I was prepared to be about as disappointed by these as I have been by other ~$20 shoes and boots on Amazon (by other brands) that feel like the heels will collapse if I take more than a few tip-toeing steps. However, these are actually INCREDIBLY comfortable, seem pretty sturdily made especially considering the price, and after a few cautious tries-on around the house I decided these felt like they bore my weight well enough to trust wearing for a day of a few small errands. I walked almost a mile and a half in these today, wearing them as they come, without the medical orthotics I've been prescribed for my messed up arches, and yet these felt really great to walk in, enough so that I didn't even notice that it added up to as much as it did. I also have incredibly sensitive tops of my feet, and I don't even have any soreness there after wearing these, which is very hard for me to find in a stiff and cozy-fit shoe like this, that isn't a padded skate shoe. I also got a compliment on them from a stranger (plus two from my own family if you count that), the very first day wearing them out!

The inside lining is a fleece-y type fabric very similar to fleece-lined leggings, that is a bit much for me in anything over about 65 degrees, but I personally am very prone to overheating; they would probably be just about perfect for anyone who likes or needs a bit more warmth to their feet and lower part of the legs, or just as a good dry-cold weather shoe. I live in the PNW though so I will be giving these a good waterproofing spray treatment before wearing them out in wet weather, just to be safe. They do feel sturdy, but if you've found a $20 shoe that can truly withstand an accidental trod through a curb-depth puddle, you've slipped into an alternate dimension, and I don't want to use these to test which I might be in!

I also want to emphasize that these are a very cozy fit. I did have the laces tied snug but the foot part itself was just perfect, not loose at all but I also never had any issues feeling cramped or pinched in them or having any spots that rubbed wrong, which anyone who shares my size or flat arches will know, is remarkably difficult especially in an 11. The fuzzy lining probably helps. Overall, the phrase "fits like a glove" couldn't be more accurate.

To anyone who is looking to these for cosplay, I officially say go for it. I will most definitely be coming back for the brown ones in this same tall style for Katniss, as they are a PERFECT fit for hers, and when the short style is back in stock in my size, those in black for a slightly modified Chloe Price, too.