Sandals: How to choose? - YouLookFab Forum

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Sandals: How to choose?

Beth Ann

Veteran

Its a questions of

1. Substance vs. Refinement.
I have a largish foot (9.5), a little wide in the forefoot, with an substantial and curvy lower leg. I look like I'm smashing really delicate shoe, but chopping up the line of my leg with a chunky shoe can make my leg and foot look positively burly

2. Leg Lengthening vs. Bookending:
I love nude shoes, but I wonder sometimes if I don't look better with a darker shoe that bookends my hair and mirrors my high contrast coloring and clothing style.

3. Comfortable and Practical vs. Modern and Forward Looking
I must watch the pennies, and my Summer style is more casual. I need a shoe that works with skirts and shorts and that I can walk the streets of Chicago in. BUT, I struggle to keep the style quotient growing in uber-casual looks, and I need my sandal to move me forward.

Do you see me in either of these?

http://www1.macys.com/shop/pro.....ategoryID=

http://www1.macys.com/shop/pro.....1&Cat

I tried to paste photos, but the Macy's site wouldn't let me.

Shopping

27 replies

Latest reply was from Beth Ann

DeclawedJaguar

Veteran

Beth Ann, I think we have similar builds and body types, so I really identify with the issues you're describing. Personally, I find that a little bit of heel helps elongate my leg line, and also helps the ankle to appear daintier than it actually is by accentuating the calf. Also, cross straps of the type that Pil was sporting recently with her new Splendid sandals help to "slimmify" the ankle visually. If the sandals do have a horizontal strap on the ankle, it helps if it's a low-contrast color. And of course, the sandals must be comfortable.

So with those criteria in mind, I would say that the first Macy's pair would be my first pick. When do you get to try them on?

Sveta

(website)

Veteran

I think I have similar shoe woes. Big feet (what? 9.5? it is a tiny foot compared to mine!), wide forefeet, not dainty ankles, big calves... so I would be talking from experience:
1. Middle ground between chunkiness and refinement for me. Wedge is a good middle ground as well as somewhat sturdy heel but not overly chunky.
2. For sandals I prefer leg lengthening to bookending dark hair. Black sandals just read too heavy and leg choppy to me against bare skin. I don't have a single pair of black sandals even though my hair is dark. Also nude sandals are already bookended by your very skin.
3. I don't sacrifice comfort to style in footwear but I would not settle for frumpy either. There are sandals which fit both criteria out there.
From the links you posted I tried on Clarks but they did not work well for my wide fore foot at all - the strap was positioned right above the widest part of my foot so it looked weird. I really like SE pair for you, I think it is a happy combination of style and comfort, sturdy heel with refined toe and ankle strap in low contrast would not cut the leg. I tried similar style with wide ankle strap in black and white and there was no comparison - low contrast all the way for chunkier ankle and legs to look good!

missvee

Veteran

I like both of them very much but suspect the Clarks would be super comfortable. I think they would meet all three of your criteria too. I love the teal snake colour.

missvee

Veteran

Just saw Sveta's reply, so perhaps they aren't as comfortable as they look. Worth a try though?

Firecracker (Sharan)

Veteran

Hmmm. I like the first pair better, for the heel, and I do like the almost-nude look. I predict it will be more versatile than you might expect, once your eye adjusts.
But then I saw these on the side of the screen:
http://www1.macys.com/shop/pro.....goryID=132

I also have a wider forefoot and healthy calves, and personally I find some of the double strap sandals--like the two styles you've chosen--can emphasize foot width. Can, but don't always; the trick can be in where those straps hit on your foot and how they're shaped on the foot. But, that led me to ask you about the t-strap instead--and with a lower heel but not flat. Also, I think an animal-print is a nice compromise between the nude look and something that will go with your high-contrast outfits.

Someone just got the Clarks--was it Thistle? I'm not sure. They looked great. I'm just not sure a flat sandal is going to fill all the needs you're wanting it to.

In other words, I'm not sure either of these is your ultimate sandal.

Marley

Veteran

I think the first pair is definitely worth trying! IMO - the heel would be more flattering on you than the flat Clarks.

