Two pairs of blue sandals - which shall I keep?

[CointreauVersial]

Having searched fruitlessly since last summer for a nice pair of blue/navy sandals for work (apparently as rare as hen's teeth) , suddenly two pairs come along at once.... both purchased from M&S during this week's 20% off day..... So which pair shall I keep?

The brief - they're for work (office, not super-smart, think separates/skirts/trousers), I have very wide feet and can't wear anything high or strappy.

These or these? The first pair I think look more "elegant". I like the ankle strap and colour of the second pair, but am not sure about the blocky heel.... Both are extremely comfortable.

What do the stylish MN jury think? Which to keep, which to return...

Ballroom - I did you a disservice - yours are the ones I probably like the best. Never heard of that website - are they reliable?

The first pair . . .

Sorry CV, but I agree with the majority. The second pair are the best – the first would have been worn by by mum 20 years ago, and she's 82 – but I still wouldn't class as stylish. Do they have to be navy? It seems the shoe colour that style forgot.

Are your feet really up to that much exposure? Even beautiful, perfect little kids' feets don't look wonderful in sandals.

I see so many rhino-heels, yellowing nails and pale, blemished, knackered-looking feet in sandals every summer.

Boak.

ARGH - I just read your post about your bunions. Please, I beg you - could you consider some lightweight trainers? Ballet flats? Maybe a Wellington?

Lightweight trainers?! In the office, with a pencil skirt and smart top? I don't think so.

My feet aren't that hideous, just very wide across the joint. I go for sandals with wide or crossover straps for that reason.

Ballet flats (or anything without any sort of heel) makes them look wider still. A small heel is more flattering but still comfortable.

Herbs, I have a few blue dresses and whatnot, and black footwear looks weird. I'm not a tan accessory person - I want blue ones, dammit!

The second ones. I'd definitely wear trainers with a skirt shirt though.

These?

*and shirt

Loads here

I like the Libby Edelman ones

There from America, i like these ones

Definitely not the first ones! Not too sure about the second ones either - would need to see them in RL.

Some good ideas on the links

I hate all the sandals people have linked to frumpararama! except cece. The first of hers are nice, but I can't wear sling backs, as they don't "grab" my heel, so they work as mules. This might not be a problem for others.

cece's second pair are a bit bland, but "okay for work", which is what you want them for.

(I am about the same age as you, Cointrea.)

WIde feet understand 100% . I have to go for comfort as well. I also so shed loads of walking so I have gone for another version that I wouldn't put my grandmother in but I don't give a dam !- Call me granny.
However as a choice I would say the 1st For more walking the second as the heel is wider.

Two phrases jump out at me. "work" and "comfort". I think the first pair tick both boxes and will be absolutely fine for the suggested purpose.

These are what I call frumpy

www.shoon.com/womens-shoes/all-sandals/arizona-w-arizona-navy.htm

Definitely first pair. 2nd are v granny ish looking

CV I have to join the tiny minority who say the first pair. The frump factor is dictated by the rest of the outfit IMveryHO and if you're wearing trousers (not cropped) the sandal hardly shows any way. And no way are you are frump Those Gabor ones that Swedish linked to are very nice, however and pretty much guaranteed to be comfortable (says she who bought her first pair of Gabor earlier this year…). Quite tempted myself. There's no accounting for taste. I wouldn't be seen dead in Saltwater sandals for example. I think they epitomise frumpsville but they're ever so popular.

The second pair. Also like the Dotty P ones, and the ones cece and Rudy linked to.

But you know my taste in sandals, so I wouldn't take style advice from me...

What about these from Reiker? Slightly odd sole, but top bits OK, and sure to be super-comfy.

Cointreau - I've never used Spartoo but they are a big and well established site, I wouldn't think you'd have any problems ordering from there.

I agree though with whoever said that if you go for tan sandals, you will find a much nicer and bigger selection. I'm not convinced by blue sandals to match blue dresses.