But it was them. (see 6 month update below) I'm 62 years old, 5'8", 170 lbs, not very athletic but active. My legs were killing me, and heel and ball. Plantar fasciitis seemed likely. We are moved to a house with hardwood floors and the floor at work is hard so that could also be a factor.I walked around the house barefoot a lot.I've been wearing them for 2 weeks now.First I changed out my regular shoes (Clarks, not cheap ).The Clarks make my legs ache at the end of the day. Switch to these inexpensive geckos and stop getting sick. Now I use them every day. I wish all of life's problems of aging could be solved that easily. Legs complain not anymore. Shoes are holding up well after 6 months of wearing 12x7s at home and work. No seam or sole separation. Plenty of tread left. Lining intact. I started using them more aggressively in DIY so I shopped second pair.While the ob he material offers some protection from falling objects, the outsole is strong enough to help you balance on beams etc. Check out the Gecko slippers, they're just as comfortable.