These shoes are cute (if you like funky shoes). The look is not sleek but more substantial and casual, especially with the black rubber toe cap. The chestnut color is a lovely muted brick. I usually can't wear anything without a strap, so I'm very pleased by these--they stay on my feet, although to accomplish that to my satisfaction, I inserted Payless gel heel grips (my current fav). They are indeed shorter than average. I'm glad I read the other reviews and ordered at the upper end of my size range. I usually am a 9, on rare occasions an 8.5, and sometimes a 9.5, which is what I got here, and they fit fine.