Thanks, all!

Interesting. My husband has a slight preference for the Allsaints.

I have had other small-buckle sandals, but the most successful ones had an elasticized portion around the heel so I could just slip the strap on and off without unbuckling. I don’t think the buckle is a deal breaker but it’s not my favorite.

Multiple small straps do not seem to bother my feet, if the material is quality, which it seems to be. I have many years of wear of my LD Tuttle’s, which have a bunch of small straps in a web-like pattern. I wish there were a flat version of something like those! The Allsaints are as close as I can find. The Allsaints have a slight boho thing going on, but it doesn’t seem too much for me. I also like the black footbed, as some have pointed out.

I don’t want to get too hung up on repeating the exact style or vibe of the old Cole Haans, as much as I like them (and I’ll probably keep the CH’s at the ranch until they die there). It’s a nice style and I like the simplicity but current versions don’t appeal to me as much — they seem to have gold hardware or contrast stitching or some other detail that makes them less appealing to me. And this seems to be the era of chunkier or more substantial sandals — finer straps are not easy to find now. That’s ok, I don’t necessarily want truly “dainty.” I suppose I really want a balance, and I think it will be clearer once I try them on with summer outfits.

All the comments and feedback are great food for thought — thank you!

I prefer the FS style for you (and me!), and the footbed looks more comfortable.

Another FS vote - I prefer the cleaner lines and can visualize them with your 'look' - however, I agree with Angie that if you are on the fence, comfort would be the deciding factor!

I like both too but agree that you have to try them with your summer bottoms. My issue with black sandals is the high contrast at the ankle because it can be stumpifying for me when wearing shorts, crops and skirts-since I'm not very tall. You have such long legs that it's probably not an issue.

Ah, Kelly, you’ve actually voiced one of my concerns. The high contrast thing is an issue for me with styles that come up high on the ankle, which is why I usually look for a style that has some vertical line to help mitigate that stumpifying effect. My legs are long, yes, but not very nicely shaped, so I do like a more flattering style in a high contrast sandal. The higher contrast cut-off point at the ankle can make my legs look even thicker than they are. The lower the contrast with my skin tone, the more I can get away with other less conventionally-flattering styles. This is probably why I have avoided replacing black sandals for years!

Janet and Kelly, that high contrast on the ankle with the strap is greatly improved when you wear cropped pants in a dark colour. But I hear you on the shorts and higher hemlines with the FS's.

Jonesy used a word I was looking for. The AllSaints look more elegant. To my eye too.....if that it at all a priority?

Janet, off to the outfit creation you go!

I like them both and think it all comes down to outfits! (And comfort).

I like the All Saints ones, too. HOWEVER, make sure that the bottom is not too slippy or look into getting a rubberized liner if it is: one of the worst shoe experiences of my life was slipping around on marble paving stones during a rain shower in All Saints booties! I think they were a similar outsole material.

I think the AllSaints ones would work better with pants than skirts, since they're more covered. I generally avoid very covered black sandals in summer cause of the contrast.

I like both, with a slight preference for AllSaints. I think it's going to come down to how you feel about the sandals once you try on your summer wear. Do pay close attention to how the buckle feels on the AllSaints pair--sometimes buckles can chafe against the skin and cause a lot of pain. I once had to return a pair of Vince Camuto sandals to Nordstrom after wearing them because the buckle was placed in an odd spot that made my ankles bleed. And judging from the online reviews, I wasn't the only one!

Those small buckles often break or the strap does..just saying. I like the looks of both.

Like them both, left one is a bit more refined-perhaps will work better to skirts and dresses -the other is a bit edgy! Keep both?:-)

I like the FS's style much better, however they are not leather and have a velcro closure. I would wear them around the house for a few hours before deciding.

I saw these this morning and thought Of you . I really like them too

Love both! I'd be tempted by the Franco Sarto pair (they come in yellow, which is quite cheery), but I have to be able to slip in and out of my sandals for my work, so I'll have to enjoy them on you!

Refreshing black sandals is something I do every couple of years!

I love the Franco Sarto pair. They are on my radar for myself. I would love to see an outfit with them.

Late to this, but just now seeing...

Lisa, I like those Sorels a lot. But perhaps a bit too much like my Arche ones (in Finds below)? In fact, I like the Sorrls more than my old Arches but can’t justify replacing them because they’re still in good shape despite my wearing them a ton. But what I have been keeping an eye out for is a lower-profile black sandal that’s not as chunky but still with some personality. Certain outfits seem to beg a thinner sole and less substantial look (but without being insipid for my style IYKWIM).

For instance, I still like the style of these “net” Stuart Weitzman sandals but it’s an old style no longer available and I’m not even sure it ever came in black.

And in a related topic, since I am getting rid of the Freebirds that served me so well for years, I’m still annoyed with myself for not trying the Rag & Bone Fallon sandals (which to me have sort of a more updated vibe of the Freebirds) — now they’re impossible to find in my size. Oh well!

I would like to see them in the outfit. I am curious to see if the black footwear would still bookend you lighter hair color.

I really like the Franco Sarto--the thicker straps seem a little edgier to me.
I saw these Rag & Bone on ebay, --I'm not sure on your size--(I just know its smaller than mine) They are not black but might look nice with your hair--your current silver-foxy mix looks awfully nice on you.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Rag-B.....-8-5/14386

I don't really need any new sandals, but is awfully fun to look and shop vicariously

Rebekah, those are the sandals I want to try, but I need an 8. If you see that, please let me know. I’d try them in the gray even though my first preference would be black.

First impression is the FS looks crisper despite wider straps. I admit I’d prefer all black, sole/ inner sole included.

From these quick pics, the Allsaints don’t look as refined or dainty as I’d expect for thin straps, because there are so many and they don’t all snug to your foot- so to me that looks ropey, maybe the Boho vibe mentioned earlier. That may look different IRL and with different outfits, same as may the FS, so agree wait ‘til tryons.

In particular, I try to see what bottoms I really need the new footwear to be the outfit- maker in order for me to wear them summery ( or occasion, or other seasons for different footwear.) Sometimes one will just click and I’ll know that I’ll actually wear the outfits because I feel good about what the footwear does for feet, legs, proportions.

those might work for you? The nordstrom site said they run small and to order +1/2

Voting for the Franco Sartos here, but it would probably come down to comfort for me!