Yes, as I said, after putting these "shoes" on and walking around a bit, I felt like an important part of my feet had been missing. What part? The part I wished I had always had, but didn't - a layer attached to the soles of my feet that made me feel like I was walking on sand, perhaps the most comfortable, natural feeling ever. These sandals, very simply, make my feet feel great! Now, I must include that these "shoes" are not really "shoes," nor do they claim to be. They are sandals, with a light, natural hemp cover over the foot, but the foot-bed and walking surface are just what you would expect from a fine pair of sandals with a distinct "Ahhhhhh" factor built in. And this is one of those rare times when a product actually under-promises and over-delivers on their claim. These feel and perform just like sandals, but with the benefit of allowing even folks that might not like the look of their feet to wear a great-fitting, comfortable sandal and have their foot covered at the same time. Don't let the lack of heavy-duty construction fool you. I have found comfort can be had while not adding a lot of structure. For this sandal-masquerading-as-a-shoe, there is the right amount of materials in the "build" so to make a sandal that should last, because you will probably want to wear them every chance you get. I sure do. The hemp upper is not stiff at all, but pliable and molds to both of my feet. Along the side, as you can see in the picture, there is a bit of elastic so the sandal is lightly secured and stays in place on your foot and feels secure as you walk. It doesn't shift or move around on me, so even though the sandal doesn't have the support of a typical shoe (it doesn't need it!), my ankles do not roll or feel weakened. That's important if you are going to be spending hours and hours in the same footwear through the day. You want not just comfort, but you want your foot to be held the right way, so your movements aren't affected just because of the shoes you are wearing. I have discovered that my other footwear needs that extra support for my ankle and my foot as a whole because of the unnatural way my foot is made to fit the footwear. What is wrong with that picture? Have you ever worn a pair of shoes that cause you to change the way you walk or stand because they are, or become, too tight, too loose, binding, or allow your foot to shift so your toes become wedged uncomfortably? Yes? Me too! After several hours of wearing these sandals, even day after day, I can say that none of these are concerns, as my feet are never made to conform to the shape of the shoe in the first place. Instead, my feet rest on a comfortable layer of cushioning that is just right and makes me feel like I'm walking on sand, and my feet are covered by a very light, breathing, natural fabric that conforms to the shape and position of my feet instead of the other way around. If you have to wear shoes at all, then why shouldn't your footwear complement your feet with the way they fit and enhance your movement? These sandals do just that. The only thing I don't like is that I don't want to take them off or wear my other shoes, even my beloved cowboy boots. But sadly, not every place is so accepting of such a casual looking "shoe" as these sandals. These are truly a Sidewalk Surfer, and when I am this comfortable walking, standing, or sitting with these puppies on it undoubtedly comes out in my countenance and my attitude as I feel more comfortable all over. These sandals do, indeed, give me those elusive "happy feet" I have searched for so long. In short, if you are considering buying yourself a pair of Sanuk Sidewalk Surfers, then do yourself a favor. Order them now before you forget to. After all, don't you deserve it? I know I do, and this is one of the best decisions I have made for my feet and footwear since my Earth Shoes as a teen-aged kid. Oh, and if you need a half-size, sizing is not a problem even though these come in whole sizes. Maybe it's because of the hemp that rather drapes over your foot instead of just covering it, but even though I usually order in a half-size these fit just wonderfully!
