I purchased these in the light taupe and I LOVE them!  I have Rheumatoid Arthritis (which means I have permanent bumps on my feet) and have had two knee surgeries, so high heels are off the table entirely for me.  I bought these as a birthday gift to myself in June and they please me to no end.  They look like their higher heeled counterparts on the top, so they finish the line from your leg or pants very nicely.  These do not look matronly in any way and that's what I was wanting.  The cut on the top will show toe clevage, so if that bothers you, keep on looking.  But for my feet, I like the low cut since it means less binding in of my feet.  I'm getting ready to start putting together my winter wardrobe and will be purchasing the black patent for this fall/winter.  I only wish they came in red!!!