I am a bit heartbroken. I love the way these look! But you all are right. If there are fit issues, they will become home decor not footwear.
I think if I had an office job these might work. They feel more like sitting shoes due to their inflexibility.
I hopped over to Nordstrom and tried on a few other pairs (in SF for a few days). The Aquatalia bootie might just come home with me -- weatherproof is a big plus given my rugged terrain. Also there is a slip-resistant type material on the sole. They were super comfortable and I was shocked that they weren't too narrow. I always thought this brand ran too narrow for my wide feet but perhaps due to the flexible suede they accommodate. Just looking at the shoe you know the Aquatalia brand is a stickler for manufacturing quality.
I also tried on the Alexander Wang Kori which I've been stalking on Shopbop for at least a year. More fashion forward than the Aqualtalias and almost as comfortable. But, not appearing as well made as the Aquatalias and $100 more. I'm not sure I would get a non-weatherproof suede shoe either. They also come in leather, but no longer sold at Nordstrom.
Finally I tried on some Saint Laurent booties, the Johdpur. Beautiful but with a $1000 price point. I told the sales woman that it took me a long time to get to where I could spend $500-600 on a pair of shoes, but I'm not there with $1000 yet.
I have been really "good" about trying things on but not buying. However I did make an impulse purchase at UO. These Vagabond oxfords! They feel really nice on, and I might even be able to rotate them into my work shoe capsule when it's slow and I can sit part of the day. They look more streamlined on than the clunky look in the picture.