Parsley

Veteran

I think the first one you posted would look great on you, Beth Ann. A little bit of a heel is flattering, and it doesn't look too high to walk in.

As a brunette who wears a lot of black, I've always worn black sandals. I wasn't aware of the concept of bookending my hair, but they always made sense to me. Lately though, I've been wearing more light colored shoes and finding that they work a lot better than I expected, and I do like the leg-lengthening aspect. I think we brunettes can go either way, depending on the effect we're going for.

Anonymous

I agree with Parsley in all accounts.

Firecracker (Sharan)

Veteran

Here are some ideas, if you feel like browsing through them.
I like Sofft for style and comfort combined, and I have some Naya shoes that are very comfy also. I may be barking up the wrong tree with Danskos, but I like the "Dani" style--not exactly refined, but not the old clog look, either. I love the pewter and "taupe ice" colors.

http://vip.zappos.com/sofft-br.....st=fcl%3A0

http://vip.zappos.com/easy-spi.....st=fcl%3A0

http://vip.zappos.com/dansko-d.....st=fcl%3A0

http://vip.zappos.com/dansko-d.....st=fcl%3A0

http://vip.zappos.com/sam-edel.....st=fcl%3A0

http://vip.zappos.com/naya-hel.....st=fcl%3A0

http://vip.zappos.com/dv-by-do.....st=fcl%3A0

http://vip.zappos.com/sofft-be.....st=fcl%3A0

Beth Ann

Veteran

You guys are amazing! Such shoe wisdom!

DJ: You fit and flattery observations are just what I need to hear, and I remember the Spendid sandals and their great criscross.

Sveta: So glad you replied. I know you could write a graduate thesis on footwear, and we share a similar "scale." I can't even imagine how a shoe is going to look on me when I see it profiled in a fashion mag.
Your feedback on the Clark is helpful. I've not seen it IRL, but I've tried some that are similar, and the exact placement of the strap over the forefoot is crucial. I love your choices in footwear and I've never wished you had on darker shoes.

Miss Vee: Thanks for the focus on comfort. These feet still tolerate a lot, but I want them to last and be happy!

FC: I've tried on enough sandals (DSW, I'm talking to you) to know you speak the truth about double straps --- and straps around the ankle in general. Placement is everything. And --- oooooh yes, that snake print sandal is very chic and versatile. Going to check it out.........

Beth Ann

Veteran

Cross posted, FC! I'll check these out!

jenanded

Veteran

Hey BethAnn... I am keen to get this type of sandal as well so thanks to Sveta for the insights! I think the light colour will be fine for all the reasons everyone has mentioned above... I suspect the 'right' sandal with this cross foot strap is still coming our way... The heel is of course a little dressier but I know how 'tired' my feet feel when its really steaming hot and would choose the second... Look forward to hear what others find works in these types of sandals... Clarks in the UK have another version again but it is perhaps not in store yet because it keeps saying no sizes available... This looks like it has a wider foot strap and the white/nude colour looks more modern like the ones you are looking at... Have fun!
http://www.clarks.co.uk/p/20352871

Adelfa

Veteran

To me the scale of the Lucky pair looks really promising. Not too delicate, but still elegant and feminine.

jenanded

Veteran

PS Sveta and others in the non-dainty shoe club, I was looking at Clarks online in the UK and you select your size and they send them to your local store to try on... I am in mega shoe heaven which those of you with larger feet will know having to work in to shops and ask if they stock your size THEN even consider styles...

Suz

(website)

Veteran

Beth Ann, I hear you on all counts. I actually have these very same concerns, just on a different scale for my shorter height. So I understand what you are saying about shoes needing to be scaled to the person! I keep making mistakes with mine, too. (Sigh). In both directions. Last year I bought a pair of red ankle strap sandals that I thought would be fab. Well, first of all they were uncomfortable, which I couldn't tell in the store (or until I wore). But the strap cut me off at just the WRONG spot and made my legs feel really stumpy.

In the end, I think it's going to have to be a face-off! We'll have to see them on, and you will have to feel them. The first pair look really promising to me, but you just won't know until they're on your foot.

