Vic Matié blue-gray leather Serra flatform sandal, EU40/US9, EUC

This elegant pair of ankle-strapped sandals has a piercing - a sizeable curved barbell sits just atop the arch. They look fabulous on with their gracefully curved straps framing the feet and ankles. The first time I wore this pair, I knew they felt a bit tight on the arch, but they looked so cute with my dress; surely they'd be fine for an afternoon promenade! They were not fine. I do have a very high arch and I often have trouble wearing boots that are too tight across my arch, but that's nothing compared to the torture of two barbell ends digging into your arch while you attempt to continue walking normally. The next day, I had two perfectly round, deep bruises on each foot. Clearly, these sandals are not meant for me! They fit my feet perfectly in both width and length, but the arch strap is very tight on me. While it may fit a size 9.5, I wouldn't recommend it unless you know that you have a low arch. They should be perfect for a size 9 - still, if you have a high arch, definitely don't go on any long walks the first time you wear them. If you have to walk, maybe use a bit of moleskin padding. One barbell end unscrews, so theoretically you could flip the barbell so the ends faced down. (I never tried this). There's some discolored scuffing in the toe area - this isn't dirt, it's actually worn through the leather dye. Your toes will cover it. Apart from that & slight discoloration on the bottom of the flatform soles, this pair is in excellent condition.