I remember seeing these. Wow, I am having a very hard time describing them but they are NOT Teva-like at all. The velcro strap goes through a large loop on the other side of the foot and holds it together, which is nice because it is adjustable over the forefoot and ankle. It does seem to have the ankle strap though but it looks lower on the ankle and foot. It isn't an open back shoe.

I don't know if that helped at all. Maybe Tara and Laura can bring out their mean writing skills and do a better job :)

Thanks, Maya. That does give me a better ida than their lame description, for sure. Would these bbe Ylf-approved, or should I keep looking?
And hey, I've seen you in full eloquent flow on other posts, you're a fantastic writer yourself! :)

hehe, thank you Michelle. This reminds me of trying to write instructions on how to write my shoes. You don't realize how complex it is until you try to explain it.

Anyway, I think actually that Angie sent me a link to these at some point, so my inclination is to give the green light.

Michelle- I don't care for the pair that you posted.

What about the Brulees that everyone is raving about?

http://www.zappos.com/n/p/p/7506623/c/185648.html

They have the slight wedge that you are after, come in the pewter color, and they are a gladiator style.
They are also reported to be very comfortable.

Khris, my fear with the Brulees is that they have an akle strap, which often is not a flattering look on me because I don't exactly have dainty ankles. Quite the opposite, in fact. I like strappy sandals, so long as they aren't too strappy and annoying to put on. I agree that they have everything else I'm looking for, though, which makes it a shame about the ankle strap.

I'm not sure how fussy your feet are but here are some other options that came up.

http://canada.zappos.com/n/p/d.....c/554.html

Those have a 1.25" wedge

http://canada.zappos.com/n/p/d.....68180.html

I don't know what your budget is but those wedges are sweet and probably comfy (they're Mephistos)

http://canada.zappos.com/n/p/d.....68180.html

peep toe wedge slingbacks

http://canada.zappos.com/n/p/d...../1839.html

more wedge slingbacks

wedge slides:

http://canada.zappos.com/n/p/d.....c/552.html

Michelle, I have had my feet in the style you’ve linked to SEVERAL times. They are SO comfy – they *almost* won me over. They are indeed pewter and NOT gold. I have clients running around in tomato red and black versions. They love them.

How high can you go? I’m blogging about a fabulous 2,5 heeled wedged sandal on Monday that even I can run around in (for 4 hours). Comes in pewter.

Thank you thank you thank you Maya for these links! You're so sweet to put so much time into that! I particularly like the idea of the kenneth Cole: http://canada.zappos.com/n/p/p/7383357/c/554.html
And the Onex: http://canada.zappos.com/n/p/d...../1839.html
I'm looking for something lower than 2 inches, as I want these to be my versatile eight-hour sandals that work with anything I throw at it.

So as I only had one flat-out no on the Clarks I originally linked to, I'd be interested to see your take on which ones look best now that Maya has presented me with more options, lovely person that she is. I haven't ruled the Clarks out either, if Angie almost caved and the clients are reporting success. What was the dealbreaker for you personally, Angie?

P.S. Maya, the very first pair you linked to, the Kenneth Cole, would be an ironic choice if I get them. The shoes I fell in love with being hawked by the metallicly-challenged sales person were another pair of Kenneth Cole reactions.

Michelle, all the links that Maya posted will work aesthetically. It’s all a question of comfort!

The reason I did not get the Clarks you originally linked to is because I preferred the aesthetic of the Brulees. I was after a gladiator vibe with the T-strap whereas the others are more of a pukka sandal. But they look and feel fab with painted toes and a hip outfit though. My clients are proof of that. And you're a hip gal :0)

Michelle, Those Clarks velcro sandals are on my to-buy list. The leather looks very luxurious and feels very comfy.

I'm new to posting here, but I had to chime in on this one. I have the first pair of sandals that Maya posted (the Kenneth Cole Reaction Sunny Dew), and I love them. I bought them in bronze, and a few weeks later ended up going back to buy a second pair in pewter. They are comfortable enough for me to wear them all day to walk around in. The one thing you might want to be aware of is that they do have a thong, even though they look like regular gladiator-type sandals. Doesn't bother me at all, but I know some people can't stand having something between their toes . . .

Michelle, I like the Kenneth Cole Reaction ones. Those also have an "ankle" strap, though. On both those and the Brulees, the "ankle" strap hits at the top of your foot, though (rather than at your ankle), so I think you will be ok. Order a few different pair and see which ones work best.

I have a soft spot for people searching for shoes, knowing what a monumental task it is myself! In fact, I would love to be a professional shoe shopper. Since I cannot wear a lot of cute shoes myself, it would make me feel better to shop for others.

BTW I was gone all day in NYC and the Brulees were wonderful. My soles are a bit blistered but it's just because they are not used to going sockless just yet. For once, my little toe has emerged unscathed after a day of walking. My foot does hang off the sole, but when your feet are as fussy as mine, you don't let one small thing like that get in the way. I don't think anyone would notice. Anyway, if anyone is still wondering about these, I can't praise them enough.

