I think this will be a good substitute for water with water! It's been over a month now and I've finally stretched the tongue enough to be able to wear it for more than a few hours without feeling like my feet are in a vise. The toes still seem to go in a meat grinder (both widthwise and lengthwise). Since these American brands make them in the East (mine are from Vietnam), the lasts they use must be from Asians with tiny feet. I would recommend ordering 1/2 size larger than what you "usually" wear and one size up. A good thing is that they are made of cotton and allow your feet to breathe relatively well. I had to send them back but unfortunately I stepped off the carpet to get the package from the porch.