This is the second pair of these sandals that I've worn, and have had the same complaints for both - the smell is terrible after only a week or so of wear, and the heel wears down super quickly.<br /><br />The foam starts out at about an inch thick when new; very quickly, they start forming an impression of your feet. For me (and this might just be my stride), the heel flattens out to about 1/3&#34; very quickly, and the rubbery label under the heel sticks up past where the sole has worn down to. This happens within about a week of daily wear.<br /><br />They are most definitely comfortable; the straps do not rub between your toes, and they are comfortable for wide feet. But between the smell and the durability, I doubt I will buy a third pair.