Clarks Fiddle Scroll for Summer

All my winter coats and boots are officially in storage and the summer tees and sandals are out. I have been looking forward to the warm weather since January, and all the snow earlier this year meant summer couldn't come sooner.

In anticipation of the nicer weather, I actually started sandal shopping even when the ground was covered with snow. Wedges are all the rave this season, and as a 5-footer I definitely love the extra boost. It was very tempting to buy those towering 4 to 5 inch wedges. All the celebrities and fashion models are wearing them! But, I have to be practical. Living in NYC means taking the subway and walking a LOT, so I needed a stylish, yet comfortable sandal. I knew I wanted something in cognac/tan brown leather.

My choices were the Jessica Simpson Jungle in Desert Sand Vachetta or the Clarks Fiddle Scroll in Ginger Leather.

The Jessica Simpson Jungle ($58.65 on Zappos.com) is a sassy sling-back peep toe wedge with a lightly cushioned footbed.

Heel Height: 4 3⁄4 in
Platform Height: 1 1⁄2 in

I opted for the Clarks Fiddle Scroll ($63.99 on Zappos.com), which has a leather upper with an adjustable buckle closure, though I can just slip my foot in/out without unbuckling. The lining is made of soft synthetic material and the footbed is cushioned to reduce step shock.

Heel Height: 3 inches
Platform Height: 1⁄2 in

Wore the sandals over the weekend, and commuted to work yesterday and overall the Clarks Fiddle Scroll is a very cute shoe with just enough wedge/platform without being over the top. The soles are a bit cushiony making it comfortable to wear. However, there is no arch support so if I walk too long (approximately 30 minutes) then my feet start to hurt. I plan to keep the shoes since I've already worn them. But if I know I am going somewhere that requires a lot of walking and standing, then I won't wear these.

I'm glad I didn't buy the Jessica Simpson sandals. If I can't even survive 3 inch wedges, I can certainly forget the 4+ inch ones.