I was going to wait until later to write this review, since we have 8 inches of snow on the ground and it's -6 F outside. However, when I saw the other review, I thought I'd better share my experience now, in case anyone is considering these great sandals in anticipation of warmer weather.

Yes, they are tight across the top of the toes. So tight, in fact, that I thought I had made a horrible mistake and would have to return them. However, I took a chance that they would stretch out and become wearable. Good news! This took far less time than I thought. After only a few hours of doing housework in them, they have stretched out to the point where I can wiggle into them from a standing position, rather than having to literally massage them on to my feet. In fact, I think I see the method to the madness. If they were any looser out of the box, I think you'd get that nasty toe overhang once they broke in. Also, the tightness prevents the thong part of the sandal from pressing hard between your first two toes. In short, give these some time if they seem tight when you first get them.

Having said all that, I have yet to test them in the real world, and will be unable to do so for some months to come. I *can* tell you that these are the most comfortable heels of this height (4.5 inches on a size 9) I've ever worn for standing in one spot. I will edit this review in the spring when I've had a chance to wear them outside. Oh, and they are every bit as good-looking as the first reviewer said!

Update, July 4, 2013:  Now that summer is here, and I have actually worn these in the real world, I still like them a lot, and I still give them 5 stars.  They have stretched out a lot, but not too much, which is good, because these shoes flap a LOT. The straps are quite far forward on the foot, so your heel comes off the footbed of the shoe several inches with each step. If that really bugs you, don't buy these. I don't mind it at all, and they're NOT coming off unintentionally. Walking in these is no problem, once you get used to them. The problem is not the height, but the thin straps, which are under a lot of pressure due to the heavy flapping motion. They might give you a blister on your big toe if you overdo it right out of the box. After a time, they break in and are very comfortable.

If you're only thinking of wearing these occasionally, think about how far you will be walking in them before you go out. If you wear them regularly, you can go as far as you want in comfort without thinking about it. I still highly recommend these shoes. I think they are worth the trouble of the break-in process, and seem like they will last for several seasons.