I really love these shoes. People complain about water retention and odor, but I haven't experienced any of these issues. During my first overseas service I wore standard army boots and socks and developed chronic athlete's foot, so wearing shoes without moisture-wicking socks usually quickly leads to uncomfortable feet and uncomfortable boots, but not this one. I take out the insoles after every walk and they always dry quickly and never smell. I used them as water shoes, covered them in fish/iguand guts and spent days in the Keys driving, boating and running in them when I forgot my sneakers. From someone with a herniated disc to mindful shoes, they are very comfortable and don't give me back pain when walking. My only concern is that after about six months one of the laces came undone and I had to use heat shrink to tie it together in a pinch. But if you're like me and don't want regular laces on your pumps, nor do you want slip-ons, the lacing is perfect.