Oh, you guys are the BEST!!! THANK YOU!!

Beth Ann, I absolutely get what you are saying about leather wedge heel. It seems inherently problematic, doesn't it.

Tanya, I LOVE those ones you posted. Are they comfy? (And, can I find them in Canada? But that is another question -- off to search soon!)

Elizabeth, thank you for your sleuthing. Off to follow up on your options. I did go to ShoeMe (that is where I found the $240 Sofft Breeze...sigh....) The prices are killing me. I was travelling and working during Bay Days so missed those great sales, alas...

Tex, those are really pretty, but maybe a bit dressy for what I'm after. I want something sort of in between, really -- not easy to find, I suspect.

PatP -- that is helpful to know about the Breezes. Thank you. I was wondering how they looked on an actual foot.

Vivian -- yeah -- I think a problem with white sandals is the sole, as Beth Ann already alluded to. White seems crazy. Black looks dumb (a lot of the time). Crepey tan looks ...uh...frumpy. And so on.

But Neelie, I LOVE those Franco Sartos -- they are FAB. I might just have to try those. They're not the super casual almost flat walking sandal I NEED, but they would certainly work into my closet really really easily and would probably have some longevity. Hmmmm.

Ummlilla, thank you for the link. I think I'm after something with more minimal styling than the Pikolinos. I'm not sure they are comfortable for me, either, as a brand -- I've tried them on and did not have happy feet, although I know that others adore them for comfort and it could have been fluke. Still, the reason the Breeze appeals less than the Bernia did is the "busy" element of the styling -- it's something Pikolinos tend towards.

DJP -- that is SO sweet to offer to send them to me. I will mull it over today and get back to you. Thank you.

Style Fan, Ariadne, Joyce, Joy, Dixie, Lisa -- thank you! Appreciate your thoughts and comments. Joy, I so hear you on the try-on element with sandals....

Suz - I'm having a flashback to perhaps having discussed this already , but have you looked at anything from Fly London this season? I've become a recent convert and found a really great pair for summer among what struck me as a LOT of options for once. Lots of colour options, heel height options, and of course the comfort level is through the roof. But something's tell me they don't work for you? Anyways - food for thought. And, while in the mall yesterday with DD, I noticed brand new Rockport store - didn't go in, but it looked full of that sort of thing.

http://www.gravitypope.com/sho.....6-009-piat

http://www.gravitypope.com/sho.....4-030-yula

http://www.gravitypope.com/sho.....-058-yakin

I have the Yula's , in black.

I'm home for 4 weeks recovering from surgery and just had a talk with myself yesterday about how I need to stop online shopping to combat the boredom. Then this thread came along, I'm in love with the Vanita's. I thought they'd be too narrow since they fit you well and I have a widish foot, then I found they had a wide available in my size. I was powerless.

I'm super excited to get them. I love metallic sandals, and have been wanting a pair of white sandals that seems intentional rather than matronly or sterile.

Thanks for the inspiration, Suz! I always envied your Berninas.

I'm working with a client today, but will weigh in later, Suz.

Suz, the sandals I posted (and have) are ridiculously comfy, but they are from last year. They are still available in couple of places in limited sizes. What size do you need?
I am not too familiar with the Luxury Rebel brand, but last summer there were tons of their sandals in stores, similar to the ones I posted, and all were very comfy.

http://www.saksoff5th.com/elen.....8;mid=3880...

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00GO.....nkCode=df0...

Frannieb -- cross posted with you -- thanks!

Lisa, the Flys are super cool but I have never tried on a style of Flys that fit me properly. I have this problem with most British sized shoes, to tell you the truth. I seem to be between sizes or something. Docs are similar. I'm pretty much a perfect EU 37.

Still, I could try a few more pair just to see.....

Thanks, Angie!

Traci, I'm laughing -- I think those Vanitas are going to look fab on you.

I see they also come in pewter so that might be my best bet. The heel is a little higher than the Breeze, though -- which might not make them my perfect casual walking shoe. Hmmm....

Tanya, thank you -- I'll check the links and see....

Suz, I want to add that Tsubo makes wonderful walkable sandals, so be sure to check them out.

Thanks, Sandy -- I'll take a look.

