K/R Birkenstock-style Sandals ETA another style for Shiny - YouLookFab Forum

Category

What I Wore

Welcome! Read about what to wear and how to wear it on the YLF Blog. Join the YLF Forum to ask specific questions or just chat about fashion and personal style. Or check out the curated list of things we love in YLF Finds.

Outfits Ensembles Trends Advice

K/R Birkenstock-style Sandals ETA another style for Shiny

rae

(website)

Veteran

Gentle Souls Jahzara. I know I really like them, I know I'd definitely wear them. Really comfy, and the back strap keeps them secure on my feet for speed-climbing the stairs at work. I feel like the patent keeps them dressier, and I know they will be seasonally appropriate for a long while here - well into November. I definitely think they look more current and stylish than my current sandal collection. I'm also getting rid of a pair not pictured because they have grown really uncomfortable.

I ordered a couple pair of this type of style and these were the only ones I felt worked with my low-volume, narrow-ish feet and long toes. The placement of the front strap is important in that regard; lots of them are placed too far back, revealing more toe.

I guess I'm just not used to spending this month on something that isn't boots! Do we think this style is going to be a flash in the pan? Are they too clompy because of the platform? Anything else wrong I'm not seeing?

This post has 8 photos. Photos uploaded by this member are only visible to other logged in members.

If you aren't a member, but would like to participate, please consider signing up. It only takes a minute and we'd love to have you.

33 replies

Latest reply was from AviaMariah

Anonymous

Oooh, I like them a lot Rae!

shiny

Veteran

I'm thinking they fulfill the Birk-style requirement really well, given your stated foot challenges. I love that they are patent. What other pairs did you order, and are you willing to share pics? Since I am contemplating adding a Birk-ish to my sandal wardrobe, I'd love to see what you rejected and why.

I can't say whether the style is flash in pan or not... same question is on my mind too. But I figure, these shoes have been around forever and have die-hard fans (like Ugg and Croc fans) so there must be something to it. That something may be comfort, and so if these Gentle Souls are that comfortable, to heck with trends and buy them already.

And no, not too clompy with platform. These say to me -- I'm so friggin' trendy I'm doing trendy Birks-inspired. They fit your style, in my opinion. One step ahead.

Echo

Veteran

I really like the look of these. Are they big enough? Pictures can be deceiving, but it appears that they are just barely long enough for your foot with your heel back to the very edge. Maybe it's just me, but when I wear sandals like that, my toes generally go past the front edge while walking. But I love the back strap and the patent on these, and they look great with outfits, too.

NDMom

I really like them and Gentle Souls are very, very comfy! Also, I love how the straps echo the stripes in your top.... I say keep and enjoy being comfortable AND trendy!

lyn*

(website)

Veteran

They look comfy and not too clunky, I'd say keep these ones

Hopefully, it won't be a "flash in the pan" - all those old man surgeons would be unfashionable again

catgirl

Veteran

I love how these are a little glam but still have the Birk vibe. I say keep!

Sarah A

Veteran

I think the look is great. The little wedge keeps them nodding to the trend and looking a bit more refined too. From what I can tell Gentle Souls to have reasonable resale-ability too....

Beth Ann

Veteran

I agree with Una: Glam Birks seem like a great fit for your style and your job.

pastrygirl

(website)

Veteran

I think they look awesome on you.

annagybe

(website)

Veteran

Um, you live in Southern California, and you are questioning spending money on shoes for your dominate season which is even more dominate this year?

I do like them.

Marmee

Veteran

I say keep. The patent makes them work. I like them best with the rolled jeans. And I agree with Anna on their value in your climate!

karymk

Veteran

Hi Rae you wear these well. It looks like you could go up a half size though.

always trying

Veteran

I too live in southern California, but Orange county near the beach. I call it flip flop ville as flip flops are way too popular here. But I have birks on order, and am thinking of replacing my flip flops with them, and adding maybe 2 more pairs as the weather warms up. So, even if the trend doesn't grow here I am wearing them. I think it may be slow, but as others said, once women realize how comfy they are, and practical, they will be widespread. The fashion section in my OC register the other day did a big spread of spring trends , and the Birks and Birk like styles were shown with everything except corporate suits and evening gowns..

Your choices are awesome. saw lots like them on Pinterest too..

Neel

Veteran

Why I am I tempted to try them o_O I am not supposed to like them! But they look so good on your feet! And I love the way you have styled them! Please keep ... They could be workhorses.

