I expected the leather to be of a similar quality to Birkenstock sandals. It is, however, very thin & so stiff that I am not able to tolerate the thong portion between my toes for even long enough to leave the closet. I have used leather conditioners, worn socks to try to soften the leather, but now have wrapped a wad of moleskin around the thong part of the shoe. I would return them, but can't after all of my attempts to make them wearable . I wear thong sandals constantly here in AZ, so the problem is not due to overly tender feet.<br />I do not recommend these shoes.