The Great Sandal Hunt continues--opinions? - YouLookFab Forum

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The Great Sandal Hunt continues--opinions?

Ariadne

Veteran

Well, the Clarks Extinguish sandals I'd pinned my hopes on turned out to rub my pinkie toe, just like their predecessors (the Korbins). I think I have an abnormally short pinkie--it often doesn't reach past the end of the last strap on sandals, which causes painful rubbing very quickly.

I tried on these Naots today and they didn't create the pinky-rubbing issue. However, they're pricey ($155). What do you all think of them? The ones I tried on were actually a pewter colour with silver metal, but I like the bronze ones too:
http://www.planetshoes.com/ite.....pcode=4857

Dressing

21 replies

Latest reply was from Antje

Maya

Veteran

I don't think it's unique to you Brianna. I have that problem with all my shoes unfortunately, not just sandals. Shoes are all made on a curved last and my feet are straight. It's hard to explain...

Anyway, I almost bought some Naots after I had bunion surgery but I found the leather too stiff and I knew they would cut my foot after a while. I think they look fine as long as they won't dig. I guess it depends how much YOU like them, since $155 is a lot.

chewyspaghetti

Veteran

I have that same pinkie rubbing issues sometimes. Maybe you need a pair of thoe Birkenstock Gizeh's like in the other thread? Can you do a thong type of sandal? I can't- they bother my toes too much.

Laura

(website)

Veteran

Yes, the style of the Gizehs might solve your problem. Maybe that's why they're so popular.

I also like these Naots - and if I remember your hair color correctly, I'm thinking the bronze would look great on you!

medusa

Veteran

I think the Naots are quite pretty. They seem like a good way to get a bit of metal & shine without going to full-on shiny shoes. The price is high, though.

Inge

(website)

I love the metal detail on the Naots Brianna, it adds an elegant touch (and personally prefer the pewter, but I'm always drawn to cooler colours, so don't mind me;-)

Alecia

Veteran

Those are cute. I'm always a little cautious about the straight across strap since they tend to cut me off. Have you tried any lifestride brand shoes? I haven't really heard of them before recently. This last weekend, I went to famous footwear to look for some Me Toos for an upcoming trip. In the process I tried some gladiators on. Most were so so for comfort. When I put on the lifestride shoes it was like an epiphany. They were so comfortable. I haven't posted the shoes I got yet for feedback so I haven't broken them out to really be able to say whether they live up to the store experience.

Anyway, if you continue looking you may want to look into some. I hope you can get them in Canada.
http://www.lifestride.com/

CK

I think they're really cute, although I'm always amazed at how expensive some of these little sandals are.

Laura

(website)

Veteran

Brianna, what do you think? Will you try the Naots?

I just ordered these Danskos in the "tan" color which is a nude on me, and I'm hoping it will create a longer leg line and go with everything. Hopefully this will complete my great sandal hunt for this year! Personally I like slip-on sandals as I run in and out of the house a lot and like to leave my shoes at the door to avoid tracking dirt inside. And since I'm petite, I like the height the Danskos give me.

http://www.zappos.com/product/7498290/color/181865

Antje

Veteran

Brianna, I like these! I just posted a different pair of Naots that I tried at Nordies yesterday. I like the brand a lot! Personally, I think you will most likely end up spending around $150 for sandals that are both comfortable and pretty. I'm on the same hunt you are and I haven't found anything much below that price point that was truly a "stylish comfort sandals".
There are some Enzo Agniolo sandals at Nordstrom that I found reasonably comfy (and very pretty) for much less, around $60-80, but I know they won't be nearly as comfortable as a Naot, Ecco, Mephisto or similar brand shoe. They might be 4 hour shoes, but the latter are truly 8+ hour shoes if the fit is right.

Maya

Veteran

Sort of OT, but I am sort of new to sandals. I never owned a pair until last year (which hurt, though no more than any of my other shoes). I'm not sure how to judge if they will feel comfortable or if they will dig, and I also have a hard time understanding what a sandal will look like on a foot just from seeing them in pictures online. I find a lot of sandals look pretty unimpressive in pictures, but once they're on a foot they look a lot nicer. I was just looking at the sandals Antje posted and they were nothing I would normally go for myself, but when I started imagining them on a foot with an outfit I started seeing some potential.

I guess I am just someone who prefers a dainty sandal, but the daintier they are, the less comfortable they are. I'm hoping everyone who gets sandals this season will take pictures so I can get some ideas. 3 more days until Angie gets back and gives her final verdict on the Brulees!

Ariadne

Veteran

My last pair of sandals were Naots and lasted for over 5 years, so that's why I'm potentially willing to shell out the cash for them. I did try on the Gizehs and they felt very uncomfortable to me. I also strongly prefer having a back strap on my sandals as opposed to slip-ons because I do a lot of walking and find that the back strap is very important to prevent foot fatigue and having to curl toes to keep the sandals on. I'll most likely buy a pair of leather flip-flop style sandals but those will be much more inexpensive.

