I'm surprised by the rating distribution for this product. I have never had shoes that were more supportive.

I have a history of plantars fasciitis and painful heel spurs. I have practically no arch. I also have fairly severe hallux rigidus, aka 'turf toe.' In layman's terms: my big toes have significantly reduced range of motion; they don't flex backwards. This can be caused/exacerabated by harshly "stubbing" the toe and/or jamming the big toe into too small a toe box.

I expect my feet to hurt... and never knew any shoe to prove otherwise. Until these.

It's owing to their comfortable fit that I happily increased my walking distance. Previously, I couldn't tolerate strolling beyond 2 miles, because my feet hurt too much. I *hated* walking on loose surfaces (e.g. sand). Now I easily walk 4-5 miles. Any distance limitation is now owing only to a finite attention span and time constraints. I walk in a steeply hilly area, on roads that are NOT well-maintained (no sidewalks). Excepting some manageable, residual pain on one horricially calcified big toe... these shoes have provided me great relief and rehabilitation.

What we habitually wear on our feet greatly impacts what we're *able* to wear on our feet. I'm someone who's been prone to wearing low heels, flats, or going 'commando.' (Barefoot is one of the worst choices for someone with plantars fasciitis, I know.) I have wide feet (D-width) but like to tightly lace my tennies. These shoes have a roomy toe box but an overall snugness that I tend to prefer.

If your circumstances are similar to mine... I suspect these shoes will work well for you, too.