I bought these Ara sandals believing that was what I was buying. The quality of these sandals compared with Ara sandals I have had in the past is poor. I am extremely disappointed. I kept them because I was off on holiday and needed new sandals. The soles are not as substantial. They are much narrower. The top strap velcro does not allow much increase in width as the ring and vertical strap are not then in the centre of the foot. This has never been the case with my previous Ara sandals. Maybe I did not read something I should have done. However, I shall impress on my friends who also wear Ara sandals to beware of your 'make'. These sandals are no way as substantial as the real thing.