And Lisa, the Yulas look to be sized like EU shoes -- do you think this is accurate? They MIGHT work due to the ankle strap, which would hold them on. The sling back styles for sure won't work for my foot. I really like the Yulas (remember admiring them on you). I still would need a more flat sandal. Not completely flat, but walkable all day wear with shorts flat. I walk for miles in the summer (well, any time, really) and like a shoe that goes that distance but also looks good. (This is why my Bernias wore out in a season).

I'm just realizing that if I order everything I love here, I'm going to have quite a collection of summer footwear! I also have my Okalas (not for long walks, obviously) and my Cons (for less hot days).

Suz - the Yulas are brand new for me - you won't have seen them on me (I have another pair from a few years ago of another style ). I ordered a 38, which is what I wear in Naot and Birkenstock....because they aren't closed in at the back, there is room for error, so to speak. Anyways, they fit as usual on me. I do wear a 39 though in shoes from Browns and other stores with fake EU sizing:)

Hmmm. I thought we'd seen these on you in a WIW but it must have been the older ones. I do remember we had a Fly conversation.

There's a store in town that sells Flys but they do not have this style, alas. I would need to try on for sure, because every style I have tried of this brand has not fit right.

Suz, before I come up with style options - why the hesitation with ordering shoes online? I get most of my shoes online because of the much larger variety. I know you need Canadian stores because the duties are hectic - but are there other reasons?

And can you wear a heel as low as the Rebel Luxury style?

The gold Isola Wedge has been a hit with clients, but I suspect it's too gold for you. Vanitas are worth a go. Perhaps you'll like the Ilanas.

I shouldn't answer for Suz, but Angie - for us in Canada, it's the cost of shipping and returns. It's not free like it is in the US. Plus, the US Cdn exchange can put many of these choices out of a sensible price range for us. Right now our dollar is 20% more expensive than yours. This is why I don't shop online . Shipping, exchange, duties, taxies and the potential cost of a return put a $100 shoe at close to $175 by the time we get it .

I like the Breeze, Phoenix, and the Ilana's. If it's a good way to go, I can order them and send them to you.

Lisa, are the sums the same when buying from online Canadian stores? Or are you referring to buying from US online stores in Canada?

I had such a difficult time finding a metallic sandal as well. I actually had a Sofft anthracite sandal from 2-3+ years ago that finally died. I've replaced them with the Sam Edelman Angela sandal. They are cute, have a small heel, are super comfy but, unfortunately, not metallic.

Suz, have you looked at shoeme.com? They are Canadian with free shipping and returns. I had a quick look and this is what I see (some from the suggestions from other fabbers above):
http://www.shoeme.ca/products/.....w-metallic
http://www.shoeme.ca/products/.....w-metallic
http://www.shoeme.ca/products/.....w-metallic
http://www.shoeme.ca/products/.....oat-patent
http://www.shoeme.ca/products/.....rey-nubuck
These come in white and colors:
http://www.shoeme.ca/products/.....dget-beige
http://www.shoeme.ca/products/.....te-truffle
http://www.shoeme.ca/products/miz-mooz-dayna-ice
http://www.shoeme.ca/products/.....aki-python
http://www.shoeme.ca/products/.....ia-leather
http://www.shoeme.ca/products/.....lena-white
http://www.shoeme.ca/products/.....03-cristal
http://www.shoeme.ca/products/.....000hhc1002

Angie, Lisa is correct. I used to order from Nordstrom's and pick up at the border (to avoid returns costs -- I could simply mail it back for free on site if an item didn't work, and pay duty or not, depending on the agent and how much I was bringing back and how long I had been away.) When our dollar was more or less at par with US it was super smart shopping!

But now it is really prohibitive with our CAD being so low relative to US. There is also the time/ gas factor. A 3 hour round trip for me to the border. And right now time's really at a premium in my life. Online shopping is supposed to be convenient, but it's not if you have to spend tons of time doing it.

Don't get me wrong. I'll still do order online within Canada if I can, and even across the border, if it makes sense, but unless I KNOW the fit of the shoe already it is far too risky.

Consider the famous butt vest skirted leggings. Those came from China, and while the original price was under $100, eventually I got a duty bill. I did recoup some of the $$ by selling them, but asked for far less than what I paid for them so overall I took a greater than $60 loss on this failed attempt. Ditto the H&M blouse I bought from Una. It didn't work out, and now I'm stuck with it, at a price of about $60 CAD. This is not a complaint, by the way. I knew I was taking risks with those items and WANTED to experiment. So that's okay! It's just that if experimenting with clothes is a risk, experimenting with shoes is even riskier.

