K/R silver sandal showdown: Paul Green Cayanne vs Munro Abby (ETA decision!)

Ok which silver sandal do you think I should keep? Have bought both but I think I can only justify keeping one. I already have the Munro Abby in black and bronze (14) and they are super comfy sandals. Trying to decide between a third Abby pair in silver, or the Paul Green metallic Cayanne sandals that Angie posted about. When I tried them both on at the store, people were commenting how great the Cayannes looked on me and that they looked more special than the Abbys. The Cayannes are surprisingly relatively comfy for 3 inch heels. But the Abby are only 2.5 inch and even more comfy. The Abbys are all day on call at the hospital (lots and lots of walking) heels whereas the Cayannes might be more of an all day at the office/doing procedures (lots of standing and short distance walking) pair. Pro for the Cayanne is that it has a zipper whereas the Abby has a Velcro closure (which may eventually wear out). And I think it looks a little edgier. But the negative is that my ankles are so skinny that there is a bit of a gap/flowerpot effect. Pic 12 was with my usual size 7.5 which was too big around my ankles, so I sized down to a 7 (funnily though I had to size up 1/2 size to an 8 in the Abbys). Even with the smaller size Cayannes there's a bit of a gap, more so on the right (see 11). And it's more expensive than the Abby, although I used a Nordstrom note to bring the price down. Oh and I tried the Cayannes with a bronze/gold toned outfit and it didn't seem to work as well as the bronze Abbys, so it really is more of a silver toned sandal. Which one do you think looks better on me? Thanks for your help!

ETA: added more pics of the Paul Green styled (18/19) and comparison of Paul Greens and Josef Siebels. Actually it's no comparison. The heel height is lower on the JS but is actually less padded/comfy feeling and the toe box is narrower. Also unlike the PG's, the strips on the JS are not attached to each other so they do this weird skin-revealing thing when I put them on. All I could think of was "mummy shoes". Worth a try, but back to Zappos they go!

So, I decided to keep the Cayannes. I love the style and they way they look. They're a lot more edgy than the Abbys. And compared to the Josef Seibels they are actually more comfy. In fact one of the other doctors in my practice has a pair of Cayannes too, I just found out. But I'm keeping the silver Abbys too, at least for now. If I don't reach for them in the next few months I'll return, but I'm pretty sure I can use them for days when I'm going to be doing a lot of walking either for work or MOTG. As for those who think three pairs of one shoe is too much, you would be appalled at my shoe closet. I have five pairs of Okalas, and routinely have two to three pairs of each shoe in different colors! When I find something that works I stick with it!

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45 Comments

  • Adelfa replied 7 years ago

    I have the PGs and am such a huge fan that I probably can't give an unbiased answer. Regarding the gapping--the pictures seem to me to be taken at angles to maximize the visual effect (I could be wrong). Does the gap show much when you're walking around? If it does, that might be a deal breaker. Good luck, you'll have a great pair of metallic heeled sandals no matter what you decide!

  • Ledonna N. replied 7 years ago

    Well although both appeal to me the AbbyMunro appears to my edgy comfortable fashion sense. It looks to me as if it fits your foot better also. I know that you said that your u have 2 other pair yeah multiples. It just depends maybe you do want to switch it up. Me I go for tried and true. Let us know.

  • ma replied 7 years ago

    So tough because the Cayannes are so beautiful...I agree, more special than Abby. But if you need these for work, Abby probably makes more sense. Tough choice, interested to know which you keep.

  • replied 7 years ago

    I very much prefer the Munro Abby over the over pair.  I don't even see how this is a question.  

  • Maneera replied 7 years ago

    If you're going based on looks, the Cayannes look better on your feet. But I think the Abby maybe more functional because it's more comfortable. Do you have any need for a 'special occasion' sandal? If not, pick the comfier pair.

  • replied 7 years ago

    I just bought the Munro Abby.  They come in wide width.  How could I not?  

  • Jjsloane replied 7 years ago

    I like the look of the Cayennes a little better, but they might be for your imaginary life. Go with the practical pair. 

  • bella replied 7 years ago

    Cayannes look super sexy. But make your decision based on comfort. 

  • UmmLila (Lisa) replied 7 years ago

    I bought the Cayannes recently so I am biased towards them. I also tried on the Abbys a couple of years ago at NAS and ended up retuning them (though I regretted it afterwards). I see that same ankle gap that you do at certain angles on the Cayannes.

    I would keep the Cayannes, primarily because three pairs of one shoe style is a lot to have, but also because I prefer the look.

