I am ditching a lot of those old high HIGH heels. Not worth the heel pain and scrunched toes any more. I tried a pair of " earth
balsam" shoes last year and the padding and arch support made standing for long periods so different. I was looking for something black with a little shine for work and saw the "Rosetta"  The heel is perhaps a tad higher but the heel strap is quite helpful. All the Earth padding is there and the crystals on the black shoe give it a dressy look for pants or dresses.  I WAS glad I went with an 8 1/2.  I often get an 8 in sandals and the Earth Balsam straps are a little loose.  Had I gone with an 8 these would have been blister makers on my big toe  since my forefoot is wide. If you are between an 8 and an 81/2 with a narrow foot, 8  probably works. If you wear medium to wide then go with the next half size. Great price through Amazon and it's dealers once again. Hope to get it in white at some point. And another pair of foot killers off to Goodwill.

5-10-13
6-10 stars!  When I first got these it was still somewhat cold so I wore them in the house and around the kitchen to get the closest feeling to concrete that I could. Now that it has warmed up, I am using them at work and sometimes dashing off to work and a quick trip home to run the dogs around the block.  All I can say is "even better". This is that time of year for weddings and various church events which means last minute calls, dashing off dur to last minute calls, and standing on cold hard floors.  I EXPECT to come home with back pain and forefoot pain.  NEITHER happens in these shoes. Although they are slightly higher than my Earth Balsam shoes, the balance is just so incredible that I actually jogged two blocks for a last minute call and YOU CAN.  Without breaking an ankle. The other thing is that as a woodwind musician, I often end up with back pain from trying to attain decent posture in heels while standing.  I feel almost as stable as if I were wearing my Earth flat sandals. I cannot say enough about these.  Plus they look dressy since the wedge is tucked in.  From the front they look like a pair of snazzy pumps. LOVE LOVE them. Only thing I would wish is for a wider width but the straps are soft enough that they don't leave blisters or sore baby toes.