Beth Ann

Veteran

FC -- thanks for the links. The Naya's were my favorite!

Jen -- sounds like you're finding some good retail time during your travels. Those sandals are lovely. At first I got all tingly at the price --- and then I saw that funny shaped L. Dratted exchange rates! Good luck in your search!

Adelfa -- I think I'll order the Lucky's to try, of see if I can find them at a nearish Macy's. They're building a Macy's 5 miles from me, but it won't open til Summer!

Suz: Glad to hear I'm not the only one who keeps feeling like I'm getting near misses. I think my taste in shoes has now officially exceeded my price point! I will either have to improve my stalking skills, or learn to make a wardrobe with fewer, but better shoes. Perhaps both tactics can work in tandem. Death to stumpifying, frumpy shoes that cost more than a night at the Opera!

Thistle

Veteran

I see the others already have you all set.

I am with you on price point and shoes though. My taste is definately a lot more expensive than my price point

Sarah A

Veteran

It is so hard to tell about shoes without trying them. I really like the idea of both models you posted for you. And also, the idea of a more curated shoe collection. Coming to the realization that I will have less shoes but that at least $100 is the entry point for stuff that really works for me was a very liberating discovery... My feet are happier than they have been in many years!

Beth Ann

Veteran

Sarah: Can you tell a difference in how the shoes wear and the degree of comfort?

Kristin L

Veteran

You've gotten a lot of great advice. All I can say is try them on and see how it goes. I think the 2 you picked out look nice.

hedgiehog

Veteran

I feel your pain.....I have been searching for sandals, unsuccessfully. I've bought and returned 5 pairs already. I have size 10 feet and am 5 feet 2 inches and here is what I've experienced.... When I wear a flat sandal, it doesn't flatter as much as a slight heel does. Also, anything with a strap at the ankle cuts my leg off and gives me the frumpy dumpy look. I ordered the Indira rue sandals and I liked the snakeskin print but for some reason, the top part of the shoe was too far forward on my foot.
The only exception to the ankle strap issue, for me at least, is if I wear a nude colour sandal. If the strap is similar to my skin tone, it doesn't look bad.

I like the lucky sandals, IMO they look great!
I recently ordered these: http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/ec.....1b2166c2c0

Beth Ann

Veteran

Hedgie: I saw the Indira Rue in your post. Sorry it didn't work for you. I think I might try the Lucky one, as well as another Ecco I turned up.

pil

Veteran

The first pair you referenced is really sharp, Beth Ann. I like those and the snake pair that Firecracker linked to.

FWIW, it looks like there are Splendids in stock on Shopbop in 8.5, 9 and 10 and they are only $47. They have free shippng and, I think, free returns. I bought my usual size but I think some of the reviews say they ran large for them?

Sarah A

Veteran

Yes, although I am pretty picky about brands and construction too. As hard as it is for me to find shoes that work they must last and look good 3 years minimum. And I only have about 5 everyday pair for winter and 5 pr sandals for summer. ECCO, Gentle Souls, Patagonia, Cole Haan, and Sperry along with Sanuk sneaks basically sums it up on the everyday front for me. The ECCOs and Patagonia are by far the most often worn of the bunch. I often get them on sale, but if the shoe didnt start pretty high full price (and not that crazy Kohls pricing that is meant to be discounted) they dont seem to pan out well.

Anonymous

I second the ECCOs and also like Cole Haan. I was at Nordstrom today and they had several cute refined comfortable pairs. I got a small wedge in pewter much like these:

http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/co.....038;contex

.

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

It all depends on HOW you're going to wear the sandals, Beth Ann. There is room for many sandal styles for different outfit purposes - and I can see you both of these styles.

Beth Ann

Veteran

Ah, yes, Angie, you have a point (no surprise there). Time to make some outfits (in my head at least) with these choices. I have several sandals that might not make it through the Summer -- getting a little worn and shabby, and I seem to get indecisive when it's time to replace something. I'm probably not operating enough off of a purposeful plan right now. Time to review some blog posts!