I’ve been living on a rotation of these two sandals all spring, and wanted to do a review of how they compare and hold up over time. The Gap ones were just re-stocked in a brown with gold combo (not exactly what I’m showing here, but the metallic serves as a beautiful neutral), and the Target Lakitias were brought back this season in a multitude of color combos. 
Durability: The Target sandals are synthetic materials with rubber soles, and the Gap ones have real leather uppers with rubber soles. I know most of us will be quick to assume leather = higher quality, however there’s certain perks to a lower-maintenance material like faux leather. The more delicate leather on my Gap pair seems to scuff and even unravel fairly easily, as shown below. I’m also careful not to wear them out in the rain, in case the leather will show water stains or spots. My Target pair from years ago, however, have survived splattering around in puddles and clumsy stumbles with nearly no visible wear…
Fit: As mentioned before, the sole and straps of the Lakitia run a bit wider. I also don’t get why they made every whole size except sz 5, and decided to shortcut that one with a combined “5 – 6.” I usually wear 5-5.5 and this size does fit, as my feet tend to swell in the summer heat. If you have very narrow feet, one thing I’ve tried in the past is to line the inside of the front strap with the same foam tape used to make rings fit smaller, and that should keep your feet from slippin and sliding around. The Gap style fits a little narrower throughout and the sz 5 is fitted on me. I think the thinner ankle straps and narrower cut on the Gap look more refined, so always pick those for slightly dressier outfits.
Comfort: Both styles were very comfy for me right off the bat, with no chafing or discomfort at the ankle straps (usually a big concern). However both are flat styles with little support, so although these are great for strolling I wouldn’t recommend them for heavy duty tourism or long journeys. The Gap pair has a little cushioning plus a slightly higher stacked heel, so they feel better on the arches in my opinion. Although the Target pair has less support, its thinner soles are more pliable and feel light as air when running around.
In other news, a reader shared that J.Crew now carries 000 regular (not petite) in select styles. I haven’t tried so I don’t know whether it actually fits differently than before, or if it’s a historical 00 re-labeled a number smaller like they’ve done before. The new size does sounds a bit nutty, especially considering ~15 years ago those measurements were probably tagged a 4 – 6! My friend offloaded a pile of “vintage” J.Crew into my willing arms (I must say, most were spectacular quality, not to mention made of all silk, wool, cotton composition back in the day…) and the women S’s fit nearly like kids clothes.
I just got the Lakita shoes because I saw how cute they were on you – and I'm looking forward to a getting a new pedicure and then showing them off!
But I specifically came to your blog today to see what you thought about JCrew's new 000 sizing – so thanks for addressing it as well!
Jean! Have you seen LOFT's skinny zip ankle jeans? I'm also petite and have fallen head over heels for these: http://www.loft.com/petite-modern-skinny-ankle-zip-jeans-in-white/331425?colorExplode=false&skuId;=15576248&catid;=cat440018&productPageType;=search&defaultColor;=9000. I got them when they had a 50% off promotion. They're seriously the best–they're thick too so you don't see through (can't say the same for a lot of other companies with similarly priced items). Try it out!
-Claire
Thanks for the recommendation! Those are so cute…I remember loving them on Wendy's Lookbook as well.
Yikes! I didn't realize leather would crack so easily. Thanks for the heads up on those.
Hi Shenu- I'm so glad you like them! Sure, I'll show some of my more casual weekend outfits next week…still on the hunt for white jeans, though!
Definitely a cute option! Nice find : )
I'm generalizing, assuming those kind of materials = higher quality (even though I shouldn't, since my real leather shoes haven't held up as well as the Target faux!). I'm no material expert, but I've felt a wide range of silk in today's retailers and few feel as nicely woven and opaque as that on some pieces from 10-20 years ago. Also the clothes from my friend looked in great shape despite being pretty old, whereas things I buy today could pill or fade after just one or two washes.
I have a pair of J.Crew sandals in a similar style that I love!
Awesome! Hi from Russian Far East, we read you hear too=))) wish my style was so perfect=)
did you get to try the Paolo Bentini 'Sardinia" Sandal? They were on sale for 20 at nordstrom. Just like the ones you showed in this post and made of our real leather. 🙂 Jcrew 000 fits like 00p but longer. From my personal experience, i would say 000 is not a relabeling of 00.
Not only do I always find helpful shopping picks/reviews from Extra Petite, I always find helpful suggestions from her reader's comments too! Thanks so much P for sharing the Etsy sandals! I've been seeing those "Ancient Greek Sandals" advertised everywhere and love their minimal designs and even thought about saving up to purchase one, but these sandals on Etsy look just as good, but way less in cost! I'm so happy to find a good alternative! I'm checking them out now 🙂
Totally with you on the resizing of clothes. Recently, I took a European friend shopping and she became very confused over the sizing. I think a size 000 is a bit insane. Just use metric or inches, and be consistent! Great review as usual!
