensemble with long, cascading curly hair. Great look.

I don’t have these actual fashion forward peds in action pictures, but we have something close. Once you get a taste of Tel Aviv street style, you might think differently. Different styles work in different parts of the world. This fact becomes clearer to me each day.

ick!! sorry, dont like- but would be intertested in your pictures of Tel Aviv!

Woohoo, Legacy of Pearl! You and I are on the same wavelength this morning. You bought your first pair in Turkey – to my point.

This is not a shoe that I find attractive. I can see it as an edgy, short-lived trend for a teen or young 20s gal, but that’s about it.

Oh…not a chance these would make their way to my closet. I don’t care for them at all.

I would love to see photos of them incorporated into an outfit though as well as some vacation photos!!!

Susan D

At first glance, I thought, “How odd.” But then I started to think, “Perhaps this could work in a casual office for summer…”

Hmmm,
I would love to see an outfit. If I could find an inexpensive pair and they were comfortable I would love the challenge of making them work with an outfit. I sort of like the look, I love the high gladiator look but am always wary of these trends being for only a season. I like the suede cognac pair!

Nothing more refreshing and summery than sweat pooling around your ankle! Not for me, but–I, too–am curious to see the photos.

I think they could work, but they wouldn’t be practical for me, unfortunately. Although I’ve heard our weather is similar to Tel Aviv, the last thing I want is to have extra stuff bunching around me in the heat. Even now I think it would be too warm for something like that.

I don’t think this would be a flattering look on a short legged person like me – too many horizontal lines.

I am struggling to imagine a weather scenario where I would want my toes exposed but my ankles bundled up.

I’ve seen these on the street and they are super funky. I think they are a shoe for a statement making person who has money to burn.

Ugly, I think, and all I can see is the likelihood of sweaty ankles…

I think they’re a little silly, but the cream one is kind of cute. Yes, I can imagine on the right person they may look adorable. I doubt they’d work for me, since I’m short. I don’t like boots this height unless they are hidden under my jeans – cuts me off and makes me look even shorter. I also don’t like sandals that lace up around the ankle either.

OMG!!! i LUV these! i might even add a pair of funky stockings or SOX! YES, i said sox! i used to think eewie YUK when i saw cheesy dudes wearing sandals and socks. but i think a cute pair of pink skull socks OR my ankh ankle socks, with the black sandal bootie would be adorable!

i AM so there!

I am not at a fan at present. But earlier this year I also vowed not to wear gladiator sandals, and then I bought a pair from JCrew and I love them. So I will pass for now, but I reserve the right to change my mind later.

As I first read the post I wasn’t a fan, but after reading how Angie asked us to picture these in an outfit – paired with shorts or minis with tunics or Grecian tops or wrap dresses – I can picture this working as part of a person’s style or look. An understated, modern ethnic or “tribal” theme in the rest of the outfit would help these shoes seem less costume-like to me.

I don’t think they would work for a casual office unless the dress code or field of work allowed/required more creative or fashion-forward dressing. Even if I were to wear what women in Tel-Aviv did to make the sandals “work” it would be a BIG change for my summer casual office setting!

I’m not a fan at all. My style is much too classic, I’m afraid. Also, I’ve only seen them online and never in person. We’re just not that cutting edge here. Perhaps if I’d seen them, like Angie has, worn by those who know how to rock the look, I might be more open, but even then, I highly doubt a pair would make their way into my closet.

I love this look. I did a little blog post about it last month: http://liminal-judy.blogspot.com/2009/03/more.html when I saw them on a shoe website and thought wow, those are so cool. I also liked these: http://liminal-judy.blogspot.com/2009/03/oops.html . It’s nice to see some really different looking shoes. I’m a fan and look forward to seeing pictures of them and also your trip, Angie!

Sorry, I love gladiator sandals, but I keep thinking something’s been chewing on these boots.

But I do imagine there are people out there who can work this look; there’s always someone!

Hm, not for me. But I definitly didn’t like the peep toe boots and booties. Cold wet toes, yuck. I think I need to see these pictured on women’s feet with the right outfit.

Although these are kind of aesthetically interesting, I think they fall in the category of ensembles that don’t make seasonal sense–Angie did a great post about this a few months ago.

Hate them. Hate them. Hate them.

love them! any links to slightly cheaper ones though? i’d prefer to try a cheaper version before i drop $200 on the beautiful ones from bloomingdales!

