This was my second pair of shoes from Calden. The shoes are lightweight and are well made. I have not had them long enough to speak to the quality of this particular pair. (my other pair is Awesome!)  I would not recommend buying these as your first pair of lifts. I would recommend starting with 3 inches or less, then moving up. If you do this not only is your height increase not as drastic, it gives you time to learn to walk in elevator shoes. Once you learn they are great! I have flat feet and as I hit middle age started having back and Sciatic nerve problems. Wearing the shoes helps prevent that The shoes give me an arch so that I naturally stand up straight now rather than naturally slumping forward and slouching.<br /><br />The only issue I have with these shoes (and my other pair) is that they are an inch shorter than advertised. I use elevator insoles along with the shoes.