The ECCO Soft 7 is renowned for its out-of-the-box comfort, a claim strongly supported by user reviews and my own testing experience in Italy. Unlike many leather sneakers requiring lengthy, painful break-ins, the Soft 7 felt remarkably comfortable from the first step. I wore them for a 10-mile day exploring Rome (covering about 14,000 steps from the Colosseum to Vatican City) immediately after purchase with zero issues – no blisters, no rubbing. From the Vatican's marble floors (where they made a satisfyingly solid, reassuring \*clack\* – a sound that became part of my Rome memories) to Trastevere's cobblestones, they were fantastic. It was a pleasant surprise to find a leather shoe this ready-to-go for such demanding walking. They felt like they were made for those endless European city days where you're on your feet from dawn till dusk, and then some! My feet felt noticeably less tired than on previous trips with less supportive (though perhaps trendier) footwear, especially after navigating the uneven terrain around the Roman Forum for hours.\n\nThe premium full-grain leather is supple, and the anatomical footbed provides noticeable cushioning and support. A key factor for comfort is the fit. ECCO shoes, including the Soft 7, tend to run slightly wider than many other European brands. This was ideal for my average-to-slightly-wide feet, offering ample toe room, but those with genuinely narrow feet might find them a bit loose. The built-in arch support is excellent for a casual sneaker, sufficient for most users without needing aftermarket insoles.