Thank you all for addressing this question.

Beth Ann, I think having a strong personal style trumps all and being authentic and happy in what you are wearing is more important than looking stylish in the eye of a stranger. I like both shoes that you posted and can certainly see them as part of a stylish outfit.

I agree, Joy. But I was still surprised at my reaction. I never would have thought it would bother me one way or the other. It did.

Hope all is well with you.

Sterling, I felt the same way when I saw the woman's shoes and was surprised by my reaction. I posted this because I wondered about these feelings. I hope she didn't notice me staring at her shoes and grimacing.
I am ok but haven't been on much lately as I am trying to rid the house of 36 years of clutter without it all going into a landfill and trying to get our house ready to put on the market. It has 5 bedrooms plus a full basement, so lots of space to tidy up. I should have dealt with stuff from parents after they died years ago. All this stress is not doing my body any favors. DH tries to be helpful but his solution is to rent a dumpster.

The sandals aren't current, and there are better options if you can replace them.

My theory is that the woman's shoes were not the right style for her (yin/yang balance, etc), which is why you noticed them in the first place. If you had seen the same woman in the same shoes five or so years ago, you still would have noticed the shoes but you would have seen them as normal/familiar because they were so ubiquitous at the time. Had this woman been wearing shoes that looked like they belonged on her, the shoes might escape your notice entirely.

Well now, interesting enough, Banoffi, I'm feeling your new shoes. The lower kitten heel and the strap pattern work for me. It's not so...strappy...but if you've already returned, I think that's ok. You might be happier with something trendier.