I am a nurse and am often on my feet for 12 hours at a stretch on a hard linoleum floor. I have several pairs of so-called "comfort" shoes for work (i.e. Born, Merrill, Keen, Clarks). Ever since receiving my first pair of Birks about a month or so ago, those other shoes have sat unworn in my closet. There is nothing better than Birkenstocks, period. I'm collecting a few different colors, and thankfully the price here on Amazon is unbeatable. Imagine your favorite slippers upgraded with a perfect mold of the bottom of your foot, with optimum arch support. I never have foot or back pain at the end of a long day (both of which have been issues in the past). Another thing: I find it unnecessary to curl my toes to keep the shoes on like other clogs/mules. Maybe it's the adjustable strap that helps with that. Size-wise, I wear a size 8 to 8 1/2 B depending on the brand, and the 39N is a perfect fit. I guess I'm a bit of a 70's throwback because I do really like the style.