These sandals protect your feet pretty well, around the house and on trails. They are not as good in that respect of course as solid hiking shoes, but they are an alternative, especially for summer. I will say no more on that, other than after wearing them now for 3 or 4 months I have really grown fond of them, and I am particular about my shoes. Open toe sandals are comfortable, but banging your toes is not, nor is hurting yourself because you wore an unstable shoe.Regarding sizing, my foot is a 12, a pretty standard foot I would say. My foot measures 11 1/4 inches, exactly at the standard size 12 length. I have several pair of these sandals now, both in size 12 and 13. Both sizes work fine for me. I actually think I prefer the 12's, they are a bit more solid on my foot. I expect to wear the 13's more often when it is cold with socks, to give me a little more space. But I can wear the 12's with socks just fine.I have not trouble putting the 12's on or taking them off, just push your foot all the way in and the heel strap will slide on easily. They stretch out after you have worn them awhile, I can't tell much difference between wearing a 13 and a 12. In fact to test myself I put on a pair not knowing the size (I have the same color in both sizes). I guessed that I was wearing the 13 and I was incorrect, I was wearing the 12. I have also walked around with a 12 on one foot and a 13 on the other. I found no major difference between the two feet.I also have the leather version in size 12, they seem just a little bigger than the polyester but not enough to matter much.In summary, at least for me, the issue people have about sizing is very overblown. I would get a 12 1/2 if it existed, but I have often felt that way with other shoes. For me it is either a 12 or 13, and generally I prefer the 12. I have enough toe room in the size 12 of these sandals, they fit fine, around the house, walking trails with my dogs, and of course in the water. They really do dry out fast, If they get wet I just let them dry and put on a different pair.5/5/23....I still feel the same after wearing these pretty much constantly for a few months. You may think that there is not enough toe room because you may feel some sensation at the toe at times. My bigger sized 13's have that same sensation, that is just due to the rubber caps at the toe. I feel no pressure on my toes walking down steep hills, that is the acid test for toe room. I definitely prefer the 12's to the 13's. They stretch out and the 13's can feel just a bit loose. But the 13's are fine, I can wear either with no complaints.