Speaking of duplication

Shannon's post on her bone and silver shoes got me thinking about my Sofft Bernias. 

As you all know, I have worn these sandals literally every day since they arrived in June. And -- as is usual for me, when it comes to walkable sandals -- they are definitely showing signs of wear. This is no poor reflection on the shoes. You have to understand -- I WALK in these babies, often 5 miles a day or more. And sometimes I get caught in the rain. So. Yeah. They are not pristine any more.  

It's Austerity August and I have not shopped except for a pair of gear running shoes (on sale) -- which I assume does not count since I do not wear for fashion. 

Would it make sense to duplicate the Bernias? 

Oh -- and CAN I? I have searched in vain for my size (7B) and colour (anthracite). 

I am even wondering if a 6.5 might work in the C width...that's how much I love these shoes. 

Then again, if they are this popular, maybe Sofft will come up with something similar next year. 

This post is also published in the youlookfab forum. You can read and reply to it in either place. All replies will appear in both places.

22 Comments

  • Aziraphale replied 9 years ago

    Those shoes are fab. I would just wait to see what they come up with next year!

  • kerry replied 9 years ago

    Not in your size on Amazon - bummer! Does it have to be that colour? Is that what makes it a workhorse? Is this the first year for this style? Does Sofft often carry over styles from season to season?

    You tried on two sizes when you first ordered them, right? What was the sizing issue with the 6.5?

    Maybe someone can look for you in store? I know they are no longer at my local Bay but maybe someone else's or a US fabbers Nordstrom?

  • carter replied 9 years ago

    The Sofft site has both a 7.5M and a 6.5W. Happy to help if they don't ship to Canada.

  • Gigi replied 9 years ago

    This is a toughie. On Shannon's post, I recommended that she duplicate, but she has some serious foot issues. I know you have hard-to-fit feet, with the narrow heel, but that is not as serious an issue. Personally, if it were me, I would probably wait to see what Sofft introduces next year. Cold weather will be here soon (sorry to be the bringer of doom), and who knows if you will want to wear the same style of sandal again next year? I know that I can really love something for a while, but then I am done with it and ready to move on.

    As far as whether it's even possible to duplicate these, is 7 your size in most shoes? Angie said that with low-volume feet, you can go down half a size in the Bernias—and you don't need to get the wide width. When I went to order them in my usual 6.5 size, they were out, but there was a size 6 left. I ordered the size 6, and it fit perfectly as far as the length and width. However, I sent them back because my heel slipped out of the one shoe. I would have had no problem otherwise with the smaller size.

  • Sal replied 9 years ago

    I tend to agree with Gigi.  Your current pair will see out this season and probably be fine for casual for next year...when you can add a new fresh pair of walking sandals that meet the same needs.

    Mo started a thread last week about this which was thought provoking to me - sometimes the replacement item can fill the same hole but be a different item.

    Just my opinion though.....

      

  • replied 9 years ago

    http://www.6pm.com/sofft-berni.....-foil-goat

    Your size is there , but I didn't click through to make sure they ship to ON. I have been tracking these on various sites myself over the past month, but my size is long gone.

    I love these sandals, and totally "get" duplicating.  They are a classic style in my mind.

  • replied 9 years ago

    Update - no shipping to Canada. Sorry :(  Btw - what does ETA mean on this forum? I only know it as Estimated Time of Arrival:)
    and while we're at it, how about HEWI - not on the acronyms list.  

  • E replied 9 years ago

    Would you be wearing them as soon as they arrived or waiting until next summer? Sometimes you cycle through looks quickly whereas others are mainstays of your style: if you're sure the sandals would be mainstays, duplicating would make sense (so difficult to find sandals up for that much walking!). If you're not sure though, might be better to wait.

    Lisa, ETA=edited to add & HEWI=highly elusive wardrobe item.

  • replied 9 years ago

    Thanks, E. 

  • Suz replied 9 years ago

    Oh, thank you all. Such wise words and helpful cautions. 

