I was worried that these shoes would look slightly orthopedic, but they don't (at least in the black). Instead, they have a kinda sexy, bondage-y vibe that's perfect under wide-leg pants or with skinny jeans. I get more compliments on them than I do on any other shoe, strangely enough... and they're SUPER comfortable, don't bug my heel spur at all. Makes me feel like I'm really getting away with something. If they came in less dorky colors I'd buy more.