These are wonderful! The leather is sturdy and a bit stiff but it is still soft on my feet and very comfortable. I wear a women's size US8 in sandals and bought a 39. They fit perfectly, but I think I could wear a 40 comfortably. If you wear a size 8 the 38 would be too small. Some people have said that this pair of shoes gave them blisters, but I have not had that problem and I've been wearing them for 2 days straight. I absolutely recommend these.