These are similar in design to the saddle oxfords I wore in junior high, but mine had a white rubber sole. These have a nice black sole and the heel is of hard plastic so it clicks as you walk across the floor. It's wide enough for my wide foot and fits snugly but comfortably; the back is a little stiff so I've got to have it "hammered" lightly with a rubber mallet to make it feel better/softer. The shoe is nice and now I can do some "rah-rah" stuff with some old friends...