i was VERY hesitant to jump on the ballet flats trend (i suffer from chronic 'not like other girls' syndrome, pls pray for me) but these have a lil somethin extra going on with the V cut… can quite put my finger on it, definitely tampers down the daintiness of a stereotypical ballet flat or mary jan...e (not that there's anything wrong with daintiness !! just not for me really) i got black and sized down due to the reviews. im typically a 9 but i got 8.5, but honestly could've done an 8. the flats are comfortable enough, but the first wear, it felt like i had on flip flops with how much my heal was popping out with each step. but once you curate enough foot sweat, these suckers hold. if i got an 8, i fear they would've fit TOO well (i.e. snug and pinchy), so i'll stick with my 8.5.