When my shoes arrived they were crisp and beautiful. I loved the packaging and am using the reversible bag they came in for my laptop :-) I'm a 7 1/2 and rounded down and purchased my shoes in size 7 even though this isn't recommended. My feet are quite wide, and I have a high instep and I knew that a size 7 wouldn't be too small for me toe to heal. When I first put them on, I have to admit they were tight, and I questioned if I had made the right size choice. I followed the instructions and misted some water into the shoes and wore them and they did loosen up a bit, but not nearly enough. Again I was second-guessing my size choice. But then I made the bold choice of briefly filling the shoes with water under the faucet. I put them on my feet immediately after, and it was as if the leather of the shoes breathe a sigh of relief and opened up like butter. No exaggeration, it was as if they were instantly transformed into shoes that were custom-made for me. I wore them for the remainder of the day as they dried. I have worn them every day since as they are now my favorite shoes and fit me like a glove!