these shoes are so unique!! the colors are gorgeous, highly saturated, & remind me of oil paint. the details are just as lovely--i especially love the braided satin straps, they're divine! i got the blue ones, but i'd happily take this shoe in any color! it's a pretty high shoe but i don't find it difficult or uncomfortable to wear/walk in; the platform makes it comfortable. as for sizing, i think they probably run about a half size big, if anything. if you have smaller/thinner feet or shorter toes, you  may want to get a half size smaller. i almost always wear an 8.5 in every brand but got an 8 in these--they're perfect!! (i have slender-but-wide feet and thin ankles). don't get these shoes unless you're ready for people to STARE, because believe me, they will!