These just arrived - and I am still making up my mind about them. They are very lightweight, which is great for hot weather, and I like that they could handle getting a bit wet because of the materials. Also like they are versatile for travel - good for walking around, camping, etc., but cute enough to wear with a skirt, too. I can feel the straps, which are hard cloth as shown. I don't think they will bother me, though. I can see how someone with a wide foot would find these uncomfortable (straps digging in, foot hanging over edge), because they are relatively narrow (will work for my average foot, but might work on a narrow foot, too). Love the green colour, but ordered chocolate chip because it looked really versatile because of the black accents on brown - should go with most things (except pink). I typically wear a size 9 in closed shoes, and an 8-8.5 in sandals. The 8.5 seems right for me - enough room without straps digging in, but not too long either (hate when sandals a tons longer than the foot at the front or back). I expect the 8 might be snug (although the length would likely be ok).