I ordered these shoes with more than a little bit of pocketbook apprehension, wondering why they could be so much better than my Postal New Balances (like five times better?)  So I closed my eyes and pushed the button, hoping that my judgment was good.  Here is what happened.

First, the shoes arrived from Shoemania in about 24 hours.  I didn't expect that, though I was obviously pleased.

Second, the fit was good, though obviously a little stiff.  My foot is a little narrower than average (around a B) so medium widths don't always do it for me.  Here, with medium cushion socks the shoe cinched down fine with very little pucker or inside fold.  In about a week of wearing them every other day they were feeling quite comfortable.

Then today, about two weeks after they arrived, I went to put them on and, snap, one shoelace broke.  Aaargh!  I was able to use the longer end to lace it up so I could make a special trip to the variety store for a new set of laces ($2.00).  I replaced both of the shoes' laces and found that the other original lace was also about to break. It was, needless to say, irritating to pay some $300 for a shoe with such crappy laces.  They seemed to be made of a soft cotton, which I would guess would be inappropriate for shoes which have metal loops for most of the laces and thus abrade more readily.

I guess the answer is, if you buy these shoes for their comfort and durability, do spend a couple of bucks more and get yourself some strong, synthetic-reinforced, laces (30 inch length did it for me) so they will be ready in waiting when (not if) the original lace(s) break.