Skechers Shape-Ups had me at my first pair (Black Hydro XW--for Extended Wear, not extra-wide like I thought...). With knee and lower back issues AND bunions (on a size 5.5 foot), it's very difficult to find comfortable shoes that don't bind and pinch. Skechers Shape-ups did it for me! The day the Hydros were delivered, I put them on, went into the city and walked... for hours. No lower back pain, no knee pain, and NO foot fatigue, pain, pressure, or pinching! Criss-cross Z-straps with Velcro closure (albeit, you have to be into Velcro). They do give the glutes and hamstrings a workout too--secondary benefits to having a comfortable shoe I can stand or walk in for extended time.

Completely motivated, I purchased 2 more pair (X-Wear Hyper Blast Mary Janes, in pewter/gray and toffee/brown.) Ahhhhh! More heavenly comfort! I am quickly and resolutely a Shape-Ups fanatic. The Hyper Blast Mary Janes offer the same decadent comfort as the Hydro, as well as the same toning benefit. Still no lower back or knee pain, and no foot pinching, binding, pain, or fatigue. Just a little more buttock/hamstring muscle burn. (I work out occasionally, but not avidly. Not sure if the Shape-Ups will make a difference to a marathon runner.)

The first time in years that I'm not compelled to kick off my shoes the first chance I get. I pretty much live in them now. As other fans have reviewed, I don't want to take them off at night!

They may not be haute couture strappy shoes, but if comfort is a priority over fashion, then these Mary Janes will work with both jeans and skirts. Note: the "pewter" color is truly medium silver metallic leather w/gray suede. (Many internet pix show the pewter style as platinum--it isn't, it's gray.) Thanks, Skechers--you've given me my active lifestyle back! Can't imagine buying or walking in anything else! And thanks, Amazon, for the great price and availability!