Jaime

(website)

Veteran

I really like them especially with the skirts. Interesting how very subtle variations make or break these sorts of sandals on different people.

Marlene

Veteran

Keep! Those were on my list of options to consider but I have arch issues so I had to pass on them. They do look more stylish that regular birks. I think you'll get a lot of wear in sunny California. You can wear them all the way till November when you get your boots out again!

rae

(website)

Veteran

Hm, I am wondering if those saying they look small might be seeing the nude footbed from the side and not my toes? Sorry, I know it's a bit blurry. I have about a 1/4 inch in front of my toes. The heel would sit in the same place no matter what because of the way the footbed is made.

DH thinks they make my feet look big and that the patent looks cheap... also questions whether the heel is high enough where I won't trip, which is a good point and another good reason I am not able to size up.

Missey

Veteran

I LOVE them! The patent keeps them on the edgy side of earthy...love thy feet

rae

(website)

Veteran

Shiny, this Mephisto pair is the only one I still have at home to take pics of, and it is too small but maybe it will help. DH says he likes these better because of the angled strap and lack of a backstrap. I had originally eliminated them because you can see all of my 2nd toe, which is very long and makes me feel self-conscious.

I guess maybe with this style there is going to be a trade-off between foot length flattery and toe length flattery?

This post has 2 photos. Photos uploaded by this member are only visible to other logged in members.

If you aren't a member, but would like to participate, please consider signing up. It only takes a minute and we'd love to have you.

viva

Veteran

i am like Neel: why do I like these enough to consider them, when I don't like Birks??? I think it's a combination of factors: the platform, the patent, and the backstrap. I really, really like them on you.

I think the Mephistos are pretty and I am not at all bothered by your toe (I am quite sure my second toe is longer than yours, proportionally speaking, so I am very sensitive to this issue!). They are definitely a less substantial look and my husband would probably like them more too, frankly.

I just really like the jet black of the Gentle Souls and that backstrap makes them a keeper for me -- practical and also changes the vibe of the shoe. They are more of a statement than the Mephistos.

Janet

(website)

Veteran

Take my opinion with a grain of salt, because I've disclosed that I'm not wild about Birks, but from what I can see, I prefer the Mephistos too.

However, that is my bias! I'm gonna be a really hard sell on the Birks look, I'm afraid. The Gentle Souls look good as good on you as I feel like any Birk-like sandal will look -- you and Denise could *almost* make me like them! The Mephistos look like a compromise I might actually wear.

Susie

Veteran

I too like the Mephisto's style. What color are you showing in your picture, Rae? I see that they only come in full sizes. You mentioned that they are too small; do you think that they run small?

gryffin

Veteran

Rae - I really like these. You dont want them too big, you'll face plant. They look perfect. I love gentle souls. I think this style is classic. It's hot right now but it will never be out. also they are really versatile casual to smart casual. Dresses, pants..I think they are a good buy if you like them. The style - oversized, just like our cozy sweaters. We love them but they are not body con - it's a trade off. I think you have many sleek options they give you a different fun vibe. big love for the sandals from me!!

rae

(website)

Veteran

Ugh so tempted to wear these today! But maybe I ought to try a black version of the Mephistos in a bigger size to compare?

Susie, yes, it says right on the purchase page that they run small, but I didn't listen. :T Always wary of adding length to a flat shoe.

Diana

Veteran

I like the Gentle Souls. I actually do NOT like the Mephistos and that is because they look like comfort shoes to me with the slightly tapered shape and all. I'm not sure that makes sense, but Birks have a particular iconic shape that is slightly angular and wide, if that makes sense. The Mephistos with the more tapered shape actually read as more like generic comfort shoes to me.

Ariadne

Veteran

I agree for with Diana. I don't like the Mephistos at all, but Iove the Gentle Souls.

Elle

Veteran

A vote for the Gentle Souls - they look great on you. Since you will be working in them, you might want to wear them around the house for a while to see if there is any rubbing. I love patent leather but it can be unforgiving.

Carey

A+ for all pics. Very pulled together looks.

rae

(website)

Veteran

A couple more pics with today's outfit. I like the Mephistos better with these baggy pants, but the GS better with skinnies. Hm. I think I will order the correct size in black after all for one more showdown in fully styled outfits. Thanks to those who voted for Meohisto, you convinced me to give them another look despite the toe issue.

This post has 2 photos. Photos uploaded by this member are only visible to other logged in members.

If you aren't a member, but would like to participate, please consider signing up. It only takes a minute and we'd love to have you.

12