Okay, so I finally caved and bought the BEACH by Matisse Cairo Sandals after seeing them all over Instagram. Here's my honest take after wearing them for a week!

First off, they're absolutely adorable. The raffia upper gives such a chic boho vibe, and I've gotten tons of compliments when wearing them. The 1.5 inch platform is perfect for adding a little height without being uncomfortable.

BUT (and this is a big but) - these shoes are STIFF. Like, concrete block stiff. The first time I wore them, I got blisters on the tops of my feet within an hour. I thought they'd break in, but after multiple wears, they still feel like walking on little wooden planks.

Pro tip: Definitely size up! I usually wear a 7 but got a 7.5 based on reviews, and they still feel tight width-wise. The synthetic leather lining doesn't have much give.

The worst part? They make this awkward slapping noise when I walk because there's zero flexibility in the sole. Not exactly the elegant beachy vibe I was going for...

Would I buy them again? Probably not - which sucks because I love how they look! If you're just planning to wear them for photos or very short distances, maybe. But for actual walking? Nope nope nope.