How hot is the new Gansevoort Platform Sandal from Michael Kors?

The peeps at Michael Kors have really been pushing these sandals this season, showing it with every outfit in practically every email and catalog I’ve received from them. It’s been hard to ignore, especially since they pretty much had me at “hello” with these and I’ve been drooling non-stop since then.

Every review I’ve read on these on Nordstrom has been overwhelmingly positive…so of course, I pulled the trigger. They came today and first impression is that the leather is very soft, but the shoe is one of the heaviest shoes I’ve ever felt. I guess the combination of the huge 5″ heel and all the hardware really add to the weight. They were easy to slip on, though once they were on, I could immediately there may be a problem with the front strap being too short and potentially cutting into the top of my toes. As soon as I stood up, I realized that was the least of my problems. I got my normal size but some of my toes were definitely hanging off the edge; my fourth and pinky toe appear to be longer than the round shape of the front allows. I can technically shift them back a bit, but I can imagine when I walk, these babies are going to be slipping forward for sure especially considering the front sole (where the toes are) is some sort of plastic.

All that I can deal with, I guess, but the big question is – are they comfortable? Well, they are pretty comfortable…for a huge 5″ heel. Now I’m no stranger to 5″ heels. I have a ton of 4″-5″ Louboutin heels. But none of them have this huge platform, which is the key here. The huge platform makes them comfortable so you feel like you’re in a 3″ heel rather than 5″, but the platform + 5″ heel combination makes these feel like you’re literally walking in stilts. I was really weary just walking around the wood floors of my apartment. You really have to have an incredible sense of balance or years of practice to wear these around and look confident/comfortable in them. Any slight off movement and you’re twisting your ankle and/or falling 5″. Very scary. At least in my Louboutins, the platform was much smaller and I could feel the ground as I walked, so it gave me a more secure feeling, even though the smaller platform made me feel like I was walking in a 4″ heel rather than 3″. The huge platform on these MK sandals make you feel like you’re kind of just floating along but any little thing and you’ll tip over.

I’m wearing: J.Crew Vintage Slub Tee, Banana Republic Pencil Skirt

That said, these are gorgeous in every way. They’re glamorous and sexy, but the gladiator feel gives off a very tough, edgy vibe as well. Plus, you all know I’m a huge fan of shiny gold hardware, especially against dark leather. They also make my legs look miles longer than usual and instantly adds a touch of fabulousness to any casual or professional outfit. But comfort is king – I know all too well that if they’re not easy to walk in (or I’m scared to walk in them), then these babies will just sit collecting dust in my closet. So……they’re going back. I hope they at least helped someone via this post, since I haven’t seen many IRL pictures or reviews of them.

Get them from Nordstrom here for $164.95.