Thought I'd share impressions of these since I've seen them both at Marshalls and T J Maxx right now at good prices and brought them home to test out. I'm a relatively low volume, narrow foot, but basically true to size 8, most standard sized shoes fit me.
Franco Sarto chelsea bootie - leather upper, not a lot of interior padding on it's own, but comfortable with my standard insoles added. Fit evenly with no visible flower-potting when standing straight, and pants of various widths fit well over or on top of the opening. Worked with leggings and bare legs as well with short sport socks. It was comfortable with an insole (not soft but not too stiff), the shape is nice - sleek and almond toed, and it works well proportionally, but I'm not sure if I want something with a little more heel or a sharper point, I need to think about it.
Ellen Tracey strappy pump -- I tried this on just on a whim and really like it. First, it's probably the most comfortable refined heeled sandal or pump I've tried on, the padding inside is more substantial than the chelsea boot. The straps held it securely but not tightly so it's easy to walk in, and though it has a kitten heel it felt stable and I barely noticed the heel. It zips up the back so is easy to remove. The wide vee shaped front strap is what I liked the most, because it creates an interesting arrow visual effect/column of color with any dark pants you wear it with (I tried baggy rolled, skinnies, track pants, etc.) It also worked great with skirts. It's suede leather so soft, but not so durable. The toe is pointed. I'm tempted, but still thinking about it's usefulness in my closet.
