I normally wear a 7 in dress shoes but if the shoe is meant to be worn with slacks, I buy a larger size and wear nice thick socks (men's socks are the best) with them. The shoes fit perfectly with thick socks. There was no break in period like there often is with women's shoes. They have pretty fair traction on normal flooring but watch out on ice! The laces actually serve a purpose on these shoes and are instrumental to the nice fit. They look fantastic and while most people will never see the sexy handcuffs on them, I know they are there and that hidden sort of smutty things can really make you feel ... empowered I guess is a good enough word.
I guess I've found a new brand of shoes to buy when I wear out the ones I have now!