I perused all my usual online shopping sites and found three promising contenders at Nordstrom Rack, as possible replacements for my old, old, old Cole Haan black flat sandals. I like having a refined, more strappy, flat sandal option for summer -- works better with some of my skirts and dresses than my chunkier black Arche sandals. It's kind of mildly surprising that I haven't updated these sooner than now, but last summer... well, you know. Not much point last summer.

I ruled out the Rag & Bone August sandals right away. Too stiff and not comfortable (and I usually tolerate a toe strap pretty well).

However, the Franco Sarto ones and the Allsaints ones are both really good. My husband likes them both. I think the Allsaints are a bit more refined/dressy, but I could envision wearing either one of them. I just took quick snaps of my feet only -- nothing full-body yet -- as I was just trying them on with the jeans and sweater I'm wearing around the house today.

I'll reserve decisions until I try them with actual summer outfits and wear around the house a bit, but I like the slightly gladiator-ish vibe of both, even though they're clearly different from one another. The Allsaints are a bit more unusual, which I like. I've never tried Allsaints footwear before, so these are a pleasant surprise. Nicely fitting on my feet, and a cushiony footbed. The tiny buckle on the strap is a little bit of a PITA but not a deal-breaker.

Any quick impressions?