This pair earns a 4 just because the color was a little different from what I had imagined. Actually, this is a 4.5 if that was an option. I would suggest getting half size bigger. I am an 8, I bought the 8.5 and it is perfect. As with all new shoes, discomfort at first couple of uses. I got the charcoal and the color is almost grey with hints of black. In the picture it looks like mostly black, but actually mostly grey. Almost too grey. All PLV shoes are sturdy, I have several pairs and they all hold up well with constant wear. Good shoe.