These shoes looked great in the picture and now that they are here I am very impressed. It's okay, the tongue is holding my tight, ankle-length, straight-leg pants. Although it's always loose, I don't really tie it tight. I knit the same as the purl up to the fourth openwork stitch. So I don't have to sacrifice my bad ankle, that's all. Great shoes, great arch support. And in winter my feet not only sweat, it's also warm. The perfect purchase.