Wanted to Love These
These New Castle Genuine Shearling Cross Band Slides are kind of a conundrum. Not my typical style, as I've never found the cross band appearance attractive. But, my sister gifted me a pair of cheap cross band slippers from another brand, and I was so surprised by how comfortable and secure they felt that when I saw the Fireside line had a version, I decided to try them. As a looooooooooooong time Fireside fan, I would choose the Dearfoams Fireside line over ugg, bearpaw, austrailia luxe, and any other shearling & suede brand. Especially because I've consistently had positive experiences. So, it's no surprise that my go-to shoes--for indoors & outdoors--are the Women’s Moc Bootie from Dearfoams' Fireside line. In which, I wear a size 8, and I own multiple pairs (Indoor pair, outdoor pair and, of course, I have back-up pairs that I've squirreled away since they're, now, discontinued.) Accordingly, I ordered these cross band slippers in an 8 as well. But, after putting them on, initially, I felt that, perhaps, a 9 would have been a better choice in these. There is a hard "lip"/raised edge that is not comfortable AT ALL on my heel. I got a stellar price on these because I purchased them Final Sale; so, I am unable to return them; and, in truth, I've never really been one for returning items like shoes, undergarments, etc. So, I simply take it as a lesson learned. Beyond the hard-rolled raised edge, these shoes have a hard sole, in general. The sole, for me, isn't an issue...as it strikes me more as a great quality, durable aspect of the slippers. When Dearfoams advertises these as indoor/outdoor shoes, it's not an understatement. Overall, I feel the quality of these cross band slippers is top notch. The shearling is full, lush & pretty in appearance. Though, I will say, not thick or soft enough on the footbed to detract from how firm/hard the sole is. Still, I think the materials are indisputably high-quality. Not to mention that these are warm & hug my foot in the best way--minus the jab in the heel, of course. For me, unfortunately, the appearance of my feet at he front of the open toe--the way my right & left sit in the slippers with only 3 toes visible at all times; like my foot is listing to the side--is the other reason I can't bring myself to like these New Castle slippers as much as I'd hoped I would. I don't know if it's a matter of my foot shape, the way the slippers are made, or a combination of the 2...but it solidifies, for me, that I would not purchase this particular style again. If you prefer an extra firm sole, and have the right foot to complement this style, I say go for them. Because these are definitely good quality shoes. They just aren't for me personally.
