Elegant Retro Pointed Toe Kitten Heel Pumps for Women - Genuine Leather Dressy & Casual Shoes - Perfect for Office, Parties, and Date Nights

I was lucky enough to grow up in the 1970's and early 1980's when leather shoes or canvas shoes were pretty much all you could buy. If you bought shoes for a formal event, everyone knew you had to buy them at least a week prior to the event to have time to stretch them and break them in. Once you achieved this, however, the shoes were comfortable, they breathed (no stinky feet ever), and they lasted for years.I saw many people complain these shoes were uncomfortable. Duh. You cannot buy them and put them on and expect to wear them for 8 hours or likely even 2 hours without blisters or very sore feet. They are not crap shoes like you get at department stores now. If they fit you perfect out of the box, they will end up being stretched out and too big later. Some tricks to stretch them: First, you can take them to a cobbler and pay them to stretch them if you need them fast. Or, you can wear thick socks with the shoes around the house with them on until they start hurting. Then take them off and do it again the next day. You will be able to wear them longer and longer as they form to your feet. It was an art to try to figure out if a shoe would work, because the leather would stretch. The thicker the leather the less stretch. But a couple of years ago, I was disgusted my pumps were kind of stinking. That's when I realized in my teens and twenties, I never had that problem, and I started seeking leather shoes. It's hard to find cute styles and usually it's just basic pumps or flats. But this Flying Mona brand has some cute options. If they end up being as great as I suspect, I will be buying more. They even sent extra heels. I have never gotten that from a shoe manufacturer, but the little heel sole on the pump tip does often get worn out first. A shoes like this you can take to a cobbler and they will usually put a new cap on the heel, but I love that this company gave me a pair. I hope I love these shoes, because I want to give them more business. ONE Criticism that I have seen others say: Yes, these do have a chemical smell. I have set them in my garage when I am not wearing them. I hope Flying Mona can source dyes or leather that are not toxic and do not have a harmful smell. I am hoping they "off gas" in the coming weeks, and I hope they don't give me cancer or something, because they have broken in and now are comfy and cute shoes. Thanks Flying Mona, please address the smell.