Keep/Return: Duplicated FitFlops?

I originally bought these Heda blush snake print sandals (bottom of photo) last summer:
https://youlookfab.com/welookf.....twear-haul

I'm happy to report I wore ALL the shoes from that FitFlop haul (bar one pair) - I rotated heavily between these blush sandals & the slimmer gold ones from July-Oct 2021 & April-Sept 2022! But the original blush ones now feel too uncomfy (the arch support is shot & the straps are too loose, even at the tightest setting). So I bought this replacement pair, in preparation:

My question: will the higher contrast strap on the new version of these sandals (top of photo) will make them less versatile? Or do you think the darker parts could work to bookend my hair instead? (Sadly I can't return this purchase, but I can exchange it!)

I had been hesitant about the original pair because I don't wear much print (usually just in scarves & dresses); I was worried that it would be ALGO with my often brightly coloured clothes. Thankfully that wasn't the case, but I suspect that may be due to the paler print of the first pair 'blending' into my skin (almost like 'nude-to-me' shoes)... What do you fabulous Fabbers think?

Thank you so much for chiming in with your opinions, & explaining them too if you do decide to vote (Y for Keep & N for Return/ Exchange, please!) Thanks

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3 years ago

April

Veteran

I vote Y

kellygirl

Ooh, I like the new pair even better. I think they read as neutral and will be great for blending and book ending! Keep!

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Just as versatile and YAY. Pretty, and very neutral!

Jenni NZ

I vote Yay! Look very similar to the earlier ones and should work well. Very pretty!

Zaeobi

Looks like the forum is unanimous so far - thanks, ladies! I suppose my concern was the dark portions on the new pairs are black (rather than brown, my main neutral) & the light portions are white (not a muddier grey, like before). But maybe I'm just worrying too much, lol

They're not just pretty but comfy too - the padding around the straps & seams helps! Hopefully they'll be versatile for another year.

Suz

I think they will work for you. They won't feel quite as fade-into-the-background neutral, it's true, but they are neutral enough, and you might find yourself coming up with new outfit combinations that highlight the strengths of these vs. the old ones. If they are as comfortable and reliable as the previous pair you will get your money's worth!

Stagiaire Fash

Those are great—the warmer colors on the band & footbed will play well with other stuff in your closet, and as you say, the black in the band will be a nice little bookend for your hair.

Thanks all - I took them for their first outing today. They lasted 10+ hours on my feet (teaching & commuting) without pain

The only thing is that the strap feels a little loose even at the tightest setting (end of the velcro)... they're not falling off or sliding about or anything, but they just feel slightly less secure than the ones before. Not sure what to do about that, tbh...

Can more Velcro be added?

Anonymous

Is stuff stuck in the Velcro of the old ones? If so that can cause the fit problem.

@Joy it's the new pair that's the issue, not the old one (which is strange because usually straps loosen over time...)

@SF Hmm that may work but be a bit tricky - the underside of the strap is a thick but squishy neoprene sleeve (matte scuba material) whilst the top 'snakeskin' is glossy & non bendy. Would need to find a needle durable enough to thread through either both layers or velcro big enough to pin just to the 'neoprene' edges of the straps.

Also ETA to show ways I've worn the new sandals so far.

Ideally I'd find ones with darker soles instead, but otherwise I think the straps blend in well with my foot to not look too out of place Just need to be careful about not getting the strap edges caught on wide legs - oops!

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If you’re diying, go for superglue. But aren’t there good shoe repair shops there?

WINNERS!! Glad they went the distance, Zaeobi. What a relief! They work seamlessly and fably with your outfits. I love the white soles

@SF I haven't used one out here yet but I'll take a look if they get too bothersome. For now I'm dealing by looping the back strap far enough to reach the front velcro instead & vice versa - like crisscrossed straps.

@Angie Thanks! I don't usually buy from places without a refund policy, but took the gamble because of the tried & tested style. Who knows, maybe this time next year I'll finally find a pair of chocolate ones instead?

They look gorgeous on you Zaeobi! I like your nail polish too. Am hanging out here for warmer weather. So, so tired of socks: have been wearing them for last 7 months. Think I may break out the nail polish as soon as it is warm enough for sandals on more than one day in a row.

Btw, the City Bag comes in chocolate now

https://pompomlondon.com/en-us.....-chocolate

@Jenni
Thank you - nail polish never seems to last on my fingernails, so toenails it is lol
Hang in there - hopefully it'll warm up soon! Meanwhile I'm happy that temps have finally 'dropped' here to 24C but 40% humidity (instead of the usual 80%+). Fingers crossed I can start wearing my socks soon too!

@Angie
You read my mind! As great as my current bags are, I think a slightly bigger size (medium rather than small) might be more practical - I'd be tempted to add two vertical loops to the back panel though, to make it convertible into a belt bag. Let's see!

Sally

I’m late to this but they are both really pretty and I would wear them as neutral not likely to clash with prints etc

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