  • Suz replied 7 years ago

    The Cayennes are a lovely shoe and a bit more current looking but they do not fit you as well and aren't as practical. The Munros look amazing on your foot/ leg. 

    I'd go for the Munros and consider another special occasion sandal. My only concern is that 3 sandals that are the same type seems a lot. However, if it works, why fix it? 

  • replied 7 years ago

    I have to say that those Cayannes look mighty fine on you.  Just going on looks, they'd be my pick.

  • El Cee replied 7 years ago

    I would be inclined to keep the Munros as they appear to be a better fit on you… although I really do love the overall look of the PG's. In my world, fit and comfort trumps all else.

  • replied 7 years ago

    I just love my Cayannes so I'm biased! I think they fit and look better on you than the Abbys, including around the ankle--I feel a looser ankle on a shoe with this high a vamp looks just fine, and even makes ankles look slimmer and shapelier, so the gap doesn't bother me. It's fascinating reading the comments, and a great reminder on how differently people's tastes run.

    Putting my neutral hat on, it would be safest to go with the Abbys as the proven comfort pair. Then again, if you have 2 other pairs in this style, maybe you want a change? I have worn my Cayannes for all-day walking on the hard pavements of NYC and felt perfectly comfortable, but I do wear heels a lot.

    Off topic, lucky you that your hospital lets you wear sandals. We have a no open-toe shoes policy that is strictly enforced :(

  • Elizabeth P replied 7 years ago

    Well.  I also tried on the PG's, and found the heel just a smidge too high for me, and I also already have the Abby's, so I know EXACTLY where you are coming from.  I seriously considered the Abby's in the silver as well.  They are truly all day shoes (and I also had to size up half a size in mine).  However, I loved the idea of more of a bootie style for me.  Then I found these Josef Seibel's (somebody posted them here, can't remember who).  They are about a half inch shorter in the heel height than the PG's, and just as comfortable as the Abby's.  I find them slightly loose around the ankle/over the instep, so they may not work for you if you have skinny ankles, they may be worth a try. I'm in fact still waffling about keeping because of this... they don't look big, and they don't fall off, and I'm not going to fall off them, but they feel a bit loose.  Which could be a plus with hot swollen summer feet!  They also come in a pearly colour.

  • Colette replied 7 years ago

    This is a tough decision. I really like them both and they look great on you. I'm surprising myself by recommending you keep the Munros because I am in LOVE with the PG's. But, I think you'll get much more wears out of the Munros.

  • catseye replied 7 years ago

    I much prefer the look of the Cayannes. The Munros are good looking but the Cayannes are at a different level. I think the gap is not as pronounced as you think. And also having the same shoes in three colors is a  lot. 

    But you have to decide whether you have enough days that you don't walk as much to wear the Cayannes. 

  • AviaMariah replied 7 years ago

    Those Cayenne's are a beautiful shoe!  But... I almost like the Munroes on you better.  The C's have a tiny bit more edge but other than that the M's look like they fit better and you say they're more comfortable so you can't beat that.

  • replied 7 years ago

    I'm smiling at Sterling's comment. Actually I much prefer the Cayenne's and don't see how it's even a question ;)  I agree with those who commented that 3 of one shoe is maybe a bit much but it sounds like you treat them as almost a "uniform" shoe, if you will.  To me these are very different shoes, one is serviceable and walkable, and the other is sexy, very stylish and interesting.  Unless you really need a metallic walking shoe for all day stints at the hospital, I'd get the Cayennes and enjoy them for their newness and funkiness.  

  • JAileen replied 7 years ago

    From looks I'd say Cayanne. But from practicality, I'd say Abby. The 1/2 inch difference in heel height is a big difference.

  • Suz replied 7 years ago

    Fascinating reading the comments and different perceptions! 

    I'm still of the view that maybe you need both...  :)

    Ultimately I'm with Lisa -- these fill different purposes. 

  • catgirl replied 7 years ago

    I'm with Lisa - much prefer the Cayennes visually. But the comfort factor matters. You've mentioned having to change other shoes during the day (Okalas). Would that be a concern? If so I'd keep looking. You're not under any pressure to buy anything.

  • Elizabeth P replied 7 years ago

    I'm chuckling at this:
    "Unless you really need a metallic walking shoe for all day stints at the hospital.."

    I mean, yeah.... don't we all? :)


  • Janet replied 7 years ago

    Ditto Lisa.

  • RobinF replied 7 years ago

    That's a tough choice, I think they both look really nice. I wouldn't have noticed the gap if you hadn't mentioned it.

