As part of the butt ugly shoe club with impossible feet who LOVES cute shoes I can relate.
I also have to use the velcro straps and would so love buckles or something else. Interested to watch you and see if you find a solution.
I think these are a great combination of need, function and style. The sole is a tiny bit gearish but necessary I imagine. I really like the vibe of them under jeans or pants, they would look very similar to ballet flats. They are a million times better than runners!
You're going to try them with crops and skirts I hope as you never know.
I think they're a really cute shoe for a person with issues. I told the SA when I bought my summer Naot sandals that I hoped for cute in the fall when I go back later this month and she just smiled and shook her head no. I would be over the moon in these.