Many years ago a male friend of mine, we'll call C pointed to his sandals and said, "Mephisto sandals are the best thing I've ever found, buy a pair". I didn't treat his suggestion seriously at first for several reasons. First I learned these things run over $100 and I couldn't imagine a sandal being worth *that*. Second, the only sandals I found were for men. Heck the only Mephisto shoes I could find were for men, and those were outrageously expensive.
I knew C's recommendation was not one to be ignored lightly. Generally he doesn't like many consumer goods, and certainly not shoes. Fortunately for him he isn't very price sensitive or I doubt he'd ever buy anything. So over time I looked for Mephistos. Eventually I bought my husband two pairs for work, and I found 3 pairs of flats for me for wearing with pants. But the sandals still eluded me.
Chance smiled upon my feet and Mephisto sandals in July 2006. My husband and I had a business dinner scheduled and my beat up 3 year old running shoes were declared unfit for the meeting. We quickly went to the nearest Nordstroms. They are famous for their shoe selection so I hoped they would come through again with another emergancy shopping trip. I have quite picky feet and most women's shoes hurt too much, so we were quite limited on what I could wear. Finally on an isle facing table I saw a Mephisto shoe display.
I saw the Mephisto Helen shoes and despite my concern about the thong, I had an over worked shoe person get me a couple of pairs to try. I was fortunate that many people had tried on one particular pair and the thong of the left foot was well softened. I could see the potential. Unfortunately, the right foot thong rubbed. I knew from past experience that Mephistos are incredibly comfortable, and I mentioned my concern to the sales lady. She said they could soften the right thong. Her treatment was somewhat helpful, but not completely. Then she reminded me that Nordstroms has a money back guarantee. So given my impending dinner in 4 hours, and the return policy I bought them.
I've been quite happy with these. It did take around 4 hours spread over 2 days until the right thong was as comfortable as the left one, but since then I've never had a problem with the thong between my toes. Generally (always) this style sandal rub too much for me to wear for any length of time. These Mephisto sandals have been the exception. They are a pleasure to wear. I've even walked several miles in them with no problems.
They are also nice enough to wear for all but the most formal occasions. Yes, they are expensive, but they are worth it.