The New Shoe Blues

I have been wanting gladiator sandals for months. Not because they're so trendy, but just because, well--they're cool. I am normally, strictly, a boots kind of girl. But living in such a hot climate makes year round boots simply not doable. But I do have an affection for leather and for leather straps, and gladiators fill that category quite nicely. Thus, I fell hard and fast for these Nine West numbers:

But the pricetag for them locally is around $100. I was quite torn about that, as I usually only spend that kind of money on sturdy, practical footwear. So I was delighted to see these Wet Seal knock-offs crop up:

Dead ringers, right? And a paltry sum of twenty-four dollars! But not so fast--just when I thought I had pulled yet another bargain coup, reality came to smack me in the face. As I've mentioned previously, I am handicapped. But I am also incredibly stubborn, and I manage pretty well in heels, as long as there's a thick, sturdy sole beneath me. Unlike the Nine West versions, Wet Seals "wedge" gladiators narrow to and almost stiletto-like width at the bottom, making them wobbly. Every time I step forward on my left, my ankle wants to roll inward. Which is not good for anyone. Suffice it to say, I am saddened that I will be returning these tomorrow.