text: NOTE: Strong rubber smell....Like the cushiony sole with the comfort bumps and arch support. However, the right shoe feels like it has been tried on many times and stretched (so that it fits me comfortably), whereas the left is extremely tight. The V band crushes the top of my left foot so that I can't even get my toes all the way into the end of the shoe like I can on the right shoe. I did check the bottoms to ensure they are the same size--they are (M 5/W 7). Probably should have ordered an 8 as these look extremely short, making my feet look short and swollen. I'm 5' tall with average feet, so these SHOULD fit fine, but just way too tight on the left shoe, though the toe post length seems fine. Will try to wear these an hour a day with folded tissue under the V at toe post to see if I can stretch the left strap a bit. Otherwise, these will go to my skinny kid.