These shoes were recommended to me by a close friend. She could not have made a better suggestion! I've developed pain in my feet (doc said it's neuroma). The combination of the shape of the foot-bed and the slight cushion of it aide in even distribution of weight so that normally painful areas of the foot are relieved of pain. Normally I wear a 6-6.5 shoe, so I started with a 6. That was a bit on the small size so I gave them to my mom (she loves them!). I ordered a 7, which fit better. I can wear these with socks or without. I do highly recommend these shoes!