I assembled it for maximum space between the top and bottom rods, but the drop of the rods wastes 4? on each level. Was looking for some lightweight simple sandals to replace my 10 yr old Reefs. My feet get rashes when sandals straps are too abrasive but with these theres no problem at all. I had to go out to 13 Wide for this shoe. Only thing I wished they would have had was an insulated "inner lining. It caused the most intense rash and itching I have ever felt. It was big. I wear a 7 and have a narrow foot but I couldnt get this shoe on my foot. They dont have the wobble technology that my previous pair had and to be honest they smell of plastic not leather. So Im not sure if I got a defective pair.