I really wanted to love these shoes but I don't. They are very cute but the sizing is very small. I read reviews and expected to size up so I bought an 8. I rarely wear an 8. I'm pretty consistently a 7.5. These feel like a tight 7.5 and far from an 8, in my opinion. I think they may stretch a bit so I kept them. I have only worn them for one day with some walking around the neighborhood. The rubber at the back of the sole is fraying slightly. I think that's a bit soon to look worn. I kept them because they are wearable but I don't anticipate them lasting for very long and looking nice. As for the banded part across the foot, it did not bother me but I have slightly narrow bony feet.