They don't feel like cardboard, they are cardboard. They are stiff but don't hurt the feet. I feel in love with the design and color of this shoe and decided to buy it, they fit perfectly because I have a wide ankle and the strap was right for me, buy the moment I touch it and wore it I knew it would only last one wear. So it happend, I used it and when the day was over they started falling apart by one side of the front. Is a pity, such a beautiful shoe but is not worth it.