After 3 hrs in my so-called comfy sandals I"d packed for my NYC trip, I had 7 blisters on my feet. I NEEDED shoes for 2 more days of trekking around, so when I looked at good sneakers, I was disappointed in the garish colors & bizarre designs. When I read reviews for Varda, I knew I needed a pair. Yes, I could probably buy 4 pairs of the shoes I regularly purchase for what I paid for my Varda sandals, but these Italian hand-made shoes loved my feet! They did not rub and tear my previously earned blisters. Instead, they cradled my feet & my blisters actually healed over the 2 remaining days of high energy travel.