Comfort, Fit & Value
First, let me say I am always in ASICS or Lugz sneakers; generally there’s no need for other types of shoes unless there’s a special event, like a wedding. I’ve learned after being on one’s feet after so many long years that low heels and comfort is what is needed…desirable. I buy a size 7.5M because I like the thicker socks and because after a hour of exercise my feet swell. But my true size is 7M.So let’s talk shoe Construction:Footbed:The shoe has a nice comfortable padded footbed. Its cushion makes you smile when you step your weight into the shoe. 😊 awww And because its a cloth material you don’t sweat. And for those of you who go without nylons, your feet don’t stick or slide.Upper Shoe & Toe-box:The upper shoe is constructed of a soft flexible material that almost feels like a supple leather. There is no stitching around the opening of the shoe that could cause poking or a stiffness on the top of your foot. And because the shoe material is so flexible it moves with your foot rather than your foot moving into it. Ever had that red ring on the top of your foot because of tight, stiff material and stiff thread stitching? Not with these. Also, with the right fit there are no blisters at the heel.Shoe Heel:The heel is a wider/thicker shape without being chunky. It provides more stability than the regular narrow pointy, almost stiletto style. It adds stability for those with weaker ankles and is still stylish. The height of the heel is perfect; not too short and definitely not too high. You don’t get all the pressure on your forefoot and your toes don’t slide into the front of the shoe.Speaking of the toes… Although the shoe is described as round toe, it does have a slightly rounded point but not severe, so it allows for your toes to lay in their natural shape…well, at least for me.Overall, they are comfortable for extended wear.Moving on to Fit:I always wear a 7.5M in all my sneakers; unless they are a men’s, then it’s a size 6. I wear Asics & Lugz as a reference. But I like that added room for thick socks. I am a 7M.I initially ordered these Easy Street pumps in a size 7M based on all the reviews and past experience.The 7M on my forefoot were too snug and squeezed my little toes towards the inside of my feet. The tops of my feet looked like slightly rounded while my toes were screaming, in their muffled voice, “this just might work!” I thought I’d be able to get along okay with the length but there was some teeny weeny slippage of the heels with the nylons.Because these come in Wide (thanks to the creator of Wide fit) I ordered, for comparison, a 7W. My toes and forefoot were in heaven! But with the added real estate for the rest of the foot, it also added just a bit more length. With nylons, my toes were trying to hug the footbed to keep my heels from flip flopping out.Okay so, the W fit was good so let’s go down to a 6.5 in the W. And it worked! Now, I’m not saying they are exactly perfect because my toes, while not being crammed into the front of the shoe do rest along the front sides of the toe box without being pushed into it. The shoe width is a tad bit less than the next size up but it doesn’t squeeze my toes and my feet are still resting comfortably in the shoe…no muffled screams coming from the pinky toe. The length fits comfortably against my heels and there is zero slippage while wearing nylons. No blisters!So, for my foot, a size 7, but normally in a 7.5M sneaker, just a bit on the wide side in the forefoot, a 6.5W in this shoe fit my foot to size. Not sure if that means the shoe runs slightly big. And don’t know after wearing them for 3-4 hours if they will be too snug because of swelling.So…The price, construction and overall value of this Easy Street pump is excellent.Toe box comfort good.Length good.Upper shoe soft.Footbed comfortable.The shoe is comfortable while giving the fit and stability needed for a not so old but older foot.The price and value of this Easy Street pump is excellent.