Fantasy Shoes vs. Reality Shoes - My Real Life Dressy Sandals

I've wanted a pair of strappy shiny, slightly dressy sandals for a long
time. My fantasy shoe would have looked something like in Find #1 here
- but the heels and delicate construction of that shoe would not likely
make it through one of my real days or nights with my lifestyle and
somewhat rugged (rocky and dusty) environment. I don't mind a slight heel but I need more than a delicate spike heel for my real life.

After many trials over the past few years I think I may have finally
settled on a pair of Ecco sandals (Find #2) that gives me the "strappy,
shiny" feeling I wanted, but still offers enough comfort and sturdiness
to stand up to my real world needs.

I think this particular sandal looks better on - I think it looks a
little more delicate when it's on the foot. A slight heel would have been preferred but I just didn't find anything with a slight heel that met the other requirements. If anyone has a suggestion before I wear these out of the house - please let me know!

These I hope will give me a way to slightly
dress up a simple outfit for a night out without sacrificing comfort if
I have to walk across a rocky parking lot. Which is typically required where I live. I do worry a little about them being too flat and not offering any arch support.

Nordstrom

Pedro Garcia 'Quinta' Crystal Embellished Sandal (Women)

$695.00 $277.98

Sale

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Top Pick

Zappos

Ecco Touch Ankle Sandal

$130.00

View Info

Top Pick

7 years ago

Anonymous

They look really nice! I clicked on the Find link and on the website you can see how well made they seem and the footbed looks comfy.

I like the Ecco pair better. I've also given up on heels, and I love silver. Looks like a winner to me.

I feel your pain. The Ecco are a nice compromise. I hope they meet your needs.

chewyspaghetti

Veteran

Texstyle, I think that many of us deal with this issue of our fantasy life versus our reality in regards to wardrobe. I think you did an excellent job in taking your inspiration and finding a piece that has a similar look but will still work for your reality. In regards to arch support- they make a gel stick on arch support bump that you can put on your sandals, and once your foot is in it won't be seen. I like these!

Suz

(website)

How I hear you on the needs for dressy footwear that can take rougher conditions. Ecco makes such great quality shoes. I think these will work very well for your purposes and in the meantime you can also keep your eye out for a version with a slight heel. These would transition into casual wear as well.

texstyle

I knew I'd be in good company here regarding the need for something that offers at least some comfort and sturdy construction - while trying to keep style in mind.

unfrumped

Very timely.
I even have trouble with an open toe now.
It's not that I even wear strappy shoes or spike heels. It's that many trendy or classic dressy styles are still too tapered or pinchy or even too high at barely 2" ( even for dressy) and are not good for my feet and i have to find new alternatives.

Ledonna N.

Who needs delicate anyway
I love the 2nd pair your "reality" I would wear them in a heartbeat.

Barbara Diane

I like your pick, it looks dressy and wearable all at once. I love that there are nice, attractive shoes without heels these days.

DonnaF

Darn! When you wrote that the Ecco looks better on the foot than the photo, I was hoping you'd post a pic. Please show!

shedev

I like the Eccos more than the others.

Alexandra

I like the Eccos better. The other pair looks a little too delicate for normal life.

Angie

Fashion Stylist

The Eccos are fab.

Firecracker (Sharan)

Great find! They look like they will work nicely for your strappy-shiny-sandal needs!

Brooklyn

I like the second pair better. I actually think flats can look better with summer dresses, shorts and pants than a heel. It gives that relaxed, insouciant vibe. You will look fab.

anchie

Eccos are great and from my experience with the brand they will be very comfortable too. First pair looks very dressy to me, like something to be worn to balls, posh weddings and black tie occasions.

Bijou

I am another lover of Ecco shoes and often find that their shoes look much better on than off. I think these will be stylish workhorses.

JAileen

Actually, I prefer the Eccos. The other pair is very pretty, but doesn't look that comfortable. And the hit to the pocketbook - ouch! I'm sure you'll get a lot of wear out of these, well into the fall, and next year.

Thirkellgirl

I like these a lot! I really appreciate it when people post their real-world compromises between fashionista and simply functional shoes. I don't wear heels at all anymore, except for one pair of low low heels that are nude patent leather from Lands End (and the last time I wore them I got a blister, so they may be done for). I broke a toe years ago, and I hurt my back a few years ago, and, and... so I just don't wear heels anymore. I had all my jeans shortened (the tailor thought I'd regret it but I don't). I'm looking for a pair of black or navy comfort (but attractive) shoes to wear with dresses and skirts in the autumn.

Thirkellgirl - have you tried any of the Clarks sandals or shoes? Sometimes they work for me.

I haven't, but I plan to! Most of my shoe shopping is done at DSW, and I'm going to hit some actual shoe stores.

Thinkergirl, I second textyle recommendation for Clarks. I adore aquifer soda model - most comfortable low heeled pumps ever. And I broke my foot couple of years ago due to nasty fall.

Eliza

Love the Eccos. The real world vs. fantasy fashion footwear dilemma is front and center here. The good news is that there seems to be a huge uptick in comfortable, yet on trend options. Came at the right time for those of us on team fussy feet. Makes it easier when heels and other enticing features are no longer an option.

pil

The Eccos are plenty dressy and dainty and look ideal for you! I have a pair of Angie pick Ecco's that are similar in style and very comfortable.

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