I have bought Gentle Soles a few times because I have a hard time with closed toe shoes (bunions). These shoes were roomy in the toe box and the opening above ball of foot did not pinch. The elastic straps were an inch too big so I had to take them to a shoe repair and have them cut down. ($50). I spent the money gladly to get these comfy shoes to be every day shoes that would hold my ankle back so that my feet didn't slide forward. The back of the shoe has a zipper for easy in and out. For now, the back leather is a bit stiff and cuts into the back of my ankle when driving, but I don't notice it at all when walking or standing. I bet it will relax and soften to be comfortable. These are well made shoes that clicked off all my "hard to fit" boxes. If they had not, I would not have plunked down the $ for repair. I would buy them again. I have worn them twice (all day) and got numerous compliments. They look like regular flats with slacks, and with a dress, the ballet criss cross makes them special and feminine.I love this shoe. Comfortable and stylish. Lots of complimentsThe straps are a huge issue in these shoes. They’re so tight and uncomfortable I couldn’t wait to take the shoes off! Back they went. I wouldn’t recommend wasting money on these.Extremely comfortable and very attractive!I often have a hard time finding flats that are comfortable enough for walking long distances, but suitable for wearing professionally. I was a little bit leery of the cost of these shoes, but I brought them on a recent work trip anyway. I did get a couple of mild blisters on the first day of walking (13,000 steps) but after that the shoes were broken in; also, they are really cute! They seem to have withstood an entire week's worth of extensive walking quite well, and they are very comfortable. Like others, I typically don't zip them up, but slip them on instead. The leather seems like it won't last, say, 5 years, but certainly long enough for them to be worth the price. I just bought a pair of the true flats (these are technically wedge heels but have the tiniest of lift).I have rheumatoid arthritis, plus tendinitis and bone spurs in my feet. It has been impossible to find comfortable shoes of any kind. These are perfect. I travel a lot and can walk several miles in them, plus stand in them all day for the trainings I facilitate. Nothing rubs or digs in. They’re actually so comfortable I don’t even want to take them off at the end of the day when my feet would usually be screaming. They’re also very soft and supple. The first time I wore them, the first 3 women who saw me wanted to know what brand they were. I’ve worn them many times now, and they still look brand new. Definitely worth the money. I even bought another pair in a different color.Wow, had no idea how nice these shoes are. Was surprised that Gentle Souls are by Kenneth Cole. I have a similar style pair of shoes by Kenneth Cole Reaction and there is absolutely no comparison. Gentle Souls are worth every penny! The arch support is amazing and there is plenty of room in the toe box for comfort. The leather is very soft and allows for natural movement of the foot while walking. The elastic straps are comfortable and easy to get into thanks to the zip at the back of the heel. I worried about spending so much for one pair of shoes but these are worth the investment.These shoes are so comfortable; beautiful leather, wonderful arch support.Je suis une personne qui adore les souliers et qui a plusieurs paires de tous les styles et hauteur de talons. Mais ces souliers sont mes préférés! Ils sont d'un très grand confort (j'ai très souvent mal au pied) même pour marcher des heures et des heures (j'ai fait le tour de Vancouver pendant 3 jours en marchant avec ces souliers sans aucun problème). Ils sont extrêmement passe partout, que ce soit avec des jeans, une jupe, une robe. C'est très beau dans les pieds et je reçois beaucoup de compliments quand je les porte. Je pense déjà m'acheter une 2e paire pour quand la mienne sera trop usée!Far less comfortable than I expected forward this brand. Returned.These were cute, and fit my wide 7 1/2 feet, but the zip at the back went up a bit too high and dug into my calf. Otherwise, I would have kept them.This is a gift for my mom but she said that its very comfy and looks stylish