Angie, although I generally agree with you, I have to say I stared at these for a long time trying to see why you like them. Though I’m young and generally trendy, I just don’t agree. I think they’re hideous, but I hope to see someone wearing them around some time soon to see what they really look like in person.

Ofcourse I am not candidate to wear these, but I kind of find them an interesting new twist for more fashion forward women. I myself would not have taken a second look at them in the store, but I was amazed at how Angie can pick something like this out of the crowd and see the good in it. I think we need a little something new for the season. They are much better than the gladiator sandals that go up to the knee.

Coincidental that you would write about this, Angie! I was just trying to figure out how I felt about the style yesterday. I’d be interested in seeing them in an outfit. I’m still not sure… I’m almost completely fascinated by them. I can’t tell if it’s because I think they’re awful or wonderful.

I too am not a fan. I think it’s silly to cover up even the lower part of your leg when your foot is practically naked.

I can’t imagine myself wearing these and doubt it’s a style that will make it to this part of the country. They seem costumey.

I’ve seen these in the wild, and I laughed inside my head at the fashion-victimhood of most sorority girls. I think the only possible way to pull these off would be to base your outfit around them, and even then they might look a bit silly. Then again, I think gladiator sandals are pretty terrible too.

I stay far away from clothing items that are logical contradictions.

I would love to see these on a model. I’m not sure about the look, but I found another pair at Zappos a few days before this post that I think are fab: http://zapp.me/7489548. I don’t think I would personally wear the booties from Zappos unless they were flats, but I think they are really cool! Also, I wonder if bootie sandals get hot if you wear them in the summer heat?

I actually saw these last weekend — on someone young & skinny & pretty trendy looking. And even then, as Shiny suggested above, they made her legs look shorter. My 13 yo son was highly amused by the whole concept of toeless boots (although he’s not anyone’s fashion guru, unless you like a steady diet of graphic tees and jeans).

Anyway, if cute trendy young Miss Thing couldn’t pull these off, I’m just not seeing it.

I don’t dislike this look. But I don’t like it enough to spend money on a trend that will be short lived. I can imagine that not too long from now this style of shoe will be a “what were we thinking???” clip on some VH1 special about the early 2000’s.

I am not one who only likes “practical” footwear mind you but not a fan. Possibly they could work with right outfit but I would think that type of shoe has a limited life. It just doesn’t make sense in the same way the peep tow boot makes no sense.
I hate the boots with shorts look – it really makes legs look cut off at ankle.

I’m sure they’ll grow on me, but for now … ech.

Neat. I saw the Ash version in the Bijenkorf the other week, and was sorely tempted. Then I saw them on a dead ringer for The Girl from Ipanema (tall and tanned and young and lovely) and said “aahhh”….

But, on the whole, I’m with blondeambition. They’re pricey, they’ll date very quickly, and above all, they demand long, tanned, flawless legs. Guess I’ll enjoy them vicariously on other people, and buy something else instead.

I’m not a fan of these sandals/booties at all. I can’t see my feet and short legs making a good combo for these shoes.

I’m just not fond of things that don’t make seasonal sense, so I would give these a pass. If it’s warm enough for sandals, then it’s probably too hot for boots. Those silver ones are probably the best option because they have holes cut into the shaft, and are the least boot-y looking of the four. I don’t much care for the others. I haven’t seen these around on the street yet so am not quite sure how one could make these work.

I kind of like the concept, because I suffer from skinny ankles and these would balance out my leg, sort of the way that slouchy boots do. BUT, my look is so far from exotic that I don’t know how this could possibly work. If I had long curly hair instead of a pixie cut, I might have given it a try!

I can definitely see the appeal of these in the Middle East. In the Midwest, not as much

I would love to see a this in a slightly modified high heel ..I will keep my eyes open. My daughter said CharlotteRuess.com may have some. They are not so expensive, because they don’t do leather. If you want to try this trend without a huge investment.

CharlotteRusse.com

LOP, I can see you sport these peds with style. Your exotic features are perfect for the look.

I hear everyone on the seasonal confusion. I tried on a cotton – canvas pair and they seemed fine, but I’d have to put the style through its paces to be sure.

