I have wide feet and a high instep, and recently had additional foot problems including swelling of one foot and very hot, red feet.  Living in California, I can usually get away with wearing sandals, but my recent problems made me unable even to wear flip-flops, because of severe itching and bumps between my toes.  I actually think I am allergic to heat, because it has finally cooled down a little and the bumps are gone.  When it is really cold (rare), snows (even rarer) or rains, I need shoes.  I also wanted these shoes because I need to get in shape, and they are the appropriate style for that.

I have never worn non-leather shoes because I have the idea that leather shoes are the healthiest, but having read all the positive reviews on the Brooks Ariel 8, I made an exception.  My last shoes of this type were leather, size 8D.  My feet protruded a bit beyond the sides of the shoes, but I've had them for 15 years and didn't have the problems I have with the Brooks.

Positives - This is a beautiful color scheme for a shoe.  The bottom is non-slip and provides good support.  I ordered an 8EE, and my feet aren't protruding over the sides.

Negatives - There is a removable insole, but if removed, it feels like stepping on hard rock.  The insole is comfortable to step on, but it moves the foot skyward and the top of the shoe does not have much skyward room for a high instep.  The shoelaces are long and annoying to step on when putting the shoes on, but not long enough to go through all the lacing holes on the shoes.  I have to skip one hole in order to use the second to the lowest near-the-ankle hole.  So two lace holes cannot be used when I wear the shoes.  The worst thing of all is that my heels slip, one worse than the other, causing my sock to push itself down under my foot in the shoe.  I'm not going to add insult to injury by purchasing heel cups/foot devices, so I think I have to not wear socks.  Something I've never done while wearing athletic shoes, and I'm not pleased with it.

The shoes are comfortable and do not require breaking in as far as I can tell, but we'll see if those slipping heels will cause blisters.  It isn't painful at this point, and the heel is cushioned.

If I thought I could return the shoes, I would, but I bought them elsewhere for a $[...] discount because the shoebox did not have a lid, the seller described the shoes accurately, and specified no returns unless it was her fault.  I paid just under $[...] including shipping, which is more than I have ever paid for real leather shoes of this type.  I think these shoes are cheaply made out of man-made materials, and if they were well made, they would not cause heels to slip.  I have a feeling I won't be wowed by insane prices in the future.  The best shoe on earth should not cost over $[...].