The insole of the shoe was very comfortable.The front edge of the top, where the faux snakeskin was sewn, was rough. I walked about two steps after trying them on when I noted the discomfort. I''m sure it would''ve rubbed my skin raw if I wore them for any period of time.
I ordered these shoes in bone in a 6.5. I read as many reviews of Gentle Souls shoes as were available when I purchased these and bought this size based on many reviewers saying that this shoe generally runs large. I generally wear a 7 in a thong or slide and a 7.5 in an enclosed shoe.
I could hardly wait for them to come. I have had 2 knee replacements in each knee and walking is not the most comfortable thing I do, but I look ceaselessly for shoes which will change that and put me on the road to happy trails again. Having read all the great things about the makings of this shoe, I was anxious to see if these were THE ONES that would put me back on the road to walking. Sadly, when they came, they were too small. I could get my feet in them and walk a bit, but they were too small for wearing. So, I will have to send these back.
On the positive side, I think these are the most comfortable shoes I have ever tried. They are even better than my MephistosMephisto Women''s Abigael Flip Flop. And the Mephistos are comfortable, but they do it with much more height than the Gentle Souls. These Bone slides have a small heel, but it seemed of no consequence. My knees did not note it. The leather of which the tops is made is very soft and braided. The insoles, again, are of a very soft leather.
On the con side, I am with one other reviewer that said this style made her feet look fat. Mine too and most of the time, I have pretty thin feet. I have my days when I have been sitting too long or have eaten too much salt and some swelling occurs, but that is a rare thing and I do not buy my shoes based on the possibility of swelling. These slides, for some reason, just hit my feet at a certain place and makes them look tubby. (Not that any one but me is going to pay a lot of attention to that.) "Vanity, thy name is woman" is my failing from time to time.
So, I do recommend these. I even give them 5 stars. I cannot take off a star because of my own peculiarities. I guess I just am happer in thongs. Slides must not be for me! If they are for you, then these are the ones to have. They are a cushion from heaven for your feet made of very high quality leather with an insole that becomes conformed to your foot as you wear it. Underneath the leather are flax seeds that move around and shape themselves to your foot. These also have an extra layer of cushioning. Gentle Souls makes two foot bed types and this is the most giving of the two. Fat feet or not. It is better to be able to walk. I highly reccomend these. If they still have your size, grab them, they are a great deal!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! (If you want to read all about the soles in Gentle Souls, go to their website. I did and learned quite a bit. Warning though...their shoes are not on sale!)
Since I like thongs better than slide, I am going to go snap these up. They too are on sale and still available in my size. You might want to look at these also: Gentle Souls Women''s Where To Go Thong Sandal
Other than that one issue, the shoes are ever so nice.
