Sandy, did you decide that you don't want the Mary Jane pattern? Rudi, I tried to send you an email, but it keeps coming back to me. Email me your address and I'll send you the set of patterns. I don't have scanning capabilities, so I'll have to mail them to you.

grapefruit, I know Harrisburg is a little bit of a haul for you, but I highly recommend Plum Bottom in the Susquehanna Shoppes. It's a locally owned business and they offer a wide range of shoes-- many of the brands mentioned here. Their web site is awful but the store is great and the owner/staff really know their stuff. You can share your particular needs and they can point you to the brands or styles that fit narrow, wide, whatever. They aren't cheap but for the variety and assistance, I think they're great! you can check her out on youtube-- she has a terrible web site but does regular videos of new stock on FB.

SeattleMCM, i also love EF clothes-- well, i love the pieces I love. Not all styles work well for me. I know the prices can be high but I have had good luck with sales. No restore here-- and honestly the prices on her recycled merino and cashmere sweaters are out of bounds for me-- but I love the concept. My shoes are about 5-7 yr old and are still in great shape-- and i am hard on shoes! I definitely think if you can find a pair you like at a decent price, it's worth it. Too many shoes look ratty after a season or two. What I love about my shoes is that they look elegant but are as comfortable as a slipper. I can't wear heels so these have been my go-to for dressier fall/winter events-- and they also worked for more casual events and the office (when i went to the office!) Check out ebay and poshmark-- both have numerous styles, many NIB. Here's the pair i have on Poshmark for $25 (I paid $198 for mine). They are used but look pristine-- not pushing my style on you-- i know it's not the maryjane style you are looking for-- but using it as an example of the kind of deals/prices you could find in a style you like. ETA: EF shoes have a reputation for running narrow. I have a slightly wide foot and had no issues with fit in this shoe or her boots.

(Well hopefully I can reply). This has been so helpful. I am reminded of several good brands as well as learning of so many new ones. Part of my issue I have to confess is that I am a bit tight with money (as in cheap). I really like the Ilse Jacobsen and of course Naot.I guess I have to just get over myself and order some shoes and if they are not comfy just send them back. I think part of it is that I want comfy ( being able to walk a lot and on cobblestones but to look a bit sweeter than sneakers. I really like the ones Terri shared. Are they good for walking? Funny, when I went to search for them, I think the gladiator term took me to these by Ecco Gladiator which look very promising. I always go with black but I am thinking tan will work well. I agree shoes are heavy and bulky and I don't want to pack too many. While I'd love to buy shoes there, I don't want to rely on that. I am talking myself into springing for some of them and believe me, I know how bad it gets when shoes are not comfortable for walking. Oh man- now I see when I put in MY size, several of them are not in stock or are way more $$. I guess I'd better get with the program here.