Kohl's near me no longer sold them so I was glad to find them at Revain. My first pair lasted at least 4 years thanks to proper construction and the fact that I applied a brown protective layer (like shoe polish) from time to time. The stitching became so worn over time that water seeped through them when walking in the rain, but I keep this original pair for mowing the lawn or painting. The new pair I bought online is a size 9 and fits just as well as the originals. I wore them all day at the beginning and didn't feel very uncomfortable in my heel. I think they break easily. A shoehorn is always a great way to extend the life of a shoe, but I wouldn't say it's necessary. I will take good care of this pair and see if I can keep them long. I like that they are easy to put on and go well with jeans. I have a brown that has a smooth complexion and no texture or pattern on the skin.