I bought this shoe recently knowing that the Aravon last from the New Balance company has fit me well before and that they tend to be attractive and long lasting shoes.  I wouldn't pay this full price for any shoe, but on deep discount they're a good deal.  A well-made if slightly unusual looking shoe on the outside, they're a very supportive, walking shoe with 'running shoe' technology on the inside.  I'd been wearing a thick-soled tie flat walking Dunham, but needed something a bit dressier that I could get away with wearing with a nice black dress.  The higher heel (it seems close to 2") on this shoe accomplished that.  It was true to size or perhaps a tiny bit large, so that the first time I put it on I was able to wear it to work for a full day, with no breaking in period.  The elastic across the top was comfortable, although it likely wouldn't work well for people with a high vamp.  I proceeded to wear it several times in a row with no difficulties, and received many compliments on its attractiveness.  My doctor and physical therapist examined it and were very happy with it.  I expect to get quite a bit of use from it, based on my experience with previous Aravon walking shoes that I still have.  Anyone with problem feet or joint difficulties that can't wear shoes without support might find these useful.  There's a removable insert so that a lift can be inserted beneath it or it can be removed and a personal orthotic substituted.