When I first wore the these sandals, my feet hurt within the hour.  However, the next time I wore them they were fine.  I will say I can only wear them for about three to four hours.  After that they are uncomfortable.  The thong part never bothered my feet.  I saw other reviews where people said the strap was too short.  I think the strap length is fine and I don't have really skinny ankles. I wear between an 8.5 and a 9.  I went with the 9 and they are perfect. I get compliments a lot. The wedge heal on the lighter sandals does get marked up.  I have tried cleaning the wedge part with a Mr. Clean Magic Eraser. It cleaned them, but they got scoffed up again after wearing them. I am ordering more of them in different colors.