A little background info: I really hesitated about buying these. I'm in my early thirties, and I didn't want a shoe that screamed "old lady" in looks. I needed something in a tan color to match a purse I received as a gift in that shade. I normally wear sneakers, but I wanted something that I could dress up in, without having to sacrifice comfort or stability. I have bone-on-bone arthritis, fibromyalgia (which causes severe nerve damage throughout, especially my back), and I live in constant pain. Cheap, unsupportive shoes are out for me, but I don't usually wear orthotics, because I buy shoes already possessing such padding (hence, the higher cost of my normal shoes). I wear an 11W, have an average instep, 10" ankles & moderately flat feet. This shoe runs on the large side of the 11W spectrum- if you are a 10.5, for example, I'd recommend sizing down to a 10, unless you always wear thick socks & have your own orthotics added to the shoe. Also, the heel leaves quite a bit of room in the back. It's not uncomfortable to me, but there's some space between my heel & the back of the shoe that I don't have w/ normal 11W shoes that I buy. These really run on the large side of the 11W size spectrum.Personally, I feel no need for extra orthotics w/ this shoe. The width is absolutely perfect. No toe rubbing, leaving my pinky toe red. No cutting into the back of my ankle by the shoe's back. No tight feeling in the arches, and no feeling of being unsupported anywhere in the shoes. The padding in this shoe is some of the best I've ever felt, throughout the entire sole. This is true both inside AND out. Walking is so easy in these, even on hard floors. It adds a little extra height for me, too, without being a high heel, which I love. (I'm 5'7 & a 1/2", and these put me at least 5'9"- when you're full-figured, extra height is always a blessing!) The "Brown" color is actually a true tan, as it shows on the screen. There is plenty of wiggle room in the shoe- a good two to three inches can be given to the instep if you hook the Velcro higher up. This is especially important for people who have swelling in their feet, for a variety of medical conditions. Sometimes, too, one foot is larger than the other. I think that these shoes would work well in that case, because they're so adjustable. I cannot say enough how pleased I am w/ the brand & at how quickly I received my shoes (two business days after the order was placed).I wear the Velcro completely attached, as I don't have a high instep. The toe box feels superb- roomy, but not tricky to walk in or flopping around. These aren't so thick, for example, that you wouldn't feel the pedals when you're driving a car. The Velcro strap adds amazing stability to my steps- this aspect makes it the most appealing "dressy" shoe that I've ever worn. I feel like I'm wearing my most comfortable sneakers, and yet I'm wearing a dressier shoe- not many times can that be said! I wear these w/ thick socks (they're soft ones made for sensitive feet), and I do have to watch that the Velcro doesn't snag the sock & cause pilling (or wear & tear). When I wear the shoes w/ pantyhose, I have to watch out for the same thing. But Velcro sells the shoe- laces would prohibit wearing them to more traditional events. I also like to pair these with beige pantyhouse & a khaki skirt for Sunday church services or for weddings. I feel comfortable, yet dressed-up. Who could ask for more?