Maya, I feel the same way--I want some dainty-ish sandals. These Naots do look beautiful on, and are the most dainty comfort sandals I've found so far. I was really hoping for gladiators, but so far, no joy. I also want something with a touch of toughness or edge, which is why the metal on the Naots appeals to me.

I've never heard of LifeStride... the only style that appeals to me at all is the Monza. I'm worried about them not being real leather, though.

Laura, good luck with the Danskos! They're not my style but I hope they are perfect for you.

I think what I need to do is go through my entire summer wardrobe and make sure these sandals will go with almost all of it before making a final decision. I also need to do one more pass through the shoe stores downtown to make sure I'm not missing anything!

Ariadne

Veteran

These are the other shoes I'm considering:
http://www.jjill.com/jjillonli.....8;pfid=148

I have to wait until I go to Seattle in a few weeks for my birthday to try them on, though. I haven't been able to find them in Canada.

Antje

Veteran

Oh Brianna, I LOVE those last ones you posted! Gentle Souls are amazing, and these are actually cheaper than that brand usually runs. I might give those a try, and I will report back.

Maya, I also like daintier sandals, but there are few dainty sandals out there that fit the comfort criteria of a true 8 hour walking style. In previous years I made do with pretty 4 hour sandals, but this year I'm changing my tune and will give up some daintiness for increased comfort, so I have one pair that I can feel great in for extensive walking.

I did see an Ecco pair at Nordstrom that wasn't available in my size (and also I'd prefer a shinier leather and a more interesting color), by the way, that also looked like they have potential: http://shop.nordstrom.com/S/30.....3&P=1

Oh, and Maya, if you're interested in but new to sandals: I'd just make a commitment to spend 2 hours at a Nordstrom or DWS or even Macys some day to try on all kinds of styles. Maybe even bring a couple different outfits (e.g. a skirt and a pair of clams) so you can try your favorites with both options. It'll totally help you figure out what you like/dislike, what styles work for you etc. No need to buy anything, just a learning session... I've found this very helpful for hard-to-shop-for items.

Antje

Veteran

One more pair (but very pricey) that looks great to me - Paul Green is a wonderful brand: http://shop.nordstrom.com/S/30.....9&P=2
Haven't tried them on myself, and they don't have my size in red

Maya

Veteran

I know I'm unlikely to find a pretty sandal with all my foot problems. I'm not into the gladiator trend myself, although I like a less obvious/more pretty style like Angie's. I just find them a little too tough-looking and too trendy for my taste. I'm glad I don't like gladiators though, since they are so strappy.

I still have not received my Gelato sandals, but I'm hoping the fact that they aren't strappy will increase their comfort. I know a lot of people here can't wear peep toes though, so I have my reservations. I think I'm actually more tolerant of straps than a lot of YLFabbers. My strappy/dainty Ecco sandals don't hurt because they are strappy or because they dig. They hurt for the same reasons that all my shoes hurt: squished pinky toe. I can't seem to get past that problem. I bought a pair of thong sandals with an ankle strap, thinking that would at least eliminate the squished pinky toe problem, but I still find myself curling my toes, and I always get a blister where the thong part rubs. I can't explain why I have to curl my toes, since they are strapped to my foot, but it's impossible for me not to. I have consciously tried and I can't do it!

Part of my problem is that I really don't have any 8 hour shoes that aren't boots or fashion sneakers, so I guess I'm not sure what a comfortable shoe is supposed to feel like, and I end up keeping a lot of shoes that I think will be comfortable, only to be in pain after actually wearing them out for a few hours. If I can find a comfy pair of sandals, I would like to just stick to boots, fashion sneakers, and sandals and only wear ballet flats during weird transitional weather.

Ariadne

Veteran

Antje, please do try on the Gentle Souls if you can, and let me know where you find them in stock so I can try them when I'm in Seattle!

Laura

(website)

Veteran

Brianna, those Gentle Souls gladiators from the JJill catalog are super, super cute. I hope you can try them too!

Kyle

Veteran

Those JJills are adorable, but they don't look quite as comfortable as the first pair, do they? Both would be versatile and if they are SUPER comfortable, probably worth the investment (1 pair of great sandals, versus three pairs of so-so sandals). Good luck!

Antje

Veteran

Brianna, I just tried on these two pairs of sandals and really like them. The comfort factor is not as high as some Naot styles I tried, but still decent, and I find them VERY stylish. I'd compare the comfort level to the Indigo by Clarks gladiators Angie blogged about:
http://www.zappos.com/n/p/p/7516654/c/166678.html
http://www.zappos.com/n/p/p/7516633/c/206736.html

I have them both at home right now, from Zappo, and consider them a "maybe". I have one more pair on the way from DSW (in the bronze), great price:
http://www.dsw.com/dsw_shoes/c.....038;brand=

Ariadne

Veteran

I love all of those, Antje--keep us posted. BTW, in case you don't see this elsewhere, J Jill doesn't carry shoes or sandals in ther stores, just online, so those GS ones we both liked won't be there.

Antje

Veteran

Yeah, just saw that in your other thread. Bummer, since they don't have them in my size online, either.