I am an actress who was looking for some boots to go with my Victorian style costumes for a show I'm doing. Since I have to wear them on stage for long periods of time, comfort was key. I normally wear a size 7 or 7.5 and I ordered a size 8. I was a little concerned about the pointy toes, but these boots fit perfectly and are surprisingly comfortable. They are also easy to dance in. The lace panels have a thin black foam-like backing that makes the boots more breathable and ads to their beauty. The description doesn't say this but there are zippers on the inseam which makes quick costume changes a breeze. They do have a strong order when you first open the box, but just let them air out and you should be fine.