Shark

I've worn these sandals for years. Recently, I decided to try another competitor's sandal (we'll call them Blisterstock to protect the innocent) because they were half the price and all the cool kids wear them. I wanted to be cool and this might be my chance! What a mistake. I call it "stupid tax" for me to take what has served me so faithfully for so long and discard it. I do a lot of walking in sandals (8-10 miles a day). I don't know how anyone can walk that long in Blisterstocks, even after 2-3 weeks (!!) of break-in. I promptly came back to Zappos and ordered some new Mephsito Shark sandals. Two days later they arrived (super speedy delivery!). I stepped into them and they felt like walking on clouds from the first minute. The fit was perfect, the craftsmanship divine. Never again will I make such a grave error. I'll get these babies resoled in a few years to try to save some coin. But if that doesn't work, buying new ones from Zappos is money well spent.

The middle straps have a seat belt style clip which for some reason is hard for me to put on with 1 hand. I am worried it will break quickly after normal use. The front toe strap has already broken after wearing for a short while. The loop is glued together and became unglued. It's not unfixable, I can glue it back, but I never wanted to be a shoesmith. My 4th and 5th outer toes feel cramped under the strap. It feels like they are in normal shoes. I got 3 huge blisters while hiking, but I should have broken them in more first.

The strap covers my pinky and 4th toe. Would rather have all my toes out, it feels like the outer 2 toes are in a shoe, not sandal. The strap on the toes is a little high (toward the toes). If it were closer to the ankle, it would be easier to wear the sandals unbuckled like slides. The straps on the front of the ankle (middle strap) has a seat belt closure which seems nice, but they are hard to get closed with 1 hand for some reason. At times it takes me 30s or more to get them closed, or I resort to using 2 hands. Also, I believe these clasps will break before anything else. I got blisters hiking with them with no socks on, 3 pretty big ones. Perhaps I need to break them in more. My heel was undamaged, unlike another pair of sandals I have.

Extremely limited ability to adjust strap over the top of the foot. Left foot was OK because of ankle enlargement from ankle surgery. Right foot was loose and couldn't take up enough slack to get a snug fit. With time things will stretch and only get worse. Loose fit will cause blisters and other issues.

These are top quality sandals, good leather and materials, stylish and comfortable. The reason why I give them four stars instead of five is because while you can adjust the fit at the toe and the mid part of your foot they have no adjustment for the heel. This matters when you want the sandal to fit tight in some situations.

nice looking shoe with really great leather. my issue besides lack of arch support is these sandals are only minimally adjustable. I was really surprised that the rear strap is not adjustable. they are however super comfortable just order a size down.

Excellent sandals

Mephisto builds great footwear. The Mephisto Shark is a great sandal.

My husband has been searching for some time for a comfortable pair of sandals, with great arch support, to replace a pair of well loved Birkenstocks. We tried some of the new Birkenstock styles that met his criteria, but with the buckles on the outside of his feet, he had a very difficult time getting them on and off. The Mephisto Shark's straps are secured by velcro and a snap closure, and are easy for him to fasten and unfasten. He is very particular about arch support, and he is very happy with the support these provide! These are pricey shoes, but well worth the investment for the many years he will enjoy wearing them!

Mephisto Shark sandals are at the top of the totem pole in looks, comfort and quality. A beautiful choice.