Not quite a 5-star on the comfort, especially in the lace cranberry/nude botanical lace because they're a bit tight, especially tighter in the toe box (both narrower and shallower and a bit less "give") than my Edelman Hazel red suede and navy floral (although the cranberry have more "give" than the white patent leather ones I had to return, no surprise with patent leather). The tight toe box may be because there's a "nude" leather (or pleather?) reinforcement insert in the front upper area, probably to keep the front upper from wearing thin. I have a slightly short 6 and slightly wide foot, but I get these in B (medium) width. In this botanical lace, I'd be happier in the C/D width. So, if you're between sizes, I'd say go with the larger size and/or maybe a wider width in the botanical lace.

The mid-side portions are made of a synthetic mesh that looks like it has some "give," but I actually think the "give" is pretty limited.

Thankfully, the inside portion around the heel is soft suede. There's a tiny bit of variability between Hazels in other ways also because my ankle is fine with this cranberry, whereas the navy floral feels just a teensy steeper. To me, this style has a bit of an old-fashioned look to it -- but some might like that. As you can guess, you have to be a bit careful wearing these due to the lace, but the lace is substantial and pretty well-adhered to the shoe. Thanks to Sam Edelman for their quality, innovation, and relative comfort in their shoemaking . . . and for the great padding under the balls of the feet where we need cushion in these high heels!

The seller of this pair, Street Kicks, was impressively cordial, accommodating, and efficient when I had questions and a price adjustment request . . . fantastic customer service! Thank you, Street Kicks! I don't care for the way the pm seller (whom I've been happy with in prior years) of this cranberry botanical lace seems to now incrementally increase their price, the way travel sites do when they suspect they have an increased demand for what they're selling . . . have been watching 

Update: I wore these in the house for a few hours to stretch them . . . still a tad tight in the front upper area, but 'getting there!