Meanwhile, even if I can source the same shoe in Canada, it is often up to $100 more. The Sofft Breeze in anthracite is now $100 US at Nordstroms. It is $240 CAD at the one Canadian site where it's available.

Phew -- forgive me for that gripe!!

I could wear the Rebel Luxury if it felt comfy, for sure. It has some support and lift. But doesn't come in my size any more, alas.

Someone today said I might be able to get my Bernias resoled. It looks doubtful to me because the leather on the heel is even worn away a bit, but it might be worth investigating!

Failing that, I might take up the kind offer from Karie or another member and order the Vanitas to their address -- I really like the pewter. And the price at Nordstrom's makes it worth a try, especially since I now know how the brand fits me.

Thank you all for your help -- I'll keep you posted!

Angie, Canadian prices are higher usually. For me the biggest issue is shipping , duties and especially returns. Without an exchange rate just the shipping and duties can come up to 40% of the original price. But returns are the worst. When you have hard to fit shoes your return rate is very high and if they are not free it is a staggering expense.

Angie, the prices are much higher at Canadian stores than at the US stores and the variety much lower. Shoe me is one of the best and I might order from them -- they do have free returns. But that's the place where the Breeze cost $240 CAD. It does give you a sense of where things are at.

Sveta, thank you! Yes, I had checked there and found some of the options you suggested, although some are new to me! I might just bite the bullet and order a few to try. They do have the Breeze in blue, also, so I could order the Vanitas in silver and the Breeze in blue (which would also be useful to me) and maybe find a white one later on.

Thanks so much for all the searching on my behalf -- I appreciate it all!

Suz, shoeme often has promotions - right now it is 20%off and looks like Sofft is included. At least you can order them to try and then if it is cheaper to order from US with somebody's help - at least you will be sure of the fit.

GOOD GRIEF. Shopping in the US is SOOOOO much better. Wow. I had no idea. Thanks for the extensive explanations Suz, Lisa & Sveta.

That price for metallic Breeze on shoeme is crazy! $240 vs $145 for the same model in blue. But others are not that bad. With 20% off they come pretty close to US price converted to CAD. I think they are worth a try!

Angie - this is why Americans are able to afford brands that we can't as easily: Vince, Theory, etc. Your entire economy is different than ours- you live in bigger houses, drive more expensive cars....and but clothes that are reasonable for you but usually a major investment for us. It's a different economic culture. That's why it's often frustrating to see three great clothes posted here - and not really be able to buy them. My best example : Vince pants are $450 here - at least. Smythe jackets? They START at $600. Anyways- it's a fact of life for us.

Wow, this thread has made me dizzy Suz! And, of course, I just want to be able to take you sandal shopping with me and get you sorted out in person. Well let you sort yourself anyway. Am very sympathetic to the frustration of not being able to easily try and return all these great suggestions of course!

We do get a few deals, though. Club Monaco is one example. Not that this is inexpensive -- but relative to the US it is cheaper for us because they pay the same price in US dollars that we pay in Canadian dollars. At least so far. That might change with the current exchange rates...

Angie - this is why Americans are able to afford brands that we can't as easily: Vince, Theory, etc. Your entire economy is different than ours- you live in bigger houses, drive more expensive cars....and but clothes that are reasonable for you but usually a major investment for us. It's a different economic culture. That's why it's often frustrating to see three great clothes posted here - and not really be able to buy them. My best example : Vince pants are $450 here - at least. Smythe jackets? They START at $600. Anyways- it's a fact of life for us.

Ah the frustrations of Canadian shopping...

Suz, sounds like you've received lots of help already. I like the Breeze sandals, mainly because for me, if something works, I like to stick to it. Lots of other great suggestions, though.

I second the Shoeme suggestion. I've bought and returned four times with them this spring - great shipping both ways. And there is always a sale if you wait (yes probably 20% now too).

But wouldn't it just be heaven to be able to walk into a Nordstrom shoe dept at will and try try try things on?.... Ah dreams....

and welcome back - great to see you safely home

Suz, shipping from shoeme is quick. Why not order those 240 ones purely to size them, then get them from Nordies if they work? I've done this with bay shoes before ;).
Also... Try calling Nordstroms in Ottawa to see if they carry anything that you are interested in from the U.S. store. I got the impression they'd send them to you for free, (and free returns) if they are on the Canadian inventory. I didn't persue this, but will.