I think these shoes are beautiful to the point of gorgeous, and well made.  That said, they still have very high heels!  I did not realize they were 41/4 inches!  However, they make your legs look great and they are surprising comfortable for the height.  They are a "Littler Black Shoe"  that goes rather stunningly with a "Little Black Dress".  Also, they are black leather suede, not plain black leather.  I am a true 9 and they seemed to be  true to size.  I think those who have mentioned that they squeezed their toes might be because they have a more square foot shape. I found plenty of toe room for my slightly pointy foot.  Just don't plan on waking too far in them!