I fell in love with these at first sight---they're cute--and it's a pity to have to give them one star. The appearance and materials of the shoe are wonderful, but the way it is constructed is baffling and makes it impossible to wear. Ordinarily shoes of this type (basic gym shoes) have a loose tongue; that is, you can raise the tongue of the shoe to slip your foot in. For some mysterious reason, the manufacturer has sewn a stiff elastic band across the tongue nearer the ankle that prevents you from getting your foot in easily and presses down on your arch uncomfortably while you wear them. The whole front of the shoe is designed for someone having a very low arch: your foot is unnecessarily cramped even though the width is good, and there's plenty of room for toes. They may cut off the circulation in your toes if you wear them a while. The makers also tacked the tongue to the sides of the shoe in two white knots that are not covered on the inside and will give some wearers blisters.