First of all I have a slim not fleshy foot, wear between 7 and 7.5 and most of these types of panties I get 7 and wear socks with them (around the house) and that's fine but I hardly wear them, because- for being tight. As far as I can tell, the strap that goes across the top of your foot is padded underneath and overly finished. I'm not sure if that's the only reason, but I rarely wear them and then I can't wear socks. They must be reserved for a specific wearing time.