The shoes are quite soft. I chose my usual size, and they fit snugly, which I prefer over a loose fit. They do require some breaking in, but they become more comfortable over time. I recommend wearing them with mid-calf socks. The durability seems decent based on what I've seen from my classmates wearing them—it exceeded my expectations. They feel very light when you hold them, and the craftsmanship is good. The triangular heel design is interesting, and the side profile kind of looks like a whale [dog face_blue].