As for the price, it’s ridiculous that they cost so much in the States. Sandal booties are a lot more affordable in Israel, probably because of the huge supply. This style is still a novelty in our neck of the woods which pushes up the price. Perhaps Payless or Target will come out with a cheap version to experiment with.

Thanks for the tip Taylor!

Angie: I’m imagining these with floral tea dresses and skirts in chiffon-like fabrics. I like the idea of the contrast between soft and hard. Everything else would be neutrals like a tank top over the skirt with a large tote bag with large hardware. Does that make sense?

It is a look that I’d save for the evenings, weekends and holidays. The extra ankle coverage is generally not a problem in the coast of San Diego. I can see how it might be a problem in muggy weather for some.

No matter how many different ways I try to picture these (with shorts, skirts, dresses, wood jewelry, slouchy bags, and other boho-y pieces), I just find them ugly. I know I’m supposed to be a prime candidate for liking these, but all that tells me is that I seriously need to reconsider what my style is saying about me…

I think I’m just not into a rugged look. I probably don’t like them for the same reason I don’t like Docs or moto boots. I like pretty shoes, and saying these are not pretty is a gross understatement, IMO. Sorry if that sounds harsh. I don’t think it’s impossible to be stylish and wear these, but I think there are so many other more aesthetically pleasing shoes out there. These would ruin an otherwise nice outfit for me.

And then of course there is the impracticality issue, but that has been thoroughly covered.

I think these could look good, in certain circumstances, although I think the problem with shoes like these is they have an identity crisis and can never look effortless. As I’ve said before about shoes, they’re like a woolly turtleneck sweater without sleeves – if you’re cold enough to wear the neck, why are you sleeveless?

I.e. if you’re wearing boots, isn’t it cold enough to wear closed ones? If not, why not dispense with the boots and just wear cool sandals?

LOP, your outfit ideas have great potential. Can’t wait to see them. And you’re right about muggy weather being a potential problem. Israel is not humid, so I guess the weather is similar to San Diego.

Lex: You comment made me smile because also love sleeveless turtlenecks and used to wear them a lot over basic long-sleeved tees. I wonder what this says about me, LOL! I’m trying to think of other things with identity crisis that I sport … a ring watch (or is it a watch ring?), a pant skirt (skirt pant?), a knee-height sleeveless puffer (good for San Diego), UGG flip-flops (I know I’ll be boo’ed), … I can’t think of anything else. I think I like the surprising and original design element in these. You sort of feel like looking again when you pass one in a store. Then I try and make it work within the limits of my lifestyle. Same with the sandal booties. I think they are original and exciting!

My first reaction was “ugh, no way”. My second was “is this an April fool’s joke by Angie”. I wonder though if I tried these on my feet if I’d feel really differently about them. Because there are other things that I would never have thought to try but once you recommended and I did, they were killer. So while my initial reaction is quite negative, the next time I’m at a store that carries them, I will try them on. That’s as far as I’m willing to go so far

And the verdict is: Guilty; 25 to life.

Seriously, I can see, design-wise how they arrived at this sandal from the heavily ribbed gladiator sandal. But what are we saying? My toes are comfortable but my ankles are cold?

Perhaps I’m just not hip enough….

Angie,
Is this the same idea as the cuffed bootie? or the cuffed gladiator? Or are these different animals all together.

Cuffed gladiators are definitely a similar animal in my book, Taylor. But a cuffed bootie is a closed shoe. Is that what you were thinking of as well?

I think any thong style shoe makes the foot splay out too much and is generally unattractive. I can only see a thong style for the beach, but a thong boot? It makes no sense. Kind of like sleeveless turtlenecks. I love fashion, but completely illogical styles just scream fashion victim to me.

Before anyone wears these they should first look into a full length mirror and then ask “do I have the legs of a super model”. If the answer is no then takes those horrid things off. If you do look like a super model – go ahead and wear them – smug in the knowledge you could wear a paper bag and look good

No way! Not until I get a starring role in a Star Trek movie!

Angie,

Yes, I have seen these for a little while now..and the peep toe cuffed bootie. Thanks

I am like LOP , in that I love sleevleless turtlenecks. I keep 3 black ones in rotation at all times. They are great for cardis , and jackets when you don’t want to add bulk to the sleeve, or to add w/a pencil skirt. I hardly feel like a fashion victim. Different thread for a different day

Here’s the post about seasonal ensembles that don’t make sense:

http://youlookfab.com/2009/01/.....nal-sense/

While I agree that sleeveless Winter woolly turtlenecks are a little hard to understand, lightweight cotton styles can be lovely. I have a super thin mesh version that I love to wear. I look best in really high necklines and I feel cold quickly. Believe it or not, this style works well for me in 85 degrees with a breezy skirt and ballet flats.

