... women spend large amounts of money on a pair of heels.

I really never understood it. I don't wear heels often so I generally get them from payless (gasp), while happily dishing out larger sums for comfortable, sensible shoes. Recently I've been turning more and more minimalistic so I'm buying nicer things but less often and less of them.

I've been looking for dress shoes for months and when I found these, I thought they were perfect, but I didn't have high expectations. I thought I'd try them on and put them right back in the box and send them back. They're way too pretty - they'd never be comfortable and they would never fit my size 10.5, not-exactly-narrow foot properly. However, I've been wearing them three hours and I don't think I want to take them off.

The leather is very soft. Very, very soft. It wraps around my toes with very little pressure and my toes are really not used to wearing anything that comes to a point. The belt around the ankle slides around so I can keep it from rubbing on my ankle (this is almost always a problem with other shoes so I love that I can move the location of the buckle). The heel rubs a little (not enough to make a blister yet and I've walked about 3/4 of a mile), but I'm guessing that's because I have to size up due to being a half size. I plan to put a little heel pad in and I think that will keep it cozy. They are very stable - I don't feel nervous going up or down stairs and I've not worn heels in about eight years. If you're used to wearing heels daily, I imagine these will feel incredibly comfortable... I will need a little time to get used to them, but honestly, these are gentle compared to any other heel I've had to break in.

They make a lot of noise when I walk - I wasn't expecting that. I realize they are wooden on the bottom, but there is also a little piece of hard rubber on the bottom to protect it. This is really my only complaint. It's miniscule and I know it's 'just me' that this bugs.

As for the look: it's like a little piece of artwork - they are just that well made. The lines are sensual and the look is classic. I get so many compliments when I'm wearing them. One girl stopped me on the subway to ask about them and then immediately, using her phone, ordered her own pair! I really don't think they will ever go out of style.

I've purchased them in black as well and I have no regrets. I expect to not have to worry about dress shoes for years. These are truly sexy AND sensible heels.

ETA: 09/10/12 - Please be aware that the leather on these shoes stretches a great deal! My shoes went from being slightly loose to WAY too big after about five wears. They're now unsafe to wear as I can literally fall out of them. Luckily, I was able to go through the Frye Company and get a replacement (thank you, Frye!!). Please, if the shoe is even a little bit too big, go down a size! If you're a half size, it might also be best to go down a size rather than up.