Comfort/Walking: I live on a college campus where some classes are literally over a mile apart. I walk a lot, over hills/concrete/dirt whatever (lots of shortcuts). I got sick of wearing all my cheap shoes down until the point that they literally formed holes, so I finally sucked it up and bought these basic
wedges. In my experience with
Rocket Dog shoes, they all start off really stiff. Painfully stiff -- enough that you'll probably want to return it, and some of you have. But with the
flats I previously owned, after breaking them in for a week of wearing indoors with thick
socks, they molded to become some of the most comfortable and durable shoes I've ever owned! I've yet to break these in so hopefully the same thing will happen. Padding doesn't do much, I would suggest gel inserts if you want
arch support. Sizing: I wear size 6.5-7, more often 7. I sized down to 6.5 and they fit perfectly with just a little bit of toe wiggle room (usually 6.5 is tight on my toes!) So yes, size a half size down. Quality/Style of shoes themselves: I really love them! The soles aren't too heavy but you can tell they're made with good quality. There's a rubbery substance lining the soles that kind of spring you up when you take steps, which is awesome because all the other
wedges I've owned in this style felt heavy to walk in. You really feel light on your feet! The heel doesn't have the rubbery lining but is made up of a really hard plastic(?) that makes it sound like you're walking on heels. I got the black silk style and it isn't shiny like patent leather, but there's a nice sheen to it. The folded wrapping style is all over the shoe (not just the toe) so it's a little more stylish than your basic flat. Very classy and elegant. They give you just a little bit of toe cleavage if that's your thing (I don't care much). I have an experimental style head to ankle, so to speak. I have no idea how to coordinate different shoes so I go for basics. This style is perfect for me, classy/simple and goes with everything. Will update this review in a few weeks to say how they feel after breaking in. Will update this review in a few months to say how they hold up with lots of walking.