****** - Verified Buyer
4.5
This would have been my fifth pair of Dansko shoes. I understand the innate fit of the Dansko design; "clog" doesn't fit heel, etc. I read some reviews that said the shoe was too large. I read some that say it's too small. I bought this in the same size I have bought all previous Dansko shoes, plus I bought one size larger.I'd like to start with the good stuff about Dansko. Quality! Every pair I've ever owned have had topnotch quality. This pair was no exception. The leather feels nice, the staples looked good, the whole shoe was immaculate. The XP Pro insole was amazing! I could definitely tell the difference (even with how little I wore them) between my basic pair and this one. It's a plus that the insole is removable too. Easy to clean. I know people joke these are "mom shoes", but I have always loved their style. The large toe box is also a plus for me; I like the wiggle room for the toesies. The arch support in these shoes is stellar. Unless it's a flip flop, I want arch support and Dansko always delivers that.Sizing: The one size larger was a joke. I mean, clown shoes type fit (even with insole). They were returned immediately. My regular size felt a bit snug, but they seemed fine after wearing them around the house for a while. I attributed the snugness to the insole. For science, I removed the insole and they felt too large, but not clown shoe large. I feel wearing them without the insole defeats the purpose of the XP Pro though. I don't believe they are intended to have the insole removed while wearing.Fit: I had read many reviews where it said this shoe didn't seem to need a "break-in period". But to break them in they have to be worn, right? Break in or no break in, I took them with me for the weekend. Planning to wear them around a convention; a little walking, a little standing, but mostly sitting to watch panels and such. I've owned many pairs, I know how they feel and how good my legs and back feel in them; the proper walking posture they instill. I figured no big deal. It was a big deal. I wore them for about three hours (total actual walking time was about 45 minutes, thin socks on) and something was not quite right. I had to get them off my feet. But I didn't have any other shoes with me at the convention, my other pair was at the hotel. Silly me, I was banking on the comfort I usually experience in these shoes. That was my mistake. Ultimately, I walked to a nearby shoe store and purchased a different pair of shoes to wear because the hotel was further than a shoe store. That's how bad it was. I had a blisters everywhere; toes, arch, outside of foot, even high up on the heel (which I think was from the rim because the heel fit seemed correct). Probably the most painful walk I've ever experienced was getting to that shoe store, foot-wise anyway, but my legs and back felt great! So at least there was that.My regular size is 39. Size 40 was overly large. I can't guarantee that they would ever not cause blisters to my feet. I think if there was a 39.5 I would try them again, but I don't think Dansko has half-sizes; European whole sizes are all that are listed at their website. Unfortunately, and sadly, I returned this pair as well. I really love Dansko still. If I they ever make a 39.5 of the XP Pro, then you better believe I'll give it another shot. Until then, I'll stick to my trusty Dansko basics. I'm not holding my foot trauma against this brand by no means (only removed 1 star due to fit, though arguably the most important part). This pair just didn't work for me.
