olive said:
My second favorite pair of sandals are NAOTs. They are similar to Birks but tend to fit narrow feet better. I got them at abbadabbas in Atlanta. There should be a website.
I have a pair of NAOTs sandals, too (in storage, more's the pity.) They are blue nubuck and I like to think of them as my blue suede shoes. Funny, they fit me fine, and I have wi-i-ide feet. But maybe with sandals I can spread out more.
Sorry about your flu (my spouse is still getting over it) and there is indeed a special place in hell for shoe thieves--especially beach ones.
Other shoe brands I've discovered:
Riekers (available at Nordstrom's and others--Zappos might have them)
Munroe (some of the comfiest dress sandals I've ever owned, available at Nordstroms)
Clarks do not work very well for me, but would probably be fine for someone with narrower feet.
Mephistos are excellent, and I own a pair, but I think the first two brands I listed, especially Munroe, are just as good for $100 less.
Aerosoles are good for just bopping around town. They don't give the wearer much support though.