I bought these because there were several customer reviews saying "they're stiff" or "they're too stiff, waaah." Why anyone would want an easily bending shoe is beyond me. Why, so you can have more foot pain and cramps? So I got them out of the locker and wish I hadn't. I bent them so easily with my hand. They're not stiff at all so I have to return them. They look nice and well constructed, but there is no stiffness in the soles. The whole reason I bought them was to reduce foot pain and cramps. Flexing soles don't help at all. So if you're looking for more foot pain via easily flexing soles, get these.