At first blush, these seem like the perfect flip-flops -- superbly cushioned, turned-up toe to limit tripping, and a grippy tread. But within an hour of putting them on, the top of my left foot behind the big toe was in serious pain. I decided to tough it out, hoping they would break in, but by day's end my foot was raw and bleeding. A week later I'm still limping even though I quit wearing them after the first day. The problem lies with design of the front part of the top strap: It's too rough and sharp in the hairline space just beyond where the cloth is turned over and stitched. For $85.00 or even $8.50, it ought to be softer -- not just to not cause injury, but actually to be comfortable. I've been wearing all sorts of flip-flops regularly for decades, and have never before encountered anything like this. From Merrell, of all people, where you expect the best, not the worst.