I just bought these and remembered this thread, so I wanted to add that I love them. I have major feet problems and had to get inserts for my shoes, but my feet sweat too much in the summer so they are uncomfortable. I found these and they have awesome arch support and are so much more comfortable than birkenstaks. It did bother me to pay so much for sandels, but I figure by the time I spent $30 on inserts and half a dozen cheap pair of shoes I just bought equal one pair of Mephistos. By the way, if you care to check them out I bought "Helen" in brown!