Well sort of. Last year I almost bought a pair of these very Mephistos but when I tried them on they didn’t seem to fit well and, as I didn’t find any other sandals I liked, I got through the summer totally wearing out these two old pair, which clearly couldn’t be used anymore (the shredded insoles were shredding my poor feet!). And so when the wonderful spring weather hit this weekend I had nothing comfy and cool to wear on my feet. But same story! I really didn’t see any sandals I liked other than this same Mephisto style, which is being repeated this year. So I tried them on and – hey! – they actually fit just fine. But the salesclerk said they looked short and I should try a bigger size. Okay…

I mean, when I got my new shoes a couple of weeks ago I realised that going up a size was the most comfortable thing to do, even though they are a bit long. But with the sandals, having them too long just looks stupid. Except the salesclerk insisted that my toes were too close to the edge in my “usual size”… aaargh. What it comes down to is that I actually need a 39 1/2. Yeah, the 39s are a tad short at the front, but the 40s felt and looked like boats and – more importantly – my heel kind of swam around at the back, and the back strap isn’t adjustable. So after much deliberation I went for the 39s, which is the same Mephisto size I’ve been wearing for over 10 years. Was I wrong?

now defunct 3-year-old red Mephistos and brand new ones

One thing’s for sure. I am going to start using my gel socks again! My heels are in great shape now after a winter of comfy socks and regular moisturising. I reckon that if I do the gel sock thing after a quick pedicure a couple times a week I may end up avoiding painful cracked feet around mid-August. Watch this space…