Review on Transitional Barefoot Shoe For Women By WHITIN - Minimalist, Lifestyle-Inspired Design, Perfect For Beginners by James Richardson

I purchased these in 8.5 white, and I am very happy. I usually fit in size 8 or 8.5, but, since I was buying these mostly for comfort, I went with the larger size. They are comfortable from the very first wear (which, in my case, was sockless, though they are extremely comfortable with socks, as well). The soles are very low profile, flexible, and grippy. This was important to me: I have rheumatoid arthritis -- including inflammation and reduced movement in my ankles -- so I tend to trip if I wear thick-soled shoes. I feel very grounded in these -- they even make me feel a little sprightly! When laced up, there is a surprising amount of arch support for such flat sneakers. Also, they are nicely cut around the back of the ankle: high enough to feel secure, but low enough that they don't dig in when I have bad inflammation. Finally, they are pretty cute: the white with rubber soles have a little retro-hipster flair and go with any casual outfit. The only possible downside is that they are canvas and (I expect) will get dirty and/or rip if I mistreat them, but I have had them for over a month now (wearing them almost every day, mostly on sidewalk), and they still look good. I'm returning to buy them in black, too!**EDITED**Okay, after months of happily wearing the white pair, I decided I needed them in black, as well. I am *very* disappointed because the company has changed the fabric. They no longer come in a cotton-like canvas fabric, but they now use a clearly synthetic, woven, polyester-type fabric that is padded inside and smells strongly of plastic. They are still comfortable, but they seem as though they are going to breathe less and be more hot and sweaty. Furthermore, they have completely lost their distinctive style, and the sneakers now look cheap, like something you would buy in Payless or Walmart. I don't know if I am going to return them -- it is probably not worth the trouble -- but I am super bummed, since I was looking forward to having a black version of the original canvas design. I am keeping my star rating as it is, since I was originally reviewing the earlier design, but, Whitin, please bring back the canvas! As is, these are now worth only about 2 or 3 stars.