text: I really wanted to like these.  But in the end, they had to be returned.<br /><br />I purchased them to use for pure barre classes, which requires socked feet.  Their socks are hideous (and I'm not much of a sock person), so when I saw these, they seemed perfect--I had to give them a try.<br /><br />First off, as the other reviewers have stated, the fit is weird.  I agree that it runs small, but the problem is that when you size up (like I did), the base of the foot (sole) is too long.  I think that the problem with the design is that the elastic around the opening of the shoe is too small/tight, and the shoe overall is either narrow or the sides are too shallow.  I ordered a 9 (normally wear an 8) and the shoe fit snugly around my foot, which I liked...but then, there was that ugly flap of extraneous sole that hung off my heel.  It just looked ridiculous.<br /><br />I could have lived with the flap if the shoes worked in my class.  They didn't.  There was barely any traction and I my feet slid all over the place.  I don't know if I just received a defective pair, as I followed the care instructions to the T because, like I said, I really really wanted these shoes to work.<br /><br />I used them twice and had to return them.