  • sylvie55 replied 7 years ago

    If you already have a couple of the Munros, I say get the Paul Greens and wear them for dressier occasions. 

  • viva replied 7 years ago

    Ditto Janet (ditto-ing Lisa). :)

  • texstyle replied 7 years ago

    Ditto viva (ditto-ing Janet and Lisa)!

  • BrieN replied 7 years ago

    I have such a thing for those Cayennes I can't even pretend to be objective about this

  • replied 7 years ago

    So do I get a free pair of Cayennes for being so encouraging? 

  • Firecracker (Sharan) replied 7 years ago

    It's a tough call, mainly because they are quite different shoes. I agree with LisaP.
    If what you're wanting is a really a new work shoe, the Abby is great. But the Cayanne is in a different style category, and super chic.

  • Laurie replied 7 years ago

    I'm in the Cayanne camp....mine are still in the Nordies bag, I'm still torn about the investment. (Let's be real,  I know they're going nowhere but on my feet, but this cold rainy weather keeps them in limbo!)

    ElizabethP - I posted the Josef Siebels. They were very uncomfortable because, as you pointed out, they are very large around the ankle opening. Shame, as the price was great, and that pearly color was very versatile.

  • Sal replied 7 years ago

    My input is that it should be the Cayennes or return both. I think three pairs the same is too many- especially for someone who likes variety. Too much repeating even for a lovely sandal.

    If you love the Cayennes I would get them. They are stunning and elegant. But if you are unsure then I would leave it altogether.

    Sorry to be a bit of a spanner....

  • olga replied 7 years ago

    I like the ones on picture 1 better, much better.
    They are more modern and more pretty, in my opinion of course.

  • goldenpig replied 7 years ago

    Thanks everyone! Wow, kind of a split! I agree it would be more fun to go with something new but there is also something to be said for tried and true comfort shoes. (I wear shoe covers for procedures so no worries about the open toes). I'll have to check out the Josef Seibels, although I do have a skinny ankle so if they are wider than the Cayannes they won't work. Maybe there's room in my closet for both? Hmmm...will have to think on this some more...

  • goldenpig replied 7 years ago

    OK, I ordered the Josef Siebels from Zappos in my usual size and a size down since there was only one left in each size. I like to exhaust all the options!


  • Echo replied 7 years ago

    I have to go with Lisa, too. I like the Cayennes so much more that I don't even see how it's a question, either. I agree that three pairs of shoes is too many (IMO) of the same style. With the Cayennes, I didn't notice the fit at the ankle at all until I went back and re-read the post and then looked again at the pictures. I think it would be a non-issue for anyone seeing you wear them, and it wouldn't count against them unless they are profoundly uncomfortable because of it.

  • Aquamarine replied 7 years ago

    Those Cayennes are gorgeous on you. I'd switch it up, but aren't you in California? Isn't it sandal weather 9 months out of the year? You need both :-)

  • Gail replied 7 years ago

    No contest , I like the Cayannes. I think I like the fact that they look more like a bootie and also look dressier. I see what you mean about the gap on the top of your ankle I have the same problem in a pair of Kurt Geiger shoes that are similar style. I think I have got used to it though as my ankles are like pipe cleaners  and nothing ever fits tight. :(
    If your purpose is another shoe to wear for an all day session on your feet then go with comfort.

  • Gigi replied 7 years ago

    I think that you look amazing in the Cayannes and hope that you can find a way to keep them. The ankle gap is negligible, IMO.

    If it were me, I would ask myself how much I love the Cayannes. If I have an emotional attachment to them, I would keep them and wear them for the more administrative days, as you noted, or for other functions that don't involve being on your feet all day. 

  • goldenpig replied 7 years ago

    Added more pics and decision up top!

  • replied 7 years ago

    So glad you got the Cayannes -- they really do look fantastic on you!

  • Elizabeth P replied 7 years ago

    Good choice!  The Cayanne's really are beautiful.  I'm almost wondering if I should try them again!  The JS's look very different on you than they do on me, and I'm still undecided about them because they are a bit loose.  It's very interesting to see the side by side comparison, thanks for that.

  • Gigi replied 7 years ago

    Yay! I think it is a good decision to keep the Abbys around just in case. I know that that would make me feel safer...I'm terrible at making decisions!

  • catgirl replied 7 years ago

    I went to a semi-formal event last night and a friend was wearing the PGs! They are immediately recognizable and absolutely gorgeous on, and she danced all night in them too.

    As for your shoe buying methods, I only wish my husband could see your closet so he would never gripe about mine again. :)

  • Adelfa replied 7 years ago

    I think you will be happy :-)

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