These shoes are very well made, and fit well right out of the box, if you order a half size larger than usual. My problem with them is that there is a nylon ribbon that serves as the top most lacing hole, running to the back of the heel, where it forms a large loop at the rear top of the shoe. While it is difficult to tell from the picture, this ribbon is not attached to the main body of the shoe except in a couple of places, so twigs, small branches, etc, can get caught up in it. I could ignore that, given the low price of these shoes, but cannot ignore the fact that part of the ribbon contains that Scotchbrite thread, the type that shines when lights hit it. I absolutely hate that stuff, and usually won't order shoes online since it is difficult to tell if the manufacturer has included this annoying and unwanted safety feature on the product. This product did, and since I was leaving on a backpacking trip in two days,and couldn't return them for something else in time, I was forced to glue strips of fabric over the ribbon to avoid having my shoes look like a psychedelic light show each time I walk down the road. I also cut off the front and back loops, which are quite large, would also invite snags and tangles, and also contain the hated shiny thread. On top of this all, I noticed that they are made in China, so I really can't recommend them. Hope the glue holds!