    Lisa, my size isn't there -- it looks as if it is, but when you click on it, it's gone. Alas. I tried them.  :( 

    Kiwigal, I wish my current pair would be fine for casual next year, but I fear not. I am wearing them for casual this year -- but that is pretty much my entire life. So I've already worn the soles down considerably and there is no fixing them. And the insides of the footbed are also very worn. I think by the end of this season they will look beaten up. I tend to do that to at least one pair of sandals every year. 

    Gigi,  good points. Alas, in this case I doubt that the 6.5 will work. The 7 is a perfect fit. Some heel looseness -- yes -- but that is par for the course with me, and at least they did not give me blisters. I usually take a 6.5 or 37 EU in shoes with occasional 7s for boots, but these ones surprised me -- i guess my forefoot is more high volume than I thought. I have a high arch and instep. 

    I never did get the 6.5 to try, kerry. I ordered it but it didn't ship! By the time the Bay informed me I was already happily wearing the 7s anyway! 

    It's definitely the colour that makes it a workhorse. It's neutral on my foot, blends well, works with everything, adds a bit of pizzazz. 

    Carter, thank you!! Very sweet of you. 

    Aziriphale, good point. There may be other styles I like as well or better. I hope so.  :) 

  • Suz replied 9 years ago

    E, I would TRY to make them last until next year, wearing out the current ones in the meantime. I figure I have another 4 weeks of wear before the season ends. 

    Well, since they're not available anywhere in my size, it's all moot; I guess I am going to HAVE to wait, LOL. Sofft, hear my prayer! 

  • columbine(erin) replied 9 years ago

    It's hard to find good walking sandals! At least ones with the right heel height and that are not frumpy. I hope you can replace or find something even better. I wear the same sizes and also have a high arch so will keep my eyes open.

  • Angie replied 9 years ago

    I vote wear them out and purchase something fresh next year. Your sandal season is almost over. 

  • Suz replied 9 years ago

    Thanks, Angie. It seems I have no choice anyway since they're not available in my size. I just hope next year you can find us all an equally walkable, fashionable and not frumpy sandal! ;) These were complete life savers for me this year, so thank you! 

  • Angie replied 9 years ago

    I'm thrilled they worked out, Suz. Client Meredith has TWO pairs and has lived in them all Summer too. (We had an unexpected hot Summer in Seattle). I'm sure you'll find another fab pair next season. 

  • Jaime replied 9 years ago

    I think you should plan to buy a new style next spring. I happen to know some great places to get sandals ;-).

  • Suz replied 9 years ago

    Ah!! Great point, Shevia. You have left me with hope! Thank you!!!! :) 

  • Sveta replied 9 years ago

    I also second to buy a new pair next spring - after all your size is easy toi shop for.
    I almost did not wear my sandals this year. I am freezing in them at work and on weekends the weather was mostly so cool I feel better in closed shoes.

  • Suz replied 9 years ago

    Sveta, thanks. I think it has been cooler out your way than here, although admittedly we have had a lot of cool weather this year. But you know how it is -- "lake efffect" moderates our temperatures. And as I write it is quite hot and humid -- enough that I need my fan on. 

    Well, I am all sorted and buying my sandals in Israel. Ha!  :) 

  • Sveta replied 9 years ago

    WE are in 24-25C in day time and it is going to be 15C tonight - quite warm after some nights of 11C and even 9C - and this is in August!
    And I think I run colder this year that usual - maybe because of the weight loss - so I am freezing!:-(

  • Vicki replied 9 years ago

    Off to Israel you go with Angie's sage advice and Shevia's leads.  It's easy to go with what you know, but then think about all the newness awaiting you on your travels.

  • Jen W replied 9 years ago

    I've been thinking the same thing about the Bernias. I wore my burnt orange pair today and wondered if I should duplicate them. I love them and they love my feet back. Hopefully Sofft will pay attention to how well they sold and come up with a fresh take on them in the spring!

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