Thanks for the re-affirmation about the Brulees Maya. I love the Nadias to death and they have been my go to shoes almost everyday since I bought them. But some days when it hits 90 degrees my toes bake and toast and I can't wait till I can take off my shoes. Open toed shoes would be a lovely relief on those days.

Ok Brulee girls... Am I right to be avoiding this one on account of my wide ankles and the unflattering effect of the ankle strap, or does it look more like a sling-back? In other words, should I just get the damn things and abandon this other search? :)

Michelle, the strap on Brulees is not really on the ankle - it is a bit lower (on top of the foot). So I don't think it highlights the ankle, neither does it shorten the leg. I don't have them (damn Zappos won't ship overseas :( ), but I would buy them in a heartbeat if I could. I say go for it!

Niva - get the Brulees! In white perhaps?

Maya, I'm happy your feet are happy! Mine are too.

Michelle, try the Brulees but ALSO try other sandal styles. The Brullees do not look like sling backs – they have a t-strap that makes them more like gladiators and they have a double ankle strap which lies below the ankles. If I may be so bold as to narrow down the assortment for you. I have had most of these on clients so I’m hopefully cutting to the chase faster:

1. Clarks Brulees

2. Clarks Lucena (as you originally posted)

3. Onex Glenda ( fab comfy brand)

4. Sudini Bailey (these are mules and not sandals)

The Kenneth Cole would have made the lsit but it’s a thong sandal. If you find those comfortable, I’ll substitute the mules for the KC's.

Angie, white it is :-) I've been pondering the pewter Brulees and in my mind they don't look as good on my skin.

Niva, white would look awesome against your coloring. So far everyone has been getting the metallic brulees, but the white is very pretty and pearly and I actually prefer it to the champagne.

Yay, Vani! If I could wear the white Brulees I’d be all over them too. They're so pretty. Now at least I can enjoy them on you :0)

Yooohooo. Michelle, where are you?

Sorry, was spending the weekend recovering from a minor procedure done a few days ago, but I'm back with a vengeance now. :)
Angie, your list was a massive help. I have ordered both the Brulees and the Lucenas in pewter and will pick which one I prefer. I loved the idea of the KC thongs, but they didn't have the pewter in my size anymore. I contemplated the black lizard, since I want a textured black sandal, but decided not to do it. The import charges are insane, making experimentation a bit riskier. Plus I can probably find a subtle black snake print in stores here a lot more easily than I could hunt down pewter. So ladies, thanks so much for all your help with this issue! I'll absolutely report back when I have the shoes and may even enlist your help to make the final decision if the comfort factor doesn't resolve the question for me already.

Niva, good luck with your brulees. Let's compare notes when you have yours.

Ok, so the Zappos order arrived. Here are the initial thoughts:
1. Brulees: LOVE the style so so much! Only gladiators I've ever seen that I liked immediately. Comfort is absolutely there. But I fear they don't look good on my feet. For some reason the fit is fine on my left foot, but seems narrow on my right. Also the t-strap seems to make my foot buldge out in a stupid way, at least under my hands. Yes I will post pics, but not until tomorrow (my cameraman is out of commission this evening).
2. Lucena: most comfortable sandal I've ever seen, period. I like the way the straps lie on my feet; they remind me of the white sandals I have in that sense. I'm not sure how much I love the styling, though. I thought the heel would be a *little* more pronounced. Again, pics to follow.

Again, thanks to you all for your help on this!

Michelle, it sounds like the Lucena is the winner? They do look cute from your original link - I'd say they are a little sportier than the Brulees but not so sporty that you can't dress them up and down. If they are *that* comfy, I don't see how you can resist!

Hope you've recovered from your procedure, Michelle. Rest up well.

You have a winner! Can't wait to see pics of the Lucena. I'm sure you'll pull off the look.

Can't wait to see your pics Michelle! I hope one of the two pairs works out for you.

Laura, thank you for using the adjective I could never think of to describe the Lucenas, sporty. That's how they feel to me, but I realize my sense of touch may not be the most reliable aesthetic-o-metre. I am not a sporty type, don't wear sporty styles, and am having trouble picturing how the lucenas will look with dresses or some of my more tailored, city-girl outfits. But I wil post the pictures tomorrow and get your opinion. Oh how I want to find a way to make the Brulees work, the style is so cute!

Well, I don't know whether these will be your cup of tea or not, but they are truly pewter and BEAUTIFULLY made (I know because I just got them in black). I can't tell you how wonderful the workmanship is on these sandals, and they are beyond comfortable. I realize they are pricey, but I bought a pair of brown Jutta Neumann's over five years ago, and they are still going strong and looking good. No kidding.

Anyway, see what you think:
http://www.pedshoes.com/jutta_.....lorID=1394

It sounds like you've found your sandals, Michelle, but I saw these and thought of you:
http://www.endless.com/Clarks%.....mPage=cart
I'm considering trying a pair myself. Here is the description:
The Clarks Women's Lambda Sandal has fresh and eye-catching style. The open-toed sling-back sandal stands out with a unique, twisted-strapped vamp. A stylish wedge heel completes the look. And with its supple, breathable leather uppers and a soft yet durable rubber outsole, this shoe keeps your feet comfortable. They'll put a touch of sassiness in your casual warm-weather look.