Black sandal showdown - YouLookFab Forum

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Black sandal showdown

christy

Veteran

Okay...I think I ordered ALL of the black cage-like sandals on Zappos. You should have seen the look Mr. Christy gave me when he saw the box(es) at the door.

I’m trying to replace my beloved Vince Camuto sandals that I bought several years ago (see Pic 1). These shoes were PERFECT. Comfortable, versatile, they were a go-to. I wore them almost year-round except for during the coldest months. They were pretty beat up and I chucked them after buying the Paul Green Cayannes (find attached) at NAS this year as a replacement. The Cayannes are raved about, but for some reason or another, they just aren’t comfortable for me and are going back.

Pic 2: Halogen wedge sandals that I already own. They are a laser-cut suede sandal. I like them a lot, but I always went for the VCs instead. I’ve tried to define why. I think it’s because the VC hit at a SLIGHTLY lower spot on the front of the ankle and they show SLIGHTLY less toe, so I found them more flattering more often. I will keep the Halogens, but still want to replace the VCs.

I’ve narrowed down 6 (!) pairs to 2. The rejects were either not comfortable or not refined enough for what I’m looking for.

The contenders (yes, they are very different):
Pic 3: Sofft black leather sandals. I think I like the closed heel making them more wearable with longer pants.

Pic 4: Clarks. Comfortable, refined, but too boring? The sling back means not great with longer pants, but the VCs were a sling back too, so that’s not necessarily a deal breaker.

Pic 5: Naturalizers - Not up for debate, these are keepers (aren’t they awesome?!), but including them as reference.

What say you? #3 or #4? Or should I just be satisfied with #2?

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'Cayanne' Leather Peep Toe Sandal

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1

Shopping

19 replies

Latest reply was from julesegr

Tammyb

So funny. I looked at the pics before reading and thought #1! But since that’s not the question.....#2 or #3.

Suz

(website)

Veteran

Wait! Before you give up on your beloved VC's -- you might find a pair on ebay -- new and unused!

I know why you are longing for those, by the way. Their heeled sandals are crazy comfy. I have a pair of taupe ones that I can't give up. They might not be the most trendy items in the world right now, but wow, are they useful when the occasion arises. I've banished all heels that high from my closet -- except for that shoe!

Moving on...both of these are really nice, but they feel like they'd fill slightly different functions. As a sandal, I prefer the Soffts. I know they make fantastic sandals (and obviously you are enjoying wearing your new Soffts.)

The others are also nice -- they will be warmer (because closed over the vamp) and are more of a sandal-bootie. Good for transitional weather. But if you're keeping the cool Naturalizers, maybe they'd play a similar role? Not sure.

Erin

I vote for #3. I think #2 and #4 are very similar. #5 is beautiful!

kellygirl

Veteran

I think 4 look the most refined and seem to suit your style. I like the strappy ones in 3 but always feel that style looks kind of busy and often competes with the rest of the outfit (my experience, not necessarily yours.) it’s hard to tell without seeing them in an outfit. I have to admit that black sandals are tough for me—I can never get them right. The closest I’ve been able to find are my black dansko slides that were an Angie rec last year. I wear them all the time. Curious to see what you pick. #1 and 5 are awesome!!

Dansko Maci Mule Sandal

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7

Firecracker (Sharan)

Veteran

I prefer 3, because I think the closed back sounds more versatile for you, and I like the look of them. They seem to have something closer to the style quotient of the VCs you are trying to replace. But they are quite different, and I'm not sure you've quite found your replacement yet. Maybe between the Halogen and the Naturalizer pairs you'll have the bases covered for occasions you would have worn the VCs.

I like Suz's suggestion, too, of looking for an exact replacement on eBay.

Joy

Veteran

I really like your sandals in #1. I am happy that you are keeping the last ones. They are beautiful and refined with a twist. Of the 2 pair you are thinking about, I like #3 or the Soft ones. They seem to eat fit your needs..
You have beautiful feet.

