So I adore the look of cutout booties like the JC Everly (pic 1). However, they are not practical for me for a couple of reasons. One, I must wear socks with closed toe shoes. No socks is not an option for me as I get blisters on the top of my toes in virtually all closed toe shoes, no matter how comfortable. Footies are fine; that is what I wear in my oxfords. Two, I usually add a rigid 3/4 length orthotic to most non-comfort shoes. The thinnest ones I own add maybe about 1/4" in height to the footbed, but the bigger problem is that it will show through a cutout that goes all the way to the sole as in the Everly.

I do think these types of boots can look cute with visible socks, but I don't really want to be limited to only that particular look. Or tights, as I am currently very down on tights anyway for comfort reasons.

Anyway, the ideal thing for me would be something that looks like the Everly but where the cutout part only goes halfway down. That way I'd be able to wear footies and use my orthotics.

Other requirements:
-real leather.
-heel height around 1". Not over 2" or under 1/2". I have 3 pairs of >2" heeled booties right now and I really need a flat (for me) option.
-8 hour shoes for my fussy feet!
-slim ankle/instep fit. Although I think this style (with the buckles) avoids FPE for the most part.
-color: black, ink blue, teal (ha! I can dream, right?), or dark grey. Would consider other dark colors if NOT BROWN.
-Bonus points for gold hardware (but silver is fine too).

-ETA price not over $300 although I'd prefer under $200.

I found these Kurt Geiger ones (photo 2), which look interesting. But I wonder if anyone has seen anything else that fits these requirements? I would honestly prefer something a little less refined than the KGs.
http://shop.nordstrom.com/S/kg.....l-1-5-FTR-