Miss Mystery writes:
Hey! I'm looking for some comfortable summer sandals that aren't flip-flops or those gladiator things. Something dressy enough for church but comfortable and practical as possible. Preferably in a neutral or metallic color. I'm a size 8.5 and don't have more than $75 to spend. Preferably a good return policy too as I'm not an easy fit. If there's anything you can find, please let me know! I love Softwalk shoes a lot but most of their styles are either too expensive or too matronly. Thanks and have a lovely day!
So I'm going to start you off with these Cobb Hill Gisele sandals in Taupe (though they are available in brown as well). I like that at heart they are basically very sensible sandals - but I think they look relatively stylish (relatively) and the addition of the bling is kind of fun. They are a bit above budget - but Zappos has an excellent return policy and the Cobb Hill brand gets generally excellent reviews on Zappos (actually - Cobb Hill has several pairs of sandals that may meet your general needs, but the budget is a bit off.)
Reader M writes:
Hi! I'm looking for a pair of going out and also office appropriate brown buckle-y/strappy heeled sandals, for going with things that aren't black (since that's the color of most of my clothing). Since most of my wardrobe is black and therefore brown shoes are a sometimes shoe, I'm looking to spend $40-50 or less. I'm also looking for the heel to be slightly thicker for maximum walking capability (I live/work in Manhattan). Some shoes I've been coveting are: http://tgt.biz/Zd1Cr9 The heel was a bit too thin and unstable and http://bit.ly/17PcfDj Somewhat out of my price range/I like to try on shoes before purchasing and I haven't been able to find them in store. If you have any interest, I would appreciate any help!
So - for you, I'm going to start out with this Gabriella Rocha Kakra sandals over at Zappos, they are a little above budget, but they are definitely in the same overall look you like (thanks for the examples, that was helpful) but the wedge is going to make them way more stable. Not sure how you feel about the cork wedge though - I know some love it and some hate it.
Hey TCFKAG, you know I'm a big shopper but there's something I cannot find. I need some new casual sandals for summer but it seems like most of them this year have a strap or band across the instep. I have a very high instep so that style either doesn't fit me or is very uncomfortable. The kind with the triangle in front with a thong is particularly bad. My favorite summer sandals are a pair of Bandolino beaded thongs (straps in a V shape) with a sliver wedge (not quite flat but not high at all). I have worn them so much the beads are coming off. I prefer a sliver wedge or something with a little build-up in the back because I have damaged knees. Also, the flat ones like what I'm describing from, say, Kenneth Cole, are so ugly. Preferably in black or pewter but I could be convinced to buy other colors. I wear an 8 in sandals/flats and I'd prefer to keep it under $100. Thanks!
So - as you probably guessed you're my hardest match - since you're right, almost everything has a strap over the in-step this season. But I've tried to find you a couple options that (a) avoid the instep and (b) provide you the support and wedge I think you'll like. One suggestion that are a bit different than what you described but that I still like are these Anne Klein Cerisler sandals. They have a low wedge and I think the strap in the front should land in front of your in-step. They come in black, but I also really like the colorful option.