I tried these on at Nordstroms when my Tsubo's killing my feet walking these hills of San Francisco. They were a $199.99 there and I found them HERE with a much better deal. These are my second pair of Mephistos in six months' time. I had purchased a pair for lots of being on my feet at work. I had previously owned three pairs of Sanrita (Emeril/Lisa) brand in secession for about seven to eight years.  The second pair caused my right foot to have callous overgrowth from lack of 'breathing' from the shoes.  I had started my first pair of Mephistos in the last week of December 2012.  My foot is nearly back to 'normal'... (Yes, I had even visited two doctors with no avail at the time..) So THANK YOU, Mephistos for your quality and comfort! They are hand made and offer a 'tune up' service for a charge for when your shoes need to 'refreshed.'  (What a great form of 'recycling'!!) I have found another pair of Mephisto deal on Amazon and this third pair is in transit!  Do yourself a favor and make the investment and make your feet HAPPY!!