Like the other reviews, this shoe is very comfortable even at 4 1/2 inches high.  However, the shoe (to me) seemed to have a poor fit.  I'm 5'9 and usually wear a size 10.  Since it was a high heeled shoe I purchased a size 11, and my heel still rested outside the shoe and my big toe didn't even reach to the bottom of the shoe (and I have a narrow foot).  The straps weren't tight as the others stated but it was too loose for me.  I have really small ankles and even at the tighest notch it was still too loose.  I love the sturdiness of the shoe and how it was crafted, it didn't look cheap but I will have to return this shoe b/c of the poor fit.