The concept behind Zuzatz interchangeable sandals is brilliant. Mix and match differently patterned and colored Style Straps that easily attach (and detach) from platform soles to create a variety of looks. It’s a great idea for female travelers who do like to match their flip flops to different outfits — the one base sole and various straps take up a lot less room in a suitcase than six different pairs of sandals.

The sandals run in whole sizes only and they are true to size; start with a “standard pack” in brown or black that comes with two sets of matching Style Straps for $49.95. Then customize your order with straps that come in packs of three, ranging from preppy striped nylon to rhinestone bling to pastel patent leather, for $28 to $50. Indeed, with the different styles, the shoes can easily take you from beach to nightclub, and everything in between.

I sampled a pair of black soles with woven uppers in silver, gold and dark brown. It’s easy to snap the uppers in and out with the patented “QuickClick” technology; and the straps stay in until you want to swap them out. However, while the soles are indeed cushioned and very comfortable, the straps irritated the skin between my toes — which was so disappointing!

I thought Zuzatz sandals were the answer to my shoe-over-packing problem. But I wore them out doing errands one day last week and couldn’t wait to get them off my feet after about three hours. I tried a different strap when I went out to dinner at a resort hotel recently, and had to walk barefoot on the way back to my room.

I give the Zuzatz I huge thumbs’ up for originality and style, but I can’t recommend them for comfort. Perhaps there are other straps — like the nylon ones — that wouldn’t hurt my feet. Or, since I’m not a big flip-flop wearer (my only other pair are made of ultra-comfy yoga-mat scraps), I just need to toughen up the skin between my toes. I may just suck it up and wear them a few more times to see if I can get used to them — or perhaps even wrap a band-aid around the toe strap to give it more cushion — because the sandals are ultra-fashionable and I’d love to make them my flip flops of choice this summer.

Want to try out a pair for yourself? Buy them with peace of mind, since the online store offers a 30-day return policy. Also see if a store near you sells Zuzatz.