Which sandals to pick?

Maneera

I want to add a pair of tan sandals to my wardrobe this summer. I already have tan low heeled pumps, but I am loving sandals this summer.

Which of these two styles to pick? I know they're both very different as the flats are rather casual and the block heels are more classic. But I want to know if one appeals to you more than the other? I will pair them with skirts, dresses and pants.

Any help would be great

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10 years ago

Shopping

12 replies

Latest reply was from Maneera

Marley

Veteran

I much prefer the flat ones when compared to the ones with the block heel. They look just a little too "classic" to me. I'm not sure though how the flat ones would work with pants - probably depends on the style of the pant and leg length. I almost never wear flats with pants because I feel like I need some leg lengthening help with a shoe that has a bit of a heel. But you may not have to worry about that!

10 years ago

Maneera

(website)

Veteran

Thanks Marley. I have super short legs and almost always prefer a small heel. I get what you're saying about the tan block heel sandals. They might be too 'classic'. I will keep looking for more options that are comfortable, look current and work equally well with pants and skirts/dresses. Thanks for your help today!

10 years ago

Suz

(website)

Veteran

I am so with you on the desire for a bit of a heel -- two inches (or even one inch) makes a huge difference to my personal proportions. I am on the short-legged side, too, at least visually, though according to the measurements I am not. I think the problem is my CALVES are on the short side. I am wondering if you have the same issue.

Another problem for me is that flats are actually less comfortable for me than something with a bit of a heel or wedge. Do you have this problem, too?

If not, and flats are truly comfy for you, I do prefer the flats. There is something about the little twist front on the block heel that looks less current. But having said that, it will be an almost nude and will blend in well and not call attention to itself, so in the end it comes down to trying them on and seeing how they look with your intended outfits.

10 years ago

Maneera

(website)

Veteran

Hi Suz, you and I could be sisters!!!! I have the same issues....I think I'm short in the calves. I'll attach a picture of me in shorter shorts, don't you think my leg looks more proportionate visually when more thigh is on display? Especially compared to the length of shorts i was wearing today. However, in reality, I only wear shorter shorts on holiday or at home. I have an active lifestyle and find that shorter shorts start to bunch up around the crotch as I stride. I do walk very fast, and the sight is very unflattering. I think it's because my thighs rub together at the thigh joint and fabric gets caught in between. However, this doesnt happen with longer shorts, so they are a more practical choice.

I mostly wear lengths just above the knee. Hence, the need for a small heel. Also, just like you, I find absolutely flat shoes a little uncomfortable. I prefer shoes with a small heel or wedge - 1 to 1.5 inch is often enough.

So, if you have found some shoes that are cute yet a delight to walk in, please please do let me know. And I can only hope they ship to India! I am planning a trip to Singapore in either August or October, yet to be decided. But I'll need something very comfy as I intend to walk a lot.

I get what you're saying about these tan block heels and I agree. I already have quite a few comfortable shoes that are nude to me so don't need another pair. I'll attach a picture of my current favourite....it's very comfortable with a padded insole and I think it looks pretty good.

Let me know what you think!

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10 years ago

abc

Veteran

I like the look of 1-2 in your original post, they look more current.

Can you find the brand Clarks or Naturalizer in India? I find them to be super comfy but still stylish as well.

Let me think about other shoe brands and sources. Hmmm..shoes, one of my favorite topics. Not sure why I am going blank now. I suppose bc my sources are US based and I feel your pain on international shipping, I won't even chance it anymore here between extremely high cost and likelihood of the package never showing up

10 years ago

jenl

Member

The flat ones look much more modern. In my opinion the square block heel only looks good when it is very tall. When they are that short it looks like a shoe for the 50 and up crowd.

10 years ago

Suz

(website)

Veteran

I respectfully disagree with Jeni about block heels -- there are lots of current styles this year. But I do agree that the one you found doesn't look too current.

I don't know if you could get the Steve Madden Shallow, but it is working for me, for Transcona Shannon, and a bunch of others. It has a block heel.

For a small and very walkable wedge, I highly recommend the Sofft Bernia (last year's style -- you might get on sale) or the Breeze.

It comes in different colours; I have in silver. It is a low wedge but just enough to improve the look in longer shorts (like you, I wear longer shorts when outside the house). Everybody's feet are different, though. For reference, mine are regular width in front, very narrow heel, high(ish) instep and arch but not high volume.

Amazon

Söfft Sofft Womens Bernia Sandal

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Top Pick

Zappos

Söfft Breeze

$99.95

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10 years ago

Suz

(website)

Veteran

ETA if your feet are higher volume, Clark's might be a good place to look; I know they sell in India.

10 years ago

Maneera

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Hey abc - yes we get both Naturalizer and Clarks and I wear a lot of shoes from both brands

Jeni - I trashed the idea of these two sandals. I don't love love either. The hunt shall continue. Thanks for your input though. Atleast I know what NOT to look for?

10 years ago

Maneera

(website)

Veteran

Suz, I love both of these sandals. The Sofft is exactly what I've been wanting! I'll also go to Steve Madden and Clarks in person to check out the collection.

Also, I keep reading about 'high volume' feet on YLF but I'm not sure what that is. I think I'll need to research old articles to find out. Does it mean wider feet? If so, I have regular width feet but I'll need to be sure

Thanks a bunch for these suggestions. These really help!

10 years ago

Anonymous

Oh, I agree with Suz that the block heel is now current, so you're OK on that front.

Maneera and Suz - How do you tell that it's your calves that are short vs just overall short legs or short thighs?? (There seems to be no end to the proportion issues you can have :-))

Maneera, I do like the shorter shorts on you - but i'm not sure if that's because the proportions are better or because you have good legs, ha ha!

10 years ago

Maneera

(website)

Veteran

Smittie, my legs don't change! The shorter shorts look better because I have shorter calves. I haven't actually measured them, but I think the length from the start of the leg till knee is probably going to be longer than knee to ankle.

We usually measure the whole leg in comparison to full torso to know our proportions. So a longer thigh with short calves might seem proportionate in theory but when you wear knee length skirts and dresses, this won't be so. I'll actually do these measurements tomorrow to be sure and write back.

10 years ago

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