I've been following for a while and just want to thank you Jean for putting together such thoughtful and helpful posts. I'm also a petite asian girl in my 20's and often get mistaken for a high schooler. I've learned so much from you about styling, clothes, hair, and make up to help me look more put together and older without over doing it. Thank you, Jean!
For those who are looking for comfy leather sandals — I recommend greek sandals! I get mine from Ananias Sandals in Greece from Ebay/Etsy. They are super comfy and wear well. This is the pair I have: https://www.etsy.com/listing/94565519/handmade-roman-grecian-leather-sandals?ref=shop_home_active_6
They do run big width wise and small lengthwise. They're a great alternative to Ancient Greek Sandals which are cute but very pricey.
I love those Target sandals as well and tried them on in store but unfortunately they didn't work out for me 🙁 I can wear 7, 7.5 or 8 depending on what kind of shoes and I kind of have wide feet. So the 7 was too small by the front strap and the 8 was too loose overall, sadly.
Great review Jean – so helpful! Keep them coming.
The vanity sizing is insane. I often love shopping thrift and found some outfits that I failed to measure before I bought. Sadly, these must have been from a different time as the size was completely too small (seems by almost 2 sizes). Since I'm not a XXXXXP, I do admit it's surprising when I can fit into a smaller size (like a 2), but it was eye opening to see what was my standby normal size 4 was cut like a today's 0.
Thanks for sharing Jean, and the tricks with foam tape.
I guess you have noticed too, that clothing size are indeed getting bigger BUT the numbers used for size are somehow smaller. I don't think I've even seen much XXS, or 00 years ago, but nowadays they pretty much mean small or even medium to me.
Love your style and post, I am also a petite, barely 5 feet, under 90 pound, and an Asian, so your post is very useful for me.
Thank you!
Echo in San Francisco
Let's please keep comments on here respectful – thank you both!
If you like that style, I recommend the Sam Edelman Trina. The straps are PVC, but it is the comfiest pair of ankle straps I have ever worn. 5 hrs straight of walking at the SD Zoo and not one blister or scratch. It was brand new never broken in either. Not sure if it stains in rain but I walked thru sand and it was fine. For reference, im a size 4.5-5 who always gets blisters or scraped skin from other ankle straps.
Thanks for the reviews Jean!
http://www.misshotcouture.blogspot.com
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I really like the gap ones, so cute!
-Martha
http://www.girlmeetsvogue.com/
I'm still a solid M/S in Chinese sizing and mostly a 2-equivalent in European brands. But a few times even a J.Crew 00 or an Anthropologie XXSP is too large for me.The US retailers give in too easily to vanity sizing!
Every time I see these, I get so bummed! I need like half a size smaller than the smallest size. These darn baby feet of mine! Super cute though. I'd love to hear how the 000 fits.
Hi,
Can you explain the difference in quality of wool,silk etc of J.crew clothes today's versus vintage. Please?
There's also this cute option from Zara Girls. On sale for $25.99. Also comes in silver. So many cute sandals for those with tiny enough feet to wear kids! I ordered a few pairs to try.
http://www.zara.com/ca/en/sale/kids/girl/shoes/metallic-sandal-c444003p1754613.html
It also bothers me that Target doesn't make size 5. The sandals look great, I'll have to check them out 🙂
Aissa \ Aissa Carmela
I bought the lakitia from target only yest, hope they stay long for me!
xo
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Great review and cute styles on both sandals!
Liz @ http://www.shoppingmycloset.com
Weekly Style Me Wednesday link-up
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Great review! I bought the target pair in black and brown and love them! I've looked at the Gap ones, but passed since they were pretty similar styles. You definitely can't beat the Target ones for the price!
http://scrubsandsilhouettes.blogspot.com/
Love so much the glitter one! <3
Xoxo
Le monde des petites
http://www.lemondedespetites.com/
Those are really cute!! I love the sparkly ones. I'll have to check out the shoe aisle the next time I'm at Target! 😉
x
Bobbi
http://www.productdoll.com
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Officially on my way to Target to find those sandals! I hope the Canadian stores have them in stock..
http://www.xjole.com
I bought the gap sandals after seeing it on you and I'm loving them!
I would love to see some casual spring summer outfits. Any plans of doing
such posts?( white jeans, shorts..etc;)
Shenu
I have the Gap gold metallic sandals and the gold part cracked the very first time I wore them. I still like them, especially considering their cost, but you have to be really careful with them, try not to throw them in your bag, etc.
Thanks a lot, this is helpful for me as I'm looking exactly for such sandals because the similar sandals I already own I run through 🙂
http://www.dressedwithsoul.com
Love this review! So pretty!
The Style Storm
<3, Christina