D'oh! Slapping forehead moment.

On the heels of qfbrenda's post about capsule wardrobes for hiking, I am having a similar moment.

With an upcoming 2-week trip to Brazil for work AND play, I realized today that I own only TWO pairs of flat open toe sandals, both bought well before my big move to Mexico in 2010, and neither of which are going to be able to withstand what I am going to put them through on this trip.

Needless to say, I have a gaping wardrobe hole for open toe sandals that are 12 hour shoes. I know we will be walking a ton and whatever pair I can find that fits the bill will be worth every penny.

A quick search of The Walking Company turned up these two contenders:

Option #1: the pewter (silvery) color might match my wardrobe slightly better but for some reason I like the champagne color better. Bonus that they're on sale.
http://www.thewalkingcompany.c.....agne/27623

Option #2: I like the copper color
http://www.thewalkingcompany.c.....pper/18661

Which pair do you like better for my size 8.5-9 slightly wide, very flat feet?

I think going with a metallic will be great as they serve as a neutral. Open to other suggestions as well.

Anyone have experience with this brand (Abeo)?

12 years ago

Suz

(website)

Veteran

No experience with this brand, but it sounds like a great idea to get yourself a pair of sandals. Is your skintone fair? If so, the champagne will read almost as a nude and I think it will probably work well with your wardrobe unless it is much more gold IRL than in the pic. That copper one (the second) might work in a similar way.

Definitely give them a try!

abc

@Suz: Yep, I am fair (aka pasty white, haha) with blonde hair, that is probably why I was leaning toward the champagne. I really do love metallic shoes so I am excited to try these and fill the wardrobe hole. Thanks for the input.

Adelfa

Are your feet prone to swelling? If so I think the Lagunas will work better. Otherwise I agree with Suz about the champagne.

Anonymous

Good thing you identified the hole now! I think champagne.

MNsara

Yes, if you are fair skinned then I think the champagne will be even more neutral than the pewter for the first pair.

The other pair looks good in copper, but did you see that orange multi? It might be a nice variation if you do get the champagne in the other sandal.

I don't know this ABEO brand, but they have a few reviews, the stores have been around (me, at least) for a while, so they should know their stuff!

Sounds like a fun trip

amiable

I like both! I've never heard of the brand, but it sounds like a terrific idea to get walking sandals!

marit

Active Member

I love the metallic champagne colour on #1 but prefer the look of #2! I have to say I like the black multi on #2... anyway if it's down to those I would go with the champagne #1 =)

Did you see this one? (no ankle strap though): http://www.thewalkingcompany.c.....agne/27763

Parsley

Metallic sandals should be perfect as a neutral for your trip, abc.
Both styles are nice and look comfortable. I really like the champagne color, but I would choose whichever is more comfortable for lots of walking.

That sounds like a fabulous trip!

Sveta

I like the first pair best - I am not a fan of the strap across the ankle in the second type. Champagne looks like a perfect color for you, almost like nude, no?

Beth Ann

Champagne! And have a marvelous trip!

ManidipaM

Another vote for champagne!

Also, if you decide to get two pairs---I would, on a trip that involves lots of walking over weeks, as feet and shoes both need rest from each other to avoid wear and tear on both---I would then go with the multi-strapped ones on the second, either black for a more dressy vibe when occasion demands or with the coral for more fun and a splash of colour depending on the clothes you are taking (that's the kind of sandal that could be one of just a couple of bright spots in a very neutral outfit; or could be used to contrast/complement other colours, so funky!).

ETA: I was in the exact same boat for a much shorter set of trips last year. I went with bronze (I'm darker skinned) and black sandals (I have black hair). I can tell you the metallic still gets worn way more than the supposed 'goes-with-everything' black!

Debra

They look great, I like the champagne too

Thistle

I am also very pasty white and have light hair. From personal experience, I can tell you to go with the champagne/pale gold. I have a pair of sandals in a similar color and they go with everything, still act as a nude, and still act as a little bit of bling. One of my best purchases this summer!

I am not familiar with the brand though.

Darn spotty internet caused me to lose my reply post last night, grr.

@Adelfa, no, my feet don't tend to swell. I think I like the more secure (?) aspect of option 1. I've had good luck with that design in the past.

@Ceit, I know. Good thing I can learn from past experiences! I got caught in 2011 in Europe with no appropriate shoes for the amount of walking we were doing. Popped into a Camper store to solve that issue. Trying to avoid the "on the spot" shopping need this go-around.

@MNSara, thanks for encouraging me to think outside of the box, I normally wouldn't have considered the bright color pair, but now I am, so thanks!

@amiable, I can't go on a vacation with my hubs withOUT walking sandals! LOL He pushes me physically (which is good for me) and we end up walking everywhere. I wouldn't have it any other way, but I want to be prepared and still look fashionable.

@marit, thanks for the feedback. I checked out the link but for some reason I am against anything that doesn't have an ankle strap. For the amount of walking we do, I think I need it.

@Parsley, thanks for the confirmation on the champagne color. I am super excited for this trip since my husband gets to come along this time. It will be super special I am sure.

@Sveta, yes, the champagne will be a bit of a sparkly nude for me I'm not sure I understand which strap you don't care for in pair #2 though.

@BethAnn, thanks! I'm leaning far toward pair 1 in champagne.

@ManidipaM, oooh I didn't even notice the black multi ones, with a hint of animal print. I appreciate your feedback on having 2 pairs. I feel like I might be going overboard to get 2 pairs, but you are right. They will get their wear on this trip for sure, and I'm certain for some time to come. I agree with you, my metallic flats get TONS more wear than the black ones.

@Debra, thanks! Champagne it is!

@Thistle, thanks for the confirmation on the color. I wish someone could weigh in on the brand, but at least the website has reviews and the ones for these 2 pairs are all 5 stars.

Thanks, everyone!

cheryl

I am not familiar with the brand at all but I really like both styles and they look very comfortable. Your trip sounds wonderful!

AviaMariah

I've purchased two pairs of abeo flip-flops for vacations and love them. I need a lot of arch support and these baby my feet through a lot of walking. So far my oldest pair is 3 yrs old and still going strong.

rachylou

Looks-wise, I'm thinking the first one. Versatile also, stylewise. I think these swing dressy/casual more easily. I'm wondering, tho, if the other isn't more comfortable - less chance that something will rub the wrong way.

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