Customer Reviews Mephisto Helen

I usually wear a 12 or 12.5, so ordered this in a size 13 (EU 43), but they were too small. Because the edge of the shoe is raised, they were uncomfortable. If it were not for that, I may have kept them because in the Bronze Star color they are gorgeous! I could tell they were comfortable aside from my toes being cut into by the edge. I was really sad that they did not fit because they were a beautiful, comfortable shoe.

Wanted to love these but the leather strap and toe strap are just too thick and stiff to be comfortable. Size 40 is perfect for 9.5 foot so feel they run a bit small.

Please pay attention to the sizing suggestions on this sandal. I did, and happy I ordered a size up. I normally wear an 8.5 but ordered a 9 per the suggestion on zappos. The 9 fits me perfectly, I don't think the 8 would have fit the length of my foot. I bought this in the waxy black color and it looks just how I expected it to. These sandals do have arch support, I think overtime they will form to my foot better, but I think they will take some wearing in before that happens. The only negative about this sandal is that it does feel a little heavier in weight, but it doesn't bother me too much. It might if you don't like wearing a slightly heavier sandal in the summer.

I have had a pair of Mephisto Helen's for about 10 years and have loved them way past their predicted life. I wore them daily in Europe and they have been my standard footwear during summers. This pair is significantly narrower than my original pair. So disappointing! I do see that Mephisto makes a Helen Plus which is wider - I will try that model.

I have been buying these same shoes for years and keep coming back.

Funny that they call this shoe a 13. I measure just under a 12 and can wear 11's in many brands but this "13" was too small. IMO this fits like a 42/11. Lovely shoe otherwise. Just wish it came in my size.

I already own three pairs of this well-made and comfortable sandal, in more neutral colors. I wanted this red pair, so I'd have an option that's more fun. Alas, the red is not a cheery bright red but a dull, reddish color. Nothing like the picture online.

Most often a "40" is translated into a size 9, so that's what I ordered. But it was a whole size too long, so I have exchanged it. I gave the shoe 4 stars rather than 5 because of my personal preference for a slight heel - when I wear a flat shoe for a long time one ankle, once broken and never properly set, begins to ache. But if you can wear flats, these will be fine. I also liked the soft toe thong.

this sandal felt a little smaller than my other 6 pairs of size 38.

I've worn Mephisto Helens for years and after two summers away from them I ordered these. for the first time I found out that Mephisto recommends ordering a size larger than usual so i ordered an 8 (38) when I usually get a 7 (37). I was very pleased to find that the 8 accommodated the width of my foot without the trouble I had with 7's. However I feel that Mephisto must have made some change in the sandal. What I've loved about them is the very big arch support, which you could feel immediately when putting them on. This time I felt the arch support wasn't as obvious though i'm hoping that the sandal with help prevent plantar faccitis this summer. I also felt that the sandal was harder to break in. There is always a certain break in period with these sandals but it seems the leather is stiffer. I will know more as I wear them more and I'm hoping they will serve me well. I love the Camel Nairobi style and even my husband noticed and commented on liking them.

I love the style and the comfort while standing, but walking causes friction of the bands around the toe...too bad...softer leather would be nice.

I wanted these to fit but they just don't. I have a right arch that pronates and have worn Orthaheel sandals and insoles. Hoped to branch out but when I change into this my hip hurts. Puts the arch out I guess? Also they are a much harder constructed sole that will take some breaking in, and finally, they aren't wide enough in my toe box. I looked into the Helen 2 online but the straps are reported to be too tight and I don't like leaving Zappo. Guess I'm back to my 7W Orthoheels.

These shoes fit so well and look great. I wore these shoes for several days prior to taking them on a trip and they felt fine. However, I have to admit that the leather that separates the toes does rub when walking for hours in them. I'll still wear them and like them, but not for hours of walking.

I buy a lot of Mephistos. They have a good arch for me. I wasn't sure about the shiny pewter color. It's a little glitzy for me but it's growing on me. I prefer my iridescent snakeskin style better. I'm not giving it a 5 because the silver is cracking a bit. I bought these for my work in the yard sandals so it doesn't matter if the color is a bit messed up. The sizes run small. I wear a 10 in normal shoes but use an 11 in these. My other complaint is cost....... I got these on sale but normally this cost is a bit much for my budget. They work for my foot problems so I will continue to buy. As for arch support. It's good. I could use a bit higher even but it's the highest I've found.

These are comfortable and the soft leather doesn't irritate inside the toes. The leather does get looser when worn all day, but you are able to tighten with buckle. My only complaint is that the name Mephisto is printed quite large on the strap near the buckle....cheesy!

I bought a size 40 (I'm a size 9). They were too big but I loved them or so I thought. I returned got the right size but when I tried it on it didn't have a good feel. The buckle on one side rubbed and both toe straps were tight and I thought they would leave a blister. I packaged them up and am still deciding to keep or not or try another pair.

I wish these shoes came in narrow. They are great except when they stretch - just a tiny bit - they are too loose.

I got the platinum/gold shoe and they were beautiful! The leather footbed was heavenly but the upper was rigid and cut into my foot after only wearing them around the house for a few minutes. They're headed back to Zappos and I will try a softer leather style.

Really pretty! The in between the toe piece really hurt the first day. I have worn this style before, so I HOPE that it will soften.

I just purchased my seventh pair of Helen sandals.. I wear them all year round for almost any occasion. So comfy, even brand new!!

Parma Nairobi is the most unusual, all-around usable color pattern. It surprised me how well it goes with all clothing, yet seems neutral, feminine, and does not seem outrageous. Surprisingly, I love it, though I thought it might be "out there." I'm usually an 8 1/2 W, but Mephisto and I get along in size 39. I have a higher-heeled style Mephisto sandal from years ago in the same size 39. They wear beautifully, but both this and the older pair needed a bit of break-in, since the leather is not as soft as it looks...but it does "give" after a few hours. They say go up a size, but the half size up works fine for me. And my little toe just makes it on the platform...OK for a wide foot. Looking to add yet another Mephisto in a different style, also more open, since I'm having a recently developed toe arthritis problem and need the open front area. I love the support. The arch area hugs gently, unlike most sandals which are just sloppy. It does not bother or annoy, but rather gives a subtle arch boost which I appreciate. I like the rubber sole, and the slight heel. Too much heel is not good for the back, so I'm trending toward maybe an inch or so of heel, which this has. Bottomline: Mephisto sandals reign!

It is possible that these sandals would become more comfortable with time but they are too firm of a sole for my preference, I want something more cushy.

I really wanted these to fit - they were recommended to me for the excellent arch support - but they were just too narrow, even though my feet are by no means considered wide. The next size up was too big. The Helen Plus (wide version) fit well but unfortunately is only available in black.

The verdict is not yet in and I am not sure I will keep these. I have wanted a pair of these for the longest and finally ordered. They seem to be narrow. I am toying with the idea of returning for the next size up. I wear a true 8 and have a medium width foot but these just seem a little narrow and snug. I am a long time Birkenstock wearer and have recently purchase several Josef Seibel sandals and have come to the conclusion that they are the most comfortable of all. So much softer than the Mephisto and Birkenstocks. I wish I had ventured to the city and tried on several pairs. I'm hoping that I really start to love these shoes! They do have potential!

I love these shoes except I wish the leather did not stretch so easily. For as much as Mephisto cost, I think they should use a better quality of leather. I have only had them for a month and already have had to move to the next hole on the strap and I only have one more to go.