Sounds just like myself….I look best in really high necks as well, and wear them all year !! I think our short hair may have something to do with it…and of course body type.

Thanks for the post lnk.

Aha Taylor, I did not know that you had really short hair too, but suspected us to have similar body types. Bob’s your uncle!

What does that mean? Bob’s your Uncle? I have never heard that before. Once you let me in on the secret I hope to get some milage out of it myself!

Oh! That’s a common British expression. It means: “there you go” or “easily accomplished”.

Ohhhhhh! A British expression…..well “there you go,” that explains why I hadn’t heard it before.

Well, they aren’t my taste, but I wouldn’t expect them to be – my style is definitely not edgy or rugged, so I’m guessing these would look silly on me and with my body type anyway. I’ll give them a miss but I’d love to see how these can be worn in a flattering & successful ensemble on someone else. I hope we’ll see pictures of Israeli fashion from your travels to get a better idea of the aesthetic you’re talking about!

I know I am in the minority here, but I like the dolce vita one on the bottom right Its avant garde and interesting. I would wear it with a really simple, neutral colored dress and some ethnic, chunky jewelry. It’s a little pricey though.

Too faddish.
I thought the gladiator breathed it’s last in 2008, but it’s a strong trend.
This is for the long legged young gals, and sadly I think it will be seen on some short legged ladies. Cringe-worthy.

One word – ugly

Like some people here, I am not a fan.

Wow I have never seen anything like these before!!!

Like others I first thought they looked a bit odd. But then thinking about it, they combine my 2 favourite articles of footwear: boots and sandals. Plus your feet heat up alot more than ankles do.

I actually really like the 2 pairs on the right. Season-wise I think they could get a lot of wear in Australia. Trend-wise, maybe not. I’ll be interested to see if they appear here in stores next summer!!!

I loved reading all of these comments! I find it interesting that so many go back to the idea that these are not practical due to weather issues. That would make sense if people only wore sandals (thong or otherwise) on the hottest of hot days, and that we only wore boots on the coldest or “wet-est” days. This simply isn’t the case. Our choice of shoes usually says more about our style than it does about the weather outside (within reason of course). If the weather is fairly moderate you can get away with pretty much anything on your feet. (I’ve been really, really hot before, but I don’t know if I’ve ever observed my ankles sweating!)

That said – I dig ‘em. I’m 6 feet tall and have a 34 inch inseam (at least). I think I can pull off shoes that make my legs shorter, though I totally understand that not everyone can (at the same time, I look absurd in 4 inch heels). I doubt I’ll get any though because I agree – they are currently a little over priced for a “fashion” piece (unless my 3 kids won’t mind skipping university one day!) )

So it’s hot enough for naked toes but cool enough for warm ankles? Very oxymoronic, indeed. Plus I have cankles. It would never work….

This is too much like the girls I see all summer long wearing Uggs and miniskirts. Seasonal mishap! Why do that to yourself?

I actually like the look, on the right person (not me)! With a short knitted dress, or leggings and a tunic, on a tall girl with long legs, it is very edgy, trendy, and very Israeli.

The thing is that we have “sandals weather” for most of the year here in Israel, so we have to be creative with our sandals. After all, it is boring to wear the same standard strappy version all the time. Also, boots is such a fab look, but it is almost always too hot for them here. So sandal booties combine the best of all worlds

Wow. I’d say it’s pretty much unanimous that there are no takers for this trend.

HannaC, it’s interesting that you perceive the look to work as well, especially on the streets of Israel. I like your point about this style providing variety amongst the multitudes of sandals worn in warm weather countries. A great perspective.

I really like these sandals, with the right outfit these would be edgy and cool. I will definitely be partaking in this trend.

Btw, I am short with long legs and i think this will be quite cute on me, don’t knock a trend until you try it!

It is not unanimous Angie!

i have yet to see these on my own feet but i suspect the result won’t be good. HOWEVER i do love this look on other people!!

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