text: I was so looking forward to getting these sandals because my friend has a different model of Merrell sandals she bought in Europe and wears them all the time while walking all day, going everywhere and they are amazing. I wasn't able to find the model she has here in the US so I decided to give these ones a try.<br /><br />I have to say I have pretty mixed feelings about these sandals and Merrel brand in general. First of all, based on all the reviews I've read and also my first experience with a different model I ordered from DSW (and returned), I went with a smaller size than mine. I'm a true 6.5 when it comes to most shoes, except for winter boots. Those I prefer in 7-7.5 so I can chose what thickness socks to wear. But for most sandals and flip flops and pretty much anything &#34;open toe&#34;, anything in 6-6.5 works well. Typically. Well, not Merrell's apparently. The DSW pair I got in 7 was huge and left tons of space in front of my toes and didn't look as cute in reality so I returned it to the store. Found these ones and ordered them in size 6 to avoid the same situation I had with the other pair. Wrong again. The sole wasn't small. It was ok. No toes hanging over because my foot wouldn't even fit that far into the sandal lol<br /><br />The very first strap (non adjustable and closest to your ankle that goes over the &#34;instep&#34;) would not allow for my foot to go much further. Fine! I sent them back and exchanged for yet again, size 7. Size 7 of this style fits a bit better and the sole isn't too long like the other ones. Little room in front of my toes but nothing crazy. Straps are slightly wider but I'm still uncomfortable with the tightness of that instep strap :-( And the other strap you can adjust on these in the front doesn't really do anything. It's pretty much there for looks lol The front strap is surprisingly comfy for me but only because I have wide &#34;duck&#34; feet with all toes of the same length. so for anyone who has normal more pointy feet, it'll most likely be too wide :-(<br />I'm hoping that it'll stretch with time because it's leather and the sole is comfy. I can't say it gives amazing arch support. It seems to me that in order for that to happen, it would need to be more firm instead of soft but they do feel nice to walk in. I have yet to test them on a really long walk (5 miles +), but I'm keeping them simply because I need a pair of comfy walking sandals and I&#34;m tired of exchanging them. Not sure I will buy Merrell's sandals again though. The whole &#34;no half sizes&#34; thing is pretty disappointing. All of the adjustment features they offer do not make up for weird sole sizes for all of us half size people and sometimes, the straps that need to be adjustable the most are not. Besides, they aren't exactly $39.99. I guess I expected more for the price :-( Time will tell if at least the quality makes up for fitment difficulties :-)