It does take a long time to get used to Birkenstocks and if it is just too painful, I well understand the stopping, with my first pair they were toe posts and I kept going back to them and one day BLISS. It takes about 2 weeks for me and I have a new pair which I'm still uncomfortable with but they will be OK one day. I do have 4 pairs of Skechers as well so not just a Birki fan (and Crocs)I tried Birkies in the past. I tromped around in the house for 2 days to “bed them in,” as they recommended, and I can safely say that they were the most uncomfortable shoes that I have ever worn so they went straight back. I’m a Skechers fan and have few pairs plus a pair of their boots, but I don’t like this TSV so am not buying it. Money saved.