Jenni NZ

Veteran

I like 3 best, they look most like the ones you are replacing. I hate trying to replace faves!

Kathie

Veteran

Of the choices, I think #3 is the best replacement. That said, I’d be tempted to send them both back, and see how #2 and #5 integrate into your wardrobe, and then make a decision about what you need.

Chris987

Veteran

Love your title! I

I think it's time for an official new YLF mnemonic called "DHMSDL" for the "DH Massive Shoe Delivery Look". (or SOMSDL to be more neutral). So many of us have seen that look! Of course the delivery truck drivers are happy to have the business

I totally agree about sling backs being less wearable with pants than closed heels. That issue or pants hem getting scrunched under the heel of your foot drove me absolutely nuts about 10 years ago until I figured it out and I've sworn off sling backs since then. Another solution is to wear pants at ankle length but I've never been a fan of that on me. If I wore more dresses maybe...

I personally prefer the simpler styles, not the maximal "lots of straps" looks, but that's just personal preference. I think they are more versatile that way. To my eye the clark's look quite elegant, not boring at all. Your Halogen wedges are similar so i guess how many you keep depends on how many pairs of this type of shoe you decide to keep.

Those Naturalizers are awesome!

Janet

(website)

Veteran

OK, I know they are not up for debate, but 5 really is a pretty shoe!

This is tough. I am not sure I love any of these as much as your old ones. There is something streamlined yet substantial about the old ones that is a balance I'm not sure the current contenders quite achieve. I like that 3 is open and a little lighter visually, like your original ones, but I don't like them as much as your originals. I can't put my finger on what the issue is.

I understand the struggle all too well! I've been on the lookout to replace an absolutely ancient pair of very comfortable, streamlined, casual black sandals and just can't find the right thing. Flat, strappy, a little on the delicate side, and flattering on the foot. I think Sam Edelman made a similar style for a few years, but the fit and comfort weren't there, and they had gold hardware, which I didn't want. Sigh.

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JAileen

Veteran

I like #4 best. I also really love the shoes.

Okay, husband looks: I may have solved this problem. I used to have all of my purchases sent to my husband’s office. This was one reason I didn’t want him to retire. So I rented a box at a UPS store. He actually suggested it. It is within walking distance of my house, but of course I can’t walk that far carrying a bunch of boxes, so I drive.

Helena

Veteran

I was set on 3 until I read Kelly's comment about the texture competing with outfits ... Not very helpful, I know! What's a typical outfit you'd wear these with? With the outfit shown, three would be my pick ...

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

#5 is my FAVE BY FAR. Very glad they aren't up for debate! You'd have been in trouble with me if they were

I like #4 next. More Seattle-ish.

Jenni NZ

Veteran

Ha, Angie! I wonder what makes something Seattle- ish or not? The streamlining?
Kathie’s idea of being totally PPP and just trying with what you already own does have merit...

christy

Veteran

Thank you to everyone for weighing in.

Suz: I didn’t even think about checking eBay! I did check and no luck, but thank you for the idea!

The collective wisdom seems to be that none of these are quite right and I agree, so back they all go. Except the closed-toe Naturalizers of course! I’m glad you all felt the same way!

Thanks to those of you who suggested just working with the Halogens (#2) and Naturalizers (#5) for now - very wise. If I find that I’m still longing for the VCs and these two don’t fill that void, I’ll make another effort later.

Jaime

(website)

Veteran

The new Naturalizers are the bomb and #2 is the closest substitute until you find the next Vince Camuto. So basically, agree with your decision.

rachylou

Veteran

3. Closed back. Edgy.

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

The COVERAGE. Seattle is not vert hot

julesegr

I love your old ones. I'd be sad, too.

My favorite is #4. I don't think #2 or #3 are good enough replacements to your originals, so I'd go a different route. #2 is too covered and heavy, and the straps of #3 look to ropy to me. I think #4 is a nice evolution. I like #5, too.