Comfort -the bottoms were very soft, but the top strap was kind of plasticy and hard. Maybe they will break in, but they weren't the comfort I was hoping for in the Athena shoe. I bought a 7 (and I usually wear 6.5) and they fit fine. I do have a narrow foot so they were fine for me. I read other reviews and went a half size up. I would try this brand again, maybe with a softer upper.