"These are really well made with glossy but not shiny, sturdy leather. The lovely threading graces the shoes and makes it really unique; more like really gorgeous!!!! However the angle of depressing on these does not give room for comfort. They are so steep on the decline, the 1+1/2 platform almost does not seem to help; they also run quite small. May need to go a full size up! Giving 4*s since the shoes are really a lovely piece of art once you get your sizing right."