I purchased these shoes because of the spacious toe box. I work as a corporate trainer and am on my feet at least 9 hours a day, sometimes more and my feet were prone to cramping in pointed or heeled shoes. These shoes have great arch support and the shape of the bottom of the shoe really keeps the pressure off of the balls of my feet. They're a little bit chunky, but the comfort outweighs the missing chic factor. I am a solid size 6 in American sizing, and I ordered the 36 which fit perfectly with a little space in the heel.