I had put some things on wishlist as didn’t have access until Aug 19, and most sold out.

I ended up with these rubber- soled EF ankle straps. It took some stalking and trying 2 sizes. I was concerned that these are for me a summer shoe and buying late means I have to hope they will still work next year- but, the general style has become a mainstay for me for 4-4 years now and I still love it. The draw was the more casual white rubber sole, but a more “ dress” vibe than some type of sneaker. Sizing up gave me some wiggle room also for fussy feet or an insole liner.

I tried the Sarto chunky oxfords in Burgundy patent, but they fit a little large, and not as comfy as sneakers so did not attempt to try smaller size.

Not in NAS, but on sale, I tried the Mephisto “ Chanel”(!) sneaker- I kind the look a lot, but my size 9 was too flat in toe box,, but overall the cushioning / support was not
up to par I thought, so have not tried to reorder a half size up.

The EF shoe fits in a very specific goal of getting a slightly more refined look with very casual dress, skirt or pants, since I don’t wear open toe sandals or cool slides. But for a lace-up sneaker or oxford I am realizing that I need to maintain a very high “ comfort bar” if they are to be versatile and worn frequently.