Batiste

Initial purchase size was too large and had to send back to smaller size to fit properly. Somewhat of a heavy shoe but quite comfortable.

Other reviewers were noting how large they feel. My sizes can run 11-12, so I went with 11 and it was a good fit. There's space in the forefoot, which has become essential. Post-pandemic, I find that I just can't tolerate pointy men's dress shoes anymore. I'm not sure what I'm going to do with them. I guess I'll tough it out for really formal occasions. For work, though, they're finished. There's a good cushion in these Mephistos and I don't feel like I'm pounding on the ground as I would in traditional wooden heel dress shoes (e.g. Allen Edmonds). For support, "moderate" might be overstating it. There's a slight rise in the arch, but I usually prefer totally flat bases and I wouldn't be able to wear these if there was much more than there is. The big question is are they really worth $300? These feel similar to L.L. Bean shoes I've had previously and they cost about half that. We'll see how well they wear over a few years and then I'll know if that investment was worth it up front. It looks like there is a true welt around the edge of the shoe, but some manufacturers have become tricky about faking that out, so we'll see if they come unglued and reveal the lie.

These are really nice shoes but they were HUGE.